A new episode of the From the Fabricator podcast is out, and as always, more insights to share from very cool and talented people. I lead off with Pat O’Connor of the Glass & Metal Alliance. He and his group have a big show in Atlantic City at the end of the month. (See below for a link). Pat is a fascinating guy who, thankfully, landed in our industry and is making a difference daily. He also has an infectious level of enthusiasm. It was a fun conversation, and I think we will hear much more from him. Next, I got to catch up with Ty Clem of Window Outfitters. A truly genuine guy who’s doing it the right way out there. It was good to hear about, among other things- his moves, getting involved with IUPAT & AGMT, and which version of Van Halen was better- Sammy or David Lee Roth. Thank you for checking these out!
AUDIO or wherever you listen to podcasts!
This episode was sponsored by the gang at FHC-Frameless Hardware Company- Thank you!
The Glass Symposium in Atlantic City- Learn more: https://glassandmetalalliance.com/symposium2025/
Elsewhere…
-- You all know me well enough that you know I try to stay positive on all. But I will say the softness throughout more and more markets is alarming. We knew the first half of ’25 would be light- but fear is creeping in that this malaise may stick around longer. The market disaster of the past week is probably not helping my mood either. So, back to the keys again- communicate, educate, and diversify. This is the time to do that…
-- And if market weaknesses weren’t enough of a worry, we’re back on the “glass is bad” merry-go-round again. My guy Scott Goodman turned me on to a piece in Dezeen magazine that goes back into the good ole glass is bad argument with all the same claims. Though it mentions some of the technology out there- at least that is a step beyond the past. Check it out. And on this one, this is why I will always be behind Urmilla Sowell and the National Glass Association tech and advocacy team- they are fighting for us- everywhere and every day. Without them, opinions like this have a better chance of becoming fact, and that can’t happen.
https://www.dezeen.com/2025/03/26/glass-skyscrapers/
-- Happy 11th Anniversary to the gang at Clover Architectural Products! Happy for everyone there. My memory sucks these days, but I can actually remember Tom O’Malley calling me and telling me that Clover was going to launch. I was pumped for him then and super proud of him, his partners (Ed Kearney and Jim Stremplewski) and the team now. Congrats!!
-- To follow up on last week’s big retirement news (Steve Weidner), his replacement was announced, and it is Todd Huffman. This is a perfect transition since Todd has been at Pilkington NSG for an extremely long time and has been an essential part of the organization's success. He is also very talented, which is great for our industry overall. Congrats to Todd, and I look forward to seeing and congratulating him in person one of these days soon.
-- Last this week… A link from my old college roommate and non-industry member Brad Clifford… Glass being used as a basketball court. Very interesting usage of our product here. I do have a bunch of questions but overall, I am pretty enthused about this possibility. And I love that a college buddy of mine knows I live for anything glass- found this and sent!
https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-glass-basketball-courts-7658baf23c38dfe4180bbd8d0a477046
LINKS of the WEEK
Who knew that an original Rosie the Riveter is still alive? Cool.
https://www.12onyourside.com/2025/03/27/rosie-riveter-reflects-wwii-service-she-turns-100-years-old/
Thank goodness someone normal will take over this home
https://nypost.com/2025/04/01/real-estate/kanyes-destroyed-malibu-home-is-changing-hands-yet-again/
Fight in the Air Traffic Control Tower… Yikes!
https://abcnews.go.com/US/air-traffic-control-room-fight-reagan-national-airport/story?id=120382375
PROJECT of the WEEK
Folks know I am a Disney guy (thanks to my son Zach and his Disney-related business, www.BoardwalkTimes.net), so when I saw this one from Glazing Concepts, I had to make it a Project of the Week! This is part of the Parkside Market at Downtown Disney in California. The glass & glazing is eye-catching, and dare I say it…. Magical! (I had to get a random Disney comment in!). Kudos to Tim Lietaert and his team on an absolutely tremendous effort!! I'm not sure who fabricated/manufactured the glass, but props to them as well!! Well done!
