Fun and interesting few days in New York for the annual AIA
show. I gained some excellent insight
and as always got to visit with the best and brightest in our industry. Before I get into the show review and all
that came with it, I have to say just the overall vibe of the Times Square area
is craziness. So many people, so much
going on. It never ceases to amaze
me. Also I did trek away from Times
Square for lunch at what I was told was the best pizza in New York- John’s on
Bleeker and it lived up to the billing. Also
kudos to my Uber driver who somehow crammed his car the tightest of spaces to
maneuver through the thickest traffic ever to get me out of town and to the
airport. Needless to say I could never
ever drive in that city.
Ok on to our world and the show...
The overall atmosphere out our industry and
the markets was exceedingly positive. Many that I talked with were very bullish
for the next 2-3 years showing excellent metrics and a strong foundation of
business and growth. That was exciting
to hear. It didn’t hurt that the
Architectural Billings Index (ABI) released during the show was excellent yet
again. So things are rolling and that is
something to feel good about. And yes I
should add the disclaimer here that this is all good based on nothing happening
at the political level- which quite frankly changes minute to minute anymore.
As for the show itself...
It was solid and better than past events
but probably still not what it should and could be. But for those exhibitors who suffered through
Orlando’s mess last year, they at least had something to hang their hat on this
time. Probably the issue with the show
that stuck me the most was the show floor was split with exhibits on the 3rd
and 1st floors. The 3rd
floor was huge, well lit, and featured a lot of very big names. The 1st floor was darker, featured
lower ceilings, smaller booths, and despite having big time companies there
just felt different. There was no
signage in either hall promoting there was another show floor and I know many architects
& attendees had no idea that there were 2 floors. I know a few folks on the 1st
floor had good shows, but I believe those on the 3rd did much
better. I just hate when trade shows
break up the floor like that- just not good or fair to anyone except the trade
show organizer.
Ok now on to the people and companies…
NGA had their booth
set up to answer code and technical questions with the brilliant duo of Urmilla
Jokhu-Sowell and Dr. Tom Culp and they were swamped. Loved the education approach because as we
all know, the more education and technical we can teach the architects the
better. EFCO was back in the show with a
very impressive booth and I loved visiting with Joseph Holmes for a few minutes
there. Very good guy! It’s been a while since I have seen Jerry
Schwabauer and Patrick Muessig of Azon.
They had an incredible product that they are working with Quaker Window
on that featured extremely high performing numbers thanks to their product
inside. It’s a new release from them and
you will surely be hearing more about that in the future. I love the continuing innovation path there!
More innovation was on display at VIG Technologies, they had
a very interactive display showing their Vacuum Insulating Glass in a heat box
as well as a cool acoustical box that really showed the performance of the
product. Vistamatic also had really
amazing pieces on display that impressed me on several levels. Their booth was striking and I give them
credit for making it work since much of it got damaged on the way from the
holding area to their booth spot.
It was fun meeting up with Ted Bleecker at the busy SuperSky
Products booth. Also seeing Brian Thomas
there was a bonus. Good company and
great bunch of folks. Obviously when it
comes to people I consider great, that is usually everyone associated with
Viracon. Nicer to me than I
deserve. Their show performance (busy & interesting exhibit) was impressive.
It’s absolutely awesome to have Dan Plotnick back in our
industry. Dan has been a favorite of
mine for many years and after spending a decade+ overseas, and time on the
residential side, he’s back at Solar Seal and the CGH companies. Great add there for them and I will be doing
a “Big 3” interview with Dan later this summer because his story is
fascinating.
I always love seeing the float people and seeing how they’ll
be moving the needle product wise in the next few years. The Guardian Glass booth was fabulous and
they had at least 3 pieces of very big news (Bird Deterrent Glass, VIG, Jumbo)
that will be positive disruptions in the industry. Thanks as always to the great Chris Dolan and
team for being so welcoming. Vitro also
was making news with their Acuity product (love the name, logo and look- don’t
doubt the talented Rob Struble as he nailed it again) as well as their push into bigger
sizes. Plus seeing my old pal Steve
Cohen there was very cool. Over at AGC there
was a bunch of activity happening but all I cared about was saying hi to my old
pal Matt Ferguson. Just hearing that
voice again- that very distinctive sound and drawl, made the show for me. Good to see him and everyone else there.
Wrapping up, I saw James Wright and his energy and positive
approach is infectious. Same with my
old pal Danik Dancause of Walker. They
debuted a new booth that was so beautiful and impressive that no one noticed
that incredible suit Danik rocked on day 1.
Folks that’s a good booth when that happens. I am sure I am missing a few that I should
be noting, but I think my head is still trying to acclimate to being back in my
sleepy Michigan town vs. the bright lights of New York City.
Overall very good stuff… Now all eyes turn to GlassBuild
America. That’s next and it’s going to
be incredible. I am irrationally confident about it and you’ll be hearing more
from me in the coming weeks for sure.
Elsewhere....
Because this review is so long, they’ll be no Big 3
interview this week. But stay tuned the
ones I have coming up I believe are outstanding and I am so thankful for all of
the positive reaction so far. I really
appreciate those who read and especially those who being interviewed for
sharing their insights etc.
Quick major congrats to Dan McCrickard. Dan is a class man and friend and he just
landed and excellent gig at ASSA ABLOY.
Strong company adds talent- love it!
Happy for you Dan!
Last this week- just a programming note… no blog next week
as Canada Day and the 4th of July holiday will be upon us. I will be back in this space the week of July
8th with the latest Glass Magazine review, Big 3 interview, and
more. I sincerely hope you and yours
enjoy whichever holiday you are celebrating and please stay safe!! (I hate
fireworks- please be careful if you are messing with them!)
LINKS of the WEEK
-- This story is crazy.
Iceland soccer with a massive connection to Canada
-- Free train rides- but really should be for life after this
right?
-- Deep and fascinating read on tracking the possible Zodiac
killer.
VIDEO of the WEEK
You know me- you know I love Rocky and the now the Creed
series… the latest trailer for Creed II is out… looks promising!
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