The Thrill of the Pod

Next week they’ll be a new episode of the From the Fabricator podcast.  It looks to be a good one and it got me to thinking on how many people I’ve interviewed so far.  The three guests that will appear will be numbers 114, 115, and 116.  When I tallied that up, I was somewhat stunned.  I did not think I had interviewed that many people but sure enough I have.  So I obviously missed the traditional milestone of 100 guests, so here’s noting it all now.  More than 100 guests in and the goal was to bring as many voices and views to the industry as possible.  It’s been such a cool run in getting to know people of every make and model in our space and looking forward to more to come.  I’ve had the honor of interviewing industry legends like Mr. Don Friese, major leaders like Ricardo Maiz, Steve Weidner, Garret Henson and Nicole Harris, and overall so many tremendously cool and smart people.  Plus I had guys like Adrian Lowenstein on before he added a Hollywood talent agent and complete entourage.  So there’s that! Catch up with it all by searching “From the Fabricator” where you get your podcasts (or find them here on Apple) and check them out, plus feel free to rate and review too!  Thanks for the support and I’ll continue to push these episodes out every month.  Also, while I do have a wish list of people that I am working on, if there’s someone you want me to chase down for an interview, let me know! 

 

Elsewhere…

 

--  The latest Architectural Billings index was released this week and it came in at a dead flat number of 50.0.  Remember 50 is the break-even so that’s where we are at and with last month being at 50.1 this is being considered as “stable” and I guess we’ll take it.  In some of the surveys of respondents though it was noted some more softening was taking place so that bears following.  In addition, the Design Contracts and Design Inquiries both dropped, so really this was not a good month despite things staying level.  We’ve all been expecting the volatility and while it hasn’t been as intense as we thought, it is here.  My worry continues to be the interest rate issue and the economy overall are just not encouraging for positive times and eventually the indexes will show it.  

 

--  The great Dr. Kayla Natividad of NSG/Pilkington sent me this amazing read on the need for good glass in Ukraine.  Really something and also a line in there about quality that will make you chuckle. 

 

--  I’ve talked on here many times about Chris Phillips and his incredible resource on Facebook with the Shower Door Professionals group.  Now Chris expanded and has a newsletter for that group that you can subscribe too and get the latest. Here’s the link to the current edition and from there you sign up for it and also join the group and more.  If you are in the shower door world in any capacity, it is a must. 

--  GlassBuild.  You know I am going to keep harping on it because YOU HAVE TO BE THERE.  Have you looked at the quality and quantity of exhibitors?  My gosh it is amazing.  So many great companies from all over the world.  Everything you need all in one place over 3 days in Atlanta.  Seriously if you are not building those networks ahead of any “soft times” as mentioned above, you are doing it wrong.  Attending and being active on that GlassBuild floor is a big key to business in 2024- so I’d make sure you’re there. 

 

--  Last this week… College Football is back… I do love this sport but I am afraid with all of the conference changes its going to lose some luster.  Until then though I am going to enjoy it all to the max.  Who’s gonna win it all?  I’d love to see Michigan but they’re snakebit constantly (sometime self inflicted) and so I am going with their rival Ohio State.  As many know I do not like Ohio State (I went to “little brother Ohio U. and live in Michigan so I really can’t like the Buckeyes) but that team is stacked and amazingly there are people sleeping on them right now.  So Ohio State over Georgia is the call…

 

LINKS of the WEEK

The growth of the basement! (love mine!)

 

Not used to having Gators in Michigan!

 

Is it me or is infrastructure everywhere and in every segment suffering? 

 

PROJECT of the WEEK

The fabulous Dan Plotnick of Vitro Architectural Glass gets the spotlight this week with his push on a groundbreaking project at Lafayette College.  This has 3 VERY hot products on it- High performance low e (Solarban 90) Bird Friendly markings, AND Vacumax VIG.  This is the fiture and of course Dan teamed up with great folks like Glass Enterprises to make it happen.  And kudos to Michael Spellman too as his VIG vision continues to come into big time focus.  Great work gang! 

