Crystal Window VP speaks at QC forum

When Crystal Window & Door Systems started operations in Queens 17 years ago with 10 employees - a number of whom were Chen family members - it would have been hard to predict the company would be where it is today.
Now, the company boasts 350 full-time employees, has expanded its product line, ships to nearly all states east of the Mississippi River and reported nearly $60 million in sales for the past year.
“We try to be a one-stop shop for all our customers,” said Executive Vice President Steve Chen, who was the keynote speaker at Queens College’s Business Forum on Friday, November 2. “We are a very aggressive company.”
Crystal Window & Door Systems is one of the top 60 manufacturers in North America of replacement and new construction vinyl and aluminum window and door products.
Steve Chen, whose father Thomas founded the company, is in charge of the day-to-day operations of Crystal Window & Door Systems and spoke about some of the challenges the company has faced throughout the years. He said that marketing and branding the company as well as assimilating the employees - who are predominantly from China - were challenges from the beginning.
“We do a lot of training programs for our employees,” Chen said, noting that the company offers English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and implements English-only Fridays in order to strengthen their language skills when dealing with customers.
Meanwhile, as the company continues to grow locally, it has also opened up a facility in China to accommodate a growing domestic market.
“We are always looking for new opportunities that are out there,” he said.
However, Chen said the Chinese facility would not be used for exporting products to the U.S.
In addition to a booming business, Chen cited Crystal Window’s commitment to Queens touting its participation in a number of charity events, providing internship opportunities to students and setting up a $50,000 scholarship fund at Queensborough Community College.
“The biggest thing we have always done is give back to the community,” Chen said.
The Queens College Business Forum, which began in 2005, has brought together business leaders from various Queens industries, political and community leaders, faculty and students to serve as a catalyst for the different groups to interact.
The Queens Borough President’s Office, Queens Chamber of Commerce, Farrell Fritz and Con Edison are some of the sponsors of the forum.