In all of the scary things happening right now, the one that brings the most worry but probably gets the least overall attention is our shortage on the workforce. Maybe the lack of overall concern is because it’s been a problem for a while but we really need to ram up our efforts to address it. Why am I bringing it up again? Recently the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) put out a notice that we are short 650,000 construction workers. 650 THOUSAND. Here are the details. Ouch. That number is insane. It really is time for us to start going harder into the secondary schools (the gang from MyShowerDoor and D3 were early into this process) and also being aggressive in promoting how cool our industry is. (I think folks like Matt Verderamo at Alliance Exterior Construction get it) Little things like in your job ads show the beauty of the work, the difference that glass and glazing make, and why this is a trade that truly can stand out vs. all others. Time to think outside the box too- they’ll be discussions on this at BEC, but we’re gonna need more creativity to get past what is coming our way. We are battling so many things, but if we don’t have folks to make and install the material- nothing else matters.
Elsewhere…
-- We just wrapped Women in Construction week and I was really impressed with all of the action and focus online for it. We really are blessed with a ton of talent in this industry and I loved learning more about some of the women that are making a huge difference in our space. The National Glass Association on LinkedIn had smart and quick Q&A’s with some awesome influencers so if you don’t follow the NGA on LinkedIn- go there now, follow, and catch up on the details. Andrew Haring though took the prize (as he always does) with this ultra-cool story about the strong women at Rountree Glass. Check it out….
-- If you missed my podcast when it dropped last week please catch it now. I appreciate the feedback that comes in to- like this week noting Matt Price’s cool voice, Julie Schimmelpenningh’s cool past (which thankfully did not pay) and Ron Crowls’ very cool choices for favorite athletes. All of that plus really great insight and lessons. Thanks again for checking it out and supporting!
-- Congrats to DFI and Q Railing on a smart collaboration. DFI will supply their coating on the Q Railing systems- nice connection between some very cool people on both sides. Congrats on the arrangement!
-- Latest Dodge Momentum Index was up in February which I think we could all feel and appreciate. The key now is seeing how that trend continues given some of the outside pressures with supply chain and of course the Ukraine situation. Obviously as I noted above our labor deal is perilous. But inflation and war are obvious massive concerns as we move forward.
-- I was really pumped to see the list of some of the folks attending GPAD. A mix of strong established fabricators and then some really smart up and coming ones. Neat to see people that want to really better themselves stepping up. That will be strong event and I am excited to experience the sessions and learn from some of the best in the world. Time is running out but if you are a fabricator- I’d get on board HERE
-- Sad to see the passing of Gyo Obata the original “O” in the legendary HOK architectural firm. The effect that Gyo had on design in our country was unbelievable and his accomplishments will be appreciated til the end of time. This was a nice look back and tribute to a tremendous person and leader.
-- Last this week I mentioned on my podcast that the TV show “Reacher” on Amazon was a fun one to watch- a real good “treadmill” show that is a lot of good action and detail that makes you not realize you’re exercising. Check it out and a thank you to Jen Friess of Guardian Glass for the heads up on it- and obviously Jen has the juice since Reacher was the #1 streamed show in the US last week…. (or that many people caught my mention on the podcast…hmmmm)
LINKS of the WEEK
A nasty invasion of spiders are coming? Nope for me!
The internet can be great for people to waste time. This is an example
Cougar right outside your doorwall? Yeah if I lived there I’d have serious hard core protective glazing in that spot!
PROJECT of the WEEK
Pennsylvania is the place and thanks to a post from Glass Enterprises for pointing out this beauty. One Montgomery Plaza is the project and it turned out great. According to the Glass Enterprises LinkedIn post, GEI fabricated with National Glass & Metal doing the install. This was a 2-year renovation/retrofit project and those are never easy but looks like these folks knocked it out of the park! Fantastic! Congrats to Josh Burg and his team at Glass Enterprises and Joe Clabbers and the gang at National Glass & Metal on an awesome effort that makes our industry look spectacular.
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