2025 Ones To Watch - Industry Leaders: Jamie Zhang, Crystal Window & Door Systems

Recent goal and impact:

To strengthen our supply chain resilience in response to pandemic, tariff, and other challenges, I secured multiple new sources for critical materials we use in manufacturing. This reduces dependency on single vendors and minimizes disruptions. I implemented blanket orders with key suppliers to ensure a steady flow of materials and improve lead time management. This strategic move has enhanced production scheduling and reduced delays, allowing us to maintain stable pricing despite market fluctuations and meet customer demands more reliably while preserving our competitive edge.

Turning problems into opportunities: 

A customer for a multi-million-dollar project needed finished window and door products with custom color powder coated aluminum in half the original lead time. By sourcing multiple suppliers for different phases of aluminum component production, I was able to have components delivered to us for final assembly in half the time, while maintaining quality and meeting all project specifications. This has also strengthened our supplier coordination, optimized our logistics strategy, and reinforced our ability to manage time-sensitive projects effectively.

Best advice for new leaders:

The pace of change is incredible; don’t be afraid to try new approaches to solve problems.