My Father's Legacy and Andersen Windows & Doors
Growing up, I never knew just how much my father’s meticulous nature and passion for home improvement would shape my own life. Now, years later, being featured on Andersen Windows & Doors feels like a full-circle moment—one that would have truly delighted him. My father passed in January of 2022. Diagnosed with esophageal cancer, with only 3 months to live, we found hope and an additional year of life with Memorial Sloan Kettering. Ironically, this home was the last home design of mine my father would visit in person before he was less mobile. I specifically remember him standing at the base of this stair (without railings at the time) questioning whether he could make it all the way up. He did - and with Andersen’s article, I guess we both made it up in one way or another!
A Journey Through Time
When I was 14, we moved into a new home in Lyndhurst, NJ, leaving behind our old place in North Bergen. The new house needed a lot of work, which was typical for my parents. They had a knack for buying homes that required TLC, and they took immense pride in transforming them during their scarce free time. I vividly remember my father hunched over our Dining Room table (one that he had built the leaf for), armed with graph paper, an architectural scale from his high school drafting days, and a protractor. He meticulously drew a floor plan of the dining room’s triple window, which he planned to replace with an Andersen French Door—considered top-of-the-line at the time.
That French Door wasn’t just a functional upgrade; it was a statement piece. Andersen doors were synonymous with quality, and my father took pride in choosing the best. When it came time to replace the windows, he opted for Renewal by Andersen. By then, I was 16, and we tackled this project together along with my mother and brother. We removed the old sashes with counterbalance weights and installed the new windows ourselves. These moments were more than just home improvement tasks; they were bonding experiences that taught me invaluable skills and the importance of quality craftsmanship.
Bridging Past and Present
Fast forward to January 2023, when we tragically lost my father to esophageal cancer. Amidst the grief, I found solace in reflecting on the countless memories and lessons he left behind. Of all my/ Plan's accomplishments—whether it was the many homes we've created, the signs dotted across New Jersey, the awards we've received, or the magazine/TV spotlights—being featured by Andersen Windows & Doors stands out as something he would have cherished deeply. It’s a testament to the high standards he always set and the pride he took in his work. I could hear him saying, “I got a kick out of this.”
The Value of Quality and Craftsmanship
One of the most valuable lessons my father instilled in me was the importance of choosing quality over convenience. Andersen products weren’t just another addition to our home; they were investments. The meticulous engineering and reliability of these products mirrored my father’s own approach to life—always aiming for excellence.
Today, as I reflect on my father’s legacy, I am reminded of the values he upheld. Being associated with a brand like Andersen Windows & Doors is more than just an honor; it’s a continuation of a family tradition rooted in quality, dedication, and craftsmanship.
Check out the two blog pieces featured here: