Laura Hahnefeld

As communications manager for Western Window Systems, Laura Hahnefeld is passionate about stories, whether about the company, its products, its partners, or its people. But the story of Hahnefeld’s immersion into the role she took over in January 2014 is one that Scott Gates, Western Window Systems president and CEO, likes to tell the most.

“I thought when I had to give up my marketing role, no one would be able to do it as well as me,” says Gates. “Laura isn’t only doing it well, she’s doing it better than I ever could have.”

From leading major marketing initiatives to writing copy for vehicles like video scripts, ads, and emails to internal communication, Hahnefeld has a knack for both big picture projects as well as more focused tasks. Her interest in data-driven marketing and technology has resulted in more targeted and meaningful customer experiences.

And when it comes to the core value of partnership, Hahnefeld doesn’t look at marketing as being just about advertising or creative. Instead, she thinks of it as a mix of experts from across the company. Most recently, she’s pulled a group together to take on the huge task of revamping the Western Window Systems website. Made up of team members from sales, supply chain, human resources, and product design and production, the Dream Team, as Hahnefeld calls it, is tasked with generating ideas, problem solving, and reviewing milestones.

“Laura’s got a lot of fans here,” says Gates. “And that’s a great testament to her partnership focus.”

Congratulations to Laura Hahnefeld, Western Window Systems’ manager of the quarter.

Learn more about Laura Hahnefeld by reading her Q&A below:

Where are you from?
Pontiac, Michigan.

What song best sums you up?
“Rebel Girl” by Bikini Kill.

What is your favorite sport to watch/play?
Baseball/tennis.

What are your hobbies?
Music, cooking, reading, tennis, movies, and puzzles (crossword and jigsaw).

Who do you look up to/admire?
The great authors of the world.

Where do you most want to travel, but have never been?
Oaxaca, Mexico.

If money was no object, what would you do all day?
Travel.

What is your favorite family recipe?
My grandma’s chocolate cake.

What is your favorite movie?
Goodfellas.

What is your biggest success up until now?
Marrying my best friend.

What’s your favorite part of working at Western Window Systems?
Learning and writing about the remarkable people behind everything we do.

What is one fact about you that almost no one else knows?
My writing was published in a book (twice!).