Well. This is probably one of the toughest blogs I’ve had to write in a while. This past week, our industry lost two incredible men, both of whom were close friends of mine. First, it was Tim Moore who passed away. Tim was a technical powerhouse and a great and loyal person. He had an intense thirst for knowledge to the point that he’d read technical manuals for fun. He was always there for you, no matter the request. Anyway, I’ll never forget when my brother Steve made the life changing call to hire Tim back in the 90’s. Tim was different, in a good way, from anyone else we ever had on the team. His knowledge, his demeanor, and his sense of humor all worked in concert to provide anyone in contact with him a wonderful experience. People who worked with Tim can attest. He was a quality man. His work at the NGA level won him the extremely prestigious Carney Award in 2023. I now look back to Urmilla Sowell, who spearheaded that honor for Tim, and I am grateful she bestowed it on him then. He made a difference in many ways, both technically and operationally, in our space. He will be dearly missed, and my condolences to his wife & daughters, friends, and coworkers.
Then I got the news that Jeff Wareham passed away. Jeff did not have the same national profile that Tim had, but if you knew Jeff, you liked him. He was pure energy mixed with a dash of worry, and always ran through walls for everyone he worked with. He was a person who could locate equipment or manufacturing items that no one else seemed to be able to find. He was always looking to introduce items to the industry that would help fabricators be more efficient. He did not look at any sale as a transaction, because everyone he dealt with was either a friend or became one quickly. Jeff battled too. His wife died young in 2019, and he became a single Dad to two young boys. That was tough on him, but he came through. He always came through. Like Tim, Jeff will be greatly missed by all of us who were honored to be a part of his world.
Needless to say, I am gutted right now, and it’s hard to write- but I know that Tim and Jeff would be very mad at me if I didn’t plow forward. They both did… no matter what.
Rest in Peace, guys.
Elsewhere…
-- So, on we go. In case you missed the latest From the Fabricator podcast, it can be found at the links below. Mark Seeton of Vitro and Danielle Whatley of Texstar were fabulous. And I can tell you that both of you had people admiring your accomplishments. That was very cool.
AUDIO (also search “From the Fabricator” wherever you get your podcasts- Apple, Spotify etc.)
FHC Frameless Hardware Company sponsored this episode. Thank you again to the team there for their continued support.
-- Every year, Gloria and Brian Hale and Hale Glass do their Annual Blood drive- this would be year 16. It’s done in memory of those lost during 9/11, and it obviously serves a significant need now, yearly. If you are in Southern California on Friday, September 12th, Get to Hale Glass to donate. Schedule an appointment now- https://giftoflife.lstream.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/120851 Thank you, Gloria and Brian- class acts through and through.
-- One of the best manufacturer rep firms- T.Fin, led by Tim Finley, celebrated some very big news recently with the addition of YKK to his group of lines. I always get excited when I see great reps connect with solid organizations. Plus, I am big into “betting on yourself,” and Tim did that a few years ago when he started T.Fin. He could’ve had his choice of gigs, but he went all in, and he’s crushing it. Good to see.
-- Last this week- yet another retirement- this time, Tom Sulock is off to a new phase in life. I met Tom in 1999 and was highly impressed with his knowledge and approach. I kept in touch with him over the years, and he really carved out a great career in the industry. Another good one leaving our ranks- Congrats, Tom! As I’ve noted before, I am super happy for all who are moving on. And especially when you had the week we just had, you can see that life can really be very short.
LINKS of the WEEK
Skipping this section for the week- will be back next week!
PROJECT of the WEEK
To the great Midwest and Indiana for this one from Architectural Glass & Metal. This is the McCormick and Third building. Looking good! The post I saw mentioned Kawneer window walls and storefronts. No mention on the glass, though. These guys also did the interior work, which turned out fabulous. Nice work folks- keep it going!!
