If you ask anyone at Pella of DFW/WTX what sets our organization apart, you’ll hear a common theme: our people—leaders who bring heart, vision, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Today, we are proud to announce that one of our most respected leaders, Tim Gilchrist, has been promoted to Vice President of Operations.

A Journey of Leadership and Impact

Tim’s story with Pella began nearly 20 years ago as a 2nd-shift Department Manager in Pella, Iowa. From the start, his passion for building high-performing teams and driving operational excellence set him apart. Over the years, Tim advanced through progressive leadership roles within the Pella system, including multiple relocations with his family. Each chapter of his journey reflects his ability to inspire, innovate, and deliver results—even in times of challenge and change.

Tim’s leadership journey also includes a significant chapter at Avanti Industries, a subsidiary of Pella Corporation known for delivering exceptional experiences for new construction builders. At Avanti, Tim honed his expertise in operational excellence, builder partnerships, and customer-centric solutions. His time there deepened his understanding of what it takes to serve the unique needs of builders and reinforced his commitment to raising the bar for customer experience.

After a brief stint with Cornerstone Building Brands as Plant Manager at their Dallas location, Tim returned “home” in April 2021 to join the Pella of DFW/WTX team. He brought with him a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective on what it means to lead in a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry. Since then, Tim has been instrumental in shaping our pursuit of providing an exceptional customer experience—leading the operations team with a steady hand and a servant-leader’s heart. His focus on developing his team and building future leaders has created a culture where growth and opportunity flourish.

Asked for his perspective on Tim’s leadership, Jamie Ogle, Principal of Pella of DFW/WTX, shared:

“Tim is an outstanding leader who genuinely cares about his team and the people around him. He consistently shows up, takes the time to understand each team member, and adapts his approach to support their growth and development. He has a natural ability to connect organizational goals with what success looks like in real, practical terms. Tim leads with preparation, discipline, and a commitment to continuous improvement, elevating the performance of both his peers and those he leads. I’m proud Tim is a leader in our organization and would like to congratulate him on his well-deserved promotion to Vice President of Operations.”

A Thought Leader in Operations and Systems

When asked about Tim’s leadership, Jared Canter, Vice President of Sales, said:

“He’s never afraid to step into something uncomfortable if it means learning something new and contributing at a higher level. Over the past several years, his impact has been felt across the organization as he helped us navigate and overcome some of our toughest challenges.”

Within the Pella Direct Sales Network, Tim is widely recognized as both a thought leader and an executional leader. His expertise in operations and systems, combined with a career-long commitment to process optimization, has elevated our standards and set new benchmarks for success across the country. Most recently, Tim has taken on the company’s technology strategy and execution and was also entrusted to lead our call center through a period of transition—further proof of his versatility and trusted leadership.

Reflecting on Tim’s impact, Trey Raney, President of Pella of DFW/WTX, shared:

“Tim’s addition to the team and his operational leadership and disciplined execution has allowed us to continue to scale the business at a rapid pace without compromising our customer experience. His dedication to a high performing and collaborative culture with his peers across the business helped him completely reorganize our operations department into the innovative structure we see today —one that continues to deliver exceptional customer experiences.”

A Leader at Work and in Life

Tim’s leadership is matched only by his dedication to family and community. Based in Wylie, Texas, he and his wife Emily have built a vibrant family life with their three children—Molly (16), Penny (12), and Tommy (10). Whether volunteering as a coach, supporting his kids’ various activities, or serving on the Wylie Economic Development Corporation board, Tim brings the same energy and integrity to his community as he does to our organization.

In addition to his senior-level role with Pella of DFW/WTX, Tim is an active member of the global leadership organization Vistage Worldwide and, in 2025, has been participating in Pella Corporation’s LEAP program, “Leadership Excellence At Pella.”

Looking Ahead

Asked about the future Tim will help the organization achieve, Canter added:

“Many companies struggle with a divide between sales and operations, but Tim has been intentional about bridging that gap and ensuring both teams move forward together. I couldn’t be more proud of him and this well-deserved promotion, and I’m excited to see where his leadership takes us next.”

As Tim steps into his new role as Vice President of Operations, we are confident that his vision, experience, and passion for people will continue to drive our organization forward. Please join us in congratulating Tim on this well-deserved promotion and in celebrating the next chapter of his remarkable journey with Pella of DFW/WTX.