Saturday, July 06, 2019

Free Agency

So the NBA is in the middle of free agency where player’s contracts expire and they can move to a new team.  It also seems to be the same way in our industry with a ton of folks moving from one company to another in the last several weeks.  Change can be good and refreshing but I have to say this is the most movement I have seen in a short time in my years in this industry.  It will be interesting to see if our movement continues or if this was just a blip on the radar.  And meanwhile yes I am thrilled that Kawhi Leonard went to the Clippers vs. the Lakers. 

Elsewhere…

--  The Architectural Billings Index barely stayed in positive zone last month, but it did.  The Northeast is the drag right now, which will be something to watch next year to see if they get softer in those areas.  The big news?  Firms that specialize in commercial and architectural were up nicely- so that bodes well for the majority of our industry.

--  If you are coming to GlassBuild (and you better be) time is PERFECT to register NOW because the contest that is running currently is an awesome one.  Register before July 18th and you’ll be entered into a drawing for a custom VIP Tour of the fascinating Mercedes Benz Stadium right next to where GlassBuild is held.  This stadium is incredible and well worth seeing.  Major props to the great folks from Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope and Clover Architectural Products.  The supplied their products on and inside the building and they are sponsoring this contest and helping with the tours.  This is a great way to round out your Atlanta trip- so register and get in the contest!! 

--  Also on GlassBuild… initial schedule for EXPRESS LEARNING is out and guess what… I am not on it!  So the education won’t be sullied by my presence this year.  There’s a ton there but the one right now that I think will draw a massive crowd is Chris Phillips laying out “Best and Most Interesting Shower Enclosures” of 2019. I have been seeing some of the candidates he may show and if you’re in the shower game, its worth seeing what made the lists- plus Chris is all over the trends too- don’t miss it.

Big 3 Interview
Wardi Bisharat, Architectural Glass Sales at PRL Glass Systems and Aluminum.

I was really lucky to get to work with Wardi when I was at Vitro America years ago.  Wardi is not only one of the most talented people in our business but she’s also a really cool person too.  To me she was always upbeat and positive and she has an energy about her that just exudes greatness.  When I asked her to do this interview she noted she’s different in person than on paper- but I disagree- she’s right on track with the insights. (The rise of laminated- so on target)  And she’s solves the debate that some people may have on who’s got the best French Fries out there…

Possibly an easy one to start… What are some of the biggest differences in architectural glass space now vs. when you started? 

·      The quantity of furnaces and glass fabricators.
·      The vast variety of low-e coatings and the availability of coating on various substrates; exotics (I love that word)
·      The rise in demand for laminated options.
·      I have had the privilege of exceptional training over the years to keep up with the changing products.

You’ve been at PRL for almost 2 years now after several years at companies owned by large ownership groups.  What’s it like to be back in family business style of ownership?  Was there any adjusting needed to settle in at PRL?

We have 4 owners and over 500 employees at one location. It is a very impressive operation with an amazing amount of talent. The owners are hands on and work as hard if not harder than the rest of us here.
I did not bring a backlog with me and started from zero, as you know in our commercial world it can take 2 + years from time of bid to start of a project, that was really hard for me.

Fun one to end… top 3 “must have” food choices and why… mine would depend if I am dieting or not…LOL

#1 Salads and they are not always healthy or low calorie.
#2 Avocados – love them on everything
#3 McDonald’s French Fries – what can I say, I have a weakness for them.

Thank you Wardi- you continue to be one of the best around!

LINKS of the WEEK

Tremendous way to get attention to get something fixed!

Best penalty ever for a crime? 

This is a very cool way to help the schools

VIDEO of the WEEK

THIS is the way to do yard work!  (Click link- couldn't Embed)

https://thumbs.gfycat.com/BraveImperturbableAntlion-mobile.mp4

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