Top Glass Recap

Top Glass happened this past week and it really was a tremendous event and opportunity to once again bring everyone back together in person.  It was also good to get to Canada for the first time since 2019 and see and catch up with so many.  Toronto is booming and there’s a ton good happening there- though supply chain is even more challenged there and the vaccine mandate for truckers is still a big-time issue and drag on productivity.  As for the show kudos to Patrick Flannery and team for a first-class event.  What I enjoyed was seeing some of the latest and greatest products on display. Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope had VIG in their stand, while GlassCan was showing off the latest approach to bird friendly glass and that had a constant line of people wanting to see and touch.  I also loved what iMagic Glass had on display- obviously they have serious decorative chops and are moving into much more these days.  Kudos to them.   It was awesome to visit with Tom O’Day of NSG Pilkington- have not seen him in forever and I got to see the legend Louis Moreau, who is now an independent consultant with his company Moglex.  He is amazing for sure. Also while there It was nice to meet two sharp young folks in Eldho Baby of CR Laurence and Val Voznyi of Salem Fabrication. Impressive potential there. Last it is always fun to visit with Jordan Richards and Rob Botman of Glassopolis.  Great guys who always are supportive of our industry and you know that is something I always love to point out.  All in all, a great show- now some of you will be at the Mid-Atlantic Glass Expo this coming week- I will not unfortunately make that one but it should be excellent as well!

 

Elsewhere…

 

--  Reminder on my latest podcast… this one is getting tons of reaction and I am thrilled once again.  Really lucky to have great guests every month and this was no exception.  If you have not watched or listened yet, feel free to check out the video HERE or the audio only HERE or on any podcast platform.  Thank you!

 

--  Late to getting to these items but my goodness the team at Quaker have been absolutely on fire lately.  An awesome new website launch, the smart move to join the NGA and a range of new BIM/3D models published- among other moves.  Having quality folks like Josh Wignall does make a difference and the team there is rocking- congrats!

 

--  The latest Architectural Billings Index has left me stunned. The latest report came in at a sizzling 58!  That up from a 51 last month and a feeling that the index would soon go under the 50 mark meaning- underwater.  But nope, this month was huge.  Interesting that the focus of this month was the push on retrofit and how popular it is.  I had a question from one of the attendees at my presentation at Top Glass on that and I noted how bullish that market is in that space- and now the AIA is backing that up.  Only bad news from the index this time is the Northeast continues to put up soft numbers.  That is surely a concern going forward as there are a lot of players in that area and if the work tails off like this index is predicting, things could turn ugly there.

 

--  This week just wrapped up “National Volunteer Week” and I just wanted to pass my kudos on to all of you who volunteer in our industry at the National Glass Association.  The time and effort you put in is seriously meaningful and you are helping make this industry stronger.  That is huge and appreciated.  In this day and age where everyone is swamped and understaffed, taking the time to help make our world a better place (whether it’s in the industry or out) needs to be fully commended.  So thank you to all that step up and do it!

 

--  Last this week… no blog coming next week… I am taking the “blog” week off (not the work week, the consulting work always goes on) to see my daughter walk in an actual in person college graduation!  My son, like so many other kids graduated virtually during the pandemic, so it is exciting to see this event return to in-person. So unless crazy news breaks you won’t see me in this spot until the week of May 8^th and that post I do plan on dropping my next podcast too! Until then stay well everyone! 

 

LINKS of the WEEK

An unwanted birthday party gone very wrong

 

Just painfully dumb people among us.

 

The depths (even into an outhouse) we’ll go to for our phones!

 

PROJECT of the WEEK

Before I get to this week’s project, my apologies to Trulite for not properly identifying them in last week’s project of the week.  They were the fabricator of record and my mushy brain misread the info.  

Now on to this week… School jobs make up a lot of what many of us do… and when I saw this post from Rodney Nichols of Carolina Classic Window & Glass, I knew I had to showcase it here.  Glass and metal looking great on the install West Charlotte HS.  Lots of great industry players collaborated with Rodney and Carolina Classic including Press Glass, Guardian Glass, Global Security Glazing, Kawneer, and Jireh Glass.  Congrats to all of you on a great project!!

