Better News

The latest Architectural Billings Index was released this week and it was an absolute stunner... in a few ways.  First the scoring was way beyond what I expected or what conventional wisdom was pointing to.  After a few months being stuck at 40 (remember a score of 50 is break-even) the index shot up to 47 this month.  Absolute jaw dropper.  The other metrics went up nicely too, including design contracts and design inquiries.  So a very positive month, at least I thought so given in the context of what we are all going through… so I was baffled when the comment from the AIA was:

“Despite the multi-family residential sector showing signs of improvement, overall business conditions are recovering at a disappointingly slow pace,” said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD. “Other sectors may begin to stabilize in the coming months, but across the board improvement shouldn’t be expected until the economic impact of the pandemic subsides significantly.” 

I mean the main index jumped 7 points and is close to break even, how can that be pointed to as a slow pace?  Previous months you can use this quote but when you make a major jump like this I don’t get it.  And quite frankly I still think this is better than it could’ve been.  Obviously, this index is still underwater and now has been for several months and if it translates correctly mid to late next year there should/could be a slowing of construction.  So I get the frustration, believe me, I am there, but I think when an index has a massive breakthrough like this words like “disappointingly” don’t connect for me.  Possibly they think or have visibility into next month’s index that makes them feel like this a flukey score? Will next month be ugly then?  We’ll see… Stay tuned…

 

Elsewhere….

 

--  Also making news this week was a poll on the design of federal buildings that was released and the results were heavy in the favor of “traditional.”  The survey was commissioned by the National Civic Art Society (NCAS) and conducted by the Harris Group.  72% of the 2000 surveyed said they want old fashioned traditional vs. modern after viewing various pictures.  This issue became political as national leaders waded into it, so the survey made news in that aspect too.  For me?  I like traditional but I also live for glass and this is probably not great for us.  Especially since the glass that would go into a federal building would be big time value added too (protective etc.) We’ll see how this all plays out.  The details of the report can be found here.

 

--  My friend, the sales consultant rainmaker Sam Benowitz had a really strong post on LinkedIn last week.  Straight and to the point on integrity and our current world with regards to it.  Good stuff by Sam- check it out.

 

--  Excited to announce next week on here I’ll have an interview with Patrick MacLeamy former CEO of HOK.  It was his book about HOK (Designing a World-Class Architecture Firm) that I just read and reviewed on here and I was thrilled to be able to get an interview with him.  Good stuff ahead!

 

--  I thought I was having a dream (nightmare) this week when I saw a story online featuring Marc LaFrance of the DOE talking about new window technology.  But it was not a dream, (nightmare) this was real.  And then I saw Jeff Baker quoted and the old, familiar cold sweats then started in.  I was immediately sent back 16 years to the start of the NFRC adventures… In this current case it was like the more things change the more they stay the same. The push is for new window technology, dynamic technology and there’s money to be had from the DOE… Sadly I am sure the same cast of characters from the bad ole days of NFRC will all be in line with their hands out. Nothing usable will come of this but a bunch of labs and consultants will get some cash.  Yes I have a grudge that dates to 2004 here and I’m still banging that drum.  Bottom line is I would love that we as an industry jump all over any and all opportunities here, I just don’t trust those involved in the process. 

 

--  Last this week, 2 more spots on my “Influential 15” 

These are folks that in my opinion over the last 15 years of my blogging have been most influential in our industry.  First up is Bernard Lax of Pulp Studios.  This comment will probably get me in trouble… there is no better specialty glass fabricator than Bernard and Pulp.  He’s constantly changing the game and as I noted last week with W&W pushing the envelope, Bernard absolutely lives outside of the box.  He’s forced people in that segment to get better to keep up and that is good for our world for sure.  And Bernard is absolutely unafraid to share his opinions to help our industry grow, and that is a trait that I think most on my list share and one I really appreciate.

The other spot on my list goes to Rob Struble of Vitro, formerly known as PPG.  Sure I mention how Rob’s clothing choices for the sales teams are always top notch but there is so much more there.  Rob completely changed the communication and messaging game in our industry and we all follow the paths he’s laid out.  Rob’s usage of microsites and focus on education were big steps when no one else were taking them, his sharp branding approaches were amazing especially when you consider he had to maintain and cultivate an old brand in PPG and then quickly transform Vitro into a larger presence. Neither easy lifts.  Part of being influential is when someone creates something then you see many others emulate or imitate and that has happened and keeps happening with Rob.  Plus I am jealous of Rob’s skillset overall- good man who speaks softly but carries the big communication stick. So that is 2 more spots filled with 10 left and as I was pulling this together it really was a lot of trips down memory lane but also recollection of maneuvers that made our industry better or different and those who know me know I am all about that…

 

LINKS of the WEEK

 

Smart Owl here… catch a free ride!

