Meet Ben Rider
National Architectural Manager (NAM); Four Corners region
Glass may be the focal point of a building’s design, but to Ben Rider, it’s also a means for enhancing sustainability, collaboration and creativity in architecture.
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As Vitro's new National Architectural Manager (NAM) for the Four Corners region, Rider is bringing his unique perspective and experience to architects, glazing contractors and fabricators across Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah.
A Day in the Life
Rider’s days are anything but routine. His role involves collaborating closely with architects and contractors to select the most effective glazing solutions for commercial buildings.
“Every project is unique, which makes my work exciting,” he said. “I spend time helping architects match their design vision with Vitro’s glass solutions while ensuring they meet code requirements and sustainability goals.”
Building a Foundation
After earning a bachelor’s degree in real estate and finance from the University of Colorado Boulder, Rider began his career in customer service and quality assurance for his family’s property management firm.
“Working in real estate and customer-facing roles helped me develop a solid foundation for relationship-building,” he said. “Those experiences taught me how to connect with people, understand their objectives and deliver the right solutions.”
Seizing Opportunities
Establishing connections in a new market can be challenging, but Rider has embraced his new role head-on in his Four Corners territory. He said face-to-face meetings have been invaluable for connecting with people and building trust in the market.
Rider sees tremendous opportunities in the region’s architectural projects. “The Four Corners region is a vibrant market with a lot of potential, so it's been an exciting start" he said.
Fulfillment in Collaboration
For Rider, the most satisfying part of his role is seeing the tangible results of his work.
“It’s such a rewarding feeling to see a project fully come to life,” he said. “Knowing that Vitro products contribute to these buildings in a variety of innovative ways is incredible.”
He also emphasizes the importance of teamwork within Vitro. “The collaborative environment at Vitro has been one of the highlights of my experience so far," Rider said. "Everyone genuinely wants to help each other succeed.”
Outside the Office
When Rider isn’t collaborating with architects or mapping out project specifications, you’ll likely find him skiing down a slope or exploring scenic hiking trails in his home state of Colorado.
“I’m an outdoors enthusiast, so skiing, hiking and traveling are my go-to activities,” he said. “I also consider myself a bit of a foodie. Exploring local culture through food is something I enjoy.”
Support to VCN Members
Moving forward, Rider's primary focus is on elevating Vitro's representation and empowering partners through education and collaboration.
“I want the VCN audience to know that I’m here to assist with anything that helps them achieve their project goals,” Rider said. “We want our partners to feel supported every step of the way.”
For questions or insights, you can reach Ben at brider@vitro.com.
Photo credits: Jennifer Koskinen | Merritt Portrait Studio
