ODL Inc. Earns Top U.S. Honor for Strategy and Resilience

ZEELAND, Mich. – May 22, 2026 – In a testament to strategic discipline and long-term vision, Zeeland-based ODL, Inc. has been named a 2026 U.S. Best Managed Company. The prestigious designation, sponsored by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal, recognizes the building products manufacturer for its outstanding performance in strategy, execution, culture, and financial strength, placing it within an elite global community of high-performing private enterprises.

For over 80 years, the privately held company has specialized in bringing light and beauty into homes through its doorglass, entry door systems, and related products. This award validates ODL’s quiet, consistent approach to growth and stability in an industry often buffeted by economic headwinds and supply chain disruptions. The recognition is not merely a plaque on the wall; it is the culmination of a rigorous evaluation by an independent panel of judges, confirming the company's place among the top private firms in the nation.

The Blueprint for Private Company Excellence

The U.S. Best Managed Companies program sets a high bar, requiring designees to generate at least $250 million in annual revenue and demonstrate excellence across four core pillars: strategy, execution, culture, and governance. ODL’s selection underscores its successful navigation of these demanding criteria. The award celebrates companies that excel not just in what they achieve, but how they achieve it—with a clear, communicated strategy and the operational discipline to see it through.

"At ODL, how we operate matters just as much as what we build," said David Klein, President & CEO of ODL, Inc., in a statement. "Being named a U.S. Best Managed Company reflects the consistency of our strategy, the strength of our team, and our shared commitment to making lives better – for our customers, our partners, and each other."

As a privately held entity, ODL can pursue a long-term mindset often unfordable in the quarterly-results-driven world of public companies. This allows for sustained investment in innovation, manufacturing capabilities, and deep customer partnerships. The company’s estimated annual revenue of over $250 million places it firmly within the program's eligibility, but its success is measured in more than just dollars. It is measured in the resilience of its business model and its ability to thrive while staying true to its foundational principles.

Innovation as a Cornerstone of Strategy

A key component of ODL’s award-winning execution is a relentless focus on meaningful innovation. The company's tagline, Building Value into Building Products®, is vividly illustrated by its recent product developments. A prime example is its hurricane-approved fiberglass entry door, which was distinguished as a Best Product Finalist at the 2026 International Builders' Show.

This is not just another door. It is a system-level solution engineered for resilience in the face of extreme weather, designed to meet the stringent code requirements of High Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ). With thicker fiberglass skins, an impact-rated frame, and reinforced glass, the system is built to withstand wind speeds up to 140 mph. This commitment to performance in demanding environments showcases ODL's ability to anticipate and meet critical market needs.

Beyond storm-proofing, ODL’s innovation extends to energy efficiency and aesthetics. The company is collaborating with AeroShield Materials on a breakthrough aerogel-insulated glass technology that promises triple-pane thermal performance in a lighter, dual-pane design. This AeroShield technology, with prototypes expected by year's end, is set to surpass ENERGY STAR® requirements, addressing the growing demand for sustainable building materials. This is complemented by products like the ZEEL doorglass frame, which offers a sleek, screw-free appearance that enhances modern home design and simplifies installation.

A Culture That Builds More Than Products

Underpinning ODL's strategic and innovative successes is a deeply ingrained, people-first corporate culture. The third pillar of the Best Managed designation, culture, is arguably the most difficult to quantify but the most critical to sustain. ODL’s internal values—described as "Solid. Soft. Risky."—capture this ethos. Solid represents its stable workforce and financial health; Soft signifies a compassionate approach to employees and community; and Risky champions the innovative spirit to challenge the status quo.

These are not just corporate platitudes. The company is a certified Great Place to Work, with 82% of its U.S. employees affirming that sentiment—a figure that towers over the 57% average for a typical U.S.-based company. This positive environment is fostered through tangible programs, including a comprehensive benefits package with robust mental health resources, a performance-based bonus program, and tuition assistance.

Furthermore, ODL demonstrates a commitment to work-life balance, offering a 4-day, 10-hour work week at many of its manufacturing locations. This investment in its people translates directly into the quality and dedication required to navigate a complex industry. The company’s active community involvement, including volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity, reinforces a culture that extends its values beyond the factory floor.

Thriving Amidst Industry Volatility

ODL’s achievement is all the more impressive when viewed against the backdrop of the current building products industry. The sector is grappling with a perfect storm of challenges: persistent supply chain disruptions, sharp increases in material costs, and a chronic labor shortage. Geopolitical instability and transportation bottlenecks have created pricing volatility and extended project timelines across the board.

In this environment, ODL’s long-term strategic planning and strong governance have proven to be a significant competitive advantage. By investing in resilient supply chains, fostering strong partner relationships, and maintaining financial discipline, the company has demonstrated an ability to maintain stability and drive growth. Its focus on high-performance, sustainable products also aligns perfectly with major industry trends, positioning it not just to survive the current market turbulence, but to lead the way in a sector increasingly defined by demands for energy efficiency, durability, and digital integration. As the 2026 class of Best Managed Companies invests in digital transformation and AI, ODL's innovative spirit ensures it remains at the forefront of this evolution.