John Engelstad
No one understands the meaning of the phrase “all for one” better than chief information officer John Engelstad.
As leader of the IT department at Western Window Systems, Engelstad is all about group efforts and team unity. To put it simply, he may be the embodiment of the company’s core value of partnership.
It’s fostering an atmosphere of collaboration and harmony that led to Engelstad’s entire team nominating their boss for manager of the quarter.
“John has provided an environment that supports and encourages team unity,” the IT team writes. “He leverages our strengths and empowers us.”
In addition, Engelstad, who started his career with Western Window Systems in November 2015, leaves no stone unturned when it comes to the technology side of the company.
“John dedicates time and effort to every area of the department, whether it software and development, networking, infrastructure, desktop, help desk, or reporting,” the team writes.
Engelstad has implemented numerous changes in IT, including developing new organizational structures to facilitate process improvement, establishing a disaster recovery plan that ensures minimal impact to end users, and instituting new methods of dealer support to create a more customer service-oriented environment.
Given the 24-7 nature of technology in the 21st century, Engelstad is always there to answer the call of duty.
“When I send one of my 3 a.m. emails, I know John will answer, even though I don’t expect him to,” says president and CEO Scott Gates. “Now that’s dedication.”
Congratulations to John Engelstad, Western Window Systems’ manager of the quarter.
Learn more about John Engelstad by reading his Q&A:
Where did you grow up?
Grand Forks, North Dakota.
What song best sums you up?
“What a Wonderful World,” by Louis Armstrong.
What’s your favorite sport to watch or play?
Watching my son play soccer.
What are your hobbies?
Spending time with my kids playing games or going to the park, watching movies, and traveling.
Who do you look up to/admire?
Scott Gates.
Where do you most want to travel, but have never been?
Australia.
If money were no object, what would you do all day?
Travel the world in my private jet.
What’s your favorite family recipe?
My wife’s cheesecake.
What is your favorite movie?
The Goonies.
What’s your biggest success until now?
Being hired at Western and getting my EMBA from ASU before that.
What’s your favorite part of working at Western Window Systems?
How much everyone loves this place, which coming to work fun.
What is one fun fact about yourself that almost no one knows?
I’m taller than Scott Gates.