Life and Business Lessons

Exciting new podcast for this month is now LIVE!  Went from coast to coast in a few different sides of our business and really walked away with a lot of insight.  I start off with a tremendous time with Ricardo Maiz, President of Vitro Architectural Glass. Ricardo covers his amazing path to the current, Vitro’s gains in the market, the awareness of the challenges ahead and also some inspired favorite athlete choices.  All of that and a ton more.  Then to Carey Mobius, President of Garibaldi Glass.  Carey and company do incredible work, we look at one stunning job but also talk meat and potatoes of the business and Carey dropped some seriously smart business knowledge too. (One line I am stealing for sure and using in Toronto this week at Top Glass.) Last but not least, a serious “power couple” in our space in Tony and Kristen Kasprzak of Seawall Architectural AP.  They’ve built a great business against some seriously tough headwinds and they’ve done it with pure teamwork.  Plus a comparison to Walt and Roy Disney comes up and it fits.  Thank you to all of the guests who really were fantastic.  So please go ahead and watch or download and listen.  Links below- and I appreciate your support!

VIDEO

AUDIO (And available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google etc.)

 

Elsewhere…

--  Reminder this week is Top Glass in Toronto.  If you are in that area please come on by, a tremendous event with great exhibitors and networking.  Plus, you can get to hear my latest presentation on the latest and greatest strategies in our space…. More info can be found here and we’ll hopefully see you there!

 

--  Congrats to the team at Ubiquitous Energy for a huge breakthrough this week.  They were able to coat 1.5 meter wide glass in their continued scaling up of their product line.  This is a great accomplishment on the way to full scale production and it’s extremely exciting for the industry and our world overall.  Keep that progress rolling folks!!

 

--  Also congrats to Bill Daubmann and his team on yet another nice piece of recognition.  MyShowerDoor was named on the list of the Top 50 Contractors in their region (which is going bonkers with work by the way) I love anytime one of our companies get the publicity because it brings eyeballs to what we all do- and Bill and company really work hard to bring it each and every day.  Kudos!

 

--  The latest Gilbane Supply Chain report went a bit deeper this month and aside from noting what is now obvious (that pricing is up, inventory tight, and leadtimes extended) it also went specific noting that things like Curtain Wall are running in some cases at a 10 month leadtime.  Now the report did not give specific parameters on how it arrived at that time frame but it’s surely something that we all know is an issue.  Metal especially is tight and certain aspects of it are pushed out quite a bit.  As I preach here a ton- if you are not communicating consistently and thoroughly up and down the chain, you are not doing yourself any favors…

--  Ok last this week…. One of the best shows on TV is back for their final season. “Better Call Saul” started back up and I can’t wait to dig back in.  This also led to a few lists coming out on “Best Shows of All Time” and made me think- ok time for me to list my Top 10 of all-time… so here goes… and feel free to give your two cents on where I may have gone south.

 

10A- Mad Men- slow start and horrendous finish but the middle was incredible

10B- Friday Night Lights- Love football, the story and pace and just found out recently that Tom O'Malley of Clover Architectural was closely connected to the show- that alone makes it great! 

9- Entourage- For some reason I just loved this show

8- ER- Best hospital show ever in my opinion, though St. Elsewhere was close

7- The Sopranos- I am actually still watching it but deserves on this list

6- Seinfeld- Just always came through for me

5- M*A*S*H- I’m old school

4- Better Call Saul- The writers are brilliant to create a prequel from thin air

3- Friends- Gets better with time

2- The Americans- The first season may be best single season EVER made.

And at #1

Breaking Bad- Seriously not even close.  Amazing TV. Writing, acting, plots- love it. Only 1 bad episode in the entire run. (Those who have watched may be able to guess the episode I hated)  

So there ya go….

 

LINKS of the WEEK

A professional baby namer.  She makes 10K per.  Good for her that she can find suckers to pay… 

 

Buying a cruise ship.  On Craigs List. What’s next an IG line?

 

Yet another example of why dogs rule.

 

PROJECT of the WEEK (edited 4/18)

From B & D Glass in Utah- This is “Freedom Commons” - great project- glass fabricated by Trulite and the primary was Vitro.  When all cleaned up and landscaped it’s going to be awesome! Glass is Solarban 70® Optigray.  Major props to all involved!

