One of the largest manufacturers of vinyl windows that sells directly to the public, San Diego-based Window Factory, Inc. has been growing its business since its founding eight years ago.
The company has increased its employees from five in 1997 to 68 today, a 1,260 percent increase; upped its revenues from $7.2 million in 2002 to $8 million in 2003, an 11 percent increase; and opened a branch in Santa Ana in 2001.
John Jedynak, vice president of the Window Factory, said the company has been getting a lot of attention recently for its newest product, House Armor windows, a break-resistant window designed to be burglar resistant.
The company, which is owned and operated by Jedynak and partners Dan Dean, the firm’s president, and Mark Wilson, vice president, sells patio doors, entry doors, French doors, vinyl siding, garden windows and bay windows.
Resum & #233;
Name: John Jedynak.
Title: Vice president.
Company: Window Factory, Inc.
Address: 9323 Activity Road, San Diego.
Phone: (858) 689-9737.
Founded: 1997.
Prior experience: Owner of a film/video production company, TV weatherman, announcer at former San Diego sports station XTRA-AM 690, and field producer.
Average hours worked weekly: 60-70.
Startup capital: $70,000.
2003 revenue: $8 million.
2002 revenue: $7.2 million.
Employees: 68.
Web site: www.windowfactory.com.
Background
Born: May 7, 1952, in Flint, Mich.
Education: Studied atmospheric and oceanic science at the University of Michigan.
Residence: Oceanside.
Family: Wife, Silvia; daughters, Anelle, 16, and Hilary, 27; and son, Gary, 34.
Hobbies: Golf and dancing.
Judgment Calls
Reasons for getting into business: Want to set my own hours and be rewarded for time invested.
How I plan to grow the business: Add new product lines, expand to other cities in the Southwest and potentially buy a competitor.
Biggest plus of ownership: You are in charge of your own destiny.
Biggest drawback: You have no one else to blame for failure.
Biggest business strength: Knowing how to convey my passion for our company to the public.
Biggest business weakness: Trusting the wrong people with trade secrets.
Biggest risk: Opening our doors for business in 1997.
Smartest business decision: Introducing burglar-resistant House Armor windows.
Biggest business mistake: Misjudging the Orange County market.
Toughest career decision: To leave the broadcasting industry.
Biggest ongoing challenge: To keep new, innovative products in the wings.
Most important part of our business: Interaction with employees and customers, and customer service.
Our business works best when: We implement systems to overcome challenges and we work the systems.
How business has changed throughout the years: Ten years ago, there were very few window companies in San Diego County and most specialized in windows or glass. Now, because the perception of this industry is that it is very lucrative, other trades now try to grab a little market share without the specialized experience in this field.
Best way to stay competitive: Customer service, customer service, customer service.
How you measure success: Referrals increase, sales increase, employees want to stay with us.
Goals
Goals yet to be achieved: We want offices from Los Angeles to Arizona.
My five-year business plan: Continue to perfect the systems we have in place, then expand manufacturing space so we can at least double our business. Add new product lines to meet the specific tastes of our Southern California customers.
Philosophy
I would sell my business only if: The future would be as bright or brighter for our employees as it is with us in control.
Guiding principles: Treat each customer, vendor and employee with respect. Work until the job is done. Don’t accept anything less than the best it can be.
Most admired entrepreneur: Any entrepreneur who has enough confidence in their dream and their self to take the first (and biggest step) into business.
Important lessons learned: It isn’t as easy as it seems. Partnership is a marriage.
Advice for those looking to go into business: Once you think you know your market, research it one more time. Always base your projections on worst-case scenarios. Once the above makes sense, don’t be afraid to take that first step.
