Can't Miss Event

Last week I wrote about GlassBuild and the Main Stage and for this week I wanted to immediately hit on what is happening at the Glazing Executives Forum.  Katy Devlin and team have put together an amazing program that covers everything from using the latest technology to build your team and business to three crucial extended workshops that will bring best practices into play in more than a few spots.  Please take a look at the lineup- it’s got something for everyone!  PLUS the return of the great economist Connor Lokar to this setting and hearing his hour-long in-depth talk in this private setting is a can’t miss.  Hope to see you the on Day 1 of GlassBuild on September 30th!

Elsewhere…

-- ICYMI- the latest From the Fabricator podcast dropped last week and between Syndi Sim’s energy, Jenni Chase’s resources, and Chuck Knickerbocker’s insights the listening numbers are off the charts! So, if you missed any of this terrific trio, please check out and thank you for doing so!

VIDEO

AUDIO (or search “From the Fabricator” on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts)

Thank you to FHC for sponsoring this episode too!

-- Some may look at the economic news from last week as “meh” but I took some serious positives out of it.  First the latest Architectural Billings Index popped up to 48.2.  Still below break-even at 50, but best number since April and the regions had moments too.  The Northeast ticked down to 50 but still positive.  Take it as a win folks.  Especially given this report could’ve felt some of the effects of the mini drop/crisis we had on the markets a few weeks ago. Next the Fed did signal more prominently that a rate is coming in September, so hopefully that happens and it’s one with meat on it.  A lot of money sitting on the sidelines now waiting on the fed (and quite frankly waiting for post US election too) so any chance we can get for a jump start would be nice. Even with a rate cut to get things loose, those markets that are softer still have to grin and bear it for a while until things get down to our world which as we all know can take some time…

-- Another week, another Governor stops by a prominent operation in our space.  This time Quaker Windows welcomed in the Governor of Missouri.  Very cool.  Quaker has been rolling for a while and now this new expansion takes them into a stratosphere.  Love it.  I was lucky enough to visit them last year and do a podcast onsite and we talked about a bunch of things including the future. If you have not seen or heard that one- please check it out at links below.  Good people and happy for them!

VIDEO

AUDIO- (or on Apple, Spotify, etc.)

-- Also, in Missouri this week… Hat tip to the PR Gold Standard Heather West for the cool news that the Missouri Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the U.S. Department of Defense, honored Johnathan Tallent with a Patriot Award. Tallent is a factory order supervisor for EFCO, a brand of Apogee Enterprises’ Architectural Framing Systems (AFS) segment. Congrats Johnathan on such a great piece of recognition and the honor you bring to your company and our industry.  Thank you for your service!

-- My weekly GlassBuild note is I am very excited to see more of the JRS Machine that “knocked me out” earlier this year.  IGE Glass Technologies has a few crucial footprints on the floor (not sure how Michael Spellman is going to clone himself to be everywhere all at once) and this spot will be right on the aisle at 17027.  In case you missed it JRS is the home now for high-quality, technologically advanced glass working machines for drilling, milling, and countersinking flat glass and it’s really taken that effort next level.  Make sure you check it out!

-- Last this week… Am I the only one who gets the jingle from the drug “Jardiance” stuck in your head after seeing that commercial?  It’s brilliant.  The marketers behind this catchy tune have now 3 versions out with different lead singers and it’s catchy every time.  I have a feeling this is going to start a bigger trend in that space…

LINKS of the WEEK

Still working at 102?  Nope.  Not for me- but hey good for her!

https://nypost.com/2024/07/04/lifestyle/grandmother-102-still-works-at-a-health-resort-heres-why-retirement-isnt-for-her/

Massive sink hole hits a soccer field.  Thankfully it happened when no one was on it.  Crazy!

https://apnews.com/article/sinkhole-soccer-field-illinois-limestone-566c32bd68d8098c13004ab49059f8bc

I love San Diego.  Had no idea they have random pigs roaming the streets

https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2024/07/03/11-pigs-Chula-Vista-California/4441720018561/

PROJECT of the WEEK

I’m a big fan of my guy Tom O’Malley and Clover Architectural Products.  Before I hit on this project that went viral recently, it was good to see online that Clover is in growth mode, looking to add Project Managers among other positions.  Keep it rolling Tom! Anyway, a few weeks ago the new Student Center on the campus of Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan started to pop up on publications all over the web.  This was an inspired design from Cannon Design and installed by NEC.  Clover absolutely blew everyone away with custom 22’ continuous ¼” bent fins with custom designed cut outs.  Love it!  Congrats to everyone involved in this one and love all the coverage it’s getting!

Triple Threat Pod

((Note- I am posting these direct to my LinkedIn profile too- please feel free to connect with me and be able to follow along on there! Thanks!))

