The World Isn’t The Same – Again…

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Gary Vee, the famous digital marketing and social media guru, believes that the Baby Boomer and Gen X generations will see their grandchildren marry AI partners. You read that right. Sound ridiculous? So did stepping into a giant aluminum tube and flying across the sky to our great-great-grandparents. While they were sitting by the fireplace in their homes with no electricity or indoor plumbing, planning their next two-day horse and buggy trip to the general store, the thought of crossing the country in a matter of hours – by air – would have seemed as science fiction to them as little green men – as fantastical as leprechauns and fairies. But here we are.

We may not be quite that far yet when it comes to AI (and, frankly, I hope we never reach the point of non-human binding covenants), but we are certainly on the cusp of monumental and historic change.

Consider this: if you are middle-aged, it is possible that your grandchildren will never need to learn to drive. With Tesla’s recent rollout of their Robotaxi program, Gen Alpha, Gen Beta, and beyond may never need to touch a steering wheel or have any human interaction to get where they want to go. It’s wild, right?

But it’s not just about cars driving themselves; it’s about how technology is reshaping every aspect of our lives. It’s a powerful reminder for all of us, regardless of our industry, that innovation isn’t optional, change isn’t a “maybe someday” consideration, and adaptation isn’t just something that fascinates us in the animal world. Now more than ever, these things are the essential building blocks for survival in this ever-changing, relentlessly fast-paced world. But that’s just the start; those things will keep you from going under, but if you want to stay ahead, the work gets harder.

Staying ahead means constantly pushing the boundaries and challenging the status quo. If you’re comfortable in today’s business landscape, you’re likely already losing. Businesses that rest on their laurels risk getting left behind in the blink of an eye.

This rapid evolution applies to just about every aspect of our lives, but in the door and window industry specifically, innovations in materials and smart home integrations are transforming the market. Energy efficiency, sustainability, and automation are no longer just buzzwords; they’re the standards that define success.

And it goes beyond the products themselves. It’s about how we think, how we operate, and how we challenge the old-school thinking that often permeates the hierarchy and trickles down to the echelons in the traditional business world. I think it’s becoming very clear that the companies and leaders who will thrive in the next decade will be those risk-takers who stay hungry, evolve faster than the market, and keep their eyes on what’s possible rather than just what’s profitable

So, whether it’s doors, windows, screens, or robotaxis – the future belongs to the innovators.

Let’s make sure we’re one of them.

Joe Altieri is the Inventor and 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. joealtieri@flexscreen.com

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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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