Catch Up Time

It has been so hectic lately that it’s probably time for a quick hit blog covering a wide range of subjects- so here goes.

 

--  Show time continues!  So we just passed BEC, GPAD, Glass Expo NE, and Advocacy Days but the fun and networking continues.  Coming up on the 20^thof April is Top Glass Canada which is one event I always wanted to attend and this year I’ll be there! Every year the assortment of speakers and exhibits there look more inviting than the last and I am honored that I’ll be among the mix of presenters for 2022.  Very excited for that and to also visit my friends in Canada.  So if you are not signed up or want to learn more- go HERE to learn more!

 

--  After that, next up is the classic bi-annual event in the great state of Texas- the Texas Glass Conference on May 13^th.  The folks at the Texas Glass Association are awesome and this event is one I never miss. It will always be a thrill to be involved with this conference for me, and I’m excited to present there.  In addition they added a special keynote as well. Being able to hear from Kris “Tanto” Paronto makes it even more of “can’t miss” show.  The details and more can be found HERE.  

 

One big takeaway from the past two years of zooms is that we should never ever take these in-person events for granted anymore.  So if you are in either of these regions, sign up and get to the shows!

 

Elsewhere…

 

--  Speaking of events- I noted last week I would recap GPAD here more.  The Glass Processing and Automation Days event really was amazing.  The technology available right now to the fabricator is mind blowing.  The opening “whole factory” panel was great, Burkle blew people away, and I loved seeing the technology from Lattuada and hearing about new stuff from the IGE folks.  Overall tremendous presentations throughout the event showing what is new and next.  Plus, some really good down to earth focus and advice from folks like Terry Hessom (an absolute great from my past) of Salem/HHH and Chris Cullum of CMS.  Both guys gave the audience a ton to think about as they approach things day to day in their operations. If you are a fabricator you simply can’t afford to miss what’s next in this space.

 

--  The NGA and its amazing members played a massive role in the Advocacy Days events in Washington DC this week coinciding the International Year of Glass. The opportunity for so many amazing leaders in our space to talk with the “powers that be” in the US is hugely impactful.  This is something that we rarely ever had a chance to do and this past week not only did our industry accomplish it but they knocked it out of the park.  Massive props to everyone who participated. Glass Magazine has had insightful coverage for more info there.

 

--  GREAT news this week for a super good guy. Frank D’Aprile landed an excellent new gig… Director of Preconstruction at the KenPat Group of Companies.  KenPat is an interesting organization, 5 different companies all working together in the building product space and Frank’s role is a crucial one- and one he will excel at!  Happy for Frank on this great gig and a savvy move by KenPat bringing him on.

 

--  Next week I’ll be dropping an amazing podcast with guests from a few different angles of our industry. So get ready for some fascinating and diverse insights.    Recording them all this week… thank you in advance for checking it out!

 

--  Congrats to the fine folks at Binswanger Glass on their 150^thanniversary!  That is huge.  I am honored that I had 5 year+ connection to them and many of people I got to work with are still there and plugging along.  The video they produced (which includes an all-time favorite of mine Rusty Nails) is a great watch.  Kudos to the team there on the celebration run up and on congratulations again on the anniversary!

 

--  Last this week… Another TV watch… “WeCrashed” on Apple is a fun one and based on a true story of what happened at the WeWork company.  I had been following that WeWork story for a while and have seen a few documentaries on it, so seeing the dramatic recreation has been pretty fun for me. If you are unaware of the story, it is a wild one of runaway spending, egos, and "interesting" business practices.

 

LINKS of the WEEK

--  Dogs always come through. And classy family here on the way they reacted.

 

--  This had to be one of the most ridiculous lawsuits ever.  Good on the judge!

 

--  The wild story of a rogue flamingo!

 

PROJECT of the WEEK

To Texas for this sharp school project from MS Glass.  Good use of glass inside and out and really impressed by the growth of Raj Karimi and the team there.  From the LinkedIn post Vitro and Tristar were tagged in so I assume they were the glass fab partners so congrats to those guys too for grabbing the project of the week spotlight.  Congrats to all involved and keep up the great work!

