Power100 Names #66–#70 Best Home Improvement CEOs in the Nation for 2026: Elite Leaders in Windows, Doors, and Exterior Remodeling
Power100, proudly announces its 2026 rankings for positions #66 through #70
Power100 is the only unbiased third‑party platform that ranks the best CEOs and preferred partners in the home improvement industry, using a rigorous 5‑layer proprietary ranking system built on leadership, culture, customer experience, community impact, and sustainable growth. From a data set of more than 7,600 qualified CEOs nationwide, only 100 leaders earn a place on the 2026 national list, with each position reflecting measurable proof of performance rather than paid placement or self‑nomination.
Today, Power100 is proud to recognize the #66 to #70 best CEOs in the nation for 2026—Robert Watts of RJW Exteriors, Derek Thexton of Southern Industries Home Improvements, Steve Rennekamp of Energy Swing Windows, Sean Gerathy of Absolute Window & Door, and Mark Nichols of Taylors Window & Screen—leaders whose companies are redefining what trust, craftsmanship, and customer care look like for homeowners in their communities.
Power100’s 5‑Layer Ranking Standard
Power100 evaluates each CEO through five integrated layers: leadership excellence, company culture, customer experience, community and industry impact, and sustainable, disciplined growth over time. Rankings are drawn from an exclusive national database of 7,600+ CEOs, combining public data, independent research, customer feedback, and company performance metrics to ensure an objective hierarchy of the industry’s best.
“Homeowners don’t just buy windows, doors, roofs, or siding—they buy trust, communication, and the promise that a company will stand behind its work,” says Greg Cummings, CEO of Power100. “Robert, Derek, Steve, Sean, and Mark are ranked #66 through #70 because they’ve built cultures where that promise isn’t a slogan—it shows up every day in how they lead their teams and serve homeowners.”
#66 – Robert Watts, Owner of RJW Exteriors
Robert Watts is the President and CEO of RJW Exteriors, a veteran‑owned exterior remodeling company that has been serving Northern New Jersey homeowners since 1994 with windows, doors, and roofing. Under his leadership, RJW Exteriors has become a trusted, white‑glove remodeler known for honesty, integrity, and communication, with thousands of projects completed across New Jersey communities like Lake Hopatcong, Sparta, and Newton.
Robert founded RJW Exteriors at a young age and learned the trades working alongside his father, a roofer, combining hands‑on experience with artistic attention to detail and precise project management. His background as an Eagle Scout and Desert Storm Navy veteran has shaped a leadership style grounded in discipline, service, and accountability, which he uses to lead a team of skilled contractors focused on exceeding client expectations on every project.
Under Robert’s direction, RJW Exteriors has become a go‑to remodeler for energy‑efficient windows, durable roofing, and premium doors, installing high‑performance products from brands like Home Guard, ProVia, and CertainTeed and backing them with lifetime installation coverage. The company maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has earned the prestigious Guildmaster Award in both 2024 and 2025, recognizing exceptional customer satisfaction and service quality year after year.
Recent recognition includes the 2025 Guildmaster Award from GuildQuality—following the 2024 win—highlighting a sustained culture of craftsmanship and homeowner care. “Winning this prestigious award in both 2024 and 2025 is a true testament to our team’s dedication to customer satisfaction and quality workmanship,” the RJW Exteriors team shared, thanking homeowners for their trust and support while committing to “raising the bar year after year.”
The company’s customer experience is defined by what they call “precision, professionalism, and pride in every install,” with window replacement projects handled by expert crews that emphasize craftsmanship, attention to detail, and long‑term durability. Homeowners consistently describe RJW Exteriors as professional, caring, and meticulous, praising the team for clear communication, thorough clean‑up, and a process that is “professional from start to finish.”
“Robert has built RJW Exteriors into the kind of company every veteran homeowner wants at their house: disciplined, honest, and obsessed with doing the job right,” says Greg Cummings. “You see his leadership in the details—from the way his team talks about ‘white glove’ service to the way customers describe feeling cared for, not just sold to.”
Reflecting on his journey, Robert Watts notes, “I’ve always believed that if you treat a homeowner’s exterior like it’s your own, you’ll earn their trust for life. Our team doesn’t leave until the job is done to the same standard we would want for our own families.”
RJW’s culture extends beyond job sites to internal traditions and team‑focused events; leadership regularly highlights the “hardworking, passionate individuals” who make the company’s success possible, emphasizing that great projects are built on teamwork and shared values. That blend of veteran‑led discipline, customer‑centric service, and a culture of gratitude is why Power100 ranks Robert Watts as the #66 CEO in the nation for 2026.
#67 – Derek Thexton, President & CEO of Southern Industries Home Improvements
Derek Thexton serves as President & CEO of Southern Industries Home Improvements, one of the Southeast’s largest and most respected home improvement operations, completing more than 8,500 jobs annually across 13 markets in Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, and North Carolina. The company operates as the parent brand for 18+ home improvement companies and has completed over 350,000 jobs for more than 240,000 households, with an unusually high percentage of customers returning for additional work.
