Meet Lauren Black
Product Manager, Value Added: Marketing & Innovation
Pop quiz: do you know what “value added” means? It’s not as simple as it might sound.
For product manager Lauren Black, Ph.D., her business segment focuses on new products developed at Vitro that are outside the box of typical architectural glass products.
“Essentially I’m the product manager for everything that doesn’t fit into our regular or coated glass business,” Lauren explains. “Products that push the boundaries of what glass can do – that’s my wheelhouse.”
Since joining Vitro in May 2017, Lauren has been focused on developing innovative new glass products, starting in the Vitro Automotive business unit.
“In automotive, I was on the technical side of product development,” Lauren says. “I used my science background in a more straightforward way to develop products that met a particular want or need.”
Lauren’s science background is significant: she holds both a B.S. and a Ph.D. in chemistry, and her research interests focused on developing alternative energy solutions and preserving energy. In her professional work, Lauren has used her experience in developing solar cells to help create innovative ways to preserve energy throughout an entire building.
“When I was getting my Ph.D., I was creating a thesis and thinking broadly about my research, whereas in the real world I’m executing more quickly and things can change daily,” says Lauren. “This time next year, we could be working on an entirely different project than we’re working on right now.”
Growing from a product developer from the automotive business unit into a project manager in architectural glass was a challenge that put Lauren’s knowledge to the test, but it was one she met head-on.
“As a project manager, I have to think about what the market is looking for on the commercial side,” Lauren explains. “In product development, it’s about the science of the product, whereas in management, you understand the limits behind the science and try to challenge that in order to achieve your goals. This role is more about understanding what our customers need and want – and most important, how Vitro can make that happen.”
Lauren also observed that the language of glass spoken in the automotive division versus the architectural segment is different, and there was a learning curve when she made the transition. However, she was excited to take on a new role and embrace new opportunities.
“I want to be challenged,” Lauren says. “In this role, my work is always changing, and I’m being asked to go above the line and ask our team, ‘How do we make this better or faster?’ Our goal is to create the things that really excite our customers and make them say, ‘I didn’t know glass could do that!’”
Lauren’s division is currently focusing on developing products that accomplish two main goals: increasing client satisfaction and improving sustainability.
“The path toward sustainability is huge,” says Lauren. “We want to make sure we’re setting and meeting sustainability goals and doing our part across the board, especially with green initiatives and legislation in the spotlight now more than ever.”
Lauren recently spearheaded the launch of Solarvolt™ building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) modules, the first product of its kind to be manufactured in North America, which she says will allow Vitro Certified™ Network members to access the best product available with a competitive price advantage.
“Products I’ve seen and will be launching focus on being more energy-efficient and offering customers a better experience,” she says. “For example, you might not realize that your glass is keeping the temperature in your home or office more stable – or is even generating power – but it can and it will.”
Given her interest in sustainability and ability to tackle challenges, it makes sense that Lauren loves staying active outdoors. She’s always loved being in nature, and in addition to hunting and fishing with her German Shepard puppy Beretta, she recently started to practice yoga outside as well.
If you’d like to learn more about the latest developments from Lauren’s team and discover how Solarvolt™ BIPV modules can maximize your project’s energy efficiency, reach out to your Commercial Account Manager. You can also read Lauren’s Q&A on Solarvolt™ BIPV here.
