As Coloradans ride the roller coaster of 2024 housing market conditions the number of homeowners choosing to upgrade their current home has increased compared to prior years. One local family business is helping homeowners enjoy their existing spaces by reimagining their home’s potential.
Kennedi (White) Pettofrezzo, vice president and co-owner of Mountain View Pella says, “It’s rewarding to know we’re helping people fall in love with their homes all over again. I grew up in Colorado. My family has been part of the building materials business in the state for decades, so carrying on the tradition means a lot to me.”
Pettofrezzo and her husband Chris became independent owners and distributors of the Pella Windows and Doors locations in Colorado Springs and Grand Junction in 2021 and have witnessed the local market shift heavily from single-family new build projects to renovation and replacement.
“It’s no surprise that homeowners are opting to hold on to their low, fixed-rate mortgages. Instead, people have focused on upgrading existing features, like windows and doors, because it’s such an incredible improvement in both aesthetics, energy efficiency, and comfort,” says Pettofrezzo.
Colorado Roots
As one of only a handful of women with an ownership stake in the Pella Distribution Sales Network, Pettofrezzo says, “I’m the third generation in my family to lead a business in this industry, following in my grandfather’s footsteps. He was the founder of Arrow Glass in Grand Junction, which began operations in the 1960s, so I guess you could say it’s in my blood.”
The construction industry has always been a male-dominated industry, and for the most part that still holds true. Another steadfast truth of the trade? Women remain the primary decision maker on home-related purchases.
“I think women are more easily intimidated by the window replacement process because it’s something you probably only do once in your lifetime, and it can be a significant financial investment in your home. Making the right decisions can be stressful. Our goal is to make the window buying and replacement experience as painless as possible for our customers. I can’t say it’s simple–it’s construction, after all. But we take time to discuss the customer’s needs and walk alongside her, so she is comfortable all throughout the process from product selection to final price and installation. No guessing games here,” Pettofrezzo says.
The Pella Difference
Pella of Colorado Springs has a newly renovated experience center located on Corporate Center Circle, as well as a brand-new location in Grand Junction that opened in February of this year. These experience centers offer the ability to see and operate full-size Pella window and door products. While many customers opt for an in-home consultation, the showroom offers ample opportunities for a hands-on experience, allowing customers to feel the quality of the products and see different design attributes.
“I especially like showing customers our Lifestyle windows and patio doors with blinds between the glass. Pella has offered that product feature for years, but people are still amazed when we show it to them,” chuckles Pettofrezzo. “It’s fun to help people think about how their window choices can impact the comfort of their home on a daily basis, and then show them how to customize their selections based on their personal preferences.”
Having a comfortable home is at the top of the list when it comes to reasons to renovate. From blizzards to high winds and huge temperature fluctuations, Colorado homes take a year-round beating. Pettofrezzo says Pella makes the best products for the job.
“We do quite a bit of work in historic neighborhoods where specific design details are required by HOA’s for historical accuracy.”
Pella also works on a number of notable buildings in the area like the west tower and the golf club at The Broadmoor; and replacing the windows of the historic Western Hotel in Ouray, which was being restored to its original grandeur.
“Everything had to meet the historical requirements and be the exact size within a sixteenth of an inch,” she says, “the precision is incredible.”
Colorado Springs has experienced a surge of new residents as homeowners move further from Denver looking for housing affordability and improved cost of living.
Pettofrezzo says, “We chose to keep our roots here in Colorado and build a business here not only because the region is growing, but because we’re committed to investing in the communities where we live and work.”
Pella has 43 full-time team members between their two locations, some of whom have been selling and servicing Pella windows for decades. “Their expertise and work ethic is simply unmatched, and I hope that watching their dedication will inspire my own kids to embody those same traits,” she shares.
As the tapestry of Colorado's housing landscape continues to evolve, Pettofrezzo and Mountain View Pella embodies a steadfast commitment to enhancing the beauty and functionality of homes across the state. Through a blend of innovative products and a customer-centric approach, they're not just adapting to the market's shift towards renovation and replacement, but are leading it with grace and expertise. Pettofrezzo’s dedication to her family's legacy and to the homeowners of Colorado is a testament to the enduring spirit of local entrepreneurship and community investment.
Website: PellaofColoradoSprings.com
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