“Behind the Screens” is a series developed by AIA Chicago’s Editorial Advisory Committee to highlight the members of the chapter. Throughout the year, the series will showcase Fellows, Architects, Associates, and Affiliate members.
Name: Ron Mescall
Affiliations/Credentials: Affiliate AIA Chicago
Title: Senior Architectural Consultant
Company: Pella Window and Doors Chicago
Degree: B.A. Business Management, University of Northern Iowa
AIA Chicago involvement: CRAN Steering Committee Member, 2022 – present; CRAN Symposium Sponsorship Chair 2023 – present
What advice would you give to a younger version of yourself?
Be a consultant to architects, not a “Sales Rep.” I have been with Pella for 22 years. I only began working closely with Architects in the last 12 years. As a younger rep in my 20s and 30s I had called on architects, but I really did not have much success. I didn’t understand what architects needed. It was a frustrating time in my career. I knew I had the skills to work with architects, I just could not move the needle. After a self-evaluation of my process and some meaningful discussions with some prominent leaders in the architecture community, I decided to take a different approach. I quit giving sales pitches and elevator speeches and started to listen to what they needed, not what I wanted them to hear. Through this process I transitioned from a “Sales Rep” to a “Consultant”. Once I became a consultant, I learned what architects wanted from their material reps: someone to work with them to solve problems, be technically proficient not only with your products but building science in general, let them know what can affect a budget, timely responses to inquiries, market information, and in some cases just be there for them as a resource. Through this new approach in the latter part of my career, I feel I have made more of an impact.
Once you have that connection with the architectural community in Chicago, there is so much to learn. They will show you many different aspects of architecture as long as you are willing to listen. It is a privilege to work along with and learn from so many talented architects in our community.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
Getting three teenage boys (Xander, Hayden, and Mason) up for school is no easy task. Doing this jumpstarts my day. I feel ready to take on whatever the day brings. One must approach each day differently. In my role as Sr. Architectural Consultant in the Chicagoland area, I get pulled in many different directions with all kinds of challenges and obstacles. Over the years, I have learned how to juggle many tasks at once and wear many different hats. I need to be my client’s expert on windows and doors. When a challenge presents itself, I do my best to offer the best solution available.
Finding balance is hard. As a father, I need to be a role model for my children. I am a hard worker, but I always have time for my family. Family is my top priority. It’s not always about bringing home a check. One must be there for your family as well. I do my very best to make every extra curriculum activity I can for my family. It is important to me to show support in what my children do. I do occasionally miss a concert or baseball game, but I always have a discussion with my boys as to why, so they know if I am not there, there is a good reason. Then there is my lovely wife, Kristin. She is my partner in everything – we are a team! She is a successful art teacher in the Homewood School District and is also in her 22nd year in that position. I could not be as successful as I am in my job without her loving support. She is there sharing the role of parenting with me every step pf the way. I love you honey!
What has been the most valuable resource to you in your career? (This can be a mentor, scholarship, organization, initiative, program, tool, etc.)
In my opinion, over the span of 22 years, I have had the pleasure of working with some of the most outstanding people at Pella. Without the dedication and hard work of so many before me I would not be where I am today. In every aspect of our organization, we have some of the most professional individuals, from warehouse and delivery, to order fulfillment, service, sales, installation teams, and management. Coming up through the system, I had many mentors that trained me and taught me the unwritten parts of the job. I learned to always evaluate my own performance from an outside perspective. This type of thought process allows me to change aspects of my job and improve myself with a constant belief that there is always room for improvement. My drive and success have resulted in multiple Pella Presidents Club Awards, the top honor in our company.
Also, I have to say my best resource is my clients. Many of them have been instrumental in my development. I am not an architect, and I do not pretend to be. However, I feel I am a student of architecture when having discussions with my clients. I have engaging discussions that have nothing to do with windows or doors. Often, these conversations come from questions I have regarding elements of a project – “what inspired this type of detail,” or “why a clock on the cupola.” During these discussions, I feel like a student and the client is my instructor. I learn something new every day and I’m fortunate to have so many wonderful teachers I work with!
What is the most effective step you’ve taken in your work or your firm toward a more equitable profession?
Pella is deeply committed to supporting and uplifting the women in our workplace, recognizing the essential role they play in our success. We take pride in creating a culture where women at every level of the business are welcomed and valued. Pella was recently recognized by Forbes for our commitment to supporting and uplifting women in the workforce and providing meaningful career opportunities for all.
We also believe that different perspectives, backgrounds and experiences not only enrich our company culture but also propel us towards creative and innovative business solutions. Our commitment to DEI is a core aspect of our business strategy. It’s about creating a workplace where every individual feels valued, heard, and empowered to reach their full potential.
What is the most effective step you’ve taken in your work toward a more sustainable built environment?
At Pella, we are committed to a better future and believe our journey is never complete. For a better future, we need better homes and a better world. Here’s how we’re making an impact:
Create a Better Home:
Innovate and develop products centered on quality that lasts. Create accessible features and product designs to work better for everyone. Design energy-efficient products and installation methods to help you use less and enhance comfort. Carefully select materials and develop features that are safe for the whole family. Engineer products that are easier to use
Make a Better World:
Find innovative ways to reclaim and reuse materials. Strive to source ethical and sustainable materials through strong supply chain partners. Enhance and serve the communities where we live and work. Aim to support local clean energy sources in our manufacturing processes
Practice continuous improvement to do more with fewer resources day after day.
Our products, processes and people are key to improving sustainability. Our Founder Pete Kuyper once said “We recognize our responsibilities as stewards of our natural resources and the environment and will avoid wasteful or harmful disregard of the environmental effects of our operations.” Pella aspires to hold true to this belief.
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions as a SmartWay Affiliate – With 100% of our private fleet and 75% of our fleet partners aligned with this program, we’ve achieved 839 metric tons of carbon diversion which equates to 13,983 urban trees allowed to grow for 10 years.
What is your favorite quote about architecture?
“…we usually get it right after all this time. That’s why it’s called practicing architecture….”
– Stuart Cohen FAIA and Julie Hacker FAIA
They are contextualists. They carefully consider the physical surroundings of a proposed building site, as well as the historical significance of the location. Their goal is to create architectural designs that seamlessly integrate with their environment. They jokingly claim to ‘always seem to get it right,’ a testament to the extensive research and creative effort they invest in each project.
Architecture is not simply a matter of throwing together a design and hoping for the best. It involves a meticulous process of careful planning and consideration of multiple factors. The ultimate measure of a successful project is when all these elements come together to create a beloved space for the clients and their families.”
