MITER Brands Celebrates Team Member Awarded Florida Apprentice of the Year

MITER Brands, a residential window and door manufacturer, recently celebrated team member Andrew Clark, who was bestowed the 2024 Florida Manufacturer Apprentice of the Year award, with an event held at the company’s PGT Windows and Doors location in North Venice, Fla. The celebration was in conjunction with National Apprenticeship Day on April 30.

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From left to right: Chris Davis, MITER Brands; Brentyn Szalbirak, MITER Brands; Curt Celentano, MITER Brands; Andrew Clark, MITER Brands; Bruce Wesner, MITER Brands; William Merriman, MITER Brands; and Matt DeSoto, MITER Brands

The honor was awarded by FloridaMakes, a statewide, industry-led public-private partnership with the sole mission of strengthening and advancing Florida’s economy by improving the productivity and technological performance of its manufacturing sector.

The award is designed to recognize those who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to their professional development and who have gone above and beyond their normal duties and taken on additional responsibilities, including encouraging others to consider manufacturing as a career.

“This recognition isn’t just about technical skills, it’s about work ethic, initiative, and impact,” said Marcelo Dossantos, Director of Workforce Development for FloridaMakes. “At a time when manufacturers across the country are facing workforce shortages and a growing skills gap, upskilling workers through apprenticeship programs is not only a talent development strategy, but also a key retention strategy.”

On Thursday, May 1, MITER Brands held a celebratory event and luncheon to recognize and congratulate Clark. More than 25 individuals were in attendance, including representatives from FloridaMakes, Sarasota-Manatee Manufacturers Association (SAMA), and CareerSource Suncoast. Also present at the event were Luis Laracuente, Senator Rick Scott’s District Director for the Tampa Bay Region, Steven Seville, Apprenticeship and Training Representative for the Department of Education, and Matt DeSoto, CEO of MITER Brands.

“At MITER Brands, we’re building the next generation of master tradespeople,” said Matt Desoto, CEO of MITER Brands. “We have young, talented individuals who take pride in their work, want to grow, and have a desire to use their skills to advance the business. Andrew and apprentices like him are exactly the kind of talent we’re proud to have and continue to look for to help us carry American manufacturing forward.”

With Clark’s recent accolade, this marks the third consecutive year that a member of MITER’s apprenticeship program was acknowledged by FloridaMakes. In 2023, MITER Brands team member William Merriman won the Apprentice of the Year award, and in 2022, MITER Brands team member Brentyn Szalbirak was awarded Apprentice of the Year. At the event, Merriman and Szalbirak were also recognized for their achievements and graduation from their respective apprenticeships. Both are now certified Journeymen for PGT’s Tool and Die program.

“Innovation is more than just a word in our MITER Brands name or the new products we engineer,” said Chris Davis, Vice President of Operations at MITER Brands. “It shows up in how we grow our teams, strengthen our culture, and invest in the future. Our apprenticeship program is a perfect example of this spirit of innovation at work — thinking differently, acting boldly, and building something that lasts.”

MITER Brand’s apprenticeship program, sponsored by CareerSource Suncoast, launched in 2018 for the Tool and Die Department. The program aims to build interest and awareness in manufacturing career opportunities, placing MITER Brands at the forefront of innovative ways to invest in its team members. Registered apprenticeship programs must be designed, developed, and then approved by the Florida Department of Education before they can operate.

Following its strong success in the Tool and Die department, MITER Brands’ apprenticeship program has now been expanded to include the Maintenance Department at its PGT location.

About MITER Brands

Founded in 1947, MITER Brands is a residential window and door manufacturer that produces a portfolio of window and door brands for the new construction and replacement segments with an owner-operated, family-first approach. With more than 20 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States, MITER Brands is a nationwide supplier of precision-built and energy-efficient products. Through optimized manufacturing, valued relationships, and dedicated team members coast to coast, MITER Brands instills confidence and drives quality customer experiences.

For more information, visit www.miterbrands.com.

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MITER Brands recently celebrated team member Andrew Clark, who was bestowed the 2024 Florida Manufacturer Apprentice of the Year award, with an event held at the company’s PGT Windows and Doors location in North Venice, Florida.