The Giant glasstec Recap!

This post is dedicated to the just completed glasstec event in Germany that I attended.  Next week we’ll be back to normal and I’ll comment on things like the ABI (still up!).  After 4 years, glasstec was back and it was an interesting experience to say the least. The vibe overall was positive, people hungry for new equipment especially and also new technology/products. While forecasts and worry do hang over our heads it didn’t seem to play into the overall attitude here.  The floor itself was slower than previous shows. I don’t think there is any doubt that travel challenges (and those struggles were real for many who came), the Russia/Ukraine war, inflationary costs, and people being shorthanded and not wanting to get away played into that.  But those that were here were hungry and ready to go.  So good stuff there.  If there were a few overall plays it would be “bird friendly” is now officially everywhere, and that plant efficiencies and sustainability truly matter.  Solutions and options in both of those areas were numerous.  Best part is the commitment to those areas are all real, not just talking points anymore. On the flipside, some folks I talked to were surprised at the lack of solar plays for glazing but I think that is a 2024 glasstec headliner at this point (and will be mainstream before that). As I do with every big show, here’s the rundown of seen, heard, and more!

 

--  I have been to many great receptions over the years at glasstec but I have to say the Vitro event this year may have been the best.  It was the right size and tempo and just a fantastic time. Class event! Thank you to Mark Seeton and Dan Plotnick for having me! It was there where I got to spend quality time with Michael and Carolyn Spellman of IGE/VIG Technologies.  Happy for them on several levels, IGE is rocking (systron was the talk of the show) and the VIG with the Vacu-Max connection is a freight train gaining steam.  Also nice because their daughter Erin is joining the business/industry.  Bring on the new young blood!  She’s going to be great!

Speaking of great folks- was awesome to see Matt Aragon and his dad Joe at the show.  Aragon Construction is a force and it was fun to chop it up with them.  I love seeing Jordan Richards and Rob Botman from Glassopolis.  Smart guys who continue to evolve smartly in our space. Also impressive on the evolution is Shaun Gustafson and ClearShield- great steps he and the team are taking in a very competitive segment.  And since I used the word “great” 90 times in this paragraph, I’ll attach it also to my longtime friend- Jon Johnson- incredible to unexpectedly see him here.

--  Back to the young/fresh blood angle, was nice to meet Michael Kelley of TriStar Glass, Juan Manuel Posada of FENEX, Sebastian Rittig of Glass Lamination of America,  Ahlam Alqudah Qaimari of Griffin Glass & Metal Werks, and Jonathon Linford of Jack’s Glass.  All 5 of these folks come across with the talent and drive that our industry needs to keep moving the ball forward.  Excited to see what is next for them.  Heck Juan Manuel even already won a Glass Magazine award… 

--  The Glass Coatings and Concepts duo of Tim McGee and Matt Hanna were great- especially since Matt figured out the crazy clip art that was placed around our stand.  Nice to visit with Michael and Dave Rapp from PDS IG Equipment, good guys and a tremendous company.  Also two really good guys shockingly making their first appearance at glasstec- Gus Trupiano of GGI and Rich Porayko- the jack of all trades marketing and gear guru (https://www.sandandsoda.com/for your wearable/swag needs) 

--  Some old school catching up including Matt and Lisa Hale- Matt is rolling with his glass supply business and nice to see.  I had not seen Guillermo Seta of DFI in a super long time, wonderful to visit with him.  Dave Anderson of HHH- we go back a looong time and just always super to visit with him. In that same universe I did get a good few minutes with the always dapper Dan Reinhart and Mike Synon who also was looking strong as always.  No Terry Hessom sighting for me, but Terry is very popular in Germany, so he was probably signing autographs.  For sure a celebrity was NGA’s Andrew Haring.  If you ever doubted the power of LinkedIn- don’t! People stopped on a dime when they saw him, noting that they knew the OG Glass Nerd from social media.  Was very cool to experience.

--  Another fun one I got to watch was Burkle’s Kyle Lindersmith working an interactive monitor showing off their stunning laminated line.  Kyle was like John Madden in his prime pointing things out and with the same enthusiasm.  His audience was enthralled.  Awesome stuff.  Also awesome some of the next gen stuff Pilkington NSG had on display. They are thinking beyond the normal every day glass approach and I think they have unlocked a few things- especially on the interior side of the structure.  While in the NSG sand I met the impressive Gloria Cardoso from their Brazil operation and again, young and sharp- we need as many of these folks as we can get!

