August 2023
Meet the APBS team, part 3!
Over the next several installments of Views from the Valley, we’ll continue introducing some newer APBS employees. Join us as we learn more about them!
Name: Mike Podsiadlik
Role at APBS: Sales Consultant. I work with custom home builders and their customers to help meet the design aesthetic in windows and doors that they are looking to achieve in their new home.
How did you get into this line of work? I spent almost 30 years working for manufacturers in the commercial construction industry (steel studs). After the pandemic and the subsequent steel shortage, I was fortunate enough to be recruited by Andersen and APBS. Now it’s full steam ahead and no looking back.
What is the coolest or weirdest thing you’ve ever seen on a jobsite? The coolest thing I’ve seen at a jobsite is a mountain lion and her cub. I went to a jobsite early in the morning and was the first one there for a 6:30 meeting. Thankfully, it had rained the night before and I saw the paw prints in the mud. Stopped me dead in my tracks. Looked up to see both of them go over the hill on the backside of the project.
Favorite fact about you: I won the Denver Tour Championship on the Golf Channel Amateur Tour (2007) and qualified for the National Championship held on the Copperhead Course at the Innisbrook Resort in Florida that same year.
Favorite travel spot: My wife of 43 years, Lisa, and I enjoy any of the Hawaiian Islands, but our favorite is Kaua’i.
Favorite band: I’m really old school – “Bread”
Favorite Andersen product / line: A-Series, because of the variety and the virtually unlimited options.
Your Andersen dream house: A-Series windows (black exterior/ natural wood interior with a light stain), as well as Heritage multi-glide doors.
Name: Chris Hilligas
Role at APBS: Operations Manager – Oversee day-to-day operations at the APBS facility and supervise the project management team.
How long have you worked at APBS? I’ve been with APBS for about 3 months, but I’ve been with Andersen for 10 years.
How did you get into this line of work? I went to school for engineering at Iowa State University and joined Andersen in Des Moines, IA after graduation. Then I moved to AZ in December 2019 to join the Heritage team. I’ve spent my career in various engineering and engineering leadership roles. As part of my career development, I was looking to expand my experience a little bit and found this opportunity which exposes me to a different part of the business than I’m used to. It has been a great learning experience, so far!
What knick knacks do you keep on your desk? I am actually the opposite of that. I keep no knick knacks or personal items on my desk usually. I have always been joked with throughout my career that it doesn’t look like anyone works at my desk. I just like it clean and minimalistic!
Fun fact about you: My wife and I own a women’s clothing boutique and just opened up our first storefront in Gilbert!
Favorite hobby: I enjoy woodworking and building all kinds of different things (as long as I can keep my fingers away from the saw blade!)
Favorite TV show: Game of Thrones. I’ve probably seen all 8 seasons 4 times through.
Stay tuned to meet other APBS employees in October!
Have you visited our website lately?
Of course you have, you’re already here! But if you haven’t seen it yet, go check out our new homepage.
We’ve got some great new photos, we’re upping our style game, and even the fonts got a little facelift. So check it out and let us know what you think. And maybe request a quote or schedule a visit while you’re at it?
In case you missed it
Check out our latest articles and case studies by clicking below. You can also find archives of our Views from the Valley Newsletter here.
Article: A Window to Knowledge
Case Study: Ring Out Nine Holes, Ring In the New
