Year end Pod and 2023 MVP!

The last scheduled post of the year is here!  Lots to cover… first up, my annual one on one year end interview is with John Dwyer of Syracuse Glass (now a part of the Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope family).  John has had a heck of a run, especially in the last five years and we covered that and so much more.  There’s no doubt in my mind that John has been one of the most successful operators we’ve ever had in this industry, and it was great to just chop it up with him.  We dropped a lot of names too- was fun and lots of ground covered that is for sure.  Thank you to Michael Kovacs who suggested I have John on the pod too.  So please check it out! 

VIDEO

AUDIO (and you can search “From the Fabricator” on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.)

 

Ok… on to the annual awarding of my Glass Industry MVP.

 

So since 2013 I have awarded this to the person, duo, or company that I thought made a major impact in our space.  Maybe they were active at the trade level, maybe through social and marketing, or maybe at the architect, code, or product side.  I traditionally name an MVP and then a few runners up (see last week’s post for previous) and this year will be no different.

 

Before I get to it- just a note. There’s two people who deserve a mention and all platitudes that they can get. My brother Steve Perilstein and Andrew Haring.  Both are massively crucial.  Without brother Steve, innovations and approaches that are now standard in the industry don’t happen (at least as quick) and I’m probably anchoring the nightly sports in Waterloo, Iowa.  (So he’s also to blame then for me too- LOL) I’m grateful he offered me $6.50 per hour in 1991 to join this crazy world. 

And as for Andrew- he is the ultimate all time MVP- the OG Glass Nerd has done more to raise our profile worldwide than anyone imaginable.  Whether its Germany or England or South America or anywhere in North America, Andrew never fails to deliver the goods.  And note- he’s more than just a pretty sales/marketing face- his technical and design skills are scary good.  It’s an honor to work with and learn from him. 

 

So for 2023 let’s go! First the Runners Up…

 

Matt Day

This is a guy who truly does live and breathe our industry.  He, like me for some folks, is not everyone’s flavor, but there is absolutely no denying that Matt puts the industry on his back and does all he can to promote it. His documentary that is in the works is amazing, his push for the yearly Glazier Nation awards and Hall of Fame incredible, and his drive to achieve more for our space is truly appreciated.  He has put time and resources into these efforts that many would scoff at- but end of the day his care is genuine.

 

Tyler Faulk and Brandon Bellegarde

These two guys came out of nowhere to positively affect so many in our space and also deliver new and important ways to get things done.  They’re also unselfish and dedicated to the cause, often putting others ahead of themselves which is impressive. So between developing an efficient resource that many use and being active ambassadors for our industry (best GlassBuild promo of the year) these guys deserve the recognition.  Oh and did you know they both have glorious beards?  That is not mentioned enough…

 

Jennifer Lang

This one I give credit to my brother for recognizing years ago. (see above- he’s a visionary) He always said Jennifer was incredibly sharp and one of the best out there but I had no interaction with her or her company.  Then a few years ago while researching “best under the radar” websites for my blog, I came across her amazing site for Minneapolis Glass.  Soon after Steve introduced her to me and I had her on my podcast and then I started to see her everywhere. She jumped into some of the Women in Glass and Fenestration events and began mentoring some of the up-and-coming women in our space.  Plus, she’s got her company REALLY rocking now with a move to a new state of the art HQ.  So suffice to say a great 2023 for Jennifer, she brings a ton to the table, and we’re lucky she’s in our industry!

 

Now to the MVP

2023 goes to Ron Crowl.

A theme of everyone who usually makes my list is being unselfish and Ron owns that role.  He’s given of himself and his company for years and this coming year he’ll rule the volunteer roost as Chair at the NGA. But even before that Ron is always active in all facets of our industry.  From shows, to education, to promotion, you ask him for support and he never says no.  He’s developed amazing products that many use (including my pod guest John Dwyer who was an early adopter) and he’s put the industry first in so many instances that many businesspeople would not.  He’s also built a great culture and team that represents our industry extremely well.  Class act always, super friendly, and seriously deserving of a Browns Super Bowl run…. But in case that doesn’t happen this year I am sure this MVP will be just as good.  LOL.  Bottom line though is a guy like Ron could’ve sold his company and hit the beach.  Instead he’s gotten even more committed to our causes and more determined to help us all grow and be the best we can be.  Ron fits that previous list of MVP’s well and I am honored that through NGA I’ve gotten to work with him and learn along the way.  Congrats!

 

So there you go… 2023’s honorees are in the book.   What a year eh?  And we’ve got an interesting one to come with some serious unknowns ahead. So buckle up.  I’ll be back week of January 7^th with prediction reviews, new predictions for 2024, more podcasts and all the other fun and adventures you see in this space weekly.  THANKS to each and every one of you who read and comment and listen and watch.  The traffic this year was absolutely stunning (especially audio podcast wise) and I am extremely grateful.  I love this industry and so many people in it and it truly is mind numbing to work and converse with so many of you.  So here’s to a great holiday season and a HAPPY and HEALTHY 2024!! 