--  Once again best stand? Turomas.  Sorry I am partial to them and I figured out maybe why.  Obviously, I have always raved about their products, but I noticed this trip, their color scheme of orange and black really stands out because I swear everyone else at this event is either or blue or green.  I will say Glaston’s setup was impressive- I wanted to say hi to my Michigan cohort Jim Hartley but I think he was buried in a flood of people in there.   I believe Lance Cotton of Global/Isoclima was in town but I think he was avoiding me and meanwhile I accidently did the same (missing him) to Deron Patterson, now at Apple and ex of Vitro.  Bummed I couldn’t catch up in person with either excellent guy.

 

--  Last but not least a shout out to the great NGA team I had to honor of working with.  As mentioned above Andrew Haring is a rock star and tremendous friend.  He gets it done every time no matter the adventure (including an interesting truck driver from Poland). Norah Dick was at her first glasstec and 2 hours into the first day she was on fire covering the floor for Glass Magazine with laser precision. And finally, the face/soul of our industries Technical Super Heroes- Urmilla Sowell.  I had the honor of being in the NGA stand as Urmilla held court with the best technical minds from all over the world- it was mind blowing and the way Urmilla works for our industry and our best interests is truly priceless. 

 

--  So there ya go… another big one in the books and now full focus is on GlassBuild.  The word from pretty much everyone here that is also going to Vegas for GlassBuild is that they’re excted to be on home turf and really continue to process of growing and solving the biggest issues in our space right now. I love that approach and its dead on- people come to GlassBuild for solutions- it may be a product, a service, a connection etc.- but the end result is something that always helps.  So if you haven’t registered yet- do it now GlassBuild.com and I’ll see you there and probably write about you here in the post-show blog! 

 

LINKS of the WEEK

I have buddies that would love to clean up the tractor trailer spill of all Coors Light!

 

Another week, another “fox” loose in a neighborhood story… its unreal!

 

Fun one- sharing your unpopular but true food opinions… 

 

PROJECT of the WEEK

To the great state of Texas we go… San Antonio and via Jim Biroscak of Vitro.  This is Ridgewood Plaza II and that glass is beautiful.  Congrats to Vitro and to the fine people at Thad Ziegler Glass and Trulite who worked on it from the install and fab side.  Job well done everyone!!

Germany on Tap and Positive News to Share

Good chance this week to do an international “vibe” check as I’ll be in Germany at glasstec.  Really curious to see how people are feeling about the industry.  If you are going or are there (depending on when you read this) please stop on by the National Glass Association booth in Hall 13, Stand C48.  I’ll be posted up there quite a bit and will also be walking the other 9 halls. This should be an interesting event given its first outing since 2018 and what is happening in the world right now. I really don’t know what to expect attendance wise, but I am looking forward to seeing some of the folks who have already noted to me that they’ll be there.  Next week I’ll have typical show review along with the who’s who of the event. (Please wish me good WiFi while there too!)  Big stretch ahead with this and then the most important event of the year in GlassBuild.  Looking forward to it!

 

Elsewhere…

 

--  Good news in the industry last week with the note of the promotion of Paul Robinson to President of Pioneer Cladding and Glazing Systems.  Paul is an all-time favorite of mine.  Great guy and industry leader.  For years Paul was the big “go to” in the BEC planning committee- always helping and providing tremendous insight.  He is a person that “gets it” and I am happy that he continues to rock in his career.  Congrats to Pioneer and Paul!

 

--  Also big news that on 9/27 an episode of the extremely popular HGTV show “Good Bones” will be showing our industry off.  The episode will have a visit to Isoclima Specialty Glass (formerly known as Dlubak Specialty Glass) and the host and team will see how bent glass is produced along with many other products.  It is awesome when our world can be positively seen in the mainstream, so I am pumped to see what this all looks like.  So set your DVR or schedules now for the show on the 27^th at 9PM EST.  I will try and get more on this on a future post.