The latest From the Fabricator podcast is out and it’s a super-sized edition with three amazing guests covering a wide range of topics once again.  I kick it off with Syndi Sim of q-Railing and of course the energy is there and flowing but also lots of perspective plays and insights that I found very refreshing and helpful.  Then I connect with Jenni Chase of the National Glass Association and her role within the Workforce Development realm is massive and crucial and it was good to hear about all of the work happening there and resources both in play now and forthcoming.  I wrap it up with a longtime friend in Chuck Knickerbocker of TGP. We go way back, and Chuck is so well schooled on all we have going on and I really enjoyed the tutorial on steel curtain walls too.  All in all, once again a huge honor to get to talk to the best of the industry each month.  Thank you to my guests and to all of you who will listen and watch!!

VIDEO

AUDIO (or search “From the Fabricator” on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts)

A special thanks to the episode’s sponsor- FHC- I continue to be grateful for their support (and of course their industry support too- with another tremendous grant to the NGA Foundation for MyGlassClass and education!)

And also thanks to Nathan Seaman of Architectural Grilles and Sunshades who noted on LinkedIn this week he was listening to my podcast and that spurred a bunch of traffic to my last few episodes- very cool!

Elsewhere…

-- GlassBuild.  Have you registered yet?  It’s in Dallas and note the days this year- September 30-October 2 are a Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday.  Big thing for me to point out here is that the content and education continue to expand.  On the Main Stage this year the schedule is packed. From the day 1 kickoff with a High-Performance Trends panel through training and workforce on day 2 and ending with the Women in Glass & Fenestration Networking Breakfast on Day 3, it’s going to be unreal.  Can’t wait.  And bummed because of my schedule I won’t get to take it all in but thrilled it’s all there for the industry to grab. So register today at GlassBuild.com and us the code MAXPOD for few show floor admission. 

-- Also at GlassBuild, I am excited to see what the fine folks at Haffner bring this year.  Got some e-mail teasers that I have my interest perked up some.  Love all that Stephen Kucer and team do there and the way they have developed groundbreaking products, especially in the fenestration screen side.  Good stuff ahead I am sure.

-- I always note here when our industry hits the bigger time, especially in governmental space and this past week Luxwall in Michigan welcomed in Governor Gretchen Whitmer for a visit.  This was cool given Luxwall is in the VIG space, and that area of things is booming and obviously people are taking notice.  Good to see some positive around the advanced tech side of things after the past few weeks of dismal news on the dynamic end. 

-- Also making their community proud is Glazing Concepts in California as they picked up an award from their state assemblyman- officially getting the California Assembly Resolution Award.  Wonderful to see and I am a fan of Tim Lietaert and his company- they have always supported the industry (MyGlassClass, GlassBuild etc.) and know they’ve also been strong in their own backyard too.  Congrats Glazing Concepts on the honor!

-- Funny 2 weeks ago the market blipped and things looked ugly.  As quick as that came, it left, and now we’re looking like that rate cut which many think will spur more building is a sure thing. (hopeful, but we’ll see) Then you get the latest Dodge Momentum Index with strong numbers on the commercial side to even add more positivity to the play.  Yes, data centers keep rolling along but the push on the institutional side- which is massive for glass and glazing- had a nice score too.  Volatility doesn’t always mean it’s bad… but my gosh what a roller coaster some of these indexes and markets are on.  Keep holding on folks… (but also keep doing the fundamentals that I’ve harped upon…)

 -- Last this week… Congrats to the great teams at My Shower Door and D3 Glass for once again being on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list.  The Daubmann family owns both organizations and it’s becoming old hat for them with My Shower Door listed for the 8th time in the last 10 years and D3 now for the 2nd straight year.   The Daubmann’s have really built a heck of a model and they represent our industry well.  They are active in the community and more importantly have developed a remarkable culture at their places. Super impressive.  Congrats to Bill, Donna, Keith, Doug and everyone there (Jay, Bryce etc.) for this amazing accomplishment!

LINKS of the WEEK

This is a big item of discussion in our house- Disney lawsuit and the angles they’re playing.  Scary/dirty.

https://apnews.com/article/disney-allergy-death-lawsuit-nyu-doctor-florida-4bdaf74e2c889882b23b319ec720680a

I have been seeing this same article since 2008.  Let’s hope it’ll actually be real some day

https://www.engadget.com/science/oxford-scientists-new-light-absorbing-material-can-turn-everyday-objects-into-solar-panels-200410760.html?guccounter=1

Panic attacks and this was a great way to handle one- live and on TV

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/australian-meteorologist-nate-byrne-had-220929467.html

PROJECT of the WEEK

Nice “in progress” one from my guy Sterling Guyette at Insulite Glass.  This one is the Kiewit K3 project in Lenexa, KS. The glazier is Flynn Group. Glass is Vitro Solarban 70 Clear.  And overall it is looking sharp so far! I look forward to seeing it when it is done!  Sterling and the gang at Insulite always bringing it out here.  Nice work by all involved on this one!