 

LINKS of the WEEK

End of an era?  The original location of Caribou Coffee closes…

 

A holiday toy safety concern… just an FYI… but odd because this is not a new product so odd that all of a sudden they realized the danger?

 

There’s a lot to unpack here but for me I have never heard of this breed but I am sure now I have seen this style of dog on one of my runs.

 

PROJECT of the WEEK

From the feed of good friend Brad Glauser of Edify Studios and Luoma Design this is 400 Westlake and it’s a newsmaker thanks to being one of the most sustainable projects of its size and kind.  Designed to generate 105% of the energy it consumes, the 15-story office tower is a net-positive energy building. AWESOME!

Brad was involved in the historical windows and fire rated and this one is a beauty in so many ways! Congrats to Brad and all who worked on it!  

Who's Next?

And down the stretch we come… this is the next to last scheduled post of the year!  A few items to cover this week and we’ll kick it off with a look back at my past Industry MVP’s and Runners Up as the 2023 edition will be unveiled next week.   I created this program in 2013 to recognize folks and companies that go above and beyond to support our industry.  Many on the lists below are still active and very involved in our space which is very cool, and many continue to make positive impacts even in new places.  Some have retired and one sadly passed away who is missed daily. 

 

Starting with the past winners- your previous MVP’s were:

 

2013- Tracy Rogers

2014- CR Laurence

2015- Jon Kimberlain

2016- Chuck Knickerbocker

2017- Joe Erb

2018- Nathalie Thibault

2019- Bill Sullivan

2020- Tim Kelley

2021- Matt Kamper and Steve Dean

2022- Jodi Martinez

 

And the long list of previous Runners Up:

 

Tom Culp, Mark Silverberg, Ed Zaucha, Mic Patterson, Oliver Stepe, Dr. Helen Sanders, Scott Thomsen, John Wheaton, Rick Wright, Tom O’Malley, The late great Bernard Lax, Garret Henson, Walker Glass, Dip Tech, Kris Vockler, Mike Albert, Thom Zaremba , Urmilla Jokhu-Sowell, SAPA, GCI, Darijo Babic, Cathie Saroka, Felix Munson, Jeff Haber, Glenn Miner, Rob Struble, Greg Oehlers, Courtney Little, Scott Rowe, Rowe Fenestration, Syndi Sim, Dustin Anderson, Casey Anderson, Sam Hill, Bill Daubmann, Keith Daubmann, Dr. Kayla Natividad, Kyle Sword, Adrian Lowenstein, Tom Jackson, Stanley Yee, Chris Phillips, and Frameless Hardware Company- FHC

 

Some do ask me about my process, and they’ll say these are all your friends- and yes many on the list I consider my friends but there’s a few on this list who don’t even know I exist and some who legit aren’t fans of mine.  Yet when they were chosen it was deserving because of what they did (and in many cases still do) for our space.

 

Who gets added to these rolls this year?  Next week you’ll find out!

 

Elsewhere…

 

--  In case you missed the latest From the Fabricator podcast- I had Trey Taylor of BEES Inc. and Henry Taylor of Kawneer on.  Both conversations featured quite a few take aways on training, approaches, culture etc.  Two excellent people for our world from leading organizations too.  Next week I’ll have my traditional year ending podcast with just one guest and I think it will be a great for all to check out!  Thank you for supporting!  To check out the Trey and Henry episode- 

VIDEO

AUDIO (or Search “From the Fabricator” on Apple, Spotify, Google or wherever you get your pods)

 

--  The last Glass Magazine of 2023 is out and another tremendous combination of info and insight from the remarkable editorial team there!  Rachel Vitello dove into a great project in Oklahoma featuring some of the best of the best in our space, and we even have columns from past MVP’s Joe Erb and Chuck Knickerbocker.  And the Glazing Information Bulletin included is a biggie.  The whole issue is chock full of goodness!  Check it out!

Meanwhile the coveted Ad of the Month went to FHC for their ASPIRE ad.  I am normally a less text is better guy- but this ad made it work and the use of color- especially on the word mark “Aspire” made it pop.  So kudos to the gang at Frameless Hardware Company for a job well done!

 

--  My good pal Scott Goodman came through big time this week with a link on a bowling ball being shot at 500 MPH at “bullet-proof” glass (Note- I HATE the term “bullet-proof” but that’s how the article states it.  Ugh!) Anyway check this out HERE and thank you Scott for always supporting!

--  Last this week… another past MVP, Bill Sullivan of Brin Glass with a clutch shared tweet.  This is wild and something you’d normally see at glasstec… incredible precision, skill, and obviously a dash of voo-doo to make this happen.  Thank you Bill for the share!

 

LINKS of the WEEK

I always crack up about these stories that note “towns safe enough to keep your doors unlocked” – I mean doesn’t that just send a huge signal out to the bad guys?

