Constant and Never Ending Improvement

Since its inception by co founders William Barr and Michael Strmac in 2002, Universal Windows Direct has lived by the philosophy of CANEI – “Constant and Never Ending Improvement”. This philosophy holds true in all aspects of our business, from sales and marketing to installation and service and has catapulted UWD from a small, local home improvement company to one of the largest exterior remodeling companies in the country.

Every one of our employees strives continuously to be the best in the business at what they do and provide our customers with only the highest levels of sales, service, and support. We think our company’s history speaks to this goal and to the power of what we can accomplish by never settling.

Co-founders William Barr and Michael Strmac meet at The Diner on Clifton in Cleveland, OH to discuss launching a new business together. Universal Windows Direct is created from that meeting.

The first office location is opened in Akron, OH

Mike & Bill hire UWD’s first employee – Eric Sears

UWD relocates their office to Valley View, OH

UWD opens it’s first authorized retail (dealer) location

Qualified Remodeler Magazine – #129 home improvement company in the nation.

UWD relocates to Oakwood Village, OH

Qualified Remodeler Magazine – #73 home improvement company in the nation.

Qualified Remodeler Magazine – #46 home improvement company in the nation.

Qualified Remodeler Magazine – #32 exterior remodeling company in the nation.

Mike and Bill receive the Ernst & Young Entrepreneurs of the Year.

Weatherhead 100 award winner.

Qualified Remodeler Magazine – #34 home improvement company in the nation.

Qualified Remodeler Magazine – #26 exterior remodeling company in the nation.

Universal Windows Direct of Charlotte location opened

CEO William Barr featured in Small Business Magazine.

Qualified Remodeler Magazine – #31 home improvement company in the nation.

Qualified Remodeler Magazine – #16 exterior remodeling company in the nation.

Window & Door Magazine – 2012 Dealer of the Year for Excellence in Marketing.

Inc. 5000 – One of the fastest growing companies in the nation.

Qualified Remodeler Magazine – #28 home improvement company in the nation.

The UWD motto and jingle are born: You’ll be saying… “I Love My Windows!”

Qualified Remodeler Magazine – #16 exterior remodeling company in the nation.

Remodeling Magazine – #14 on the Remodeling 550 list

Voted a Top Workplace 2014.

Partnership with the Brian Hoyer of the Cleveland Browns

Qualified Remodeler Magazine – #29 home improvement company in the nation.

Weatherhead 100 Winner – #43 fastest growing company in the region.

William Barr, “Four Keys for Setting and Achieving Goals” – TEDx

Qualified Remodeler Magazine – #23 exterior remodeling company in the nation.

Remodeling Magazine – #15 on the Remodeling 550 list

Partnership with Joe Thomas of the Cleveland Browns

Qualified Remodeler Magazine – #20 home improvement company in the nation.

Qualified Remodeler Magazine – #17 home improvement pro list.

Launch of the Free Window Experience

Universal Windows Direct of Indianapolis location opened

Remodeling Magazine – #11 on the Remodeling 550 list

Qualified Remodeler Magazine – #16 home improvement company in the nation.

Remodeling Magazine – #9 on the Remodeling 550 list

Partnership with the Hue Jackson of the Cleveland Browns

Universal Windows Direct of Columbus location opened

Celebrating 15 years of service!

Partnership with the Cleveland Indians

Buy in July promotion is a huge success. UWD gives away over $2 million in home improvement because the Cleveland Indians win 15 games in a row

Voted a Top Workplace 2017

Universal Windows Direct of St Louis location opened

Remodeling Magazine – #7 on the Remodeling 550 list

Qualified Remodeler Magazine – #15 home improvement company in the nation.

Universal Windows Direct of Northwest Kentucky (Louisville) opened.

Qualified Remodeler Magazine – #11 home improvement company in the nation.

Remodeling Magazine – #8 on the Remodeling 550 list

Partnership with the Indianapolis Colts

Voted a Top Workplace 2018

Weatherhead 100 Winner

Partnership with Ohio State University Athletics

Renewed our partnership with Joe Thomas formerly of the Cleveland Browns

Universal Windows Direct of Pittsburgh opened.

UWD’s new home is designed to create a more fluid customer service experience while providing employees an exceptional place to grow professionally and personally.

Voted a Top Workplace 2019

Inc. 5000 #870 – One of the fastest growing companies in the nation.

Remodeling Magazine – #7 on the Remodeling 550 list

Qualified Remodeler Magazine – #10 home improvement company in the nation.

Universal Windows Direct of Chicago opened

Universal Windows Direct of Milwaukee opened.

Qualified Remodeler Magazine – #12 home improvement company in the nation.

Developed Virtual Consultations in response to the Global Pandemic – allowing us to continue providing service to homeowners while protecting both them and our employees.

Voted a Top Workplace 2020

Remodeling Magazine – #6 on the Remodeling 550 list

The Future

The future for Universal Windows Direct will continue to revolve around our philosophy of constant and never ending improvement. For our employees, this means always working to be the best, always growing, and always learning. For our customers, this means getting only the best quality products possible, at a reasonable value,…Read More

The Future

The future for Universal Windows Direct will continue to revolve around our philosophy of constant and never ending improvement. For our employees, this means always working to be the best, always growing, and always learning. For our customers, this means getting only the best quality products possible, at a reasonable value, and knowing that your investment will be protected for as long as you own your home with world-class service and support.

Customer Reviews

Since 2002, Universal Windows Direct has maintained a reputation for providing white-glove service along with the best value available on custom exterior remodeling services. See what our customers have to say.

“Installer showed up on time and called prior to arrival. He quickly and accurately installed the window plus cleaned up afterwards. I will definitely recommend Universal Windows Direct.”

Albert B. / Bedford Heights, OH

“Installer showed up on time and called prior to arrival. He quickly and accurately installed the window plus cleaned up afterwards. I will definitely recommend Universal Windows Direct.”

Albert B. / Bedford Heights, OH

“Very professional and efficient. They replaced 10 windows and a sliding door in our home in about six hours. We’re very happy with the product.”

Cody L. / Pittsburgh, PA

“I am very pleased with the service and the quality of my replacement windows. They look great. They look so great I decided to paint the laundry room and declutter it!”

Danielle L. / Chicago, IL

“I am very pleased with the service and the quality of my replacement windows. They look great. They look so great I decided to paint the laundry room and declutter it! ”

Danielle L. / Chicago, IL

“Very professional and efficient. They replaced 10 windows and a sliding door in our home in about six hours. We’re very happy with the product.”

Cody L. / Pittsburgh, PA
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