About Us
Storm Smart Industries: The Recognized Leader in Hurricane Protection
Focused on Your Hurricane Protection Needs
We are Storm Smart Industries, based in Fort Myers, Florida. We are a group of dedicated hurricane protection industry professionals, with a history of customer focused innovation that has set us apart and ahead in the hurricane protection industry.
Quality People Mean Quality Service
With a commitment to quality and over 150 dedicated Storm Smart employees, we are proud to say that we now have in excess of 50,000 satisfied customers. We have served the hurricane protection needs of homeowners and businesses in several states, in Mexico and across the Carribean. Using state-of-the-art computerized ordering, manufacturing and scheduling systems, our highly skilled team members will exceed your service, delivery and installation expectations.
A Recognized Leader
As specialists in providing innovative hurricane product solutions to residential and commercial customers, Storm Smart has been recognized both locally and nationally for our contributions to the industry. Florida Governor Charlie Crist recently presented Storm Smart with the Corporate Award (read story) at the 2007 Governor’s Hurricane Conference. Also earlier in 2007, the Lee County Board of Commissioners issued a Resolution recognizing Storm Smart's contribution in publishing the All Hazards Guide, a 28 page comprehensive emergency preparedness brochure with maps and Emergency Contact information, thus helping residents of SW Florida to be more informed about hurricane protection. In 2006 the company was named by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest growing privately-held companies in America. This summer, we were included on the 2007 Inc. 5000 list as well. The Lee County Florida Economic Development Council has named Storm Smart as the ninth largest manufacturer across all industries in Lee County. The News Press newspaper of Fort Myers announced Storm Smart as a winner of its ‘Best In Class’ Readers’ Choice Awards.
Trust the Experts at Storm Smart
You can trust Storm Smart, one of the largest and most reputable names in hurricane protection, to provide you with the expertise you need in arming yourself and your home against the ravaging effects of hurricanes and tropical storms. By listening to the needs of our customers, Storm Smart has consistently led the hurricane protection industry in the introduction of product advancements and innovations long before other manufacturers. Storm Smart truly offers “Intelligent Protection”
Get Proven Hurricane Protection For Your Home
To learn more about which product is best suited to protect yourself, your family and your home, let a Storm Smart representative provide you with a free in-home consultation. One of our experienced project designers will develop and present a customized plan incorporating noticeably superior products tailored specifically to your needs and budget.
Meet Our Storm Smart Management Team Members
Chief Executive Officer: Brian Rist
Brian Rist is the President & founder of Storm Smart Industries and the inventor of the innovative Storm Cather Wind Abatement Screens as well as the electronic wind pressure calculator program. Since founding Storm Smart in 1996, Brian has dedicated his energies to customer service, product development, and company growth as well as community relations. Rist is also the founder of Storm Smart’s “We Care” program and most recently Go Energy Smart.
Brian is considered an expert in the field of innovate hurricane protection and is certified and licensed as a residential contractor, building inspector, aluminum contractor, mobile home installation contractor, lead abatement removal contractor and as a hurricane shelter evaluator. Rist devotes his time to serve on the Board of Directors for the Cape Coral Construction Association and the Lee County Building Industry Association. Rist was also a contractor for the “My safe Florida” Government Program.
Throughout the years Brian’s efforts have lead to many personal awards such as; The CEO of the month News-Press (10/2008), Governors’ Award, Corporate Leadership (2008/2010) and Small Business Man of the Year, South Florida District 2010.
Brian’s leadership and encouragement has afforded Storm Smart Industries to win many accolades including; INC 500/5000 fastest growing privately held companies 2006-2009, BEST OF Award from the News-Press 2005-2010 in two categories, and the Horizon Council Special Growth award (2008).
Rist has been married to Kim Rist for 25 years and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Operations Management, University of Lowell, Lowell, Ma. He is also the author of the “Profiting By Disaster Preparation” program and a featured lecturer on Disaster Preparation and Hurricane Mitigation.
Chief Operating Officer: Barry Feldman
A longtime member of the Storm Smart Team, Barry Feldman serves as Chief Operating Officer of Storm Smart Industries. He manages day-to-day operations, oversees all on-site personnel and coordinates the efforts of the Permitting, Installation, and Service Departments. Barry and his wife, Monica, love to camp with their two children, as well as skiing and playing tennis.
Official Storm Smart Industries Mascot: Major Storm
The official mascot of Storm Smart Industries, Major Storm can be found most days visiting Southwest Florida homeowners and ensuring they’re prepared for a full-frontal hurricane assault. Recognized as the ranking official in hurricane protection, Major Storm is militant about drilling his troops and ensuring victory against the war on hurricanes. When not spending his time preparing troops for battle, Major Storm enjoys polishing his boots, shining his mirrored glasses and working out.
