About Us
Storm Smart Industries: The Recognized Leader in Hurricane Protection
Focused on Your Hurricane Protection Needs
We are Storm Smart Industries, based in Fort Myers, Florida. We are a group of dedicated hurricane protection industry professionals, with a history of customer focused innovation that has set us apart and ahead in the hurricane protection industry.
Quality People Mean Quality Service
With a commitment to quality and over 150 dedicated Storm Smart employees, we are proud to say that we now have in excess of 50,000 satisfied customers. We have served the hurricane protection needs of homeowners and businesses in several states, in Mexico and across the Carribean. Using state-of-the-art computerized ordering, manufacturing and scheduling systems, our highly skilled team members will exceed your service, delivery and installation expectations.
A Recognized Leader
As specialists in providing innovative hurricane product solutions to residential and commercial customers, Storm Smart has been recognized both locally and nationally for our contributions to the industry. Florida Governor Charlie Crist recently presented Storm Smart with the Corporate Award (read story) at the 2007 Governor’s Hurricane Conference. Also earlier in 2007, the Lee County Board of Commissioners issued a Resolution recognizing Storm Smart's contribution in publishing the All Hazards Guide, a 28 page comprehensive emergency preparedness brochure with maps and Emergency Contact information, thus helping residents of SW Florida to be more informed about hurricane protection. In 2006 the company was named by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest growing privately-held companies in America. This summer, we were included on the 2007 Inc. 5000 list as well. The Lee County Florida Economic Development Council has named Storm Smart as the ninth largest manufacturer across all industries in Lee County. The News Press newspaper of Fort Myers announced Storm Smart as a winner of its ‘Best In Class’ Readers’ Choice Awards.
Trust the Experts at Storm Smart
You can trust Storm Smart, one of the largest and most reputable names in hurricane protection, to provide you with the expertise you need in arming yourself and your home against the ravaging effects of hurricanes and tropical storms. By listening to the needs of our customers, Storm Smart has consistently led the hurricane protection industry in the introduction of product advancements and innovations long before other manufacturers. Storm Smart truly offers “Intelligent Protection”
Get Proven Hurricane Protection For Your Home
To learn more about which product is best suited to protect yourself, your family and your home, let a Storm Smart representative provide you with a free in-home consultation. One of our experienced project designers will develop and present a customized plan incorporating noticeably superior products tailored specifically to your needs and budget.
Meet Our Storm Smart Management Team Members
Chief Executive Officer: Brian Rist
As company Founder & CEO, Brian Rist has been a key player in the development of many hurricane protection products. Since founding Storm Smart in 1996, Brian has dedicated his energies to customer service, product development, and company growth. With a customer survey rating of “Excellent” from 97% of Storm Smart customers, the introduction of the Storm Catcher Hurricane Wind Abatement Screen to the market, and Storm Smart being named three years in a row to the ‘Inc. 500’ list of America’s fastest growing privately-held companies, Brian is accomplishing his goals. When he’s not at work, Brian enjoys kayaking, traveling, and finding the perfect bottle of wine.
Chief Operating Officer: Barry Feldman
A longtime member of the Storm Smart Team, Barry Feldman serves as Chief Operating Officer of Storm Smart Industries. He manages day-to-day operations, oversees all on-site personnel and coordinates the efforts of the Permitting, Installation, and Service Departments. Barry and his wife, Monica, love to camp with their two children, as well as skiing and playing tennis.
Official Storm Smart Industries Mascot: Major Storm
The official mascot of Storm Smart Industries, Major Storm can be found most days visiting Southwest Florida homeowners and ensuring they’re prepared for a full-frontal hurricane assault. Recognized as the ranking official in hurricane protection, Major Storm is militant about drilling his troops and ensuring victory against the war on hurricanes. When not spending his time preparing troops for battle, Major Storm enjoys polishing his boots, shining his mirrored glasses and working out.
Director of Information Technology: Parker Bradtmiller
A degree in Networking Technology and a passion for the technical, Parker has helped bring Storm Smart into the future. While managing our databases, applications, websites, and our web marketing efforts, Parker continues to study bleeding edge technologies that can help Storm Smart maintain it's competitive advantage. While not in front of a monitor, he likes to spend time outside enjoying the Florida weather.
Information Technology - Network Administrator: Wayne Kittle
Having moved here from the great white north, so he can wear shorts and flip flops every day, he brings over 23 years of technical and business knowledge to Storm Smart. Wayne has worked in several industries including manufacturing, automotive, financial, health care, and construction. His knowledge and experience has been helpful in several projects that have allowed Storm Smart to be as successful as it is. When he is not at work he can still usually be found in front of his computer researching some hair brained idea on how to revolutionize the world or playing World Of Warcraft.
Director of Operations: Mike Killeen
Our Director of Operations, Mike Killeen, coordinates the entire scope of operations, from product ordering to physical facilities management and product scheduling and installation. A former product installation technician, Mike brings tremendous experience to the team through his firsthand knowledge of installation methods, product requirements and code restrictions. Mike and his wife Suzie, are proud parents and grandparents. Mike likes to golf and one day, hopes to be good at it.
Director of Business Development: John McEnroe
No, not the famous tennis player, but still a pro in his own field, John McEnroe is our Director of Business Development. As Storm Smart’s technical representative for product approval through the Florida Building Commission, John is involved with testing and certification of the company’s proprietary product portfolio. Working closely with wholesale dealers, he helps conduct training seminars focusing on the sales, proper measurement, ordering and installation of Storm Smart products. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin with a B. A. in Economics and Business, he moved to Florida and married Kathy. John enjoys golfing, traveling, culinary activities and hanging out with his three sons.
