MITER Brands Announces Lifetime Achievement Award Honor for Industry Leader Rod Hershberger
MITER Brands, a leading U.S. manufacturer of residential windows and doors, announced that Rod Hershberger—co-founder of PGT Custom Windows and Doors and current member of the MITER Brands board of directors—has been honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from The Argus Foundation. The recognition celebrates Hershberger’s remarkable impact on the Sarasota community and his significant contributions to the building products industry throughout his career.
For more than two decades, The Argus Foundation has hosted its annual Lifetime Achievement Awards to recognize exceptional business and civic leaders who have dedicated their careers to strengthening Sarasota and improving the lives of its residents. Now in its 23rd year, the award continues to serve as one of the foundation’s most distinguished traditions.
The 2024 awards ceremony took place on the evening of Thursday, November 13, at The Ora in Sarasota. The event featured a welcome address, invocation, dinner, and formal presentation of the awards, culminating in the tribute to Hershberger. Attendees included community leaders, business executives, philanthropic partners, and longtime industry colleagues who gathered to celebrate his achievements.
A Career That Shaped an Industry
Hershberger’s journey as a visionary entrepreneur began in 1980 when he co-founded VinylTech, a vinyl porch enclosure manufacturing company, with business partner Paul Hostetler. Starting with only three employees in Venice, Florida, the partners built the company from the ground up during a period when the state was experiencing rapid growth and demand for innovative building products. By 1987, recognizing an emerging need within the Florida construction market for reliable and durable window solutions, the company expanded its operations and launched Progressive Glass Technology (PGT), which would later evolve into PGT Custom Windows and Doors.
The defining moment for Hershberger came after 1992’s Hurricane Andrew, one of the most destructive storms in U.S. history. Witnessing firsthand the widespread devastation to homes and communities, he and the PGT team committed themselves to developing advanced window technologies that could better protect homes against catastrophic winds and flying debris. This commitment led PGT to become the first manufacturer in the industry to offer a complete line of impact-resistant windows and doors—products capable of providing structural protection comparable to that of a solid block wall.
Under Hershberger’s leadership and focus on safety, durability, and engineering excellence, PGT grew into the nation’s largest and most respected manufacturer of impact-resistant windows and doors, transforming building standards across hurricane-prone regions and setting new benchmarks for product performance and innovation.
Legacy of Leadership and Service
Hershberger retired from his executive role at PGT in 2017 after more than three decades of guiding the company’s growth. Following retirement, he continued to serve as non-employee chairman of the board for PGT Innovations, the parent company of several major window and door brands. After MITER Brands completed its acquisition of PGT Innovations in 2024, Hershberger was appointed to the MITER Brands board of directors, where he continues to apply his experience and industry insight to support strategic growth and development.
In addition to his business accomplishments, Hershberger is widely recognized for his deep commitment to public service, community stewardship, and industry advocacy. He is a past chair and active member of the Florida Building Commission, where his leadership helped influence statewide building code improvements designed to increase safety and resilience in residential construction. He also holds or has held numerous board roles, including with the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, the Argus Foundation, the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA), and the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.
Champion for Philanthropy
Beyond his professional achievements, Hershberger has remained dedicated to supporting local nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and community initiatives. His philanthropic focus includes Sarasota Christian School, Children’s First, FGIA, Bayside Church, The Argus Foundation, and the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, among others. His commitment has helped fund programs and services that directly support children, families, education, and scientific research.
Industry and Community Praise
“Rod’s recognition with the Lifetime Achievement Award from The Argus Foundation is not only a testament to his remarkable career, but the meaningful ways he has helped shape the community,” said Matt DeSoto, CEO of MITER Brands. “His leadership, generosity, and steadfast commitment to his values are an inspiration to so many of us at MITER Brands and beyond.”
Throughout his career, Hershberger has been admired for combining business excellence with genuine community impact. He is widely regarded as a leader who has not only transformed a manufacturing sector, but who has also helped build a culture of giving and civic responsibility across Sarasota and beyond.
From pioneering hurricane-resistant window technology to serving on multiple boards and advancing philanthropic causes, Hershberger’s lifelong dedication to service continues to leave a lasting legacy. His recognition by The Argus Foundation reinforces his status as a visionary leader, respected mentor, and advocate for building stronger and more resilient communities.
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