Our Frame of Mind

When Mike Reed talks about what matters most in life, he doesn't start with production schedules, deadlines, or managing a manufacturing plant.

He starts with his family.

As a father, Mike has always measured success differently. It's not about titles or accomplishments. It's about watching his children grow into hardworking, ethical adults who stay true to their values.

"Seeing my kids grow up and seeing them accomplish their goals," Mike says when asked about his favorite part of being a dad.

Those goals look different for each child, but the pride remains the same. For Mike, one of the greatest rewards of fatherhood has been watching his children build meaningful lives and families of their own.

The lessons he worked to teach them over the years are simple but powerful.

"Hardworking, being ethical, and working with their core values."

They're principles that have guided Mike as a husband, father, and grandfather. They're also the same principles that shape how he leads every day at American Frame.

Lessons Learned Through Fatherhood

Like many parents, Mike says fatherhood taught him lessons he didn't expect.

One of the most important was learning to listen.

"I'm not always right," he says. "There's other ways of doing things. It opens up my mind, not just with my kids or my wife, but with the whole team."

That humility has become one of Mike's defining qualities, both at home and at work. Rather than assuming he has all the answers, he believes in listening, learning, and creating space for others to contribute.

It's a mindset that has helped him build strong relationships within his family and earn the respect of the team he leads.

Family on the Production Floor

For Mike, one of the most rewarding parts of his American Frame journey has been watching his family become part of it. Shortly after he joined the company, his wife and son came aboard as well, each contributing to different aspects of production and strengthening a family commitment to teamwork both at home and at work.

"My wife has taken on a key role here," he says. "My son came on right out of high school and learned a lot. He took over the shipping area and has accepted a lot of responsibilities."

For Mike, watching his son grow professionally has been a great source of pride.

Having family at work has strengthened bonds that already existed at home.

"We're one of the few people that can separate work from family life," Mike says. "We're all one team."

While they each have their own responsibilities throughout the day, the opportunity to share part of their professional journey together is something Mike values deeply.

Bringing Family Values to Leadership

Five years ago, Mike joined American Frame as Shipping Manager and was promoted to Plant Manager in 2022. Today, he oversees the daily operations that keep orders flowing through production and fulfillment, accurately and on schedule. It’s a challenging position. Every day is different as is every order. No two are ever alike. 

His day often starts before sunrise.

"Usually, I arrive here on site between 4 and 5 a.m.," he says.

The early hours are spent reviewing materials, planning production priorities, and preparing the team for the day ahead.

But ask Mike what he enjoys most about his role, and he doesn't talk about schedules or production targets.

"I enjoy coming in and being part of the team," he says. "I enjoy interacting with the team. They're part of solving some of the problems that we may have or making things better."

The same qualities that define him as a father guide his leadership style: high-energy optimism, accountability, encouragement, and a belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to grow.

Team members often come to Mike for advice about production priorities, scheduling challenges, and problem-solving. His goal isn't simply to provide answers. It's to help people develop confidence and find solutions together.

"I believe in giving people opportunities to learn new skills and take on additional responsibilities," he says. "Cross-training helps team members grow their experience, build confidence, and step into new roles when opportunities arise."

That commitment to helping others succeed has helped create a culture where people support one another and willingly step in wherever they're needed.

"Mike keeps the working environment fun” says Mo, Framing Team Lead. He is an excellent motivator and keeps the team on schedule. We are all cross-trained so we can easily jump in wherever is needed, helping us keep quality and productivity high and stress lower."

Leading with Integrity

Fatherhood also shaped Mike's perspective on mistakes and challenges.

"Mistakes happen, and I believe they're opportunities to learn and improve," he says. "I focus on understanding what happened, finding a solution, and helping prevent the issue from happening again rather than placing blame."

It's an approach rooted in respect and trust, values that matter just as much in family life as they do in leadership.

During busy seasons, Mike focuses on maintaining positivity and reminding the team that success is something they achieve together.

"Keeping morale up starts with teamwork," he says. "I also try to keep the environment positive and make time for team activities, so work doesn't become all about deadlines."

Celebrating What Matters Most

For Mike, Father's Day is a reminder to slow down and show appreciation to the people who matter most.

"Whether it's a video chat or dinner, it means a lot to spend time with them."

That appreciation for family carries into everything he does. It's reflected in the way he mentors employees, supports coworkers, and leads the American Frame team.

This Father's Day, we're proud to celebrate Mike Reed, a dedicated father, husband, and leader whose example reminds us that the strongest teams, like the strongest families, are built on trust, integrity, and caring for one another.

Happy Father’s Day