The latest “From the Fabricator” podcast is now out and it features some very wide ranging subjects from excellent people in our world. I lead off talking about Cardinal/AGC and some other moves to potentially come and then into the interviews. Charles Alexander from Walker is fantastic- talking on Walkers evolution and their moves into Etched and Bird Friendly among other items. Adrian Lowenstein of Skyline Windows is an absolute superstar- great chance to learn more about him and also take his temperature on so many glass and glazing items- including some riffs at the end on new technology. Then Jen Marchesani of Shildan educates me on Terra Cotta and so much more- a tremendous learning experience and great person for me to meet. So, episode #7 is now in the books and available for you via YouTube HERE or in Audio form HERE or however you consume your podcasts (Apple, Spotify, Google etc.) Thank you!
Elsewhere…
-- And while you are adding my podcast to your list, the latest John Wheaton “Creating Structure” is out and that features Thomas Cornellier of TSI Corporations. Thomas is a very good guy and TSI a remarkable company. John once again is fantastic at pulling out really meaningful discussion points. Please check it out!
-- I noted last week that we’d have a mid-year forecast coming out and and it was an interesting one. We are in a slow stretch (some feel this more than others) and the outlook for the future is positive- but- concern on the virus and the lack of vaccinations in the construction trade are a worry as is supply chain and labor shortages. As for some segments- retail looks ugly for a while, schools and offices should bounce back sooner (look for more retrofit in the immediate term for offices) and restaurants and some lodging will recover nicely. If the government steps in we probably won’t see that work until 2023/2024. Also, more solar is a play- we know that based on the glass tightening (because of solar panels) and what companies like Ubiquitous Energy and Vitro are doing to positively disrupt the space. There was a lot to unpack, but bottom line is it is still a battle out there, supply and labor rule the roost and doing everything you can to be diverse and efficient is the key.
-- Later this week the latest ABI will be out. It has been on fire- will it continue? Or will some of these fears that were listed in the latest forecasting dampen it? We’ll see and report back here….
-- Great Bendheim news. Congrats to the Jayson family on the promotion of Ben to President of Bendheim. Wonderful family and company. In October of 2015, I wrote a blog post congratulating Ben for joining the business and now he’s moved all the way up the ladder. The talent in that family runs deep and neat to see the 4th generation to step up to the plate. Great to see!
-- An interesting company in our world is Quikserv and they made a nice acquisition a few weeks back with the pick-up of US Bullet Proofing. Quikserv has evolved smartly from the core business of pass-through/drive through windows to now so much more with all of the protective options and I am big fan of Wade Arnold their Commercial Sales Manager. Sharp young guy that really is going to be a part of a push to keep the company moving in the right direction. Plus, I see Wade becoming active at the trade level and you know I love that! Congrats to all involved there!
-- Last this week- I hit on this previously on the sinking San Francisco building and it looks like there was an update… hopefully they righted this one.
LINKS of the WEEK
-- Rental cars continue to be a challenge, and this one is a crazy story.
-- My friend who sent this to me asked if it’s “time for an Ark” and given how much flooding we’ve had here in Detroit and in places like this- I’m starting to think so…
-- House without a bathroom sells for big money. Yep we may have reached peak stupid in the housing boom. (And it’s me jealous because I know when we go to sell our house it’ll be during the worst time ever. LOL)
PROJECT of the WEEK
This was posted by my old friend and co-worker Keith Stockman of Glasswerks in LA. This is the Nevada State College Education Building. Really sharp project that Glasswerks fabricated using Vitro Solarban® 70 on Bronze along with great decorative laminated. Quantum Glass was the glazier. Carpenter Sellers Del Gatto the architects. Nice work Keith and all others involved- love it!
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