Arthur James Jr., the founder and president of Progressive Screens, is a leader in the field of motorized exterior screens. His journey began when he was just 25 years old, inspired by his father’s guidance and a strong desire to innovate. With these values, Arthur started Progressive Screens in 2002, with the goal of making life easier for people by introducing motorized screens for outdoor spaces.
At a time when motorized screens weren’t common, Arthur had a unique idea. He realized that people needed a better way to protect their outdoor spaces from sun, wind, and insects, while still keeping their spaces stylish. This led to the creation of Arthur’s first motorized exterior screens, which made it easier for homes and businesses to enjoy their outdoor areas with more comfort and less hassle. His innovative approach quickly made Progressive Screens a leader in the industry.
In 2017, Arthur took another big step by developing the MagnaTrack system, a new way to make motorized screens work even better. This system made the screens move more smoothly and quietly, making them even more reliable and easy to use. With seven patents and more innovations on the way, Arthur’s leadership has helped Progressive Screens become known worldwide for its quality, design, and performance.
Today, under Arthur’s guidance, Progressive Screens continues to grow and set the standard for motorized screens. His story is a great example of how passion, hard work, and new ideas can lead to big success.
MagnaTrack: The Game-Changing Innovation
At the core of Progressive Screens’ success is MagnaTrack, an innovative motorized exterior screen system that has redefined the industry. MagnaTrack stands out due to its patented floating track system, a design breakthrough that utilizes Neodymium magnets. These magnets enable multidimensional movement, allowing the screens to adapt to various environmental factors such as temperature fluctuations and changes in wind pressure. This feature ensures that the screens perform efficiently, even in challenging weather conditions.
Superior Durability and Performance
What makes MagnaTrack truly remarkable is its ability to offer unmatched resilience and reliability. Unlike traditional motorized screen systems, MagnaTrack significantly reduces common service issues, such as screen jams or malfunctions caused by environmental stressors. This long-term durability ensures that MagnaTrack performs at its best, even in high-wind areas, where other systems might fail. Addressing these common challenges has allowed MagnaTrack to establish itself as a reliable and durable solution for both homeowners and businesses, setting Progressive Screens apart as a leader in the industry.
Innovation: The Core of Our Success
Progressive Screens’ dedication to innovation has been a key factor in its remarkable growth. Since the introduction of MagnaTrack in 2017, the company has consistently focused on refining and enhancing the product. To date, four versions of MagnaTrack have been released, each one offering improvements in both functionality and design. This continuous development has allowed Progressive Screens to maintain its competitive edge, ensuring that it remains a leader in the motorized exterior screen industry.
Driving Innovation Through Feedback and Testing
The evolution of MagnaTrack is not merely a result of internal ideas but also a reflection of Progressive Screens’ commitment to listening to customer feedback and extensive testing. The company actively seeks out insights from both residential and commercial clients to fine-tune the product’s features. Whether it’s improving screen durability, enhancing motor efficiency, or designing for greater user convenience, Progressive Screens’ iterative process ensures that every new version of MagnaTrack is better than the last. This approach ensures that the system is always optimized to meet the diverse needs of its customers.
Staying Ahead of the Competition
At the heart of Progressive Screens’ philosophy is the belief that innovation is the key to staying relevant in an ever-changing market. The company recognizes that customer needs and technological advancements are constantly evolving, and by continuously improving its products, it ensures that it stays ahead of competitors.
Embracing a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, Progressive Screens has established itself as a global leader, delivering high-performance, reliable, and cutting-edge solutions that meet the growing demand for premium motorized screens.
Passion and Perseverance: Overcoming Challenges
Arthur’s entrepreneurial journey has not been an easy one. In 2013, One of Arthur’s four companies faced a major financial crisis that threatened the very existence of the company. The looming threat of bankruptcy could have marked the end of Arthur’s vision. However, instead of giving up, Arthur’s resilience and determination to innovate propelled him to take the necessary steps to rebirth Progressive Screens and design MagnaTrack.
His refusal to back down in the face of adversity became the turning point for the company, and his deep passion for innovation eventually led to Progressive Screens’ resurgence and transformation into the global leader it is today.
Building the Right Team for Success
One of the biggest hurdles Arthur encountered along the way was building a strong and capable team. As the company grew, so did the complexity of operations. The challenge was not just about developing a groundbreaking product but also about assembling a team that shared the same vision and commitment to excellence. Arthur’s leadership has been crucial in attracting talent that aligns with the company’s goals.
