FLUSHING, NY, July 9, 2018 –Crystal Window & Door Systems was recently recognized as one of the most notable family businesses in the New York metro area by Crain’s New York Business magazine. In the June 25th, 2018 edition of the magazine, Crain’s presented the winners of its inaugural Family Business Awards. Crystal was one of 15 family-owned and operated companies selected from a broad field of more than 100 nominees for their success and positive impact on the region’s economy. The winning companies were also honored at an evening reception held at Crain’s Manhattan headquarters on June 28.
Founded in 1990 by Thomas Chen in a small commercial garage in Queens, Crystal has expanded many times over the years and now has nearly one million square feet of production space across the country with more than 700 employees. Its headquarters remain in New York City where the company began. Crystal manufactures almost500,000 windows and doors annually, and its products are sold in over 40 states. The company is a perennial Window & Door Magazine Top 100 Manufacturer in North America, now ranking in the top third of the list.
Winners of the Crain’s Family Business Award represent many sectors of the New York economy including manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and service providers. Of the winning companies, Crystal is the largest manufacturer, and among the largest company in terms of revenues, number of employees, and national presence. Nominations for the award came from the business community, Crain’s editorial board, and from several local Chambers of Commerce and economic development organizations.
Thomas Chen’s son Steve joined the firm in 2003, taking on greater responsibility with each company expansion, and he was named President in March 2018. “Learning the business from the ground up from my father made me ready to take the helm,” said Steve Chen. “My father has always worked hard at making the business better every day, and this entrepreneurial spirit is instilled in all our employees.” Thomas is now Chairman of Crystal and its subsidiaries, and he focuses on business expansion opportunities as well as cultural foundations he established and other philanthropy.
Thomas and Steve Chen consider Crystal employees part of their extended family, offering skills training, managerial development, promotional and education opportunities, and competitive benefits. “We definitely believe in investing in our people, and many of our employees have been with Crystal for over 15 years,” said Steve Chen. “A lot of our customers have also been with us from the beginning, which is a testament to the skill and dedication of our team. We’re proud of the business we built and honored by the recognition Crystal has received from Crain’s and the New York business community.”
Crain’s New York Business, the leading New York business magazine, focuses on the New York business community, with important insights, analysis and opinion. Crain’s reports on emerging trends, interviews with thought leaders and industry experts, and covers commercial opportunities, economic changes, politics and more. The Crystal Windows’ story was featureda few years ago on Crain’sNew York Stories television show which aired on the New York City Life regional cable network. In 2016, Steve Chen was named to Crain’s 40 Under 40List as a young executive making a positive impact in the region.
