The Grit Blueprint Podcast
Beyond the Glass: Innovations and Hurricane-Proof Engineering with Jack Redden of ES Windows
September 23, 2025 Length: 26 min Watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab)
On The Grit Blueprint Podcast, Jack Redden, Director of Architectural Sales for ES Windows, walks Stefanie Couch through the innovations and hurricane-proof engineering behind its products. With 30 years of experience, he explains how ES fabricates its own glass and extrudes its own aluminum for products that withstand Florida's extreme weather.
About This Episode.
Jack Redden, Director of Architectural Sales for ES Windows, shares how vertical integration and hurricane-resistant engineering have positioned the company as a leader in the glass industry. With 30 years of experience and a passion for the business, Jack explains how ES fabricates their own glass and extrudes their aluminum to deliver consistent quality products that withstand Florida's extreme weather conditions.
Join us at GlassBuild 2025, November 4-6 in Orlando, Florida, where the glass industry will gather to showcase products, provide training, and offer networking opportunities.
- • ES Windows stands out through vertical integration, controlling their supply chain from glass fabrication to aluminum extrusion
- • Hurricane impact testing involves shooting 2x4s from air cannons and cycling products through 4,500 positive and negative pressure swings
- • Market diversification has been key to growth, expanding from high-rise condos to residential, education, and healthcare projects
- • Conducting over 200 architectural lunch and learns has helped build brand awareness in new markets
- • Product innovation continues to push boundaries with glass panels now reaching 18-20 feet tall
- • GlassBuild 2025 in Orlando will showcase ES Windows' latest products including their new Structural Glass System
Key Takeaways.
- ES Windows controls its supply chain through vertical integration, from glass fabrication to aluminum extrusion.
- Hurricane impact testing shoots 2x4s from air cannons and cycles products through 4,500 positive and negative pressure swings.
- Growth came from diversifying beyond high-rise condos into residential, education and healthcare projects.
- More than 200 architectural lunch and learns helped build brand awareness in new markets.
- Glass panels now reach 18 to 20 feet tall, and the company recently announced a record-setting project backlog.
Questions and Answers.
How are hurricane impact windows tested?
Jack Redden of ES Windows explains that hurricane impact testing involves shooting 2x4s from air cannons and cycling products through 4,500 positive and negative pressure swings.
What does vertical integration mean at ES Windows?
ES Windows fabricates its own glass and extrudes its own aluminum. Controlling the supply chain this way delivers consistent quality products that withstand Florida's extreme weather conditions.
How did ES Windows grow into new markets?
The company diversified from high-rise condos into residential, education and healthcare projects. It has also held over 200 architectural lunch and learns to build brand awareness.
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