Power100 Names #61–#65 Best CEOs in the Nation for 2026, Celebrating Leadership, Culture, and Customer-First Growth
Power100 Honors Ranked CEOs #51 through #55 In The Nation...
Power100, proudly announces its 2026 rankings for positions #51 through #55
Power100 is the only unbiased third‑party platform that ranks the best CEOs and partners in the home improvement industry using a proprietary 5‑layer ranking system that reviews more than 7,600 leaders nationwide each year. In the 2026 National Power Rankings, Power100 is proud to recognize positions #51 through #55—five CEOs whose leadership, culture, and customer satisfaction place them among the best in the nation, not just in revenue, but in how they serve people and communities.
This announcement highlights John Kailian, President and CEO of Appleby Systems; Jayson Shortt, Owner and CEO of Desert King Windows; David Wilhelm, Owner and President of Lisbon Storm, Screen & Door Inc.; David Homavand, President and Founder of Pacific Exteriors LLC; and Chris Carey, Owner and CEO of Windows Direct USA. Each of these leaders is featured on a dedicated Power100 landing page that outlines their story, strengths, and impact, forming the foundation of this year’s rankings.
Greg Cummings, CEO of Power100, said, “These CEOs ranked #51 to #55 are proof that you don’t have to be the biggest brand to be among the very best—you just have to show up for your customers, your people, and your community every single day.” “Our 5‑layer ranking system looks at leadership, culture, customer satisfaction, innovation, and community impact, and leaders like John Kailian, Jayson Shortt, David Wilhelm, David Homavand, and Chris Carey set the standard for what that looks like in real life.”
#51 – John Kailian, President and CEO of Appleby Systems
John Kailian is the President and CEO of Appleby Systems, a home improvement company based in York, Pennsylvania that has been delighting customers since 1977 with best‑of‑class products that beautify homes, increase value, and enhance comfort. Under John Kailian‘s leadership, Appleby Systems has become a leading provider of energy‑efficient replacement windows and doors, known for quality workmanship, award‑winning designs, and a deep commitment to customer satisfaction.
The Power100 landing page for John Kailian highlights his extensive knowledge of windows and doors, his ability to guide customers through complex decisions, and his focus on high standards in installation and service. He is praised for building a positive, collaborative company culture at Appleby Systems where teams clearly understand the mission and work together to deliver reliable, customized solutions.
“John Kailian stands out because he combines technical expertise with a ‘people first’ mindset,” said Greg Cummings. “When you look at Appleby Systems, you see decades of customer loyalty, high satisfaction, and a culture that takes pride in doing the job right the first time—and that is exactly why he ranks among the top 100 CEOs in the nation.”
Appleby Systems not only focuses on home comfort and efficiency, but also stays active in the community, supporting local events like regional fairs and vendor gatherings that bring neighbors together. This steady presence, along with its long‑standing BBB accreditation, reinforces the trust homeowners place in Appleby Systems and in John Kailian‘s leadership.
Reflecting on the recognition, John Kailian said, “Being ranked #51 by Power100 is really a reflection of our team at Appleby Systems. Our promise has always been simple: treat every home as if it were our own and never compromise on quality or service.”
#52 – Jayson Shortt, Owner & CEO of Desert King Windows
Jayson Shortt is the Owner, CEO, and Licensed Contractor at Desert King Windows, a family‑owned window and door replacement company serving homeowners across Arizona, Las Vegas, and San Antonio for more than 25 years. Under Jayson Shortt‘s leadership, Desert King Windows has carried forward a family legacy built on honesty, personal service, and a family‑first approach into more than 30,000 homes.
The Power100 profile of Jayson Shortt emphasizes his “no bull” leadership style, his role as the Registrar of Contractors license holder for both residential and commercial projects, and his insistence on a no‑down‑payment policy that shows confidence in the company’s work. Desert King Windows backs its installations with a lifetime guarantee and relies on a strong leadership team—including COO James Cataldo and Arizona Project Manager Jonathan Stapleton—to maintain quality and consistency across multiple markets.
“Jayson Shortt represents the kind of straight‑talk leadership homeowners crave,” said Greg Cummings. “With Desert King Windows, what you see is what you get—clear communication, no surprise fees, and a long‑term commitment to standing behind every window and door they install, which is why he sits comfortably among the top CEOs in the country.”
Jayson Shortt has overseen the growth of Desert King Windows from its Phoenix roots to a multi‑state operation that helps homeowners protect and cool their homes in harsh desert climates with energy‑efficient solutions. The company’s focus on family values, ethical practices, and high standards has made Desert King Windows a trusted name for thousands of homeowners, many of whom return and refer friends and family.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by Power100,” said Jayson Shortt. “At Desert King Windows, our goal has always been to treat our customers like neighbors. We don’t ask for money up front because we believe trust is earned when the work is done right.”
#53 – David Wilhelm, Owner and President of Lisbon Storm, Screen & Door Inc.
David Wilhelm is the Owner and President of Lisbon Storm, Screen & Door Inc., one of Wisconsin’s largest Marvin window dealers and a leading provider of high‑end millwork products for both residential and commercial structures. Founded in 1945 by the Wilhelm family, Lisbon Storm, Screen & Door Inc. has grown from a small Lisbon Avenue grocery store side venture into a major regional supplier with annual sales exceeding $9 million and customers across the United States.
