Builders Exchange of Michigan: What products/service(s) does your company provide for the construction industry?
Brock Walker: Andersen Corporation provides composite and wood-based window & doors systems for both residential and commercial applications.
BX: How did your company get its name?
BW: In 1903, a Danish immigrant, Hans Jacob Andersen, founded Andersen Lumber Company. In 1908, Andersen Lumber company became Andersen Frame Company. Providing pre-bundled frames was incredibly innovative during this time period, specifically allowing assembly onsite in 10 minutes, which was later nicknamed the 10-Minute Window. The name of the company changed again to Andersen Corporation in 1937. By this time, the company had been producing full-frame and sash/glass units inspired by Henry Ford’s assembly line automation.
BX: What’s an exciting project that you have recently completed?
BW: We recently secured 555 Ada, an existing commercial building renovation/addition located in downtown Ada, MI. We utilized our E-Series product with custom grille alignment features.
BX: What’s the best business advice you’ve ever heard?
BW: For a salesperson like myself, I’d say ‘Try to be an A+ listener’. Seek to understand before acting or talking.
BX: What core values does your Andersen Corporation have that make you, and the company, successful?
BW: We have 5 core values that make up the DNA of Andersen Corporation and of my fellow colleagues. The one that stands out to me most is EXCELLENCE. Excellence in the context of building customer trust and loyalty and by understanding our customers’ needs and expectations.
BX: What’s your company’s biggest strength?
BW: What makes Andersen so special, in my opinion, is that we can add value to many different customer types in a variety of ways. Our ability to provide non-product value to channel partners and all the resources available to our trade partners speaks volumes about our commitment level.
BX: What’s one thing your company gets praised for the most?
BW: Our overall consistency. Products, relationships, accountability, and long-term service capability all stand out.
BX: How have the challenges of the last year impacted your company? How have you overcome them?
BW: It’s been challenging without a doubt. From a company standpoint, we are near the top in our category when it came to battling hurdles similar to what most window & door manufactures have faced. The feedback from our channel and trade partners has been predominantly positive. I am most proud of the folks who are in the plant working their tails off. Everyone had to sacrifice a little for the betterment of the team, but we survived the initial shockwave, and it made us that much stronger. We all bleed orange together at Andersen Corporation.
From a social justice standpoint, I am extremely proud of Andersen’s commitment and leadership when it comes to inclusivity. We have had multiple initiatives and open forums to discuss these items.
Personally, I am working from home much more, although it appears that is starting to free up this building season, which is an encouraging trend. One positive as a result of working more from home is that it has helped me be more present with my kids, and it’s much easier to plan my running schedule.
BX: How has being a member of the Builder’s Exchange of Michigan benefitted your business?
BW: My favorite part of being a member of the Builders Exchange of Michigan is the online plan room. I can’t stress how much I leverage that tool. The reporting activity compared to other online sources I’ve used in the past is the biggest difference-maker for me. Rarely does a project go a month without a check-in from the BX team.
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