Thoughts out West

Never thought I’d be leading off a blog talking about a hurricane hitting southern California and the southwest but here we are.  Obviously sending positive thoughts to all, especially with regards to the rains and floods.  When I saw the following blurb in weather blog I trust, it opened my eyes…

“The overall rainfall will exceed 12-14 Trillion gallons across the Western U.S. states including CA, NV, AZ, UT, OR, ID, MT. This will be a major event across several states in mountainous terrain. The area of 2-4” rain with isolated amounts to 12-inches will be considerable including Los Angeles, San Diego, Death Valley and Las Vegas.”

Stay safe out there my friends. 

Note- We’re also watching the updated predictions for storms on the east coast this season.  Last year was a rough one and this year has started off quiet.  Would really be nice to skate by with minimal action out there….

 

Elsewhere…

 

--  Coming up on August 30^th a big webinar via the NGA and Architectural Record. “The Power of Protective Glass” is the subject and given how critical (and popular) that category is this is truly one to check out.  Plus anytime you can see the great Julie Schimmelpenningh of Eastman and Thom Zaremba present- you can’t pass that up.  More info HERE!

 

-- Good article from CBS on more kids picking trades over college.  Would like to see this trend to keep growing.  Makes me think about efforts from people like Jodi Martinez at Allstar Glass are paying off!

 

--  One of the big draws at GlassBuild is hearing from Conor Lokar, the amazing economist from ITR. He is back again this year and will actually be giving a more extended presentation on the economy and outlook.  He’ll be in the Main Stage area on 10/31 at 2:30- so that is one you want to do everything you can to be there for…. Among other major happenings there of course.  Registration is coming along nicely and hotels are filling… so get to GlassBuild.com and stake your place if you haven’t done so yet!

 

--  Speaking of forecasts, the latest from the ABC was pretty positive despite the various headwinds.  There’s still a major case that a slowing is coming (as expected in 2Q ’24) but for now ride this wave folks.  Here’s the breakdown on the latest.

 

--  I have noted here many times my admiration for Rob Struble of Vitro and he has done it again with a spectacular new catalog release.  I know from experience doing these things are fraught with nightmares at every turn, but Rob makes it look easy.  Great edition produced by him and his team and love the additions of products like VacuMax.  Also really enjoy the recognition handed out to so many of the best companies in our space.  Tremendous resource and congrats Rob on a job well done!  Check it out here!

 

--  Last this week… a while back Rolling Stone magazine ran a list of its Top 200 singers and it’s absolutely crazy and wrong in many spots.  But it does offer up a chance to debate.  A few quibbles from me.. it’s a crime to have Elton John at 100 or Stevie Nicks at 93 or Johnny Cash at 85 or Steve Perry at 82.  That’s just a quick smidgen of performers too low.  Willie Nelson and Tina Turner in the 50’s is crazy low too.  Smokey Robinson at 23 also too low for a legend like that. But I will say the top 15 isn’t that bad and at least my guy Freddy Mercury is in there along with some other serious legends.  Interesting list for sure…

LINKS of the WEEK

I’m not ready for grass houses and what comes with them.

 

This just fascinated me for some reason- determining what was wrong with this Gator.

 

Big fines and a lot to unpack on this story of a family and lots of plants and vegetation in its yard.

 

PROJECT of the WEEK
Usually I want more glass in my structures but this one worked for me.  This is the Pacific Beach Middle School in San Diego and glazed by Pacific Coast Glazing Inc.  Nice work- the glass and sunshades look awesome.  No word on the post on who supplied those but super job by the team at Pacific Coast on the install!  Congrats!  And again to all out there in line of "Hilary" (including the gang from our project of the week) stay well and safe- hang in there!