 

Nice idea except when you’ve got the severe peanut allergy like my daughter and 12 million others have…

 

Glass is kinda involved… but the key is some wild art on the other side of these creations.

 

PROJECT of the WEEK

New company for me here… Clayton Commercial Glazing of Smithfield, NC.  Saw this project that they noted was “day 1” on LinkedIn.  Project is 540 Building II in Morrisviile, NC and the metal was Kawneer but they did not mention the glass.  Come on guys, give the glass people some love! Who did the glass here?!?! LOL.   So far this one is looking great and will be another positive project for our industry to point to.  Congrats on this and keep up the great work!

A Book, an Index, a Reminder, and more...

A few weeks ago, I noted that there was a book out about the legendary HOK architectural firm.  I mentioned I wasn’t going to buy it because it was pricey.  Well I am very fortunate to have a very very good friend who bought it for me and sent it my way.  (I am humbled by the friendship we have and his class shown constantly.)  And thanks to him I probably now read the best of the year.  The book is “Designing a World-Class Architecture Firm: The People, Stories, and Strategies Behind HOK” by Patrick MacLeamy and it was an incredible read.  This book was part inside story of how HOK was built and survived, including some serious warts and speedbumps along with parts of hard core business lessons. MacLeamy brings a very conversational style throughout and I seriously could not put it down.   I finished the book in 2 sittings, which these days is crazy.  It was that good.  I learned a ton about HOK and I seriously thought I knew them well… nope.  Especially the sports and stadium side of their business and how that happened and then re-happened really caught me off guard.  Good stuff and if any of you get it and read it, let me know what you think!

 

Elsewhere…

 

--  The next Architectural Billings Index is released this week and time to predict the scores again… We’ve been flat for 2 months on the main index and I have been waiting for the drop.  I think we go slightly down to 39 from 40 on that one.  The one I am most curious on is the design contract score which was up last month to 46.  I have been expecting a lull to hit that and I am going to throw out 43.5 for the score.  This whole index as well as all of the forecasts have been defying some conventional wisdom in when and where they are dropping.  Obviously, I don’t want negative, but it is coming. Work on the books IS dropping in real life, so eventually it’s going to play out here.

 

--  Just a reminder, all of the incredible content from last month’s GlassBuild Connect is still available on demand at GlassBuild.com.  So that means all of the panels, demos, and products are still there for review.  I find myself popping back and forth to that site to track something down or catch a product that I missed.  Example- The New Normal- Design and Construction- moderated by the great Andrew Haring.  This panel had it all, and the insights provided were top notch.  You can find that (and many others) under the Outlook Tuesday’s section in the “On Demand” section of the site.

 

--  Also good content on the way from the Façade Tectonics Institute (FTI) on a subject I have serious interest in… Adaptive Capacity: Building and Facade System Responsiveness to Changing Social Behaviors.  If there is ever a time to talk behavior and change, it surely is now and with the awesome Mic Patterson leading an all-star panel, this will be one not to miss. For more info on this and the rest of the FTI event you can click HERE.

 

--  Last this week, my run of the most influential in the last 15 years of this blog.  So I decided that it’s 15 spots and some of those spots may include a few people that either are from the same company or were involved in the same efforts.  I’ll be throwing out 2 of these each week until the end of the year and that will actually lead in to my 2020 MVP award.  So a lot of people to cover in both areas that is for sure.  Ok now on to 2 more spots in my top 15.  The first one this post goes to Jeff Haber of W&W Glass.  Back in my youth there was a commercial that was pretty big that was “When EF Hutton Talks People Listen” – for me in the glass and glazing industry when Jeff Haber talks, we all listen.  Intently.  And we should.  Jeff and his company have been on top of the game for years and what I truly appreciate here more than anything is Jeff could just keep the knowledge and skillset he and W&W have developed to themselves but instead they are involved in the industry and willing to help make everyone better.  Jeff’s influence on BEC made a solid event a ton better and he has represented our world well.  Easily he’s one of the most influential out there.  

 

Joining him this week is what I am calling the Advocacy Dream Team, and that has to be led by the late great Greg Carney.  Greg has been gone since 2013 but I don’t think a day goes by where many of us in the industry who were influenced by him are using something he taught us or led us to.  I think about him all the time.  Greg for a long time at GANA was a one-man technical show until the brilliant Urmilla Sowell was added and Urmilla was able to take the ball and run with it, doing amazing things to grow the technical awareness in our industry, and protect and advance what we do.  The final piece came with Dr. Tom Culp representing us nationally and fighting on the front lines of “The Battle for the Wall” and still doing his best work these days as we continue to fight against forces who want less glass in buildings.  So those three- Greg, Urmilla, and Tom share a spot on my most influential in the last 15 years and we were and are lucky to have them in our corner.

