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John Scalmanini: Tuned for Service

By Caitlyn Stair, Diamond Certified Research Reporter

John Scalmanini’s professional life wasn’t always headed toward home improvement. He originally planned to become a chef, but after spending time in the restaurant industry, he realized the demanding schedule wasn’t the future he envisioned. Looking for a career that offered a different lifestyle, he transitioned into construction management, where a mentor recognized his leadership abilities and encouraged him to pursue a different path. “One of the owners I worked for took me under his wing and taught me about management,” he recalls. “He said that’s the direction I should go in my career, so I listened.”

After gaining experience in general construction and successfully running his first business for a decade, John found himself drawn to the window and door industry. Rather than overseeing every aspect of building houses, he appreciated the opportunity to focus on one specialized trade that could make an immediate difference for homeowners. “I liked the idea of coming into somebody’s house and helping them upgrade their windows and doors,” he says. “It’s a nice, clean home improvement that people really appreciate.”

John joined Anderson Window & Door Installation as a project manager in 1998. Just over a year later, the previous owners moved on and he decided to purchase the company. Today, he continues to lead the family-owned business with the same hands-on approach that first earned him the opportunity.

John remains closely involved in Anderson Window & Door Installation’s projects, from helping customers select the right products to walking them through their completed jobs. He believes understanding each client’s goals is the foundation for a successful outcome, which is why he encourages them to visit the company’s showroom to see and compare products in person. “As good as websites are, a showroom really makes a difference,” he says. “People can look at, touch and feel options that they may not have considered.”

John believes exceptional customer service is what truly separates a small, family-owned business from a large corporation. Rather than navigating layers of management, his customers have direct access to him whenever questions or concerns arise. “We give a little more time and care to each job,” he affirms. “It’s a direct phone call right to me.”

A lifelong resident of San Jose, John appreciates everything the South Bay has to offer, from nearby beaches to mountain escapes. Outside of work, he’s an avid automotive enthusiast who enjoys restoring classic cars. His current project is especially meaningful: bringing his niece’s first car, a 1965 Chevrolet Nova, back to life as a surprise gift. He also owns and maintains a prized 1967 Chevrolet Corvette, which he has proudly rebuilt and driven for over a decade.

Whether he’s rebuilding an engine or managing a window installation, John’s philosophy never changes. “I believe in doing what you say and saying what you do,” he offers. “Keeping your word is the heart of a successful business. That’s how you build trust with your clients.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s the first thing you’d do if you could retire tomorrow?
A: I’d buy an RV and travel across the United States. There are so many amazing places that I’d love to see, and I’d also visit a lot of old friends who have moved to different states.

Q: If you could own any car, what would it be?
A: A 1969 Corvette L88. It was one of Chevrolet’s first true race cars. I watched them compete against Ferraris and Porsches when I was a kid.

Q: Would you rather be somewhere hot or somewhere cold?
A: Somewhere hot. I can spend all day at the beach, but cold weather is only fun for a little while.

Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: A little bit of both, although I’m becoming more of an early bird as I get older.