Supply Chain Scaries

Every few months a complete supply chain update for the building product world is published by Gilbane.  It is an excellent resource and for the longest time glass was always listed as “Stable” in the three main categories of price, inventories, and deliveries.  That is no longer the case as in the latest release glass is now noted as “increasing” under the price category, and “stabilizing” under the other two.  I took that and know that it means those areas are volatile but nowhere near settled.  So as I always preach on here, there is no time like the present to work on your supply chain, communicate at the highest levels (both up and down the chain) and be proactive overall. No one said 2021 would be easy and the bumpy roads continue.

 

Elsewhere…

 

--  An absolutely brutal week with a few significant people passing away from our industry and ones that really hit close to home for me.  Lynn Ziesche, long time industry leader, major player in the Pittsburgh glass and glazing market at Golomb Glass passed.  Tremendous man and leader and he also delivered a few kids into major roles into our world including my pal Jeff Ziesche who is now a leading manufacturers rep.  Lynn’s impact in our industry will be felt for a long time thanks to what he did in the Steel City market and then passed on to his kids.  My condolences to Jeff and Jim and the rest of class acts in the Ziesche world. 

 

--  Then on Friday the news that my former co-worker and friend Erik Stumpf had passed away.  Erik was a larger-than-life guy, he brought a ton of passion to the industry and cared deeply for his customer base.  He was also a great one to work with- he could be the “bull in the china shop” but that was his driven nature, and everyone respected it and loved the passion he brought every day.  I had just written about him recently on here when he added a new line with his work at deGorter and he was so fired up about it.  His passing was sudden and an absolute gut-punch for me.  Great guy and a better friend to me than I deserved.  My heart goes out to his family and particularly his kids who he always was incredibly proud of.  Just a tough one to take for sure. Rest in Peace my friend. 

 

--  Thank you to everyone who reached out on the vaccination approach I mentioned last week.  The majority of people who connected with me on it are doing some sort of incentive approach- gift cards were the leading thing there.  But I did have a few folks who did say they are leaving it up to their employees on what they are doing.  There is still only one organization I heard about making it mandatory, but again my results are far from scientific.  In any case I am just on team “get us back to normal in any way you can” so I’m up for anything.  Thank you again to all who connected- I truly appreciate it!

 

--  I was asked this week if there were any glass industry related charities for people impacted by the pandemic.  I said I was not aware of any- but I wanted to put it out there to the masses.  Is there anything happening on this?  If so, please drop me a line with the details so I can share. Thanks!

 

--  Last this week… some good news.  Congrats to the team at SageGlass for picking up the world’s largest “smart glass” project.  200,000 sq ft of glass is a heck of an effort and a good piece of news in a segment that continues to try and innovate.  Props to Namrata Vora and her team for pulling this one off! Can’t wait to see pictures of it when it is done!

 

LINKS of the WEEK

 

--  Supply chain issues aren’t just in the building product space. Cars are affected- especially rentals and some folks are trying to be creative…

 

--  Need to check to see if Josh Wignall of Quaker Windows and Doors was in this “Battle of Joshes” – Maybe Josh Lowe of the NGA was in it, or Glass 3 Enterprises Josh Aknin… (i could go on and on here... LOL)

 

--  I may live here but I have never seen this or done this…. Wild!

 

PROJECT of the WEEK 

 

This week we go to “Lex Vegas” aka Lexington, KY and this knockout by EFCO on the Valvoline Headquarters.  Absolute “Wow” here from an amazing design to how great our product can look on it!  Just an awesome style and product choice play here.  Tremendous work everyone!  According to EFCO the Architect was Solomon Cordwell Buenz and glazier Akins Company.  Photo via EFCO and Dave Burk.  Congrats to all- keep up the great work!!

The "Vax"

Since the pandemic started I have pretty much made it a mission NOT to talk specifically about anything directly connected to it.  This post however I am going to break that approach.  Reason being is I am curious on what companies are doing with regards to the vaccination process.  Are you telling your folks to get vaccinated?  Are you demanding it?  Are you incentivizing it? Or are you just leaving it completely alone?  I am just curious because I’m hearing all different approaches and really all I care about is getting back to some form of normalcy.  How we get there- I pretty much don’t care, I just want to get there.  By the way the most common approach I am hearing is the incentive approach- with companies offering gift cards or paid time off in exchange for folks getting the jab.  I have heard of companies “demanding” the vax in terms that seem a bit wonky/illegal (like “get it or else”) but I would hope that is the minority and surely doesn’t seem kosher overall.  In any case, feel free to drop me a line or note in the comments what you are doing/hearing and I’ll share some insights on a later post…

 

Elsewhere…

 

--  We did get more positive news from the latest Architectural Billings Index.  Huge winning score of 55.6.  That was better than I thought and has kept the positive trend going.  All the metrics were up and that is surely something to be excited about.  Obviously, the challenge is getting to this work as an industry since this index doesn’t touch us for a year, and we knew that we’d have some holes this year but seeing some light at the end of the tunnel is not a bad thing.

