And the Industry MVP is....

And here we are... the end of the year and my final scheduled post for 2019.  As is my tradition it’s in this post that I reveal the runners up and MVP of our fine industry during the past year.  This recognition is based on my home-grown parameters.  I look at people and companies who step up to support our part of the world, push the innovation, and are positive glass industry representatives.  People and companies that volunteer their time and resources for the greater good and truly care about the whole vs. the part.  Over the years I have recognized incredible people and I think 2019’s batch will easily fit in with the previous honorees.  Before I get to it, this has gotten harder over the years because of so many quality candidates, and this year was extremely challenging.  So without further delay, here we go!

2019 Runners Up

Courtney Little- Ace Glass.  Courtney is a brilliant man and one that constantly gives back to our world.  With his law background and connections throughout the subcontractor universe, Courtney is a “go to” guy on tons of important subjects.  He is often asked to speak or connect people for more information on the latest codes or ordinances and always does everything he can to fulfill those requests.  Courtney also happens to be on the cutting edge of technology too with the way he runs his business- I am amazed at the amount of work he gets done given all the hats he wears.

Scott Rowe & Rowe Fenestration.  I only met the Scott and the Rowe team 2 years ago and from day 1 I was incredibly impressed.  There are so many fabulous manufacturer rep firms in this country.  Tremendous folks in all that are immensely talented.  But it’s Scott and the Rowe team that constantly blow me away with their approach to the market and support of our industry.  They get after the sales angle with a ferocious hunger for success and constantly position themselves as a true support system for their customers.  They are continuously swamped yet they take the time… each and every time they are asked to give back to the industry.  Those qualities are awesome and appreciated.  Also I love Scott’s style too (his fashion touch is top notch) and wish I could come close to pulling it off! (Nope never)

Syndi Sim- DFI.  I have written about and interviewed Syndi in the past so she’s been a favorite of mine.  Time though now to point out again how she somehow seems to be everywhere at once- seeing customers, giving webinars, appearing at shows, and basically owning social media.  Syndi brings a constant positive promotional presence and has always been front and center with regards to industry support.  Where I am always thankful is that some areas are not in the DFI or Syndi’s world, but if it’s good for the advancement of the industry, Syndi is there for the support- and usually does it with her typical enthusiastic drive!

Dustin Anderson- Anderson Glass.  There is so much more to Dustin than being that cool guy on TV or that cool guy with the tattoos or that cool guy who made the glass ping pong table or that cool guy who speaks about business items to packed audiences.  There is a guy that lives for our product and our people.  Loves the industry and strives to give back.  Dustin’s talk at GlassBuild about the lessons he learned- hard lessons like issues within his business that almost sunk him- are must listens.  And the fact he shares this so others can learn from his past is selfless and impressive.  It is sometimes a challenge for people to open up and share and especially when it was something so rough- but Dustin did it and does it often for the good of the industry.  And yes he's an extremely cool guy for that more than anything else.

And now our 2019 MVP.  Most Valuable Person in the Glass and Glazing industry

Bill Sullivan – Brin Glass Company

I have known Bill for many years.  And despite that he still answers my e-mails.  LOL.  Seriously though Bill is a tremendous person, business leader, and industry supporter.  With his role in the Brin world, Bill touches so many aspects of our industry and he does it with care and class.  He is always looking for ways to improve and innovate and then is not hesitant at all to share best practices with others.  He volunteers a ton of time and allows and encourages his people to the same. He brings a level headed approach to every item he takes part in and is usually the voice of logic and reason- much appreciated qualities when you get a bunch of fired up people in a room.  Bill steps up again and again and I can’t stress the appreciation I have for that.  In addition thanks to Bill’s personality and drive so many of his folks take on that same trait.  Yes part of it is the classic “Minnesota Nice” that exists, but whenever I am dealing with any of Bill’s folks it’s always a fair and impressive experience even when I don’t get everything I ask for!  End of the day Bill fits the bill as the 2019 MVP because he does go above and beyond for his companies, his people, and our industry.  We are all better because of it.   So congrats Bill and please keep up the great work!

So with that the 2019 MVP race is complete. We have so many amazing people and companies in this industry and I wish I could name and talk about everyone on my list.  But I have to save some for next year right?  We are truly a great industry with class people at every turn.  Yes there are aspects of our world that drive us all crazy but those are minor in the big scheme of things.   In the end we are a community of people in a very specialized business who uniquely love and cherish the greatest building product in the world and we all want to keep growing and advancing what we do and how we do it.  No way we could do anything positive if we didn’t have the best collection of people around. 

Thank you all for following along again this year.  I am always grateful for the support.  I wish each and every one of you a happy holiday season and a HEALTHY and PROFITABLE 2020!

LINKS of the WEEK

This story cracked me up… Poor Santa can’t catch a break!

Amazingly stupid and awful decision making here by this person.  Absolutely zero reason to do what he did.  Just boggles the mind.

Not sure what was worse in this story.  The cheap shot on the college basketball court or the moronic initial statement from the president of the college whose player initiated the hit.  I’m going withthe “adult” here.  

VIDEO of the WEEK

This may be the last video of the week for a while as I am going to introduce a new feature in this spot in 2020.  I’ll still post videos as worthy on occasion but the segment is going to be retired… it served me well!  So final video of the week is one of my favorite videos from 2019- the fake 30 for 30 on the Karate Kid.  Such a great job here and fun too.  So enjoy all over again!