The Power100 landing page notes that David Wilhelm has built a reputation for customized solutions, attention to detail, and fair pricing, supporting projects from new storm screens and doors to repairs and specialty millwork. Under his leadership, Lisbon Storm, Screen & Door Inc. has implemented innovative manufacturing techniques that produce durable, energy‑efficient products while maintaining a strong focus on customer satisfaction and repeat business.
“David Wilhelm is the definition of a steward leader,” said Greg Cummings. “He took a family legacy at Lisbon Storm, Screen & Door Inc. and turned it into a modern, growing business that still feels like a local shop to its customers, and that balance of scale and personal service is rare in our industry.”
Lisbon Storm, Screen & Door Inc. is also deeply rooted in the Milwaukee community, recognized as a Neighborhood Fave on Nextdoor and active in local development, including partnerships aimed at converting boarded‑up foreclosures into affordable housing in collaboration with civic leaders and financial partners. This blend of business strength and community focus is a key reason David Wilhelm appears on the Power100 national list.
Commenting on the ranking, David Wilhelm said, “At Lisbon Storm, Screen & Door Inc., we’ve always believed that if you take care of your neighbors, your business will grow the right way. Being recognized by Power100 confirms that you can scale without losing the personal touch.”
#54 – David Homavand, President and Founder of Pacific Exteriors LLC
David Homavand is the President and Founder of Pacific Exteriors LLC, a custom exterior remodeling company that has become the largest residential residing contractor in the State of Washington. With more than 20 years of experience in the siding and construction industry, David Homavand launched Pacific Exteriors LLC in 2008 with a mission to offer the highest quality installations in the industry.
The Power100 landing page and the Pacific Exteriors LLC website highlight how the company handles all types of home exteriors—siding, roofing, windows, gutters, and exterior painting—while using top‑tier materials such as James Hardie to protect and upgrade homes in the Pacific Northwest, Portland, and Atlanta markets. The company offers interactive design tools, roofing cost calculators, and transparent estimates so homeowners can see colors, materials, and budgets before work begins.
“David Homavand has built Pacific Exteriors LLC into a powerhouse by obsessing over both craftsmanship and homeowner confidence,” said Greg Cummings. “From the first design preview to the final walkthrough, his team shows what it means to make big exterior projects feel simple, safe, and exciting for the customer, which is exactly what our rankings are meant to spotlight.”
Pacific Exteriors LLC showcases dramatic before‑and‑after transformations, demonstrating how thoughtful siding, roofing, and window replacements can completely change a home’s look, value, and safety. The team, including experienced leaders like lead project managers and estimators, is described as committed to making every project run smooth and stress‑free, further supporting David Homavand‘s reputation as a culture‑driven leader.
“Being named #54 by Power100 is a tribute to every installer, project manager, and office teammate at Pacific Exteriors LLC,” said David Homavand. “Our goal has always been simple: treat each home like a long‑term investment for the family who lives there and back that with the best materials and the best people.”
#55 – Chris Carey, Owner and CEO of Windows Direct USA
Chris Carey is the Owner and CEO of Windows Direct USA, a growing windows and doors company that serves Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, Louisville, and other markets with high‑quality, energy‑efficient products and personalized service. Starting Windows Direct USA in 2014, Chris Carey turned an early challenging start into a scalable, multi‑location business by building systems he could teach, train, and replicate.
The Power100 landing page for Chris Carey notes his strong focus on customer service, his commitment to listening carefully to homeowners’ needs, and his dedication to offering fair prices without sacrificing quality. Under his leadership, Windows Direct USA has installed thousands of windows and doors, improving energy efficiency and curb appeal while earning a reputation as a trusted choice in each region it serves.
“Chris Carey is a builder of both companies and people,” said Greg Cummings. “When you look at Windows Direct USA, you see a leader who invests in training, marketing teams, and community events—from veteran walk‑in shower giveaways to ‘Touch a Truck’ days—because he understands that great brands are built on real relationships.”
Windows Direct USA regularly highlights its culture and community involvement, including the “Stars, Stripes, & Showers” giveaway that provided a new walk‑in shower to an honored veteran and participation in local events like “Touch a Truck,” which connect families and neighborhoods. The company also emphasizes ongoing training for its field marketing team and sales leaders, showing how Chris Carey invests in growth and in helping teams better connect with homeowners.
“Recognition from Power100 as the #55 CEO in the country is a big milestone for us,” said Chris Carey. “At Windows Direct USA, we believe you earn trust every day—by showing up, by serving your community, and by never stopping the training that helps our people deliver a better experience.”
About Power100’s 5‑Layer Ranking System
Power100 evaluates over 7,600 CEOs in the home improvement industry through a proprietary 5‑layer ranking system that looks beyond revenue to measure leadership, culture, customer satisfaction, innovation, and community impact. Each CEO’s Power100 landing page aggregates data and narrative insights from company websites, verified public profiles, and industry activity to create a complete picture of how that leader runs the business and serves homeowners.
“Our rankings are unbiased and cannot be bought,” emphasized Greg Cummings. “We built Power100 so that homeowners, partners, and even other CEOs can see who is truly leading well—from #1 all the way to #100.”
For complete profiles of John Kailian, Jayson Shortt, David Wilhelm, David Homavand, and Chris Carey, visit Power100.