On March 7, 2018 Gunton Corporation hosted a group of fifteen seniors and one instructor from Cuyahoga Valley Career Center’s construction program.
The agenda consisted of an informative luncheon with Joe Bobnar, Ohio’s Regional Manager and Gino DeSimone, Retail Sales Consultant and CVCC Alum. Student’s learned about the history of Pella and Gunton, the significance of the various trades and its impact on the economy, as well as the consequences of a poor window installation. The students really connected with Joe since he was their age when he began his career with Gunton and Pella.
Bobnar believes in giving back and supports any opportunity to help support the development of young adults interested in the trade. He said, “At Gunton, we are committed to building the future builders and contractors of tomorrow.”
After the luncheon students toured the plant facilities with Jim Khol, our Order Fulfillment Manager, and then proceeded to the training house to learn how to conduct a hands-on window installation with Gino DeSimone.
The students' final exam will actually be installing Pella windows and entry doors into the Richfield Caretaker’s Cottage at the Richfield Joint Recreation District, home to the Richfield Heritage Preserve. The Richfield Joint Recreation District has the goal of safeguarding, supporting, and maintaining the natural properties of Richfield, Ohio. They have hiking, fishing, picnicking, and some camping from dawn till dusk!
Overall the project is a great way for the students to learn and contribute to a great cause and we’re happy to be a change agent and contributor. Thanks to the CVCC for allowing the students to visit and participate in our training exercise. We hope all the CVCC participants enjoyed their time with Gunton and Pella and learned what it will take to succeed in the trade.