Curious on what everyone else thinks on this… Obviously by
now you all know I am all about GlassBuild, the show has been a client of mine
for years, so of course I am going to be in heavy promo mode. Anyway had someone tell me they are not
coming to GlassBuild because “GlassBuild is a machinery show and there’s
nothing for the glazier.” That threw me
because I know better but I think not enough people in our world do. GlassBuild is the ultimate annual show for
EVERYTHING in our industry. Yes
machinery has a big and impressive part, but there is so much more to it and
for the glazier… well there’s a massive amount of growth and opportunity
waiting at every turn.
A glazier coming to GlassBuild allows you to OWN your supply
chain. Everyone you need is either
exhibiting or walking the floor. Every
single item that a glazier uses on a daily basis will have multiple supply
groups there to talk to… how can you pass that up? Then you look at the technology with lifting
and labor? (Folks like Smartlift, Ergo, Sydercrane,
Quttrolifts etc. my gosh its impressive who is there!) Everyone wants more
efficiency in the field and GlassBuild has those answers… on the floor thanks
to many different excellent exhibitors.
How about software for estimating or project managing? Check.
And how about if you want to see how these technologies work? It’s all there either in an exhibit or at the
Action Demos. Put the seminars and
speeches on top and you have EVERYTHING you need to grow and advance your
business. So I turn to you dear
readers… doesn’t this seem to be enough to get a glazier to the show? Should I try a different path?
Elsewhere…
-- Big congrats to old friend Michael Schmidt on his new
position at Glaston. Very excited to see
what he’ll do with the vast product lines at his fingertips and I look forward
to standing in line to see him at all the shows. I say this because there is always a crowd
around Michael at the shows…
-- Also congrats out to the folks at AAMA and IGMA for their
news on the combination of those organizations. A lot of very good people involved there and
I expect this be a positive for the industry.
-- And last this week before the Big 3 interview, one more set
of Congrats – this to the fine men and women who achieved AGMT Glazier
Certification. Our industry now has 177
newly certified professionals and that is an excellent start in that process! Kudos to the folks behind AGMT for tireless
work in getting this going.
Big 3 Interview- Michael Blackmore, President, Ballistic
Glass and Armor Solutions
I believe this may be the first interview I have done with
someone I have not met in person yet.
But after I saw the video embedded below, I just had to reach out and
interview. Security and protective
glazing is a growth area and I truly admire men like Michael who are determined
to protect lives and property.
Fascinating guy and I look forward to meeting him person some day… but
until then you gotta watch this video and then check out the interview- it is a
fun one!
Your videos- where
you stand behind your product are super.
How did you come up with the idea to do this and did you have any fear
at all in the product not holding up?
The idea to do the “shoot me” videos was simply an “old
school” approach to business that is the core of our approach to everything. We
only put products on the market that we know will work… every time. I couldn’t
think of a better way to communicate that... so I said… “Shoot me.” As far as
fear... I was petrified…but not for the reason you may think. I knew our
products would reject the rounds, I didn’t flinch when the shots were fired. I
was petrified that the cameras wouldn’t capture the event on first take. It had
taken 12 hours to setup the stage as a shooting booth…. And we didn’t have time
to re-set for a second take. Thank God, the cameras worked fine.
Your company has a
very strong relationship with law enforcement organizations all over the
country. How has that helped you and
BGAS as you develop protective products for the glass industry?
Thank you for recognizing that. We absolutely support the
“Thin Blue Line” the vast majority of law enforcement is comprised of
exceptionally good and committed individuals. Unfortunately, this sometimes
gets lost when the spotlight is directed at the rare “bad apples” in this
community.
Having good relationships with law enforcement has
definitely helped our efforts. We were honored to be chosen for all ballistic
aspects of the NYPD Times Square Station and BGAS is the specified supplier for
all ballistic glazing, framing, doors, and walls for NYPD in all five boroughs.
Law enforcement relationships are particularly important in
rural America. Whenever a concern develops there, (bank, utility payment
centers, check cashing, pawn shop, school, car dealer… and of course government
buildings, and the police station), the first call made is to the police chief
to take him/her for a cup of coffee to see what they think. This leads to an
invitation for BGAS to consult and help develop the RIGHT solution to defeat
the threat they are concerned about. (Forced entry., pistols, all rifles, and
even blast and explosions).
Looking back to when
you were a kid or teen, what did you initially want to be when you grew
up? Did you ever think you’d be
protecting people and saving lives with products you invented and/or innovated?
What did I want to be? Well… I rode my first bull in a rodeo
when I was 14, and turned professional at 17. That is a young man’s sport and I
retired at 21.
It is a long journey from the rodeo arena to our state of
the art glazing plant in Addison, TX and fabrication plants in Oklahoma.
I will tell you Max… it is very rewarding pursuing our
primary objective of “saving lives and protecting assets” …. And providing out
clients with true peace of mind.
LINKS of the WEEK
Big story this week on a wild way to pay less for college…
by giving up custody of your kids…
VIDEO of the WEEK
If you have not seen the Bruce Buffer video yet for GlassBuild
check it out here… It is a hoot!!
Seriously watch it- I wish I had his energy!
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