Industry Winners

The most prestigious award program in our industry comes courtesy of Glass Magazine.  The annual Glass Magazine Awards bring out the best in people, projects, and products and this year did not disappoint. However, I wanted to point out one winner that pretty much could get an award with every project they do.   W&W Glass has been on absolute heater in the past few years, and I don’t see that stopping anytime soon. It was fantastic to see them get recognition through the award process, and as I noted when I saw Jeff Haber present in Texas earlier this year, there was just a stunning amount of sophistication and precision happening.  The big key with all of these awards is that they show what glass and glazing can do.  Too many times, OTHERS limit us.  Architects and developers are told that glass and glazing can’t achieve performance or aesthetics when, indeed, we often can.  So, kudos to everyone who won, and I look forward to seeing the winners when they are formally recognized at GlassBuild next month!

Elsewhere…

-- The Architectural Billings Index continues to struggle along though it finally broke the up/down/up/down cadence by the overall number being flat compared to last month.  However, the interesting note has been the slow and steady positive ratings coming from the northeast.  Outside of NYC, things have been softer than people prefer or have been used to in that region, so seeing some positive trends, there is something to take away and behold. I'm curious now if the market blips we’ve had lately will affect the rating to be released on the 21st, or will it leak into September?

-- The next Thirsty Thursday is this week- and it is a huge honor for me to be involved with it.  I will be a part of this webinar that features Cal Beyer and Kevin Hines to talk about suicide awareness and prevention.  NGA is doing this as a part of the direction of September, which will be Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, as well as Construction Suicide Prevention Awareness Week, which will be held September 9-13, 2024. In recognition of promoting the importance of workplace mental health, substance abuse, and suicide prevention, Cal and Kevin will be engaging in conversation about how glass and fenestration industry leaders can help protect their workplaces, families, and friends from these risks and share strategies that promote recovery.  Here’s the LINK.  Join us this Thursday, 8/15, at 1PM ET- free to attend, but registration is needed. Thank you.

-- Nice to see industry veteran Kelly Springer land at DFI-Diamon-Fusion International.  Kelly did tremendous work at Fenetech/Cyncly over the years and has always been a super solid industry person.  So this is a good fit for her.  Congrats! Plus, she now gets to work with the industry front man Carl Christ making beautiful music and coatings right?

(Note- Carl is actually a true legit actual Rock Star from his past leading the epic group The Medflys.  But I have dedicated the Rock Star nickname to Melanie Dettmer, so Industry Front Man is the call here)

-- Big props to the team at Eastman/Saflex/Vanceva (not sure what to overall call them) for the launch of a really strong new website.  Easy to navigate with tons of resources that I will be surely digging into more as time goes on.  As most of you know, building and launching a website is a heck of a lift, so congrats on getting this one done!

-- Last this week.  Prayers needed.  One of the best people in our industry, David Shaw, had a stroke a bit ago (I just found out) and is on a long road to recovery.  David is one of the most engaging and friendly people I know and has been a glass lifer.  He’s always been a guy I (and countless others) could count on any time you’d reach out, so now I’m trying to return the favor. So please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers.  And my hope is that we’ll see him at his usual perch at the next TEXpo, holding court with everyone who stops by.  Thank you.

LINKS of the WEEK

This new ride in Berlin.  Pretty intense!

https://apnews.com/video/berlin-germany-90a2ff49aab544f79ca7ebaff6b9f045

Always wondered about the “charger hogs” for EV fill ups.

https://www.abc12.com/news/charger-hogs-are-ruining-the-electric-vehicle-experience-one-company-is-clamping-down-on-bad/article_00fb0a03-497e-5b2f-be8f-51c4ba3f7df0.html

Guessing she’s getting some freebies from Disney after this….

https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/disneyland-ride-malfunctions-car-crashes-through-double-doors

PROJECT of the WEEK

Arcadia will be at GlassBuild in booth #15011, and that alone had me pumped. Then I came across this incredible project they did in San Diego. Wow! This is the Rady School of Management at the campus of UC-San Diego. It looks great, and obviously, Arcadia’s portion was a winner. I have no idea who supplied the glass or installed it, so if you know or that’s you, jump into the comments! Congrats to all!