 

LINKS of the WEEK

 

Steal some ancient artifacts?  Pay the karmic price.

 

I’ll never understand this- people just go rescue a dog instead trying to buy something crazy

 

Well you know I was worried about the airlines.  This may be one way to keep em going!

 

PROJECT of the WEEK

 

So since I have Jeff Haber on my most influential list I think it’s appropriate to show an example of the work he and W&W do.  This one is at the Javits Center in New York and it had a ton of buzz on LinkedIn because of the 50’ fins.  Yes 50’ long 3 ply laminated tempered glass fins and this would surely be the definition of the envelope being pushed!!  Great work as always W&W team and if you are on LinkedIn you need to follow the W&W company page- great content always!  

 

Continuing the Comeback

The FGIA had their excellent conference this past week and unfortunately, I missed most of it because of various conflicts.  But Glass Magazine had tremendous coverage and one part of an article recapping the economic forecast presentation really caught my attention.  The story featured this line:

However, he believes these industries will return. "The airlines will come back," Kuehl said. "Hotels will come back."

I found this fascinating and also crucial for our world to find normalcy.  Airlines are a mess.  Serious finance issues and despite the joy that flying is right now (at least on Delta for me) many are not doing it.  Big companies, including many in our industry have still not lifted travel restrictions. So until that happens, airlines are going to be stuck.  Hotels are in a slightly different space.  The mid-range business hotel- think Hampton Inn- are getting busier and busier.  In May I stayed in a Hampton and I was one of 5 guests.  Recently I stayed at a Hampton and it was sold out and the parking lot was jam packed.  So we are getting people back driving and visiting and staying at these level of hotels but I am sure your big players that court the big businesses are in same spot as airlines.  So my point is I hope this call on the return to success by airlines and hotels happens and happens soon… we need it as an economy and world.  For more on the economist that FGIA presented here is Glass Magazine’s link.  

 

Elsewhere…

 

--  On a similar approach, my friend Keith Stockman of Glasswerks sent me a link on what is happening in Las Vegas as they are prepping to get people back into meetings. His note was “BEC- Let’s Go” and absolutely Keith… let’s keep positive and very happy to see Vegas working hard to come up with ways to again get back to business!

 

--  And I guess since I am on the theme of “normal” – I got to go to the movies this week.  First movie since March.  Went to see Tenet which was very very bizarre, but fun to be back in a theater again.  The venue was pretty empty, maybe 10 people total- seats blocked out and food was handled safely (all individually packaged) and your self serve drinks were controlled by an app on your phone.  Yes, when you wanted your soft drink, you scanned a bar code and filled your cup up by controlling the flow from your phone.  Wild.  

 

--  I swear I am losing my mind. I thought for sure I congratulated my old friend Jon Johnson on his gig at Standard Bent Glass.  This week that news hit the trades and it made me think about it.  And unless I am missing it, I did not mention it here.  So CONGRATS JON!  Great hire by Standard Bent and Jon is back in his wheelhouse in the specialty glass world. No doubt he will do a fabulous job.

 

--  Last this week… I am blown away from the reaction to my 15^thanniversary here.  Was so nice to hear from so many people- including many that I had not talked to in a while or have left the industry but still follow.  So thank you all again.  And the idea I am going with to honor this… I will run down the 15 most influential people in the industry in the last 15 years.  I think it will be fun to recognize the movers and shakers and the people who made a difference in many ways.  And I am going to start it off on this post…  leading off the list as one of the most influential in the last 15 years is my brother Steve.  Yes that is a homer pick… but hear me out.  My brother is the best pure sales leader I have ever seen.  He developed and worked with many of the top sales performers in our industry right now and has seen easily more than a billion in sales under his leadership.  So family or not, the man is good.  He also was a pioneer in his past (pre me and this blog) in quick turn tempered and insulating with a focus on “urgency” and “details” – serious gamechanger. (One ex-industry leader called him a “visionary” which my brother laughs off but he was. And still is) And you know what- without him working me over to join the industry I am probably a producer of some wacky morning zoo radio program in Seattle.  So that is another pretty big reason to give him the first nod on my list of most influential.  I am excited to unveil the rest over the next 6 weeks as the year comes to a close… so stay tuned!

 

LINKS of the WEEK

 

--  I love when scammers get busted, though I am not sure if these guys paid the price yet

--  I know if beats coach but would this be a fun way to fly on longer trips?

 

--  I mean is this real?