 

--  Reminder on my latest podcast (great for listening on a long plane ride to Europe by the way) It features guests Lee Harrison and Ross Christie from Walker Glass and Clark Reed from Reed Rubber Products.  Reaction has been great – thank you.  The Walker story- 80 years and tremendous evolution had people buzzing and Reed’s 100^thalong with their focus on our space gained a ton of feedback for me.  So please check it out!  Thank you.  

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AUDIO or Spotify, Apple, Google etc.

 

--  I am behind on my Glass Magazine reviews.  This one is for the Glass Magazine Award issue and obviously the awards aspect was very cool and once again so many in our space just step up and blow me away.  The issue also features a Q&A with one of the classiest guys in our world Mike Goldfarb of Glassfab.  Good insight there!  Plus Andrew Haring had an awesome article on a fabulous Mother/Daughter team in LA that is a must read, All good stuff as always from the team at Glass Magazine- check it out online if you don’t get the printed version. 

 

--  Ad of the month was a brutal challenge for me.  People are really picking up their creative games that is for sure. The winner this month is Fenetech with a “Smash and grab” ad that absolutely caught my attention.  The look and layout were perfect and the ad did what was intended to do- make the reader stop and check it out.  Props to Ron Crowl and team on this winning effort!

 

--  Last this week… one more milestone/set of congrats!  This to Jeff Dalaba and the team at Architectural Glass & Metal Technician program for certifying their 1000^th glazier Mike Marye of Hoosier Glass Co. in Indianapolis.  This program, along with the NACC one continues to grow and they both bring important and needed measures to our industry.  Keep up the great work Jeff and congrats to Mike and the other 999 folks who have achieved certification status!

 

LINKS of the WEEK

A coyote hiding in your bathroom?  Nope.

 

Mark Zuckerberg not paying his bills eh?   Must be hurting for money. He should’ve started a glass blog instead of Facebook. (LOL Inside joke for anyone who has heard me speak this year)

 

An absolute headscratcher here

 

PROJECT of the WEEK

So this week the spotlight is on LTS Drafting and Engineering.  This is 1701 Platte and LTS did the shop drawings and engineering but on their LinkedIn post there was no other info… so fine folks of the industry chime and let me know if you had a part in this beauty!  Congrats to LTS on this one- that is one sharp building!

Happy 80 and 100 + Forecasts, Firms, and More

It is anniversary time on my latest edition of the From the Fabricator podcast.  This time out we celebrate 80 and 100 years in this crazy business.  First up is the duo of Lee Harrison and Ross Christie from Walker Glass.  If you know anything about their story it really is fascinating the way they evolved over the years and Lee and Ross added items to that story I didn’t even know.  Plus, some great advice and lots of positivity from two tremendous business people and industry supporters.  Then on to the 100^th anniversary of Reed Rubber Products and Clark Reed. That was a great chance for me to chat with someone new and learn about a very successful operation.  Plus, it was interesting to hear about Reed’s 4 pillar approach to the future and their focus on our space.  Good stuff all the way around and overall a thrill for me to once get talk to seriously talented people with great companies.  As always thank you for listening/watching/supporting. It is much appreciated!

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AUDIO Or Apple, Spotify, Google etc. 

 

Elsewhere….

 

--  One month until Glassbuild- have you signed up yet?  Keep in mind the two add on events that are a must.  The Glazing Executive Forum this year is absolutely loaded.  Love the schedule and the speakers.  Kudos to Jenni Chase and her team on this one, really a strong agenda that also has a focus on the peer groups (best practices for the win) and from past experience those are a huge benefit to all that participate.  So to see the schedule and learn more- CLICK HERE.  Then on the last day of the show CR Laurence is the lead sponsor on the first ever GlassBuild Tailgate Party.  This will not disappoint- I say that confidently because I know the grill skills that so many in our industry have (John Wheaton, Jon Kimberlain, Sara Neiswanger, Andrew Haring and the list goes on and on and on) and I am confident that a great time will be had by all.  More info on this one is HERE.  I am getting so pumped for this show.  Obviously, I have glasstec (week of 9/18) before it but the energy around GlassBuild has me fired up.

 

--  More good stuff from a former (and hopefully recurring) guest on my podcast.  I’m speaking of Nick St. Denis, the Director of Research from Key Media.  He has his latest quarterly review out for the glass and glazing space and it is a fascinating and quick look at the economic landscape we are all in.  Inflation is playing with some of the numbers but there are some positive takeaways.  To see the report and get on his mail list- CLICK HERE. 

