Page 49 - The Way to the Top

Thomas CHEN

President of Crystal Window and Door Systems

My parents told me to remember my roots, and over the past fifteen years
this has proved to be much more than a lesson in humbleness. It is a very
sound way of conducting business and managing people.

I came to the United States from Taiwan in 1982, when I was twenty-
seven. I had only a high school education, very little money, and no
English language skills whatsoever. I worked hard at several jobs while
studying English at night. Eventually I took what I learned and started my
own company, making and installing window guards, and, ultimately,

manufacturing windows. Today, Crystal Window and Door Systems does
nearly $50 million in sales, serves 25 states, and employs 350 people.

For me, as an employer, “remembering my roots” means remembering
what it was like to come to a new country, learn a very different language,

and work virtually around the clock to earn a living. I hire many new
immigrants because I know what they are going through and I know what
they have to offer.

I have offered professionally conducted on-site English language
lessons to all my employees and I bring in consultants to work with key

personnel on American business practices. I find many of today’s
immigrants come here with great educational training, strong computer
skills, and a work ethic of epic proportions, yet they lack the proper

environment in which to thrive. Crystal tries to provide that as an
“immigrant-friendly” workplace. It is as beneficial for me to help these
new Americans as it is for them to help me and my firm.