FGIA Names Three New Honorary Members for Lifetime Industry Service

by Christopher Brinckerhoff | 3 April 2025 6:00 am

The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA)[1] named three new honorary members of the association. Steve Fronek, of Apogee Enterprises, Rob Luter, of Lippert Components, and Steve Strawn, of JELD-WEN, join the legacy of becoming honorary members of FGIA.

Honorary FGIA members are retired from the industry and have demonstrated exceptional dedication and contributions to the association have held multiple leadership positions, and/or have had continuous participation in the association for 20 years or more. Nominations are required from at least three FGIA members, positioning this honor as a peer recognition.

“Congratulations to [Fronek, Luter, and Strawn] on this well-deserved honor,” says Janice Yglesias, FGIA executive director. “These three individuals have served FGIA for years, and together, they leave quite the legacy. FGIA is pleased to bestow this recognition on them and thanks them for all their years of dedication to the industry.”

[2]

Fronek dedicated 43 years to Wausau Window and Wall Systems, a subsidiary of Apogee Enterprises. Throughout his tenure, he held many leadership positions in technical and management areas, culminating in vice president of technology. He was active in the association for the majority of his Apogee career, serving in a multitude of leadership roles, including chair of the board of directors from 2011 to 2012 and receiving several prestigious peer-nominated association awards.

According to Fronek’s nomination submission, “[Fronek] invested more than 30 years of volunteer service to FGIA, chaired more than 40 committees, and helped author at least 25 technical standards. He has led many critical issues to completion and is an example of service leadership, competency, community service, and family values we should all emulate.”

[3]

Luter served as a crucial leader within the manufactured housing segment of FGIA, supporting collaboration with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regarding the 1700 series standards. He led several groups throughout his tenure as a member of FGIA, including the AAMA certification policy committee and acoustical information document development task group. He also served on the board of directors.

According to Luter’s nomination submission, “[Luter] has always been willing to sign up for working groups, especially when he saw a need. Even when his calendar was full, he always made sure to join a meeting and be an active participant. He was also a mentor to many new participants and one who was always willing to share his knowledge, wisdom, and connections.”

[4]

Strawn has served on the organization’s Board of Directors, the Western Region Board of Directors, and numerous committees and task groups. He also served on the Florida Hurricane Research Advisory Committee, representing the industry’s interests. He was involved with the development of the California Energy Code and Wildland Urban Interface Code, helping to promote FGIA’s positions with both.

According to Strawn’s nomination submission, “[Strawn] input within FGIA is always thorough, thoughtful, and beneficial. He has been instrumental in developing and communicating positions on codes as well as the development of a joint technical bulletin about understanding window opening control devices.”

The inductees were invited to the 2025 FGIA Fall Conference in Indianapolis, Oct. 6-9, to be recognized for the distinction.

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