 

PROJECT of the WEEK

This is a sharp project from Utah and since it was a Trulite Salt Lake job I thought for sure that the legendary Idaho State Football Hall of Famer Dave Michaeli was involved.  But when I asked he noted that nope, it was his co-worker Kent Horsley.  Typical hall of fame move… LOL.  Anyway congrats Kent, Trulite, Vitro Architectural Glass and the glazier B&D Glass.  Awesome and impressive project! 

15 Years!

It was in October of 2005 that I started this blog.  Never in my wildest dreams did I think 15 years later I’d still be plugging away, week after week posting, but here I am.  15 years this month…. So allow me to please take a quick look backwards- especially for those of you new folks who found me thanks to GlassBuild.  I come from a family business with roots in this industry dating back to 1898.  Despite the family tree, I had no desire whatsoever to be in this business as I was growing up.  I was headed into the television sports production area and being in glass was NOT appealing.  However in 1991, my brother convinced me to give the glass world a shot, offered me a .50 cent raise over what I was making at the NBC Affiliate in Pittsburgh (which would make my salary 6.50 per hour!!) and I gave it a try... and have been here ever since.  But the bug of being in the “media” is something that never left.  I got the opportunity to write articles in the trade magazines in the late 90’s and then as the internet was growing, I decided to jump in and start the first ever glass industry blog.  This would be my way to still have that communication angle and scratch that itch.  817 posts and 15 years later and going strong.  It’s been a roller coaster for sure, but the one constant was pretty much every week posting 500-700 words on the industry and all else that came to mind.  And through this I was blessed to meet new people and make friends and contacts.  That has been the best part and I will always be grateful.  So thank you for putting up with me for 15 years and I hope that you all will have me for years to come!

 

Elsewhere…

 

--  GlassBuild Connect wrapped up it’s “live” portion last week but it was awesome to see the NGA announce that the content online will be available until the end of the year.  Folks, so much great information came out in those 30 days, it is awesome you have more time to take it in.  Great example was the GPAD session.  Ron Crowl of Fenetech expertly moderated a huge 8-person panel and the level of insight and detail about glass fabrication trends, worries, approaches, solutions that came out was astounding.  Stuff like that is worth checking out and now you have more time to do so.  GlassBuild.com is the place.

 

Final note, for now, on GlassBuild.  This was a massive undertaking. That show is the crown jewel of our industry and taking it online never can replace the normal- but the effort by the team at NGA was off the charts.  The amount of hours put in, and care taken was like nothing I have ever seen.  I was involved in a tiny part and it was like watching this awesome machine running at full speed for 30 days solid- all parts working in concert, and if a bump came up, adjustments were made.  Kudos to the team there for keeping a great industry tradition alive!  Now let’s all throw positive thoughts towards BEC/GPAD in March being held in person… not that I don’t love the online efforts, but we NEED to get back to normal…

 

The high point of last week’s Presidential Debate was that the building it was held in was spectacular and it featured a lot of work by some great folks in our industry. (This was another great LinkedIn find for me)  The unitized systems were manufactured by the good folks at United Architectural Metals and glazed by Enclos.  Glass came from JE Berkowitz, Interpane, and Pulp Studio with additional interior install by United Glass and Panel.  I wish the coverage would’ve shown it- this is a structure our world can be proud of and congrats to everyone who worked on it!  And given how crazy in nature that debate was at least looking at that stunning building would be a calming presence!!

 

Congrats to Kyle Lamb of Universal Glass in Texas for his being named President and CEO there.  I had the honor of meeting Kyle at one of the wonderful Texas Glass Association events a few years ago and he is one seriously impressive guy.  Glad to see him taking the reins and he’ll do fantastic in that position and still be super for our industry.

 

Last this week… since this is my 15^th anniversary here, I’m thinking of doing something fun to commemorate this occasion… maybe Top 15 viewed blogs, or my top 15 favorite subjects?  I have no idea… just spitballing here- if you have any ideas please let me know.  Note I will still have my annual Glass Industry MVP this December, so feel free to start thinking of anyone you want nominated there….  

 

LINKS of the WEEK

 

This is one of the more bizarre stories I have seen lately- credit card company says you’re dead- when you’re not?

 

This is big- the “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” alerts are evolving.  I am sure I will need this like next week. 

 

Stunning mistake from a gigantic company- guess they are focused more on commercials. (Which that are 5^th in that category by the way…)

 

PROJECT of the WEEK

We go inside this week for our project spotlight… I saw a former co-worker of mine Vincent Guerrero of MAC Glass post this sweet interior setup that his company installed.  Very sleek and smart.  The sliders came from Manko and they look good on this downtown Kansas City project.  NICE WORK Vincent and everyone involved here… keep it up!