Paradigm Industry Insiders Podcast Launches with a State of the Industry Kickoff
“You’re 21 times more likely to convert something if you respond within five minutes. Even just saying, ‘I’ve got this, I’ll get you a quote,’ makes a difference.”
Stefanie Couch
Grit Blueprint
The Window and Door Industry’s First Podcast
The $40B window and door industry now has a stage of its own. Paradigm has launched the Industry Insiders Podcast, the first window and door industry podcast built exclusively for manufacturers, distributors, and technology leaders.
Hosted by John Wheeler, Sales Technician at Paradigm, and Stefanie Couch, founder of Grit Blueprint and Paradigm Brand Partner joining as guest co-host for the first season, the show uncovers the stories, trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the future of windows and doors.
Paradigm serves more than 200 manufacturer, distributor, and retail customers, powering thousands of quotes and orders every day across North America. With that vantage point, the company sees firsthand both the pain points and progress driving this industry forward. The Industry Insiders Podcast is designed to bring those insights, along with news and trends from the windows and doors industry, to life.
Episode 1: A State of the Industry Conversation
The premiere episode is more than an introduction. It is a state of the industry kickoff conversation that lays the foundation for the season ahead.
Both John and Stefanie bring decades of experience in dealer sales, distribution, and leadership. John’s background spans two-step distribution and dealer sales before joining Paradigm, where he helps companies modernize operations with technology. Stefanie grew up in the industry, spent years in distribution, and now leads Grit Blueprint, a visibility and growth company for manufacturers, distributors, and associations.
In Episode 1, they tackle:
- Inefficiency as the core challenge. “Inefficiency is the biggest problem I hear, and it is across the board. There are so many things you can automate or turn five buttons into one,” said John Wheeler.
- The critical role of speed. Stefanie reminded listeners, “You’re 21 times more likely to convert something if you respond within five minutes.”
- Digital transformation pain points. Stefanie explained, “ERP integrations can feel like brain surgery. They are worth it in the end, but only if you do it with the right partner.”
- Knowledge transfer. With many veterans nearing retirement, the hosts explored how AI and automation can help capture decades of expertise and pass it to the next generation.
- Lessons from mistakes. Both John and Stefanie shared costly errors from their days in distribution, proving that mistakes sting but they also drive lasting improvement.
“Inefficiency is the biggest problem I hear, and it is across the board. There are so many things you can automate or turn five buttons into one.”
John Wheeler
Paradigm
Why this Conversation Matters
The window and door industry has been slow to adopt new technology. Many companies still run on spreadsheets, manual processes, and disconnected systems. Yet customer expectations have shifted. It’s time for window and door manufacturers to embrace the digital transformation of manufacturing. Fast responses, seamless digital tools, and efficiency are no longer optional.
The Industry Insiders Podcast is the first platform built specifically to spotlight these challenges and the leaders solving them. It gives manufacturers and distributors a place to share stories, discuss window and door industry trends, learn from each other, and see how technology and process improvements are shaping the industry’s next decade.
As Stefanie put it: “This industry deserves to be impossible to ignore. That is why we are putting its stories on the mic.”
As John added: “Paradigm has always been about helping building product companies grow through technology. This podcast is another way we are delivering on that mission.”
Coming Next
Season 1 will feature conversations with some of the most respected voices in the industry, including:
- Todd Tomalak, Zonda – a leading housing and building products economist known for data-driven insight into market demand
- Joseph Slawson, Boise Cascade – a leader in distribution and supply chain innovation
- Other executives, innovators, and decision-makers who are redefining what it means to build, distribute, and sell in today’s market
These guests will bring practical insights, lessons learned, and forward-looking perspectives that every manufacturer and distributor can use.
Listen to Episode 1
The first episode of the Industry Insiders Podcast is live now on YouTube and all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Final Takeaway
Episode 1 is more than an introduction. It is the conversation the window and door industry has been waiting for.
The message is clear. Solve one challenge, automate where it counts, and build the future of the window and door industry one decision at a time.