 

--  Another interesting link to check out is the top 110 Architectural firms from Building & Design Construction Magazine.  A lot of the usual suspects, some I thought were bigger than others but what caught my eye was the 2021 revenue.  The big players are really big.  Some eye openers as always.

 

--  This item caught my eye- The move to the subscription model in more things beyond typical services is growing.  Did you see that Toyota evidently has started charging $8 a month to remotely start vehicles using a key fob.  I mean that is a wild add on that used to be free. I rarely use that feature on my Jeep, so I would probably not pay for it if I was prompted to.  In any case we are seeing this creep in our industry with some glazing features being subscription only (like switching glass from clear to a different state) and I am sure that will get people very mad since you don’t have to pay a subscription to open and close your blinds.  Anyway, our world continues to evolve in ways to monetize things… agree or not, it seems like the wave of the future. 

 

--  Last this week… I am horrendously late on some very good family news.  One day before my big brother celebrated his birthday (Happy B Day visionary Stevie P) his son Evan and wife Amanda welcomed a new baby boy to the world.  That alone is great but the significance for me is in the name- Harrison- which is after my dad who passed away back in 2001.  Given that my great grandfather Harris Perilstein started in the glass business (with H Perilstein Glass) in the US in 1898 and spawned a ton of action in our industry including connections to many of the best organizations in our world now, to see another H. Perilstein arrive on the scene is beyond awesome.  Now not putting any pressure on the kid, but if there was ever someone destined for our space it would be that guy! Congrats again to my brother and his wife and of course Evan and Amanda- fantastic news!

 

LINKS of the WEEK

Wild and interesting tech but like a friend of mine said- what happens if and when this gets hacked?

 

The tennis this year at the US Open has been incredible- including stunning shots like this one.

 

The housing issues in Northern California are big and real and looks like some are trying to come up with creative ideas to address it

 

PROJECT of the WEEK

We go to the Learning Resource Center at Ramapo College and the spotlight shines on a good friend of mine (and pretty much everyone in the industry) Tom O’Malley.  His company, Clover Architectural Products is rocking and this project is spectacular.  Vertical tapered sunshades from Clover make that curtain wall really pop.  Nice work from the folks at Pottsgrove Glass and fantastic design from Bohlin Cywinski Jackson.  Congrats Tom and team at Clover and everyone involved in this beauty!

Tours, Trends, Awards, and Football

This past week I had the opportunity to tour some incredible facilities and it really drove home the pure talent and drive we have in our industry.  As you know I love seeing different operations, I always learn something. This time it was a chance to see plants that were truly built from the ground up and in constant evolution mode.  First, I was at FHC- Frameless Hardware Company.  This company is only a few years old but they are absolutely rolling like a group that’s been doing it for years.  The work ethic of all involved there is driving that train.  I was impressed by the layouts of their space, the focus on quality, and the constant push to innovate.  Plus as an old marketing guy, I was jealous of their process there- so impressive and thorough.  It was great to visit with Chris Hanstad and Barry Sutherland during this time- I had them on my podcast last year and to see where they were then to where they are now- was very cool.  Then I stopped in at Glasswerks.  And that for me was a bucket list thing going back years.  Once upon a time I was in the same organization as Glasswerks but never saw their plants.  First thing that caught me was the drive through will-call setup.  That was something I have never seen and it made me think of Chik-fil-A in the way that it was organized and run.  Then seeing all of the operating centers, with an incredible variety of machinery all producing at a very high level.  This was not the typical plant, with everything under one roof- there were several areas broken up by buildings and yet the collaboration and communication going on had everything rolling in perfect rhythm.  It’s funny, our industry takes so much heat from those that don’t know us- but over the last month I have now seen Quaker, FHC, and Glasswerks and those operations would change the mind of any skeptic of what we do.  High quality, great cultures, and strong leaders.  Good stuff all around and thank you to the teams at these companies for inviting me in, I truly appreciate the time and hospitality.

 

Elsewhere…

 

--  I was in Southern California for a college reunion wrapped around a great concert at SoFi Stadium.  Amazing structure and cool to see all the glass and glazing I’ve heard about previously. (Loved that switchable from Privacy Glass Solutions and pal Kevin Roth!) I was also very lucky to get to catch up with Joe Green of GlasPro, Scott and Kendal Rowe of Rowe Fenestration, and the OG #GlassNerd Andrew Haring.  Tremendous time chopping it up with them with some excellent hospitality and fun video recording for GlassBuild. Very memorable for sure.