 

 

The Best... and Staying That Way

“Glass can do everything…” that was the headline for the annual Glass Magazine Awards and when you look at the winners you realize that indeed it really can do everything!  I loved going through the projects especially. Congrats to everyone who participated in this process as it makes our industry look great.  And kudos to the winners- folks like Glass 3 Enterprises who have been involved in some amazing projects over the years getting recognition here.  Also I have been a fan of Goldray and they were amongst the honorees as was Vitro, Guardian and many many more.  A veritable who’s who of winners.  See it all HERE.

 

Elsewhere…

 

--  Now the tough side- to do “everything” you need the right recipe overall and that right now has been a challenge.  Quality and performance have struggled from the fabrication side in many parts of the country mostly because of labor shortages.  Thus, my timely reminder that moving to automated and innovative manufacturing equipment is a must.  I know it can be pricey, but it is worth the investment knowing that the labor situation is NOT going to get better. Installers have a lot of patience but the people they install for are starting to get antsy, so we need to keep on our overall efforts to perform at the highest levels. 

 

--  I’ve talked a bit here and on my podcast on the resurgence of work in the lodging space and despite some mixed messages lately, it looks like that pipeline is holding up nicely.  This piece 

From Building Design + Construction delivered the positive news.

 

--  CONGRATS to a great guy and talent in our industry- Alan Kinder- on his new role at Guardian Glass.  Alan is now Director, Commercial Segment and will do a tremendous job in that spot.  For me Alan made his mark during the pandemic with awesome videos on working from home and from there just took off including always promoting great work online and delivering the tightest 5 minutes on bird friendly ever recorded.  In any case very happy to see some added recognition and responsibility coming his way!

 

--  Also on the new gig side of things NEXT Energy Technologies promoted Brenton Taylor to CEO.  NEXT is making positive in-roads on the transparent photovoltaic space that I am an unabashed fan of and I think this is an excellent move overall as from all I know and have heard Brenton’s experience is perfect to take this company to the next level.  We need strong leadership at these emerging companies and this looks like a perfect fit for sure. 

 

--  Thoughts and prayers to those affected by the fires in Hawaii.  Absolutely devastating to see and the recovery is going to take a very long time.  The before and after photos/video are jawdropping.  Hoping for the best there.

 

--  Last this week… GlassBuild season is underway and it got me thinking of what was my most memorable or best event ever.  Now those who have seen the comical picture of a star struck Max smiling endlessly next to Cal Ripken at the 2003 GlassBuild probably think that was it.  (if you haven’t seen, I am sure Andrew Haring will share it! LOL) Obviously that was a heck of a time and experience, but I’ll go with recency bias on this one. My most memorable is just last year in Vegas.  Seeing a crazy packed floor and people who hadn’t seen each other in 2 years or more connecting was awesome.  It really hit home for me how great this industry is and how much we missed being able to get together.  So with that said, let’s not ever take for granted these shows and opportunities to see each other.  GlassBuild registration is open and I think it’s time to make those plans and get there.  And yes I know day 1 is Halloween.  So it’s good that there’s two more days of GlassBuild to visit!  Make your plans now- as nothing truly can replace that chance to visit with people in person, see the materials and machines in person, and learn the latest and greatest.  GlassBuild.com to do it all and if you all come I promise I’ll smile as giddily as I did back in 2003! 

 

LINKS of the WEEK

I have not run into the newer “junk fees” for hotels (beyond the “resort charges” in Vegas) so this was not a great thing to see.

 

Sad and scary but the owner had to do what he had to do… 

 

Hate government waste and this overrun is ugly

 

PROJECT of the WEEK

One of my favorite companies is Tristar Glass.  They really do it the right way and always classy too.  This project came across my feed and stopped me in my tracks- just beautiful. This is in Oklahoma and it’s the Chickasaw Community Bank Headquarters.  I may have mentioned fab issues above but there’s no issues here that’s for sure!  Glass manufactured by Vitro and installed by Tietsort LLC.  Kudos to everyone on this amazing and stunning job!