 

Huh- interesting photography action here

 

Lost in space…

 

PROJECT of the WEEK

2024 I believe is going to be the year of the retrofit.  But the gang at St Germain’s Glass in Duluth, Minnesota got a jump start on it in ‘23 with this remodel.  Good looking elevation of glass and aluminum as a part of a facelift to an older building. Given that it’s probably snowing like crazy there now, I am sure the St Germain’s team got this one buttoned up by now.  Congrats to all on a tremendous effort and keep it up!

"Taylor" Made

The latest From the Fabricator podcast is out and it is truly “Taylor” made for the industry.  And  yes I know that term is “tailor” made but this episode features two awesome Taylors… Trey Taylor of BEES Inc. and Henry Taylor of Kawneer.  Trey is an awesome human and wildly talented and what he and his team have built at BEES is truly impressive.  Was great to get that background and then Trey’s takes on products and prospects going forward.  Very enlightening.  Next it was an honor for me to chat with Henry Taylor.  Henry and I worked together years ago and he was (and still is) a key cog in the BEC machine too.  Love Henry and he surely did not disappoint.  He went deep on takes on training, occupant comfort, new approaches and much more. So enlightening and a good friend to boot.  

I know you have several podcast choices (including an episode I’ll mention below) so I thank you for the support.  The audio version stats just blow my mind, and I am extremely grateful to all of you who give it a whirl each time out.

VIDEO

AUDIO (or Search “From the Fabricator” on Apple, Spotify, Google or wherever you get your pods)

Elsewhere…

 

--  Last week I wrote on automation and that need, and it sat wrong with some out there, so I wanted to chat through it more.  There are positions in this industry that NEVER can be taken by machines.  We know that.  But in areas that can be advanced with automation that needs to happen. Gotta go into this all with open eyes that is for sure.  In the meantime one of the areas that makes us special- our craftsmanship- will not be denied.  

 

--  Registration is now open for the big NGA Glass Conference-Isles of Palms/Charleston that is happening in early February.  This is an absolute must attend if you are on the fabricated side of the ball.  Urmilla Sowell and her team do an amazing job with this effort and everyone who attends comes away with more understanding of the technical aspects that are affecting our world now or will affect it later.  Learn more and get registered TODAY  

 

--  I mentioned above about podcasts and the one that Patrick Flannery does for Glass Canada Magazine is really good.  Pat is a great interviewer, and I was honored to be on it back in the day.  His latest episode is with the brilliant Jeff Dalaba of NACC.  Jeff is always great to converse with and he always provides so much food for thought.  Lot of strong nuggets from this one but I am biased because I am a true believer in the NACC mission.  Still it’s a worthy listen.  For more info CLICK HERE or you can search GlassTalk at your favorite outlet.  

 

--  Last this week… It’s time again for the best and worst airports from the Wall Street Journal.  This is a yearly event and one I always love to cover.  My good pal Lyle Shimazu and I have debated and his love for the Portland, OR airport still cracks me up.  He’s loyal that is for sure!

So to the list and my comments

Top 5 Large Airports:

5- Detroit- Should be #1. Checks all the boxes. Travesty that its 5^th.

4- Atlanta- Some may squeal but hear me out.  Its busy as heck but there’s a ton of food options and it is easy to get around. 

3- LAX- Ummm really?  Seriously?  Did the WSJ riders go anywhere other than the swanky Delta lounge there?  Yikes. 

2- Minneapolis- Solid airport- can get lots of exercise there. Minnesota nice always ranks with me. The giant billboard of Bill Sullivan of Brin welcoming you to town is a nice touch too.  

And #1- Phoenix- No way, maybe I missed something, but that airport lacks a lot.  Can’t be #1.  

 

For Worst Big Airports- Newark was last and that tracks, with JFK right behind, DFW, and Orlando.  No qualms there.  I like Orlando as a city, but that airport needs to get better and hopefully get some more expansions. 

 

For medium sized- the best was San Jose.  I have yet to see it.  San Antonio was 2^nd and it is a solid airport that has gotten better over the years.  Houston was right behind and I really was impressed last time I was there.   For worst on the medium side of things…  San Juan led the way with Washington DCA and Austin right behind.  Austin is brutal folks.  I love Texas but that airport can be a nightmare- last time I was there the traffic backups were so bad people just abandoned their rental cars and walked to a terminal that featured lines that were truly bonkers.  

 

The whole list and documentation is HERE.  And oh Lyle, they had your beloved Portland at #6 in the medium sized.  Still work to do there my friend!. LOL  And fellow road warriors, weigh in!

 

LINKS of the WEEK

Something is off here on dogs damaging the cars- like the person who sent me the link said it had to be training because strays or any other dogs usually don’t do this..

My gosh beware the fake presenters via AI… last week we had Sports Illustrated and this…Don't worry all presenters at Glass Conference/BEC/GPAD will be real!!

 

One more for fellow road warriors- ever see a guy jump out and onto the wing?  Nope, me neither.

 

PROJECT of the WEEK

Found this absolute beauty on the feed of Marcia Harris of Excel Engineering.  Tremendous look to this project and in her post she noted collab between Excel and XK Curtainwall Specialists.  

Not sure who did the glass or metal but massive kudos to all involved as this looks awesome.