 

--  Speaking of the future, one of my guests on my most recent podcast talked specifically on his worries about 2022.  And despite what I see being different, his warnings have me on my toes- as it should be for all of you. Want to hear or see more?  Click HERE for the video version and HERE for the audio.  It’s podcast #4 and it was a great hour of insight from some incredible industry leaders.  Thanks again for the support!

 

--  Tremendous industry pub here- especially reaching the youth thanks to Bill Daubmann of D3 Glass and MY Shower Door.  Bill is going to be a “Wolf” in a “Wolf Den” program (meant to be like the TV Show “Shark Tank” but for High School students pitching their business startup ideas.)  The local FOX TV affiliate picked it up and explained more HERE and the story for me is that whenever we as an industry can get our leaders into these big community programs, it builds our image.  Bill and his family are absolute pros at this no doubt, and I am thrilled for the pub he’s getting and what it will translate into and hopefully we can get more opportunities like this in the future.  Hopefully one of these students will have a great way to help our industry- who knows!!

 

--  I do like our industry keeps innovating for the times.  Props to the team at Trulite on their latest product line addition.  I have said it a ton and will do so again now- glass is the best product going for the future of our inside professional world.

 

--  Big congratulations to my friend Devorah Serkin of General Glass (GGI).  Devorah just completed the Harvard Business Analytics Program! That is awesome!  She knocked that 18-month course out while still doing her day job at GGI.  Devorah has always been one of the most impressive people I have encountered in this industry and this just continues to prove that.  Congrats!!

 

--  The AIA announced their 2021 COTE Awards and some beautiful projects were on there- some that I believe I have had on here in other mentions before.  Take a look and as always if you had a hand in it and want me to give you proper recognition let me know!

 

--  Last this week… I made my plans to go to TEXPO in a few weeks.  Can’t wait to be back on a show floor and especially to be in Texas with the awesome folks from the Texas Glass Association, that makes it even more meaningful.  It will be interesting on how everything comes together, and I look forward to sharing here.  Then get ready… GlassBuild America will be here before ya know it!!

 

LINKS of the WEEK

 

Great idea but no way this can work in reality

 

This is scary and a big issue with things like this and “Alexa” style instruments.

 

I’ve been in a similar situation to this and the whole “it’s on your property” line that absolves major mistakes is crazy.

 

PROJECT of the WEEK

 

Before we get to an awesome Project of the Week just a note on last week’s winner from Glass + Metal Craft.  There was a snafu on the credit side of things, and I wanted to get it straight here. The Hyatt Place Grand Rapids was installed by Glass Design from Rockford, MI and Andy Russo of G+MC wanted me to note that they did a stellar job and kudos to Jeff Nelson, Chad Rehkopf, Dale Oberlin, Patty Karr and the entire Glass Design team!  Congrats all! 

 

Now on to this week and this project shows again why glass is so awesome.

 

Easily one of the best follows/connections on LinkedIn is Adrian Lowenstein of Skyline Windows.  His feed is always loaded with interesting and thought-provoking projects, products, and technical info.  Add into it that Skyline Windows has an amazing portfolio and the timing was perfect for them to end up here.  So again as I did last week and instead of me spinning it, I’ll just post what Adrian had on this truly special “Project of the Week” 

Congrats to Skyline Windows on this effort and for making our industry stand out!

 

“In this brutalist #adaptivereuse conversion, CetraRuddy Architecture transformed the Ralph Walker Art Deco telecommunications tower into a high-end residential showpiece 🏆

JDS Development Group wanted perfection – a restoration of the existing structure with a fresh twist on modern design.

Tilt & turn operable Skyline Windows, nearly 10’ in height, were introduced with gridlines & muntins, custom panning, and a heavy laminated glass package. The three dimensional spandrel panels were shaped from bronze colored steel and formed aluminum plates.

A challenging yet timely piece for all involved.

 

A warm thank you to Vidaris, Inc., a SOCOTEC Company for the collaboration.”

Forecasts, Podcasts, and More

It is that time again, another new episode of the “From the Fabricator” podcast is out!  The 4^th edition has a really interesting range of guests and insights.  Mary Avery of Tubelite is this awesome talent and it was very interesting finding out about her path to our world and she also shared two incredible projects.  Then Jim Stathopoulos of Ajay Glass joined me and his forecasting may scare some of you but it is certainly something to take into the planning stage.  That among many other items, including a great tribute to his legendary father were very cool to experience.  Then two younger guys in our world, James Wright and Jeremy Hoy of Virginia Glass Products and Virginia Mirror Company joined me to talk about their youth, their hair, their laminated, mirror and more.  Fun stuff!  That plus commentary off the top on the latest acquisitions and must-see documentaries mentioned at the end.  Thank you again for checking it out!  To watch this episode on YouTube, all you have to do is CLICK HERE and to listen only, go to Spotify, Apple, Google or wherever you listen to your podcasts and download from there.  

