Page 23 - INSIGHT MAGAZINE_April2025

Providing the best possible service to “If things get to be too much my advice
clients and not trying to ‘up sale’ them to them is not to try and do everything
on products they don’t need forms the on your own. You have to rely on a lot
core of Better Windows & Doors’ business of people,” says Mike, describing how a
model, noting his prices are not the most company like his has many moving parts.
expensive nor the least expensive. He “As you grow and get bigger, you have to
also encourages homeowners to always make sure you invest in helping people
shop around when it comes to choosing help you through the process of growth.”
windows and doors. He’s discovered that by relying heavily
“They should also ask questions like, on his 10 employees, which includes his
‘Are their employees subcontracted?’ sister Sarah and his brother, Jordan. His
and ‘Are they actual employees of the mom also helps by cleaning the store
business?’,” says Mike, adding he does not part time.
use subcontractors. “A subcontractor’s “There can be lots of ups and down
incentive is to get in and out as quickly when it comes to that,” jokes Mike, when
But we made it through, and the economy as possible and often times they’re using referring to working with family. “You
was really good through COVID-19, their own materials and it’s in their best have to ask my siblings how terrible I
however, now we’re seeing some of the interest to use as little as possible to am to work with at times. I can be pretty
aftershocks and it’s been a bit slower. save themselves extra money.” moody I suppose.”
Rates are bit higher but now they’re He says honesty is essential to building Having staff he can rely on has been a
coming down.” customer loyalty. bonus for the 36-year-old entrepreneur
Mike credits successful repeat business who does not yearn to travel the world
from customers looking to upgrade their anymore but during slower periods tries
homes as well as some very targeted to slip in a vacation or two.
radio and TV ad spots as key factors in
the company’s continued success. “To be honest, I would like to be
more active in the community.
“It also helps when there are government
rebates that come out once and awhile,” Whether it’s through charity work
he says, noting the Province’s Home or supporting local sports teams,”
Renovation Savings Program that says Mike.
launched in January and offers rebates
of up to 30% for home energy efficiency “Growing up, we sometimes relied on
renovations and improvements, including our church and the food bank so to be in
new windows and doors. The program is this position of being able to give back
expected to be expanded later this year is going to be very important to me over
the next couple of decades. The reason
to include rebates for energy efficient
appliances, including refrigerators and we’re in business is because of the
freezers. community.”
“You just have to strategize ways to Visit www.betterwindowsanddoors.ca to
learn more.
incentivize the idea that it’s a good time
to spend money on the upgrade of your
home,” says Mike, adding the pursuit of “If you have good morals then your
wealth has never been his business goal. customer base will treat you well. If
“I’m really not driven by money in any you prioritize your customers, they’ll
sort of way. I think if I can take care of my treat you well and to me that’s the
family, my employees and my customers most important thing as opposed to
and myself then it’s all good in the end.” prioritizing growth and expansion,” says
While Better Windows & Doors has Mike, who regularly works alongside his
expanded its showroom to accommodate installation crew during the busy spring
a wider variety of stock, he has no reno season. “There can be a perception
intention of expanding its current service that when you own the company, you’re
area which includes all of Waterloo just sitting behind a desk counting
Region. money or something which certainly is
“We don’t try to push for jobs more than not the case.”
45 minutes away because it’s just too far,” When it comes to finances and
says Mike, adding it would be too costly owning your own business, he
to operate his installation crew if they cautions operators to keep close
had to drive greater distances. “We’d
rather not have to pass along any added tabs on how much they are
costs to our customers.” spending.

www.cambridgechamber.com Spring 2025 23