News and Nuggets

We may be square in the “dog days” of summer but various news and happenings are always popping in our industry.  This week a handful of things to rundown but leading off with a long overdue Glass Magazine review.  This is the annual Top 50 Glaziers edition and a great one to get a feel for who’s making moves in our space.  The Glass Magazine team did a great job not only breaking own the top 50 but adding a lot of color to the scene as well.  In addition, some strong articles were on hand including one on bird and animal friendly glass that has really been a growing angle in our world.  Overall, a very strong issue and if you haven’t flipped through it, you can find it digitally HERE.

 

And as always, I award the “ad of the month” and this competition is never easy as the various marketers who advertise seem to raise their game every single month.  This time out, I’m giving the nod to Kuraray with what felt and looked like a 3D image of a person breaking through the glass.  It seriously did make me stop, look, and read.  So kudos to the team there who developed this ad- it worked nicely!  

 

Elsewhere…

 

--  In case you missed it, youth was served on my latest podcast and the energy of Ashley Klein and Evan Afenir could light up a continent.  Great pair and each really delivered a lot of interesting angles.  As I noted previously it makes me feel good when you see folks like this thriving- puts our industry in good hands going forward.  Check out what they had to say!

VIDEO

AUDIO and search for "From the Fabricator" on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Next month is looking good too with a very well-known person and a person I seriously do not know at all and looking forward using this platform to learn more!

 

--  Speaking of podcast guests- a few made big news this past week.  First up the gang from Drafting Marketplace (Brandon and Tyler) announced the latest update to their awesome platform: the creation of the Engineering user type and functionality. Yes ENGINEERING TOO! From today forward, engineers will be able to sign up for a free account and bid on engineering projects in the same way drafters already have. Glazing contractors can post projects specific to either engineering or drafting, and interact with bids, users, and documents in the same way. 

Learn more HERE and kudos to the team there!

 

--  Next was the Architectural guru Vardhan Mehta.  Vardhan joined me a few months back to talk about the fantastic Acelab platform that was built for architects by architects and is making connections for the manufacturer so much more available and seamless.  Truly the innovation needed in that space.  Anyway, Vardhan and team just secured a new founding round which will allow the site to grow and be much more prominent across the entire ecosystem.  For me I love that outside investors are interested in putting their funding into things like this.  Very exciting and positive time moving forward.  And I am unabashed fan of Vardhan’s, so I’m thrilled for him for sure.  Great things ahead.  

 

--  And last from my podcast past, Josh Burg of Glass Enterprises was one of my first guests way back in March of 2021 and he is always doing something good in our space.   This past week he was at it again with a golf event to benefit The Salvation Army's local developmental disabilities program.  It is great cause that I know Josh supports in many ways, and aside from being an awesome day and major win, it also got some local TV news coverage of it as well.  That is cool.  Nice work Josh and GEI team!  

 

--  Last this week… the quarterly Gilbane supply chain report is out, and it is more in-depth than I have seen.  It had a lot of insight on product costing and volatility in the economy but as always it had the lead-time rundown that I like bringing to all of you.  The good news was that Gilbane sees our world in the “stabilizing” category and I think I can agree with that determination.  In some spots things are slowing enough to worry but in others people are jumping.  Leadtimes have held up ok but the worry once again is back to trucking and logistics as turmoil on that side of the ball has made a tough deal even tougher.  In any case the overall feel is still positive when it comes to lead-times and supply but as we all know it can change quick.

 

LINKS of the WEEK

e-bikes and batteries- absolutely an issue out there… 

 

This was a big story all week- is this a real bear or not?

 

Starting to get answers on recycling old solar panels.  This needs continued development.

 

PROJECT of the WEEK

Russell Williams, aka the Architectural Insider, is a favorite rep of mine and he had this beauty posted.  It is 9696 Wilshire, located in Beverly Hills California and it obviously came out nicely! 
According to the post the Structural System was by Landmark Facade Solutions Inc. and was installed by the team at Precision Glasswork.com.  Kudos on the design to Pizzulli Associates Inc
All in all these folks are helping to make glass and glazing stand out in So Cal!