Director of Information Technology: Parker Bradtmiller
A degree in Networking Technology and a passion for the technical, Parker has helped bring Storm Smart into the future. While managing our databases, applications, websites, and our web marketing efforts, Parker continues to study bleeding edge technologies that can help Storm Smart maintain it's competitive advantage. While not in front of a monitor, he likes to spend time outside enjoying the Florida weather.
Information Technology - Network Administrator: Wayne Kittle
Having moved here from the great white north, so he can wear shorts and flip flops every day, he brings over 23 years of technical and business knowledge to Storm Smart. Wayne has worked in several industries including manufacturing, automotive, financial, health care, and construction. His knowledge and experience has been helpful in several projects that have allowed Storm Smart to be as successful as it is. When he is not at work he can still usually be found in front of his computer researching some hair brained idea on how to revolutionize the world or playing World Of Warcraft.
Director of Operations: Mike Killeen
Our Director of Operations, Mike Killeen, coordinates the entire scope of operations, from product ordering to physical facilities management and product scheduling and installation. A former product installation technician, Mike brings tremendous experience to the team through his firsthand knowledge of installation methods, product requirements and code restrictions. Mike likes to golf and one day, hopes to be good at it.
Human Resources Coordinator: Virgina Ramey
Virginia Ramey - 'Ginny' has been with Storm Smart for over 8 years in various positions; including Executive Assistant, Office Manager, A/R and A/P and has been in the HR department for the last year. She was office manager for 3 years at another hurricane protection company previous to Storm Smart. On her time off she likes spending time with her family, reading, shelling, gardening at her beach home and walks on the beach.
Product & Software Specialist / Sales Trainer: John Lemonakis
John Lemonakis – In his role as Product & Software Specialist, John has developed many of the tools our Sales Staff use on a daily basis, including customized sales processing software, sales presentation programs and his fingerprints are on most internally-produced company collateral. John provides ongoing sales training to all Retail Sales Reps and is famous for his attention to detail, especially when using Photoshop to ‘enhance’ co-workers pictures!
John and his wife, Katja spend their time cooking, working in the yard and exploring Southwest Florida. John also has two teenage children, making life both worthwhile and very interesting!
Accounting Manager: Diane Rist
Diane Rist –With responsibility for Accounts Payable and other Accounting & Banking functions, Diane serves as a critical member of the Storm Smart team. She also coordinates account reviews with all vendors and suppliers, as well as participating in all Accounting team meetings. An avid camper and race fan, Diane can also be found boating in her spare time, and hanging out with her lovely daughter, Katie.
Installation Scheduling Manager: Hilda Provost
Hilda Provost - As Installation Scheduling Manager, Hilda coordinates all aspects of scheduling for installations, inspections, and service. She also coordinates communication with local municipalities regarding permitting and inspection issues. Along with her husband, Michael, Hilda is enjoying her role as grandma to her daughter, Jacey’s three children, Dylon and the twins, Emmy and Anna.
Data Entry: Maria Ortiz
Maria is our data entry expert. She has worked for storm smart for many years and her attention to detail is sharper than ever. She has been cross-trained on many different aspects of Storm Smart operations and is an integral part of our success. While not helping manage our data she enjoys cooking peruvian meals and watching movies with her daughter Caroline and husband Victor.
Purchasing Manager: Cliff Rice
Cliff works closely with our production staff to make sure that we have the necessary supplies to keep production flowing smoothly.
Floor Production Manager: Phil Miller
If you need custom, precision crafted, aluminum shutters - Phil's your man. Phil coordinates floor staff to produce Storm Smarts high quality hurricane protection products.
Chief Financial Officer: Ezequiel Ortiz
Ezequiel “Zeke” Ortiz is responsible for managing and overseeing the accounting and financing of Storm Smart. With a growing knowledge of finance and accounting he looks for ways to cut costs, handle customer issues, control production release, monitor customer accounts, collections and any other issues that may arise within his department. Zeke is currently working towards his MBA and eventually CPA. He loves outdoor activities and spending time with family and friends.
Field Supervisor / Inspector: Guy Fontana
Guy is the universal "Mr. Fix-it". He brings an arsenal of experience to our business. His primary responsibilities revolve around ensuring our installations progress smoothly and if any issues arise, to ensure the customer is taken care of quickly and efficiently.
Be Smart with Storm Smart!