My Great Day Story— Featuring John Racin

At Great Day Improvements, we believe that every employee has a unique story to tell, reflecting not just their personal growth but also the values and culture that make our company special. In our series, "My Great Day Story," we are proud to feature the journeys of employees who have built their careers within our company and its many brands. Each month, we will highlight a different team member's experiences, challenges, and triumphs, offering insights and lessons learned along the way.

Through these stories, we aim to inspire and support others on their career journeys, showcasing the diverse paths that can lead to success within our organization. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, we hope these stories resonate with you and provide valuable guidance as you navigate your own journey.

This month, we are excited to feature John Racin, who has been integral to our Universal Windows Direct and The Bath Authority brands for eight years!

Name & Brand: 

John (JP) Racin, Universal Windows Direct & The Bath Authority

Can you start by sharing a bit about your background and how you initially joined the company? 

The Co-Founders of Universal Windows Direct were customers of mine at my previous employer. We had known each other for about three years before I made the decision to transition to Home Improvement Customer Service. I started at Universal Windows Direct on August 1, 2016. 

What motivated you to pursue a career within the company? 

The energy that Bill and Mike brought to customer service, along with their integrity, motivated me to pursue a career with the company. 

Can you share a pivotal moment or project that played a significant role in your early career development? 

Developing different avenues for our customers to be serviced after installation was a pivotal moment for me. Being promoted to Cleveland Production Manager aligned perfectly with my goal of making Universal Windows Direct the best window company in America. 

How did you navigate challenges during your early career, and what strategies did you employ to overcome them? 

Installer retention was a significant challenge when I started. We worked on making the installers feel like part of the team vs. feeling like this was "just a paycheck," many of them are still with us today. 

As you progressed in your career, were there specific skills that you focused on to enhance your professional profile? 

I focused on improving my product knowledge and installation techniques. This has made me much more effective in resolving job site problems. 

Tell us about the transition from your initial role to your new position in a different department. How did you identify this opportunity, and what steps did you take to make the move successfully? 

I will never forget my roots in customer service, and I consider the end user in all of my day-to-day tasks. Whether we realize it or not, all of our decisions impact the customer, either positively or negatively. 

Were there specific mentors or role models who played a significant role in your career advancement? How did they influence your professional development? 

Bill Barr, who has passed away, was a huge supporter of how we work with customers and installers. Mike Strmac and Brian Catlett have also been instrumental in helping me understand the broader perspective of my career. Mike Tucker, Matt Curry, Todd Maynard, and many others have supported my overall growth and been inspirations.  

Looking ahead, what are your future career goals, and how do you plan to continue your professional development within the company? 

I aspire to become a VP of Customer Experience. I believe I can make a significant impact at that level in many ways, both in production and service. My goal is to streamline processes and provide a better experience for the end user. 

Any advice for colleagues or individuals aspiring to advance their careers within the organization? 

Do the work, stay curious, and remain open to learning new things. Constant and never-ending improvement is key!