Honoring service and building community | Meet Joe Miranda

Especially on Veteran’s Day, JELD-WEN proudly honors the service and sacrifice of those who have worn the uniform. Veterans bring unique skills, leadership, and resilience to our workforce, and we are committed to supporting them through initiatives like the Veteran’s Network Employee Resource Group (ERG). This ERG fosters community, advocacy, and professional growth for veterans and allies across the company.

To mark this occasion, we sat down with Joe Miranda, Director of Product Line Management and leader of JELD-WEN’s Veteran’s Network ERG, to learn more about his military experience, what Veteran’s Day means to him, and how JELD-WEN is supporting veterans in and outside the workplace.

Joe Miranda at a Gary Sinise Foundation Walls of Honor Ceremony

Q: Can you share a bit about your military background?

A: I served in the United States Marine Corps from 2004 to 2009 with two overseas deployments in 2005 and 2007. 

What inspired me? Honestly, a free T-shirt. I was 17 and at that point in my life I did not know what I wanted to be when I grew up. It just so happened that we had an assembly at school, and the Marine Corps recruiter was there handing out T-shirts to anyone who could do 20 pullups. I executed the task for my free shirt and was walking away when the recruiter asked, “Have you ever thought about joining the Marine Corps?” The answer was no, but after a brief conversation, the next week I was signed up and left for bootcamp just a few months after graduating high school. Zero regrets and loved every minute of my time serving.

Q: What does Veteran’s Day mean to you personally?

A: Veteran’s Day holds a special place in my heart. It is a time for reflection and gratitude, honoring the sacrifices made by those who have served. Each year, I take this day to remember my comrades and to appreciate the freedoms we enjoy because of their dedication and bravery.

Q: How has your military experience influenced your career at JELD-WEN?

A: The lessons I learned during my time in the military have profoundly shaped my career. The importance of discipline, teamwork, and resilience are just a few of the values that have stayed with me and continue to guide my professional journey. These principles help me navigate challenges and stay focused on achieving our goals. 

For those that know “embrace the suck” was a motto we regularly lived by. Times were not always the best, but we learned how to make the most out of the situation in front of us and how to adapt and overcome to gain the desired results. Do more with less.

Employee marks LaCantina patio door with American flag before it was sent to a Gary Sinise Foundation home for a veteran

Q: What inspired you to lead the Veteran’s Network ERG?

A: My motivation to take on a leadership role in the JELD-WEN Veteran’s Network stems from a deep desire to support and advocate for my fellow veterans. I believe by sharing our experiences and resources, we can create a stronger and more inclusive community within JELD-WEN.

Q: How does JELD-WEN support veterans and their families?

A: The Veteran’s Network ERG’s focus remains on JELD-WEN's newly established partnership with the Gary Sinise Foundation. We are providing fully donated windows and patio doors to the Foundation’s custom homes being built for wounded veterans and first responders across the country as part of the R.I.S.E. program.

This partnership allows our ERG many opportunities to align with JELD-WEN’s value of “Invest in People’. For example, veterans in the manufacturing sites for these products get an opportunity to build the exact products that are going into these homes. This provides a sense of pride and employee engagement that is helping drive improved morale in the manufacturing sites. Feedback has been nothing but positive in the sites when these projects are running through production.

Joe Miranda speaking at a Gary Sinise Foundation Home Dedication Ceremony

Q: What is one thing you want more people to understand about veterans in the workplace?

A: One thing I wish more people understood about veterans in the workplace is the diverse skill set they bring to the table. Veterans possess unique experiences and perspectives that can greatly benefit any organization. Recognizing and valuing these contributions is crucial for fostering an inclusive work environment.

Q: How can colleagues and leaders be better allies to veterans and military families?

A: To be better allies to veterans and military families, colleagues and leaders can actively listen, offer support, and create opportunities for growth and development. Understanding the challenges veterans face and providing a supportive network can make a significant difference in their transition and success.