Eric Verhagen

General Manager – Glass Division

The General Manager of the Glass Division provides hands-on leadership across both project execution and people management. This role is accountable for managing select glass projects while also overseeing the daily operations, workforce performance, and employee relations of the division. The General Manager ensures alignment between Project Managers, fabrication, and field teams, balancing direct project responsibility with operational oversight to deliver profitable, high-quality work.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership

· Oversee day-to-day operations of the Glass Division

· Coordinate workflow between Project Managers, fabrication shop, and field crews

· Monitor project workloads and staffing to ensure efficient resource allocation

· Establish and enforce consistent operational standards across projects

· Identify process improvements to enhance efficiency, quality, and profitability

· Track division-level operational performance and report trends to the CEO

Project Management

· Directly manage assigned glass projects, typically:

o High-complexity projects

o High-visibility or strategic customers

o Projects requiring senior-level oversight

· Serve as primary customer contact on assigned projects

· Monitored project workloads and staffing to optimize resource allocation

· Monitor job costs, profitability, and risk on managed projects

· Identified process improvements that enhanced operational efficiency and quality

· Tracked division-level operational performance and reported trends to CEO for strategic decision-making

People Management

· Directly manage Project Managers and oversee all glass division employees

· Lead hiring and training efforts in partnership with HR

· Conduct performance reviews, coaching, and development planning

· Address employee relations issues and resolve workplace conflicts

· Administer disciplinary action, up to and including termination, in coordination with HR

· Reinforce safety, quality, and behavioral expectations consistently, in coordination with Safety

· Build a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement

Cross-Functional Collaboration

· Partner with the CEO on staffing strategy, workload planning, and operational priorities

· Collaborate with Safety and HR leadership to ensure compliance and employee well-being

· Act as a communication bridge between executive leadership and frontline teams

Key Responsibilities:

· Manage assigned projects from contract execution through final closeout

· Serve as primary customer contact for active projects, maintaining consistent communication throughout the project lifecycle

· Building, maintaining, enhancing and fostering long term relationships with clients

· Strong knowledge in commercial and industrial glazing: Storefront, Curtainwall, Glass entrances/partitions, Railings, Fire-Rated systems, Sliding/Folding walls, Commercial/Industrial Hardware applications

· Coordinated schedules, materials, labor, and subcontractors to align with project timelines and deliverables

· Develop, monitor, and maintain project budgets, schedules, and documentation

· Analyzed job costs, revenue, and profitability; identified and resolved discrepancies to ensure financial accuracy

· Review customer specifications, drawings, and project quotes

Managed change orders and negotiated scope, pricing, and schedule adjustments.

· Estimating Change orders on current projects and small client projects

· Facilitate or attend project-related meetings with customers, general contractors, and internal teams

· Act as liaison between customers, field employees, fabrication shop, and internal departments

· Identified and proactively resolved project issues affecting schedule, cost, quality, and customer satisfaction to maintain project integrity

· Review material receipts; check for quality and quantity. Approve invoices by matching quantity product and pricing.

· Maintain accurate project records and reporting

· Promote a safe, organized, and professional jobsite environment

• Commercial Systems: Stick & unitized curtainwalls, pressure bar systems, storefronts, strip windows, and commercial entrances.
• Supervised on-site field crews and coordinated installation with the general contractor or customer.
• Technical Layouts: Interpreting architectural blueprints, shop drawings, coordinating installation with other trades, wind/dead-load specs, and utilizing laser levels/transits.
• Weatherproofing: Specialized in structural silicone glazing (SSG), flashing, perimeter caulking, and gasket systems to ensure watertight seals.
• Specialized in structural silicone glazing (SSG), flashing, perimeter caulking, and gasket systems, ensuring watertight seals for long-lasting building performance.
• Installed commercial door hardware, ensuring proper functionality and security.: Skilled in setting and adjusting commercial door hardware, including panic devices, pivots, and heavy-duty closers.
• Safety & Compliance: Maintain site safety records while enforcing OSHA standards for scaffolding, fall protection, and aerial lifts.

• Supported lead glaziers in installing commercial storefront systems, strip windows, and architectural glass, contributing to project timelines and quality standards.
• Coordinated transportation and staging of glass panels and aluminum framing on active, multi-story commercial construction sites, ensuring efficient workflow and safety.
• Safely transported and staged glass panels and aluminum framing across active, multi-story commercial construction sites.
• Executed application of perimeter caulking and weatherproofing sealants under supervision, achieving watertight seals on building exteriors.
• Maintained tool inventory and organized the work truck, ensuring the field crew had all necessary hardware and equipment ready for daily tasks.
• Followed all OSHA safety protocols, including proper ladder safety, lifting techniques, and mandatory use of fall-protection gear.

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