12/04/2024

Creating a culture of continuous improvement: Employee inspires others through hard work and dedication

At JELD-WEN, we believe it is important to recognize employees who embody our core values. Meet Sondra Glover, an employee whose rapid professional climb represents a commitment to a culture of continuous improvement. 

Starting as an hourly associate on the plant floor, Sondra Glover quickly made a successful climb into management. Now, she serves as the operations director for JELD-WEN's components sites. 

Her JELD-WEN story started at 18 years old, not long after her high school graduation in 1998. Sondra’s first role at JELD-WEN was assembling windows on the plant floor. 

“I started on second shift operation cleaning sashes and frames for vinyl windows and prepping casements. From there, I transitioned to the glass line. I learned every position in that department, and within a year, I was promoted to lead,” said Sondra. 

Since then, Sondra moved through eight more positions, meeting each challenge along the way.

Challenges mold you into who you are and who you ultimately become. Mistakes should be considered lessons.

“I believe challenges mold you into who you are and who you ultimately become. Mistakes should be considered lessons. I tend to live without regret and make the best out of the cards I am dealt.” 

Sondra has impacted team culture in every position – employees agree on the contagious nature of Sondra’s work ethic.  

What continues to drive Sondra is the people with whom she works. “I believe in all of our company values, but our value of investing in people helped me to get where I am and is what will help future employees grow. In return for the opportunities given to me by people who believed in me, it is important I take part in mentoring and developing the next generation of leaders. And at the same time, I will learn to become a better leader from them.”

Women in manufacturing

Sondra also attributed much of her growth to the JELD-WEN team culture: “When I was a group manager for Shipping, it was a male-dominated department at that time. But team members welcomed me as part of the group... I’ve been blessed to have worked with a great team in every position.” 

Sondra knows women in manufacturing haven’t always experienced a welcoming culture. “My mother worked in manufacturing but never really talked about her job. For her, manufacturing was a totally different atmosphere compared to now. Now, diversity is key to business.”

Sondra works to spotlight the importance of women pursuing a career in manufacturing. “Having more women in the industry brings different perspectives and methodologies, which leads to better results. Imagine the impact you can make as you help drive growth and innovation and break stereotypes,” said Sondra. 

Sondra serves as a role model for women and for all people in manufacturing. Her upward progression reflects her determination and dedication to living out JELD-WEN values. Read more about JELD-WEN’s values here.