Robert Tucker, author of Innovation is Everybody’s Business, highlighted important tools and strategies to help attendees foster innovation at the American Architectural Manufacturers Association’s (AAMA) 76th Annual Conference in Tucson, Ariz. Following his keynote presentation, Tucker moderated a discussion panel with AAMA leaders, including Rod Hershberger, CEO and president of PGT Industries; Georges Thiret, consultant to Graham Architectural Products; and Ray Garries, corporate manager of codes and regulatory affairs for JELD-WEN.

“Innovation is especially important in our industry, as fenestration companies need to seek out new ways to separate themselves from the competition in today’s economic climate,” says Rich Walker, AAMA’s president and CEO. “The panel discussion proved to be a great opportunity for conference attendees to hear from a few of AAMA’s own thought leaders about how they use innovation to advance the fenestration industry.”

During his presentation, Tucker emphasized that innovation is not just new technology and products but “the act of creating new, unique or exceptional value for your customers and your company.” In regard to the window and door market, Tucker noted that “innovation is only limited by our imagination” and that it could take between 80-100 ideas to reach one that works.

Garries also spoke of generating ideas during the AAMA member discussion panel. “It takes a lot of ideas to garner innovative concepts,” he said.

Additionally, both Hershberger and Thiret discussed how they’ve fostered innovation at their respective companies. Hershberger noted that PGT has an “open-door policy” with their employees, where they are free to develop their “own unique ideas.” However, Thiret noted that innovation can come from the need for your company to survive. Thiret went onto describe the growth of Graham from 40 employees to 400 in just five years.

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About the Speaker

Robert Tucker is president and founder of The Innovation Resource. Formerly an adjunct professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, Tucker has been a consultant and keynote speaker for 25 years. In his book, Innovation Is Everybody’s Business, Tucker interviewed 43 innovation-adept individuals from multiple industries and all levels of organizations, and teaches the personal skills necessary to become an innovator.

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