CEOs of Three Major Product Manufacturers Say This Is the Time to Push Innovation

Andersen Windows CEO Chris Galvin, second from right, gestures Oct. 13 during an executive panel at CBUSA’s Summit in Colorado Springs, CO. Joining him were (far left) Devin Stockfish of Weyerheauser and (second from left) Aaron Erter of James Hardie. CBUSA’s Bill Smithers (far right) led the discussion.

A weak economy is no excuse to stand still and wait for better times, the CEOs of Weyerhaeuser, James Hardie, and Andersen Windows say. Speaking Oct. 13 as part of CBUSA’s annual meeting in Colorado Springs, CO, the executives stressed how they are working to keep their companies resilient and innovative. 

“Look, there are challenges,” said Aaron Erter, CEO of James Hardie. But he quickly added: “There’s enough business out there to go get. If you have a product consumers want, you can sell it and take share. I do believe this is where the best get better.”

Devin Stockfish, President and CEO of Weyerhaeuser, chose to emphasize how housing’s “long-term dynamics are very positive. … This is the moment in time to drive innovation. … We’re going to be rolling out new products in perpetuity as long as I am in this job.”

Chris Galvin, President and CEO of Andersen Windows, conceded that “It’s going to be another couple years of challenges.” But he also noted that Andersen introduced two new products during the Great Recession, and will launch a new 500 series of windows next year. 

Welcome To EquiNova Capital

EquiNova Capital Partners LLC is the new company launched by Michael Collins and Walk Kurek following their years as Managing Directors of Building Industry Advisors. EquiNova invests private equity capital in middle-market companies and provides merger and acquisition advisory services. 

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  • How do the most active buyers in today’s market value my company?
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  • When is the right time to sell?

These are questions that are commonly asked by the owners of building products manufacturers and distributors. Our work in selling and raising capital for companies puts us in a unique position to help answer these important questions. Regardless of when you might decide to approach the market, please contact me to have a confidential discussion about your company and ways to maximize its value for the owners. 

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