GREENFIELD — A longtime employee has purchased Pella Products Inc. and says he plans to grow the company over the next decade.
Fifty-three-year-old Al Herringshaw, who grew up in Ashfield, said he started working at the window and door sales and installation business when he was 19, and he stayed for more than three decades.
“I’ve been here 34 years,” said Herringshaw, who now lives with his wife, Sue, in Longmeadow.
The couple has two children — daughter Emilee, 25, who is in medical school, and son Nicholas, 22, who is a software engineer. He said he doesn’t expect that either will be joining him in the business, but anything is possible.
Herringshaw said throughout the time he has been at Pella, he worked for Gary Sherman, who became a partner with Pella’s former owners, Lester Coull and Gordon Purdy, in the early 1980s and bought it around 1990.
“It was just a natural progression,” Herringshaw said of her new ownership. “Gary and I started talking about the possibility of me buying it, and it happened.”
Sherman said owning Pella has been wonderful, and he’s happy that someone who knows so much about it decided to buy it from him.
“Al is going to be great,” he said. “He’s great with the employees and he’s great with the customers. When I was ready to retire, I asked if he was interested. He did his homework and it took about six months to transfer the business.”
Herringshaw said the 55 employees at Pella Products Inc. are keeping their jobs. He said about half of them work out of Greenfield.
“I thought it very important that there’s continuity,” he said. “I envision growing the company and adding more employees over the next several years. Gary and I have always known that our employees are what make this company what it is. They’re key, and I want to keep taking care of them.”
Herringshaw said as an independent distributor, Pella at 155 Main St. covers a good part of the Northeast, including Western and Central Massachusetts to the New York border and all of Vermont. He also has several showrooms, including one on the Mohawk Trail off the rotary, one in West Springfield, one in Shrewsbury and one in Burlington, Vt.
He said his staff does sales, installation, works in the shop and warehouse, in order processing and accounting, and services the products.
“We plan to stay right here,” he said. “It’s the perfect spot along the Interstate 91 corridor.”
Herringshaw said his staff installs windows, selling to individuals, builders and contractors, schools, medical buildings and more. He said Pella provides in-home and in-business appointments.
“We’re very happy to talk with anyone looking for a window,” he said.
Herringshaw said he is grateful for all of Sherman’s mentoring through the years.
“His leadership and willingness to help will never be forgotten,” he said. “And, he really worked with me to make sure this could happen.”
Herringshaw said he started working in Pella’s shop when he first arrived almost fresh out of high school. Over the years, he became its commercial coordinator, worked in sales for 10 years and then became its general manager for the past 20 years.
“I know the businesses inside and out,” he said. “I see a bright future ahead. We’ve got a lot of energy here.”
Herringshaw said his goal is to make homes throughout the Northeast more comfortable. He said when people choose a window, they’re looking for energy efficiency, aesthetics and overall comfort. He said they don’t just want the window to block cold and heat, but sound, as well, and Pella provides just that. He said it also provides disappearing screens, shades and blinds built in between the glass. There are also multiple color options.
“I’m happy to be here and move this great company forward,” he said.
Sherman, who grew up in Greenfield, lives in Gloucester, but is building a home in South Deerfield. He said he and his wife will return to the area next summer.
“I’m going to do some fishing and spend time with my grandchildren,” he said. “My wife and I will also do some traveling. I had some great employees, and I’m going to miss them. Customers, as well. But, Al will do a great job.”
Pella Products Inc. is open Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m,. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call 413-774-7231 or visit: pella.com.
Reach Anita Fritz at 413-772-0261, ext. 269 or afritz@recorder.com.