 

--  In case you missed it, and especially because I was off of the blog last week, my most recent podcast with Tim Widner of Lippert and Dan Shields of Fabricated Products Group is up.  The reaction here has been great and I am thrilled these talented guys took the time with me and also shared what they did.  Tim’s comments attracting people to our world and Dan’s project breakdowns were standouts in the feedback- check it all out!
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AUDIO

 

--  On the rumor mill... The smoke is turning to fire… Keep your eyes open, a major deal is getting close to going down in our industry.  This deal could go a few different ways, so we’ll see what happens, but some excitement is coming.  I will say this same deal has been left at the altar a few times, so nothing is a lock. 

 

--  By the way, my travels are garnering A LOT of interest in GlassBuild.  Obviously I am biased and obviously that makes me very happy (GlassBuild gaining buzz, not me being biased).  The new “Main Stage” with many special programs really has people fired up.  The Women in Glass program, hot off an amazing and impromptu gathering at BEC is going to be game changing.  Then the updates, awards, education, and a very important session on mental health is not to be missed. Register today and use MAXPOD as your code for a free floor entry!

 

--  Last week we did have a new Architectural Billings Index release and it’s still above water (at 51.0) but the cracks are now showing.  I have been worrying on this for a while, really questioning how this index could keep performing and maybe I was just ahead the lag.  In any case it was positive this month but down from last and analysis is pointing towards the trend continuing in that direction.  I don’t like negative but I want to be able to prepare properly and I think we have some choppy waters coming.  Between this and that weakening residential sector, the red flags are starting to raise.  You know the drill folks. Communicate, learn, diversify, and work your own business vs. worrying about your competition. 

 

--  Recently Glass Canada announced a list of their top 10 under 40 years old and two of the people caught my eye.  Ryan Spurgeon of Antamex and Laura Little of Goldray.  Ryan is a very smart guy who has an energy level that I wish I had.  He’s an outside the box thinker too- the status quo is not for him and I love he’s done things like throw his group in very early with new trends like modular attachments in Sapphire Balconies and transparent PV from Ubiquitous Energy.  The PV one especially looks brilliant in light of the latest tax incentives and Ryan’s companies push into the US with high performance fabricated glass.

I have talked about Laura and her company quite a bit here (props also to Lisa Maragh who really is a great communications conductor of that train) and Laura’s inclusion is so deserved.  Great passion and enthusiasm for our space and that shows in every presentation or event she is involved in.  Laura will also push for innovation and collaboration which are areas we need to keep improving on. Both Ryan and Laura will be great ambassadors for our world for many years to come!  The others on this list obviously deserve recognition I just don’t know them, but please check them out HERE. 

--  Football is back!  Now I am not thrilled that time is flying but it is what it is… so time to make my absolutely guaranteed picks for winners this year.  In college football… No one is beating Ohio State. (Notre Dame will end up being the closest and they couldn't do it)  I am a Michigan guy and yes I hope this jinxes them, but OSU gives me nightmares.  In the pros… coming off two straight correct Super Bowl picks… I am going with Baltimore over Green Bay for the call this year.  (And simultaneously Matt Verderamo (Ravens) and Jon Johnson (Packers) are mad at me)  No one is paying attention to the Ravens and they are well coached with good D and a tough QB to defend.  Good luck everyone with your favorite teams! 

 

LINKS of the WEEK

The “Costco” door doesn’t seem to be the fix people may think it is.  At least to me.

 

Another Gator story and I know this area well from my daughter attending school there- yikes!

 

The TikTok “Star” making angle is fascinating to me. Amazing how it works and good for these guys

 

PROJECT of the WEEK

Sticking with the So Cal vibe… via GlasPro and their awesome marketing lead Stephanie Aldrete. This is the Martin Luther King Jr. light rail station and its awesome pavilion entryway. GlasPro worked with artist/designer Mara Lonner to help her create distinctive artwork titled Leimert Park Landscape, integrated into the walls of the pavilion. Giroux Glass was the installer and photo comes from their Brian Peregrina.  Great work by all!