Leading with Purpose: Meet Cole Adrian, CEO/Owner of Pella Denver & Northern Colorado

Cole Adrian is the CEO/Owner of Pella Denver & Northern Colorado, bringing nearly three decades of experience to the role. He is passionate about creating a positive workplace culture and making a meaningful impact in the community. In this interview, Cole shares his journey with Pella and his vision for the future.

Can you tell us about your journey with Pella? What brought you here, and what has kept you motivated?

I’ve been with Pella for 28 years—26 of those years at Pella Corporation and, for the last two, leading the Denver/Northern Colorado Sales Branch as an owner. My family and I have always been drawn to the Rocky Mountain Region; we love everything it has to offer, from the beautiful outdoors to the vibrant community. What keeps me motivated is the opportunity to build a great company with talented people. In Denver/Northern Colorado and now expanding into Utah, my focus is on creating an organization where team members feel proud to work, customers are proud to partner with us, and our communities can recognize and appreciate the positive impact we strive to make. This mission inspires me every day to grow and lead in a way that strengthens both our business and the people we serve.

What excites you most about the future of Pella??

What excites me most about the future of Pella is the opportunity to represent such a reputable and well-established brand. My previous roles on the Executive Leadership Team at Pella Corporation have given me an “inside view” of the company's values, operations, and long-term vision. I take pride in Pella’s distinguished past and feel a deep sense of excitement about its future. The synergy between Pella Corporation’s world-class reputation and our direct, meaningful connections with local customers creates unmatched values, something that truly sets us apart from competitors.

How would you describe the company culture at Pella Denver? What are the key values that drive the organization?

At Pella Denver/Northern Colorado, our company culture is embodied in what we call “The 3 B’s”: Be Proactive, Be Respectful, and Be Curious, Not Judgmental. These principles guide how we approach challenges, interact with one another, and continuously grow as an organization. Our key values include maintaining total integrity in everything we do, fostering teamwork and respect for every individual, and prioritizing the health, safety, and wellness of all employees. Additionally, we believe in celebrating our collective successes, reinforcing a sense of unity and shared accomplishment across the organization

What leadership principles do you live by, and how do they influence your day-to-day decisions as CEO?

I lead with Servant Leadership, believing great leadership happens by working with people.? I believe anyone can be the “boss”, but being a leader takes something more.? It starts with setting a clear, inspiring vision and empowering the team to make it a reality. I trust my people, encouraging them to bring their best ideas forward while supporting their growth and success. At Pella, employees know their work matters. We align personal development with company goals and create an environment where people feel challenged, heard, and valued. My goal is to unlock potential, remove obstacles, and foster a place where both individuals and the organization can thrive.