Ancient Roads
Walking on these ancient Roman roads just outside the Colosseum stopped me in my tracks.
Each massive stone was placed by hand over 2,000 years ago, and yet they’re still here—worn and uneven, yes, but still standing and full of stories.
I couldn’t help but think about how my feet were touching the same stones as the soldiers, merchants, travelers, and especially the famous Christian martyrs who once walked this same path. Long before cars, cell phones, or even the idea of “vacation” existed, these stones took Rome and the surrounding region into the future.
It’s wild to realize how advanced they were. These roads connected an empire, carried ideas, culture, and commerce—and they still hold up better than many modern pavements.
There’s something powerful about standing on the same ground where history literally moved forward. It’s a reminder that true craftsmanship and vision outlast time, trends, and technology.
Extraordinary things are built to endure.
Joe Altieri is the Inventor and former CEO of FlexScreen. His product – the world’s first and only flexible window screen - was featured on ABC’s hit show, Shark Tank, where he hooked a deal with the proclaimed “Queen of QVC,” Lori Greiner.
BY JOE ALTIERI
A third-generation entrepreneur, Joe Altieri, is the inventor, founder, and former CEO of FlexScreen.
During his 20+ years in the window industry, Joe recognized the inherent problems with old-style aluminum window screens and personally dealt with constant customer frustration. Always an outside-the-box thinker, he knew there had to be a better way, so he set up shop in his garage and got to work. After years of trial and error, FlexScreen, the world's first and only flexible window screen, was born.
As the first "new" idea in an old industry, FlexScreen quickly gained international attention and earned multiple awards. Most notably, FlexScreen was catapulted to the forefront when Joe appeared on ABC's hit show, Shark Tank™, in January 2020. Three of the five Sharks battled for a piece of FlexScreen with Lori Greiner, the Queen of QVC, ultimately winning the deal. Since that first appearance, Joe has appeared on Shark Tank twice more in update segments highlighting the meteoric rise of FlexScreen in the window industry, with Lori Greiner stating, "I actually think that FlexScreen may wind up to be one of the best and most successful products in Shark Tank history."
In February 2025, FlexScreen was acquired by RiteScreen - the largest independent manufacturer of window screens in America. What started as an idea in Joe's garage has become a true American Dream success story.
Joe is a firm believer in giving back and is generous with his resources and time. He has been honored and recognized as one of Pittsburgh's Volunteers of the Year. He lives in Pittsburgh with his wife, Alisha. They have four children, seven grandchildren, and one very pampered Cane Corso.
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A highly accomplished, decorated leader with decades of experience, Joe is a sought-after thought leader and speaker. For bookings, speaking engagements, podcast guest spots, general inquiries, or just to say hello, please complete the form, and someone will be in touch!