Constant and Never Ending Improvement
Since its inception by co founders William Barr and Michael Strmac in 2002, Universal Windows Direct has lived by the philosophy of CANEI – “Constant and Never Ending Improvement”. This philosophy holds true in all aspects of our business, from sales and marketing to installation and service and has catapulted UWD from a small, local home improvement company to one of the largest exterior remodeling companies in the country.
Every one of our employees strives continuously to be the best in the business at what they do and provide our customers with only the highest levels of sales, service, and support. We think our company’s history speaks to this goal and to the power of what we can accomplish by never settling.
Co-founders William Barr and Michael Strmac meet at The Diner on Clifton in Cleveland, OH to discuss launching a new business together. Universal Windows Direct is created from that meeting.
The first office location is opened in Akron, OH
Mike & Bill hire UWD’s first employee – Eric Sears
UWD relocates their office to Valley View, OH
UWD opens it’s first authorized retail (dealer) location
Qualified Remodeler Magazine – #129 home improvement company in the nation.
Qualified Remodeler Magazine – #73 home improvement company in the nation.
Qualified Remodeler Magazine – #46 home improvement company in the nation.
Qualified Remodeler Magazine – #32 exterior remodeling company in the nation.
Mike and Bill receive the Ernst & Young Entrepreneurs of the Year.
Qualified Remodeler Magazine – #34 home improvement company in the nation.
Qualified Remodeler Magazine – #26 exterior remodeling company in the nation.
Universal Windows Direct of Charlotte location opened
CEO William Barr featured in Small Business Magazine.
Qualified Remodeler Magazine – #31 home improvement company in the nation.
Qualified Remodeler Magazine – #16 exterior remodeling company in the nation.
Window & Door Magazine – 2012 Dealer of the Year for Excellence in Marketing.
Inc. 5000 – One of the fastest growing companies in the nation.
Qualified Remodeler Magazine – #28 home improvement company in the nation.
The UWD motto and jingle are born: You’ll be saying… “I Love My Windows!”
Qualified Remodeler Magazine – #16 exterior remodeling company in the nation.
Remodeling Magazine – #14 on the Remodeling 550 list
Partnership with the Brian Hoyer of the Cleveland Browns
Qualified Remodeler Magazine – #29 home improvement company in the nation.
Weatherhead 100 Winner – #43 fastest growing company in the region.
Qualified Remodeler Magazine – #23 exterior remodeling company in the nation.
Remodeling Magazine – #15 on the Remodeling 550 list
Partnership with Joe Thomas of the Cleveland Browns
Qualified Remodeler Magazine – #20 home improvement company in the nation.
Qualified Remodeler Magazine – #17 home improvement pro list.
Universal Windows Direct of Indianapolis location opened
Remodeling Magazine – #11 on the Remodeling 550 list
Qualified Remodeler Magazine – #16 home improvement company in the nation.
Remodeling Magazine – #9 on the Remodeling 550 list
Partnership with the Hue Jackson of the Cleveland Browns
Universal Windows Direct of Columbus location opened
Buy in July promotion is a huge success. UWD gives away over $2 million in home improvement because the Cleveland Indians win 15 games in a row
Universal Windows Direct of St Louis location opened
Remodeling Magazine – #7 on the Remodeling 550 list
Qualified Remodeler Magazine – #15 home improvement company in the nation.
Universal Windows Direct of Northwest Kentucky (Louisville) opened.
Qualified Remodeler Magazine – #11 home improvement company in the nation.
Remodeling Magazine – #8 on the Remodeling 550 list
Partnership with Ohio State University Athletics
Renewed our partnership with Joe Thomas formerly of the Cleveland Browns
Universal Windows Direct of Pittsburgh opened.
UWD’s new home is designed to create a more fluid customer service experience while providing employees an exceptional place to grow professionally and personally.
Inc. 5000 #870 – One of the fastest growing companies in the nation.
Remodeling Magazine – #7 on the Remodeling 550 list
Qualified Remodeler Magazine – #10 home improvement company in the nation.
Universal Windows Direct of Chicago opened
Universal Windows Direct of Milwaukee opened.
Qualified Remodeler Magazine – #12 home improvement company in the nation.
Developed Virtual Consultations in response to the Global Pandemic – allowing us to continue providing service to homeowners while protecting both them and our employees.
Remodeling Magazine – #6 on the Remodeling 550 list
The Future
The future for Universal Windows Direct will continue to revolve around our philosophy of constant and never ending improvement. For our employees, this means always working to be the best, always growing, and always learning. For our customers, this means getting only the best quality products possible, at a reasonable value,…Read More
The Future
The future for Universal Windows Direct will continue to revolve around our philosophy of constant and never ending improvement. For our employees, this means always working to be the best, always growing, and always learning. For our customers, this means getting only the best quality products possible, at a reasonable value, and knowing that your investment will be protected for as long as you own your home with world-class service and support.
