History Repeats Itself
I will admit it. When I first saw those tiny wine windows in Florence, I rolled my eyes. I figured they were just tourist traps. The kind of thing groups of American women sprint toward so they can get the perfect Instagram shot. And yes, Alisha was already halfway to the window before I even finished my thought.
But once you learn the story, it gets a lot better. These little windows were invented during the plague so people could buy wine without face-to-face contact. They faded away for a while, then suddenly made a comeback during COVID for the same exact reason. People wanted connection, safety, and a simple moment that made life feel normal again.
Watching Alisha lean in to get her glass, I had one of those moments where you realize we are not as advanced as we think. Human nature has not evolved nearly as fast as our technology. We still want the same things. Something fun. Something easy. Something we can share with the people we love.
Maybe that is why history keeps repeating itself. The tools change, but the people do not. We are all still chasing those simple joys that make life feel a little more extraordinary.
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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