((And REGISTER FOR GLASSBUILD TOO!)) www.glassbuild.com

Rough Week

An interesting week in the glass industry combined with a rough week on the markets has given off a gloomy feel.  First up, earlier in the week, as in what would be considered a surprising move, a price increase on glass was dropped from the primaries.  Obviously, some parts of the country are encountering softer conditions and so seeing this threw many for a loop.  The timing, indeed, was unexpected.  Then we had the market meltdowns at the end of the week, and those two combined brought a little more skittishness in our industry right now. What will be interesting is that I watch jobs that are either on hold, delayed, or abandoned.  Will this double whammy of a price increase and market volatility push more projects to the abandonment side?  What can be absorbed, and what can be passed on?  Cash flow pressure was already mounting, and this will add to it. Tough run all the way around.  The strong and smart, as always, will survive, but it’s not a fun path at the moment.  As I have noted in my past presentations and here, now more than ever, vetting the supply chain is a must.  Because with all of these economic factors working against us, you need to make sure who you are dealing with will have the wherewithal to be there in the long run.  

One potential positive?  There were rumblings that an interest rate cut is coming next month, so that could release some previously held up work.  But that was the feel at the start of the week and as we just saw in the span of a few days, a lot can change.

Elsewhere….

-- Ok, let’s flip the mood here and go with good and positive news.  Two significant hirings this week in our space by major players.  First up, Thompson Innovative Glass snagged James Wright to be their VP of Sales.  I’m a massive fan of James and his talent, and I’m thrilled to see him land at one of the best fabricators in our industry.  I’ve joked on here that Thompson President Tom Donovan must be a screenwriter (a few episodes of Ozark he had to have had input on) and this hiring was a great plot part in the big script of things.  Thompson is a company on the move hiring one of the best out there.  Congrats! 

Also, CRL made a big play with the hiring of Eric Kowalewski as President. I do not know Eric yet, but from the people who do, it’s been a hiring that is getting rave reviews. The guy is a popular one, and he has a very nice building products background, too, so thumbs up in all directions. Congrats, Eric and CRL, on this addition!

-- ICYMI – the latest From the Fabricator podcast dropped last week, and it’s been bringing in a lot of fresh feedback.  Three strong industry people were featured, and the most common comment I got was how all three really came across as genuine and caring about our space and how they approach it.  I felt the same way.  I really appreciated their time, too.  So, if you want to catch up with it, please do so using the links below. Featured on this outing were John Leonard of FHC, Priscilla Koeckeritz of Brin Glass, and Dan Reinhart of Salem Fabrication Technologies.  Thank you again to them and to all of you who have listened/watched or will do so!

See it- VIDEO

Hear it- AUDIO (or search “From the Fabricator” wherever you get your podcasts)

Thank you to FHC for the sponsorship and I’ll have new pod next week that should have some timely news and views!

-- GlassBuild.  Some notes.  Have you registered yet?  Given the challenges mentioned at the top, attending now to get and stay ahead of all that is happening is a must.  Use the code MAXPOD for a free show floor entry. Also, if you are on the glazing side, take a look at the Glazing Executives Forum lineup. Great topics and discussion points ahead, and the annual Connor Lokar long-form discussion/presentation on the economy returns to its original setting inside the Forum.  That alone is worth signing up for. Especially now.  Check it all out at GlassBuild.com

-- I was truly honored to be in the middle of a fantastic case study on the National Aquarium project in Baltimore, Maryland.  Super Sky led the way on this one, and Todd Wilde gave a tremendous rundown on all that went into this work.  Then we heard from a couple of the great partners on this project, Walker Glass and Linetec, and they gave us deep insight into their roles.  For the glass geek or anyone who likes to get into the nuts and bolts, this was a good read! 

https://www.supersky.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Super-Sky_Article-.pdf 

-- Last this week and speaking of my pals from Walker Glass.  They do have a few pieces of equipment for sale.  So, if you’re looking for some good used equipment hit this link and get in touch with them.

https://www.walkerglass.com/used-equipment

LINKS of the WEEK

-- I have been enjoying the Olympics a ton. Also, from the Olympics, an online breakout star—the very chill shooting competitor from Turkey—is cool.

https://www.npr.org/2024/08/01/nx-s1-5060078/turkey-shooter-olympics-glasses-gear-silver

-- Also, regarding the Olympics, there were complaints about inflated scores for Simone Biles.  I watched a ton of her stuff. Not buying the “inflated” score argument.  She’s incredible- as is pretty much every gymnast there.  Amazing athletes.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/russia-accuses-olympic-judges-of-inflating-simone-biles-scores/ar-BB1r52JQ#:~:text=Scores%20Found%20Questionable,find%20questionable%2C%22%20Rodionenko%20remarked.

-- A friend sent me this article on renovations with the note that it would be so much better with images.  Amazing in this day and age to have an article that is important for visuals without any!

https://bostonagentmagazine.com/2024/07/30/zillow-no-demo-removations-2024/

PROJECT of the WEEK

This beauty came across my feed via Steven Arthur Jr. of Craven Glass. I don’t know Steven, but I have to give him some serious kudos on his one. It's a great-looking project in process. He noted that this is the PECK Academy Project, and he also noted Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope and Trulite as suppliers. Congrats, Steven, and to all involved! I can’t wait to see this one when done. Good stuff!!