From forklifts to friendships, these long-tenured team members share what has kept them building doors, windows and memories for decades.
As JELD-WEN celebrates its 65th birthday, we are shining a spotlight on some of the people who have helped shape our story from the inside out. These employees have spent decades growing their careers, building lasting relationships, and contributing to the quality and culture that define JELD-WEN.
We’ve asked them to share their journeys, proudest moments and advice for the next generation. Their stories are full of heart and a few surprises.
Our featured employees:
- Gaetan Belanger, Production, Saint Appollinaire, Canada - 48 years at JELD-WEN
- Serge Moreau, Production, Saint Appollinaire, Canada - 48 years at JELD-WEN
- Randy Ritchie, Group Lead, Venice, Florida - 47 years at JELD-WEN
- Todd Delaney, Group Lead, Klamath Falls, Oregon - 45 years at JELD-WEN
- Rock Cosand, Maintenance, Stayton, Oregon - 42 years at JELD-WEN
- Doug Joyce, Office Manager, Stayton, Oregon - 42 years at JELD-WEN
- Lori Alcaraz, Purchaser, Ringtown, Pennsylvania - 34 years at JELD-WEN
JELD-WEN team members with July 4th float in Stayton, Oregon
Tell us about your roles at JELD-WEN. Is it where you thought your career would take you?
Todd: When I first started at JELD-WEN, I wasn’t sure if this was the career I wanted to pursue. But as time went on and I started a family, I knew that I was at the right place with a lot of opportunity for advancement. My first job at JELD-WEN was a parts chaser, then I went into production with the door plant and drove a forklift for 20 years. In 2012, I accepted a group lead position which I have been doing for 13 years.
Doug: My journey began as a summer employee while attending school. After completing my education, I was offered leadership opportunities that led me to become a group manager, then production manager, and later, office manager.
Lori: I started in 1990 and learned all jobs in the glass area, then I went to the vinyl line where we made basement windows at the time. After that, I did installing, worked in the parts warehouse, on the safety team, in reception, and now, purchasing.
Serge: I started working on windows, then moved on to the warehouse. I also worked on tiling, four-pane sliding windows, small doors, large round wooden doors, operating a lift, samples, and wooden molds.
Rock: I’ve been a helper, tenoner operator, car loader, moulder operator, and grinderman in Arizona and Oregon.
