“Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” That’s more than just a motto for Donnie Darragh—it’s a philosophy that has guided him since the early days of Energy Swing Windows, which he helped grow from humble beginnings in his parents’ basement in the mid-1990s into the trusted local brand it is today.
Donnie has worn just about every hat at Energy Swing. He’s built windows with his own hands, installed them in customers’ homes, and now leads the company’s sales team with a deep appreciation for both the product and the people it serves. A photo of Donnie assembling the company’s very first window order still hangs in our showroom—a reminder of how far we’ve come and the hands-on work ethic that got us here.
To Donnie, sales isn’t about closing a deal—it’s about listening with intent, understanding each homeowner’s needs, and offering solutions that genuinely improve their lives. Whether it’s energy efficiency, enhanced comfort, improved safety, or increased home value, the benefits of replacement windows and doors are something Donnie never takes for granted. The best part of his job? Hearing the excitement in a client’s voice after installation—that moment of satisfaction is what drives him.
“Donnie has been in the business for a very long time—basically since childhood,” says Steve Rennekamp, President of Energy Swing and Donnie’s father. “He knows more about windows and doors now than I do. What excites me most about being his boss—and his dad—is his passion for doing the right thing, every time, for every client and employee. When I eventually pass the torch (not for a long time!), I know he’ll lead the company with the same customer-focused values we’ve built our name on.”
Those values—honesty, integrity, understanding, and a drive for win-win outcomes—are central to how Donnie leads, both in business and at home. He credits his wife Chrissy, his sons Cole and Paul, and stepchildren Ellie and Elias for inspiring him to grow every day—for his family, his coworkers, and the homeowners who place their trust in Energy Swing Windows.