Today, Progressive Screens operates with a “Dream Team,” a group of dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to push the limits of what is possible in the motorized screen industry. Their collective expertise and passion for innovation have been instrumental in driving the company’s success.
Mastering Logistics for Global Success
Another key challenge Arthur faced was the logistics of large-scale production and the delivery of MagnaTrack systems worldwide. Managing the manufacturing process, ensuring quality control, and coordinating timely delivery for international markets required significant attention to detail.
Arthur’s strategic approach to logistics, including building strong supplier relationships and implementing efficient production methods, enabled Progressive Screens to scale and meet the demands of a global customer base. His leadership in navigating these logistical challenges has been pivotal in establishing the company’s reputation for reliability and performance, further cementing its position as a world leader in the motorized screen industry.
Milestones and Accomplishments
Under Arthur’s leadership, Progressive Screens has experienced extraordinary growth, achieving a 17X increase in revenue over seven years. The company’s success culminated in the acquisition of Progressive Screens by Hunter Douglas in 2020, followed by multiple other acquisitions of companies to round out the offering by Hunter Douglas Outdoor in late 2024 and into 2025, along with the opening of a new 138,000-square-foot facility in Dallas, Texas in 2025.
MagnaTrack’s international dominance is a testament to the company’s relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation. Arthur remains focused on future milestones, positioning the company for continued growth and success.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Arthur’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is rooted in his personal experiences and the lessons he’s learned along the way. His mantra, “never give up,” reflects the resilience that has been central to his journey. Starting a business is rarely smooth sailing, and the road to success is often filled with obstacles and setbacks. However, Arthur believes that the key to success lies in perseverance.
The challenges you face along the way are not roadblocks but opportunities to learn, grow, and refine your vision. The effort, passion, and commitment you invest into your business will eventually shape its future, helping it thrive despite the difficulties that may arise.
Innovation and Clear Vision
Arthur’s own success in revolutionizing the motorized exterior screen industry wasn’t just about working hard; it was about staying focused on innovation. He emphasizes to aspiring entrepreneurs that no matter what industry you enter, embracing innovation is crucial. You must always look for ways to improve existing solutions or offer something entirely new.
At the same time, maintaining a clear vision of what you want to achieve helps keep you grounded, even in challenging times. Arthur advises entrepreneurs to not only think about the present but to envision where they want their company to go in the future and how they can carve out a niche in a competitive market.
Setting High Standards and Creating Impact
Arthur also stresses the importance of setting high standards and striving for excellence in every aspect of your business. Whether it’s product development, customer service, or internal operations, raising the bar can help distinguish your company from the competition. For those entering the motorized exterior screen industry, creating something unique and meaningful is essential.
Arthur believes that true entrepreneurs create more than just businesses; they build lasting legacies. Focusing on uniqueness and constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation allows entrepreneurs to make a significant impact. A strong vision and commitment help businesses stand out while making a meaningful difference for customers and the industry.
Leadership Philosophy: Leading by Example
Arthur’s leadership is grounded in trust, collaboration, and empowering his team. By placing qualified individuals in key roles and fostering a culture of innovation, Arthur ensures that his team has the autonomy and support needed to excel. He believes in leading by example, celebrating achievements, and learning from setbacks. This positive, purpose-driven culture has played a significant role in Progressive Screens’ success.
Commitment to Social Responsibility and Sustainability
Progressive Screens is committed to environmental sustainability and social responsibility. The company prioritizes waste reduction in its manufacturing processes and ensures that byproducts are recycled. Beyond environmental efforts, Arthur has created a workplace that upholds the highest standards, ensuring fair wages and promoting the well-being of employees. This commitment to sustainability and social responsibility reflects the company’s dedication to making a positive impact both locally and globally.
The Future of Progressive Screens
As Progressive Screens enters 2025, Arthur James continues to push the boundaries of innovation, expanding the company’s global reach and solidifying its leadership in the exterior screen industry. With new products and solutions on the horizon, Arthur remains committed to creating high-performance, low-maintenance products that lead the industry. For Progressive Screens, the future is bright, with endless possibilities for growth and innovation.
Message for Youth
Arthur James encourages the youth to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation. He believes that success is not just about having the right idea, but also about the determination to follow through, even when the road gets tough. His advice to young entrepreneurs is to focus on building something unique, take calculated risks, and always stay passionate about their goals.
According to Arthur, the future belongs to those who are willing to push the boundaries, think outside the box, and make a difference in the world.
