David Slater

One of the company’s biggest achievements of the past year is the release of the Series 7000 performance line of moving glass walls and windows. And one of the key team members involved in making sure the products came to fruition was David Slater.

The project manager drew high praise from WWS’ vice president of supply chain and design.

“David considered all the stakeholders – and what their expectations for excellence would be – for all the Series 7000 products, including what sales, manufacturing, and dealers would need from the products,” says Cameron Wyatt.

David, who started with the company in August 2012, created the entire project schedule and tracking process, including adapting it multiple times throughout the Series 7000 program.

“Even when we had to do things in a rush or not optimally,” says Wyatt, “David knew it was important to circle back around and clean up all the broken pieces. Even on small details, like reviewing marketing proofs, he would spend always spend the time needed to make it correct.”

And even when the going got tough during the yearlong rollout of the Series 7000 line, David made sure he did his best to keep up morale.

“He always thanked the team and made sure everyone knew it was a team effort,” says Wyatt. “He also nominated ESIC team members for praise and awards. And even during the hardest times, he was planning fun events for the ESIC team.”

Congratulations to David Slater, Western Window Systems’ manager of the quarter.

Learn more about David Slater by reading his Q&A:

Where are you from?
Indianapolis.

What song best sums you up?
“It’s Not Over Yet” by For King and Country. (“I’m a very ambitious person and I pride myself on being able to push through difficult obstacles.”)

What’s your favorite sport to watch or play?
I love to watch old Group B rally racing and I would like to get into rallycross racing sometime soon.

What are your hobbies?
Playing guitar and music in general. I always have music playing at my house or even walking around work. Also, off-roading, mudding, riding dirt bikes, quads, razors … anything that goes fast off-road.

Who do you look up to/admire?
My mom and dad. My mom’s the strongest and most caring person I know, and my dad taught me that if you want something, you don’t stop until you get it.

Where do you most want to travel, but have never been?
Japan. I’m fascinated by their culture.

If money were no object, what would you do all day?
I would probably start my own company. I would get stir crazy relaxing or traveling all the time. Building my own company would be a daily challenge that I would be proud of.

What’s your favorite family recipe?
My mom’s chicken and noodles and my dad’s bowtie pasta.

What is your favorite movie?
Equilibrium.

What’s your biggest success until now?
I moved out to Phoenix with whatever I could fit in my car and with no job prospects or housing situation. My biggest success is that I’ve built a career and a life from practically nothing. Leading the ESIC program to launch is a very close second.

What’s your favorite part of working at Western Window Systems?
The people! I’ve had many jobs where there weren’t really any incentives to come into work – including the people. I love the people at Western Window Systems, and we have fun while we work hard.

What is one fun fact about you that almost no one knows?
I’ve been playing guitar for about 13 years now.