The Massive BEC Recap

Wow.  What a week in Nashville.  Unreal in so many ways.  Get ready, for a happening this big, and two+ years in the making, it takes an extra-long blog with plenty of name drops is coming your way.  First off thank you to all who attended BEC and GPAD.  The energy in the room was incredible and the desire to be in person and connecting was top notch.  There were positive vibes on where the market is and where it is going despite worries about softer markets and the obvious concerns with the issues overseas.  The education was strong and networking amazing.  Just an epic time overall.  

 

First and foremost, I have to say I am still blown away at being recognized during the conference and given the coolest possible jersey ever- as in BEC MVP.  I am so thankful to the NGA for having that faith in me and to all of you in the industry who support me and these events.  Thank you.  

 

--  Now, time to recap the people I saw and more.  I knew this was going to be a good event when my trip down had me on a flight with industry superstars like Kayla Natividad and Tim McGee. Then the Sunday night reception did not disappoint.  Kayla asked Tim and I if we were attending it and we explained that the Sunday night reception is the one thing NO ONE misses and judging from the packed rooms and halls we were right.  The show was at a hotel that Viracon did the glass on and it was a beautiful job too- perfect glass from top to bottom.  Kudos to Garret Henson, Cameron Scripture and Seth Madole etc. on it and it was a blast to catch up with them all- and yes Cameron is still my main man- movie star good looks never get old!  (Plus he had a great book recommendation “The 5AM Club” too!)  On the recommendation side, the awesome PJ Hilboldt of NGG turned me on to “Bad Vegan” on Netflix and that was an incredible watch- was great to see PJ and catch up on all.  

 

--  It is not a BEC for me without seeing one of our greats in the industry Tom O’Malley.  Love the success he and Clover have had- all deserved.  Same for seeing “Slim” Rich Porayko- my gosh my man looked spectacular and his talented fingerprints were all over certain aspects of this event.  Loved seeing it.  Was cool to see Mike MicKenzie of Glass + Metalcraft, appreciate him stopping me to say hi- and same with Matt Hanna of Glass Coatings and Concepts.  Means a ton that you guys check this blog out from time to time!

 

--  Texas was in the house and it was fun to catch up with Joe Lambertson of Country Glass.  He and Brian Risinger were sporting fabulous company gear- great taste guys!  Visited with Kyle Lamb and Taylor Frizzelle of Universal Glass and that never disappoints.  And no doubt I was thrilled to death to see old friend Debbie Baker of Binswanger Glass.  That was awesome- catching up with her and the ultra-talented Jennifer Brereton.  Binwanger folks always will be super special to me. Same with seeing first time attendees Matt Verderamo and Skutch Montgomery of Alliance Exterior Construction. Pumps me up to see sharp young folks attending and being involved.

 

--  Can I talk a minute about the Goldray Glass crew?  They took this event by storm- the bourbon tasting event looked to be a massive success (and the quick frost glass looked great too) – congrats to Laura Little, Michael Saroka, and Lisa Maragh on a masterclass in great marketing.  

 

--  This event is the only time I get to see certain people like the epic Paul Robinson of Pioneer Cladding and Glazing.  He’s been a massive player in the BEC programming side and a great guy and he’s now bringing along Kip Larison from the Pioneer side to keep that momentum going.  Kip did an amazing job on his remote work panel too- great session there.  Speaking of the sessions, all were strong, but my favorite was the Mock Up one- and I thought that Szymon Zienkiewicz, of Larsen Zienkiewicz was an absolute rock star.  Hope to see him at more of our events.  Of course when I talk rock stars I have few that fit that mold that I got to visit with- guys like Rick Alexander of Tom Brown, Brian Thomas of Super Sky, Tim Finley of TFIN,  Jon Kimberlain and Stanley Yee of Dow, Barry Sutherland of FHC, and Gus Trupiano of GGI.  All never fail to deliver.