When founder Jim Felton considered transitioning leadership of the Augusta‑based company he started in 1967, outside capital was an option, but the deal fell through—opening the door for Derek Thexton to step in and lead the next chapter of growth. Under Derek’s leadership, Southern Industries Home Improvements has scaled across the Southeast while maintaining a strong reputation for integrity, customer service, and long‑term relationships.
Derek Thexton is known for his commitment to continuous personal and organizational growth, working with executive coach Jeff Foley to become what he calls “a far more effective coach, organizer, critical thinker and overall leader.” He has cascaded those teachings throughout the organization, creating a unified leadership culture that drives “unprecedented growth and performance as a respected industry leader.”
Southern Industries Home Improvements maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, with 36 years of accreditation dating back to 1989 and 4.5‑star performance across more than 1,300 customer reviews—indicators of both ethical business practices and consistent service excellence. Approximately half of the company’s customers return for additional projects, an extraordinary result in an industry where many products—like siding, roofing, sunrooms, decks, and baths—are typically purchased only once.
Customer stories bring that performance to life. One long‑time homeowner shared that Southern Industries Home Improvements installed windows, a one‑of‑a‑kind front door, gutters with gutter guards, and full siding replacement, and noted that the home “looked like a million bucks” after completion. The homeowner also reported a drop in daily energy usage from 60–70 kWh to about 25 kWh after the siding project, calling the energy savings “proof in the app” and saying they have recommended the company since 2018 and will continue to do so.
As an active member of the Horry Georgetown Home Builders Association, Southern Industries Home Improvements aligns itself with a regional network dedicated to integrity and community within the home building industry, helping homeowners find trusted local partners for their projects. “This is what Southern Industries is all about,” the company notes. “Serving our community with reliable home improvement products and installations, all while building relationships that last a lifetime.”
“Derek has transformed a strong regional brand into a leadership culture that scales,” says Greg Cummings. “When half of your customers come back for more work in a one‑time‑purchase category, that’s not marketing—it’s leadership, consistency, and trust over many years.”
Reflecting on his role, Derek Thexton emphasizes coaching and culture: “My job is to build leaders who build teams who serve homeowners at the highest level. When we invest in our people, our customers feel it in every interaction.” That leadership philosophy and the company’s long‑term performance place Derek at #67 on Power100’s 2026 list.
#68 – Steve Rennekamp, President of Energy Swing Windows
Steve Rennekamp is the President of Energy Swing Windows, a Pittsburgh‑area company specializing in custom windows, doors, and basement finishing solutions designed around long‑term performance and homeowner peace of mind. Since founding the company in 1999, Steve has built one of the region’s most respected brands in window and door replacement, backed by deep product expertise and a relentless focus on doing the right thing for each customer.
Energy Swing Windows is known for its Triple Lifetime Warranty—covering product, installation, and future service for as long as the homeowner lives in the home—with no manufacturer runaround or middlemen. The company manufactures windows locally in Murrysville, Pennsylvania, employs its own full‑time installers, and positions itself as the right fit for homeowners who value quality materials, skilled installation, and transparent, no‑pressure guidance over the lowest possible price.
Under Steve’s leadership, Energy Swing Windows has earned an unprecedented five Better Business Bureau Torch Awards for Business Ethics, a citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and multiple consecutive Platinum Plus awards from manufacturer partner ProVia. The company has also raised over $30,000 in a single year for Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) through its “Creating Breakthroughs One Window at a Time” campaign, becoming the number‑one corporate sponsor for the organization in Western Pennsylvania.community.
Steve credits the company’s success to what he calls a “customer first” policy that has held firm for more than 25 years, even when it comes at a cost. In one story highlighted publicly, Energy Swing Windows absorbed an $8,200 loss to replace a door correctly after a supplier shipped the wrong size twice—because, as Steve put it, “under the circumstances, it was the right thing to do,” and that kind of response builds long‑term trust.
“Our team shares one vision: serving the homeowner the best way we can,” says Steve Rennekamp. He is widely regarded as an excellent communicator and collaborator who clearly articulates the company’s vision, builds strong relationships with customers and suppliers, and invests in technology and automation to increase efficiency and value for homeowners.
The culture inside Energy Swing Windows is equally distinctive. The company recently honored its entire window and door installation team with a “Raving Fan” award, recognizing crew members who work outdoors in all seasons while maintaining high standards of safety, professionalism, and craftsmanship. The team also celebrated milestones ranging from one year to 26 years of service and surpassed 700 Google reviews, reflecting both employee loyalty and customer enthusiasm.
“Steve represents ethics in action,” says Greg Cummings. “Five BBB Torch Awards, local manufacturing, employee installers, and a Triple Lifetime Warranty—all of that flows from a simple conviction: do what’s right for the homeowner, even when it costs you in the short term.”
