How Loss Fueled a New Beginning
Murph White, one of the founders and owners of Window HQ, began his career in the framing industry in 1982, transitioning to full-time work at 15 through a high school work-release program. By 17, he took ownership of the company when the owner retired. Over the past 40 years, Murph has worked as a developer, builder, product dealer, and installer, managing companies with over 80 employees across New York, Connecticut, and the New Jersey Coast, specializing in historical and high-end residential and commercial projects.
In 2012, Hurricane Sandy severely impacted Murph and his family. The storm not only destroyed their entire town, but their home and their business as well. They lost everything and were left with just the shirts on their backs. However, Murph was determined not to give up. He used his relationships, knowledge, and experience in the construction industry to help his community, family, and friends during this devastating time.
Murph partnered with Home Depot to open the first-ever disaster relief center and provided live storm content for an MTV telethon that raised over $3 million for storm victims. He collaborated with Coca-Cola on a Hurricane Sandy commemorative bottle, raising $500,000 for a nonprofit supporting storm relief. Murph also worked with nonprofits like Hometown Heroes and Helping Hands, offering housing, grants, and consulting, and co-founded a home elevation company that became the top grant recipient in NJ's RREM relief program.
Unfortunately, while dedicating himself to helping others, Murph's personal life and business suffered dramatically. He realized he needed to create a plan to move his family into a specialty business where his expertise and knowledge were needed. In early 2018, Murph, his son Jake, and wife Justina conceived the idea for Window HQ and moved to Southern California, six months before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Their business was shut down before they could even open, and Murph and his family had to take on any work they could find to survive.
Through hard work and determination, Murph and his family overcame the challenges of the COVID crisis and a cross-country move, growing Window HQ to two locations in Orange County, with affiliates in Las Vegas and Upland, CA, and a new showroom in progress in Los Angeles. Owners Murph, Justina, and Jake lead a team focused on delivering high-quality window and door projects that stand out from the competition. Their staff includes top product consultants and designers, with Jake White, Gregg Okoorian, and Murph White among just 28 AAMA and FGIA Accredited Installation Master Instructors in the U.S. They also offer training, certification, and consulting for contractors and installers, specializing in waterproofing and installation.
Murph credits his success to the unwavering support of his family. His son, Jake, and his wife, Justina, have been instrumental in turning the idea of Window HQ into a reality and a strong competitor in the California market.