 

--  I met a ton of new people too which is always the goal.  Anas Al Kassas of INOVUES is an impressive guy as is Miles Barr of Ubiquitous Energy.  Both nailed their presentations and had the audience buzzing.  Jake Kasbrick and Jon Griggs from Guardian Glass were tremendously impressive and great to chat with.  Helped me get by missing my pal, the happily retired Chris Dolan.  Bill Wilson of Kensington Glass Arts I have talked to on the phone but meeting him person was fantastic and loved watching him network the room like the true pro he is.  Three future podcast guests of mine in Joey Aragon of Aragon Construction, Ben Jayson of Bendheim and Thomas Cornellier of TSI Corporations were amazing meets for me. Bright guys that I wish I had a tiny bit of their brains and approach.  

 

--  More blasts from my pasts?  Brock West of Glass Systems and I go way back to when we both were in Michigan and I tried (unsuccessfully mostly) to sell him glass.  He’s done incredibly well in his career and he also volunteers to help the BEC too.  Henry Taylor of Kawneer and Jeff Ziesche of JAZ sales are also ex co-workers who are just crushing it like always and they both are favorites of mine forever.  

 

--  People I saw and barely talked to and bummed me out were folks like Shelly Farmer of Trex, Lance Cotton and Greg Buczko of Global Security Glazing and the amazing Heather West. Next time folks- next time! 

 

--  Saw fellow podcaster Mitch Hawkins- he and Matt Krier are doing a great job with their work. Matt was not at BEC- probably because he was lining up another great guest or two.  Also not here this year- Jeff Haber of W&W.  Not sure if I have been to a BEC without Jeff, but he’s busy and W&W was more than capably represented by Chris Lalonde (super guy too)

 

--  The draw of BEC is when you can talk with some of the best our industry has to offer like Tom Jackson of Steel Encounters, Omar Maalouf of Momentum Glass, Jim Stathopoulos of Ajay Glass and Tom Nesbitt of United Architectural Metals.  3 of those 4 guys did my podcast and they’re working over the 4^th for me…LOL.  Anyway, the work these folks do make our world look outstanding and I appreciate them always taking the time to attend and interact!  You know who else makes our world look good the NGA superhero tech team of Urmilla Sowell and Karen Wegert. They along with Tom Culp, Nick Resetar and Thom Zaremba protect our way of life with an extreme passion. 

 

--  Next week I’ll hit on the massive success of GPAD- they deserve their own post.

 

--  Last but surely not least- the team from the National Glass Association is so amazing.  I am so lucky I get to work with these folks- they are the best around.  Led by Nicole Harris (who is on a totally different level than all of us) this team totally rocks.  I am eternally grateful to the king of Glass Nerd Nation Andrew Haring.  He is a beast- and an amazing human and along with the intense enthusiasm that the incredible Melanie Dettmer brings, I can’t believe my fortune to get to work with them and them put up with me.  Kudos also to Sara Neiswanger for pulling the levers and putting parts and pieces in place to make these shows go, and the caring, conscientious, and absolutely dogged and determined team of Molly Grenn, Wendy Rochelle, Michele Nosko, and Casey Stafford made sure everything was in its place and flowed, even when an extra couple hundred people just showed up for the party.  Plus Jenni Chase and Katy Devlin- the BEST in the business when it comes to the content and editorial side of our world.

 

--  I know I didn’t catch everyone here in the recap and I am sorry if I missed you…. Thank you again all who attended and supported- it is truly appreciated!  Now I am really fired up to see everyone and more at GlassBuild!

 

LINKS of the WEEK

 

This person- “said she was seeing a Leprechaun” – yeah the story goes on from there

 

I guess rules are rules but this seems oddly harsh. Then again I’m not a parks guy at all.

 

I wonder if I’ll see one of these when I go to Texas in May.

 

PROJECT of the WEEK

So Keith Daubmann WAS at BEC and GPAD.  But you may not have seen him. He was like the wind- always on the move and constantly changing directions.  But that is what he does and the energy he possesses.  That same energy and drive brings us to the project of the week… from Keith and his companies D3 Glass and MyArchitecturalGlass.  This insane and amazing stairwell- matched to the perfect glass rails.  Bent glass by Glasshape.  This is just such a stunning (and tough) install and one to be proud of as an industry. Congrats Keith and team and keep it up!