As Steve summarizes it: “We believe in providing our customers with a personalized experience that meets their unique needs and exceeds their expectations.” That combination of ethics, innovation, and customer‑first culture earns Steve Rennekamp the #68 spot on Power100’s 2026 list.
#69 – Sean Gerathy, Owner of Absolute Window & Door
Sean Gerathy leads Absolute Window & Door, a locally owned and operated impact window and door specialist serving homeowners in Sarasota, Venice, and surrounding Florida communities. Under Sean’s leadership, the company has become known for high‑end impact products, meticulous installation, and a culture that celebrates both customer satisfaction and team longevity.
Inside Absolute Window & Door, Sean is described by his team as an intelligent, compassionate leader with integrity—“magnanimous, dedicated and honest,” and “honorable, respectful & committed.” The company explicitly states that Sean is “committed to ABSOLUTE customer satisfaction,” a standard reflected in its hundreds of five‑star reviews and repeat referrals.
In one recent milestone, Absolute Window & Door celebrated reaching 563 five‑star Google reviews, pausing day‑to‑day operations to recognize both customers and team members. The company honored birthdays and work anniversaries from one year all the way to 15 years, highlighting the depth of experience and heart under one roof and reinforcing that the people behind the projects are central to its success.
Customers consistently praise the company’s professionalism and thoroughness. One homeowner, highlighting an impact glass lanai slider project, described Absolute Window & Door as “the definition of quality & service from start to finish,” noting that every step—from showroom, permitting, and installation to clean‑up and inspection—was smooth, detailed, and well‑communicated. That same review singled out the installation team as “rock stars” who protected furniture and floors, answered every question, and left the space spotless.
The culture Sean has built extends beyond work into community and team‑building. The company recently celebrated a major win by its men’s softball team in the Venice FSA Softball League, earning a championship in only its second season—a lighthearted symbol of the teamwork, grit, and pride that also show up on job sites. “From protecting homes by day to bringing home trophies by night, this team knows how to get it done,” the company shared with customers.
“Sean leads with heart and standards,” says Greg Cummings. “When your installers are winning championships together at night and your customers are leaving 500‑plus five‑star reviews by day, you know you’re looking at a culture that takes pride in every detail.”
Reflecting on his philosophy, Sean Gerathy emphasizes people and process: “We’ve built Absolute Window & Door on the idea that every homeowner deserves the same care we’d want for our own families—clear communication, precision installs, and a team that will be here for the long haul.” That focus on culture, quality, and community impact earns Sean the #69 position on Power100’s 2026 ranking.
#70 – Mark Nichols, President of Taylors Window & Screen
Mark Nichols is the President of Taylors Window & Screen, a home improvement company specializing in high‑quality windows and doors for homeowners in the Asheville, Columbia, and Greenville markets. Under Mark’s leadership, Taylors has become a trusted regional name, known for its expertise in window and door installation, repair, and replacement, as well as its commitment to energy efficiency and long‑term durability.
Taylors Window & Screen focuses on delivering products that enhance comfort, performance, and curb appeal while helping homeowners reduce energy costs. Mark has championed the adoption of innovative technologies and processes that improve both energy efficiency and product longevity, resulting in higher customer satisfaction and repeat business across the company’s expanding footprint.
Power100’s research highlights how Mark Nichols has successfully led Taylors through growth while preserving a service‑driven, local feel. By expanding into multiple markets and maintaining tight quality control over product and installation standards, Mark has positioned Taylors Window & Screen as a reliable partner for both residential and commercial projects in the Carolinas.
“Mark has quietly built one of the Southeast’s most trusted window and door operations,” says Greg Cummings. “What stands out is his commitment to continuous improvement—upgrading technology, refining processes, and never losing sight of the homeowner’s experience at the center of it all.”
For his part, Mark Nichols frames success in simple terms: “At Taylors Window & Screen, we succeed when our homeowners feel a real difference—quieter rooms, more comfortable spaces, and the reassurance that their investment will last.” That balance of technical excellence, regional impact, and customer‑driven innovation secures Mark the #70 spot on Power100’s 2026 list.
Why #66–#70 Matter for Homeowners
Positions #66 through #70 on the Power100 list are not entry‑level spots; they represent elite leadership in a field of thousands, where every ranked CEO has already cleared a very high bar for performance, culture, and customer satisfaction. What distinguishes Robert Watts, Derek Thexton, Steve Rennekamp, Sean Gerathy, and Mark Nichols is how consistently their companies turn values into homeowner outcomes—measured in reviews, repeat business, awards, and community recognition.
“For homeowners, these rankings are a shortcut to trust,” says Greg Cummings. “When you see a CEO on the Power100 list, you’re seeing evidence—years of culture‑building, thousands of projects, and a track record of doing right by customers, employees, and communities.”