Getting Lost
Venice has a way of reminding you who is actually in control. You can plan all you want, but the moment you start walking, the city laughs at your confidence. Streets twist, signs disappear, GPS shrugs its shoulders, and before you know it, you are wandering through alleys you never meant to find.
And strangely, that is when the real magic shows up.
Some of our favorite moments here came from the times we had no idea where we were going. We stumbled into quiet canals, tiny bridges, and views that were not on any itinerary. None of it was planned, but all of it was worth it.
Here is the lesson.
Getting lost is not failure. It is often the only way you discover things you never would have chosen on your own.
Maybe life works the same way.
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.
GET IN TOUCH:
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!