For Mike Howell, General Manager of Window & Door Pros, LLC in Charlotte, success isn’t measured by titles or accolades. Instead, it’s rooted in something deeper: discipline and endurance.
“The fruitfulness of one’s family life, relationships, and career,” Mike says with a quiet smile, “are largely defined by having kept at it—never giving up and always learning.”
Mike leads both a growing business and a lively home with his wife Katie and their three children: Henrie (9), Slaton (7), and Willie (5). Life outside the office is filled with youth sports, family routines, and the occasional Charlotte FC match. It’s a full life, and for Mike, it’s exactly where meaning is found.
When asked who shaped his perspective, Mike doesn’t hesitate. “My parents and grandparents. They taught me, through example, to be curious, empathetic, self-reliant, and resilient.”
But it was his father who left the most lasting impression. Diagnosed at a young age with a rare neuromuscular disease that affected his speech, appearance, and mobility, Mike’s dad faced challenges that would have discouraged many — but he never let it slow him down. Through sheer perseverance and brilliance, he rose to become one of the world’s most influential irrigation scientists, authoring over 400 scientific publications and making significant contributions to global agricultural practices.
Just as importantly, he became a tireless advocate for others with disabilities, using his experience to inspire and uplift. “He never once complained,” Mike shares. “He just kept going — and gave back every step of the way.”
Outside of work, Mike finds his balance in family dinners, cooking, reading, and making memories with those he loves most. He believes in structure, but also in grace. And the best advice he’s ever received? “Be reliable,” he says without pause, “and be present for the people who matter most. Because in the end, it’s not just about building great things — it’s about showing up, again and again, with heart, humility, and purpose.”
