United Glass and Panel Systems Inc. (UGPS), a glazing subcontractor headquartered in North Canton, Ohio, is the first company in Ohio, and the 50th overall, to earn North American Contractor Certification (NACC).

UGPS Leadership (left to right): Process Developer Brandon Raynor, Field Operations Manager Mike Airhart, Director of Project Management Joe Schultheis, CEO Tom Nesbitt, COO Bob Cummings
“It is great to get a certification, but our number-one reason to earn NACC was to fix some items we took for granted after being in business for 26 years,” said UGPS president Tom Nesbitt. “I learned a lot about my company, in pulling it apart and looking at inefficiencies. We’ve always considered ourselves the glazing leader in Ohio and it was important to get there first. We look forward to face time with our customers to explain what NACC means to us and to them.”
UGPS worked with NACC administrators over seven months to undergo a series of assessments and implement standard written documents, including a quality management system (QMS).
Nesbitt attributed his company’s ease in earning NACC with company-wide buy-in and incorporation of digital tools, including AutoDesk Build and Monday.comTM construction management cloud software.
“Doing a lot electronically was very helpful. We worked with every department to implement procedures from project management to inventory,” he said.
Since its 2015 launch, the NACC program has certified 50 glazing subcontractors in 17 states and Canada. More than 30 more companies are progressing toward certification in 2022.
“As we continue to certify contractors, they are driven to identify best practices and lessons learned and to share recommendations with others undergoing certification,” said NACC program administrator Jeff Dalaba. “As a result of this process, NACC is strengthening individual glazing contractors and motivating others in the industry to become better. NACC gives peace of mind to building owners, architects, construction managers and insurers. Hiring a credentialed glazing subcontractor reduces stakeholder risk by providing verified evidence of adherence to the highest standards and best practices.”