Nearly 40 years ago, Fred Mason was looking for a job when he heard about Wallside Windows through a family member. He didn’t expect to stay but - like many Wallside team members - he ended up making a career out of it. “I was looking for a job when I found that one,” he said. When he joined one of five crews of installers working with Wallside, Founder Martin Blanck (or Mr. Blanck, as Fred refers to him) was still on site. It’s only continued to grow.
One of Fred Mason’s favorite things to do is travel.
With a career that spans nearly four decades, he’s had some memorable jobs. Fred installed the windows for one of the former athletic directors at the University of Michigan. He’s also had the opportunity to travel all around Michigan for different jobs, including an installation in the Houghton-Hancock area for two weeks last summer.
Fred lives in Taylor and is the father of three and grandfather to eight. He recently took some time from his vacation in Florida - where he tied the knot - to answer some questions about his career, his interests, and what’s kept him with Wallside all these years.
Fred Mason
When did you start installing windows for Wallside?
“I’ve been (working) with Wallside for 38 years. I was there before Stuart Blanck. Stanford Blanck was already there. Mr. Blanck was still in charge and he was just a super person. He mainly cared about his customers and us.
I was 24 (when I started) and I’m 63 now. Next year will be 40 years then I'm quitting (he laughs).”
What has kept you working with the company all of these years?
“I could put a window in a guy's house and if he had a problem with it, I wouldn't have to worry about it because it would be fixed. Because Wallside takes care of any problems. If we have a problem on the job, Wallside sends a new window out or whatever we need. We know things will be fixed and taken care of and we don't mind recommending it to our friends. If you have a problem Wallside will come out and fix it and that's one of the reasons why I stayed here, it was just a good place to be.”
What were you doing before you started installing windows for Wallside?
“I was a roofer and I was in the Navy before that.”
How long were you with the Navy?
“Four years.”
Did you get to travel?
“Oh yes, a lot [I went to] Pakistan, Singapore, Hong Kong, the Philippines.”
Which place did you like the best?
“Hong Kong.”
What was your rank?
“E5. I was a radar man.”
What do you like to do in your spare time?
“I like to travel, I actually travel all the time. I take a couple months off here and there, go to New Jersey, Arizona. Today I'm in Florida.”
Is there anything you’d like to add about your time at Wallside?
“I like the new attitude ever since Chief of Staff Adam Blanck came on. He's really lightened it up there. They do Halloween and birthday parties for the employees and just fun things.”
Ready to have your windows installed? Fred Mason might be the guy installing your new windows. Call today to ask about, or schedule your free estimate.