Office Manager & Executive Assistant: Karen Dugas
Karen Dugas – Our Office Manager and Executive Assistant to the CEO & COO, Karen can be found coordinating the office staff, assisting in the handling of legal issues, or planning the next company picnic. She also liaisons with many company vendors, coordinates OSHA mandated safety clinics and is the unofficial “Mother Goose” to all employees. Karen’s professional demeanor and attention to detail keeps the office running smoothly and efficiently. Along with her partner, Ron, she’s an avid camper. She loves her time with her two children and her Yorkie, Ruby.
Human Resources Coordinator: Virgina Ramey
Virginia Ramey - 'Ginny' has been with Storm Smart for over 8 years in various positions; including Executive Assistant, Office Manager, A/R and A/P and has been in the HR department for the last year. She was office manager for 3 years at another hurricane protection company previous to Storm Smart. On her time off she likes spending time with her family, reading, shelling, gardening at her beach home and walks on the beach.
Product & Software Specialist / Sales Trainer: John Lemonakis
John Lemonakis – In his role as Product & Software Specialist, John has developed many of the tools our Sales Staff use on a daily basis, including customized sales processing software, sales presentation programs and his fingerprints are on most internally-produced company collateral. John provides ongoing sales training to all Retail Sales Reps and is famous for his attention to detail, especially when using Photoshop to ‘enhance’ co-workers pictures!
John and his wife, Katja spend their time cooking, working in the yard and exploring Southwest Florida. John also has two teenage children, making life both worthwhile and very interesting!
Accounting Manager: Diane Rist
Diane Rist –With responsibility for Accounts Payable and other Accounting & Banking functions, Diane serves as a critical member of the Storm Smart team. She also coordinates account reviews with all vendors and suppliers, as well as participating in all Accounting team meetings. An avid camper and race fan, Diane can also be found boating in her spare time, and hanging out with her lovely daughter, Katie.
Installation Scheduling Manager: Hilda Provost
Hilda Provost -As Installation Scheduling Manager, Hilda coordinates all aspects of scheduling for installations, inspections, and service. She also coordinates communication with local municipalities regarding permitting and inspection issues. Along with her husband, Michael, Hilda is enjoying her role as grandma to her daughter, Jacey’s three children, Dylon and the twins, Emmy and Anna.
Permitting Coordinator: Dana Sanders
Dana Sanders – Dana has successfully tackled all duties assigned to her during her tenure at Storm Smart. Presently, Dana is doing a superb job of working in our Permitting Department and helping our customers receive “unmatched customer service”. Dana has previously worked in Purchasing, Wholesale and Contract Processing. With almost a decade in the hurricane protection industry, Dana is a true asset to our organization, in all capacities.
Dana's Hobbies/Interests: Gardening, sewing, crocheting, reading and watching her husband play softball and daughter play soccer.
Data Entry: Maria Ortiz
Maria is our data entry expert. She has worked for storm smart for many years and her attention to detail is sharper than ever. She has been cross-trained on many different aspects of Storm Smart operations and is an integral part of our success. While not helping manage our data she enjoys cooking peruvian meals and watching movies with her daughter Caroline and husband Victor.
Window Dept. Manager: Scott Day
Scott is an artisan window installer. He's been in the business all his life and has developed a level of skill that is rarely seen. So we gave him a team and he oversees the installation of all Storm Smart window projects. While not inspecting window installations you might be able to catch him on the golf course.
Purchasing Manager: Cliff Rice
Cliff works closely with our production staff to make sure that we have the necessary supplies to keep production flowing smoothly.
Floor Production Manager: Phil Miller
If you need custom, precision crafted, aluminum shutters - Phil's your man. Phil coordinates floor staff to produce Storm Smarts high quality hurricane protection products.
Window Supervisor: Al Bozzi
The Development of a strict Hurricane Building Code has created a challenge for many aspects of construction in Florida. Al has over 15 years of experience in the window & door installation business in Florida. He has adapted to these new challenges. We are proud to count Al as one of our core team members.
Chief Financial Officer: Ezequiel Ortiz
Ezequiel “Zeke” Ortiz is responsible for managing and overseeing the accounting and financing of Storm Smart. With a growing knowledge of finance and accounting he looks for ways to cut costs, handle customer issues, control production release, monitor customer accounts, collections and any other issues that may arise within his department. Zeke is currently working towards his MBA and eventually CPA. He loves outdoor activities and spending time with family and friends.
Field Supervisor / Inspector: Guy Fontana
Guy is the universal "Mr. Fix-it". He brings an arsenal of experience to our business. His primary responsibilities revolve around ensuring our installations progress smoothly and if any issues arise, to ensure the customer is taken care of quickly and efficiently.
Wholesale Manager: Rob Hoovis
Rob is our wholesale expert and is responsible for the proliferation of Storm Smart's high quality products beyond the reach of our retail division. Storm Smart has dealers in many places in the U.S. and Caribbean islands and Rob takes special care to ensure they receive a high level of service. An Award winning videographer and independent film-marker, Rob is currently producing corporate videos and commercials for Storm Smart. While not on duty, Rob enjoys skate boarding with the big dogs.
Screen Production Supervisor: Tracie Haas
Tracie oversees the scheduling of our screen division. She works closely with installation to ensure that our screens are ready for the installation team when they need them.
Be Smart with Storm Smart!