THE LONG VIEW:
In Conversation with Sky-Frame’s Angelo Razzino
In architecture views are created via windows and doors. From inside, a boundary is needed to direct the eye to the experience beyond, but manufacturers like Sky-Frame know this boundary can’t be overbearing. If possible, it should disappear. Sky-Frame has been in the business of continual innovation since 2002, when the Swiss company’s first iteration of their now famous flush-fitted frameless sliding window was put on the market. Having ceaselessly developed their high-end engineering for over 20 years, Sky-Frame now has 180 employees who collaborate daily to make incremental adjustments that afford largescale, long-lasting impact.
As a Sky-Frame partner, Signature Windows + Doors prides itself on providing the company’s impeccable products using our in-house team of expert installers. Together with Sky-Frame, we’re able to realize our clients’ complete vision of home.
To better get to know those responsible for but just outside the frame, we caught up with Angelo Razzino, Sky-Frame’s chief sales officer. Read on as he shares his thoughts on ongoing innovation paired with slow growth, and how he finds personal balance and enjoyment performing on stage as a percussionist.
In a nutshell: a view, not a window! We are first and foremost known for not stopping with a good-looking product, but working hard every day to keep improving that product. Our ongoing innovations allow us to continue pushing the boundaries of what has been known or used so far, and to support the most demanding architecture with the most suitable products. Sky-Frame is not limited to the frameless look or vertical profiles with the slimmest sightline of just 3/4 inch. Our product stands out for its high performance in terms of wind and water tightness. Furthermore, Sky-Frame offers the most consistent thermal break in this niche of frameless sliding doors. This approach ensures that the product will perform flawlessly even in extreme temperatures, whether it's a hot summer day or snowing outside.
What has inspired me since day one is the Sky-Frame team’s incredible self-motivation. Employees go far beyond their job description every day in order to further develop the company, for the product, and—above all—for our customers all over the world. I find this to be unique and enormously inspiring. I am also very proud to be able to work for a company that is built on the values of “together,” “inspiring,” and “committed.”
A big advantage of Sky-Frame being an owner-managed family business is that we don’t have to grow as fast as possible at any price. For example, we can take our time to find the right companies to represent our brand and products locally. This is a stark contrast from the approach of building as many dealers as possible as quickly as possible. We strive for long-term, sustainable growth and are convinced that this can only be achieved if we partner with highly professional distributors who excel in their craft. Signature Windows + Doors impresses us greatly in this regard. The team sets very high standards for itself as well as for its suppliers, and is very connected and respected in the region. Signature Windows +Doors also invests in its own installation crew, which is a key factor for us. This team is trained by us, kept up to date on new innovations, develops a routine in the demanding installation of our products, and always takes responsibility for their work.
I have a second life away from the serious world of work. I spend most of my free time on stages across Europe with my band Drums2Streets, which is dedicated to elaborate percussion shows. We perform using self-designed and -built instruments that are primarily composed of building materials and recycled scrap metal. Touring with Drums2Streets is a brilliant balance with my work life, allowing me to slip into a completely different role that clears my head so I can draw strength for the serious business of everyday life.
That continuous improvement at Sky-Frame is much more than just a marketing slogan. It is truly a very central part of our DNA. Every day, more than 10 teams come together to inform each other about a micro-improvement that was implemented on the previous workday. This affects all departments in the company. Large improvement goals are thus achieved through the smallest steps, tirelessly, steadily, every day. All customers benefit from this. What is most special is the fact that practically all updates or new features on our products can be applied to all already-installed windows, meaning most of our products can be retrofitted. For example, our very first project installed in 2002 can be retrofitted with the new carriages developed in the last few months. This gives the customer an assurance that their investment in Sky-Frame products will provide great benefit over their lifetime.
To learn more about Sky-Frame windows, reach out to one of Signature Window + Doors’ expert representatives.