Ozarks Profile: Mike Benna

Tell us about your company.

Pella Windows, nationally, has been in business since 1925, and our local distributorship has been in Springfield since 1983. We specialize in selling aluminum-clad wood windows and doors for replacement, new construction or commercial projects. We work with homeowners, builders, architects and general contractors. We have innovative products, such as blinds between the panes of glass in both windows and doors, and since that is all we sell, we try to make ourselves experts in the industry. We display our products annually at the HBA Spring Home Show and Fall Remodeling Show.

Specifically, what do you do?

I am the sales manager, and I work with three local salespeople and seven salespeople in our other locations to design and implement sales programs for our products. I design our advertising and promotions for the Springfield market. I remain very active with the local Home Builders Association, serving on the government affairs committee and other activities there.

How did you arrive in this position?

I've been associated with the building industry as a sales representative and manager in the paint business for 23 years, and with Pella Windows for over four years now.

What's the biggest challenge in your work?

Keeping up with all the various duties that require my time and keeping up with the latest developments in the window industry.

How do you deal with that challenge?

I enjoy the fact that there are many variables within my duties as sales manager, which always keeps things interesting. I love reading trade magazines and business publications to keep abreast of news in the industry, as well as business and selling strategies.

What do you like best about your job?

There is a great satisfaction in helping customers to create a project from beginning to end. It gives you quite a sense of pride to be involved with building projects and see them through to completion.

What are the trends as far as client preferences?

Our customers are no different than any other business. They desire value for the money they spend. They are also looking for products that provide aesthetics with energy efficiency and innovative ideas, like blinds between the glass.

Tell us about your family and your spare-time interests.

I have been married to my wife Connie for almost 28 years. We have had four children and now have two handsome grandsons, all of whom live close by. I enjoy being involved with church, family and community activities in Ozark. I've served on the board of aldermen in Ozark and have been involved in several plays in local community theater.