 

Elsewhere…

 

--  Last week’s lead story hit home for many of you as the labor need is really in a crisis mode.  And again, it’s not just in our segment or construction.  It is all over and it’s hitting the service industry hard.  This story from a town not too far from me really spells it out. Scary stuff.

 

--  Top Glass in Canada happens this week on Wednesday and has a strong and interesting lineup of speakers and subjects.  I always enjoy Mark Jacobson’s insights and he’s speaking so that makes it even more worthy.  Pat Flannery and team do such a nice job here- so check it out and register HERE.   I look forward to attending this one in person next year!  

 

--  The next release of the Architectural Billings Index also comes out Wednesday.  There is a ton of anticipation for this one given how great the last report was.  I’m going in with the attitude of hope for the best but expect the worst.  I don’t think there’s any way the March results will beat February, but once again I’ll be thrilled to be wrong.  No matter what I’ll have it here next week to comment on….

 

--  I have never heard the term the “Goldilocks” economy but evidently we may be in one?  Builder Magazine had a good rundown of what that is and why we possibly are in that mode.

 

--  A couple of congratulations to go out… first to Kevin Carter who just landed at AIG as a Regional Sales Lead.  Kevin is an old friend who got caught up in some of the CGH adventures.  Thrilled that he has landed with a good group and he’ll do nice work there.  In addition CONGRATS go out to my friend Lindsey Rowe Parker of Rowe Fenestration as her first book was published and released to the masses.  Lindsey wrote a very cool children’s book that will be a must have in the special education community called “Wiggles, Stomps, and Squeezes- Calm my Jitters Down” and it truly is awesome.  The help that this book will provide parents, teachers, and therapists will be off the charts.  Great work Lindsey- super proud of you!  Learn more and if you want to order this- here’s the site.  

 

--  This is a fascinating story of a historic home in Florida that was basically gutted by the owners without the proper permits, permissions etc.  I found the whole read and process to be very interesting along with the odd sense of deniability shown by the owners.  

 

--  Last this week… ICYMI the very talented Norah Dick of Glass Magazine had a great piece on Architecture after COVID.  This gave some good insight from some previous presentations and also via some strong industry experts.  Plus a good mention on Vacuum Insulating Glass that probably brought a huge smile to the face of Michael Spellman of VIG Technologies. 

 

LINKS of the WEEK

 

A baby gator in the house?  No thank you!

Speaking of Gators my pal AJ Carr had a shot of one on a jobsite this week… I think he’s training him to install!

 

Brutal story but a more common one these days- unable to move into a home that you just bought….

This an absolutely crazy story of an undiscovered room in an apartment a guy had been in for many years. 

 

PROJECT of the WEEK

I was honored to be invited to the annual Guardian Glass Commercial Glass Project Awards event this past week.  This normally happens at BEC and obviously was postponed and moved to an online event.  Great presentation.  Unreal projects here that really showed off how great our industry is and the work that we do.  There were many deserving winners (Props to all recognized- great companies!) but I grabbed one of the projects to make it my “project of the week” for this post.  I think this is the first time I have a Glass + Mirror Craft project get honored so kudos to Andy Russo and everyone involved there on this stunner.

Via Guardian Glass... The Details:

Hyatt Place Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Glazier: Precision Wall Systems, Inc

Fabricator: Glass + Mirror Craft

Architect: Ghafari Associates (previously known as Concept Design)

Products: Guardian SunGuard® SuperNeutral® 54 coating on CrystalBlue® glass and SunGuard® SuperNeutral® 68 coating on clear glass

Photo Credit: ThumbCoast Aerial

Congrats to all involved and thank you to the Guardian Glass team for the invite!

Labor Pains

The challenge of finding labor is now the biggest it has ever been and is not getting easier.  As the economy starts to come back and companies of all types are returning to “normal” business, there is a shortage of willing people to work.  In the last 2 weeks I have had more conversations on labor needs than anything else I cover.  And it’s not just us.  I live in a small town and on a short 5-minute drive to the supermarket I saw at least 6 businesses with major signage pushing that they are hiring now, great wages (some listed the range) along with other perks.  And then the store I went to itself had flyers throughout promoting the ability to “pick your shift” and the values of work at that establishment.  We are a tough spot as an industry now.  We are not glamorous to those who look at us from the outside, and we handle heavy and sometimes dangerous materials.  We need to do a better job showing how awesome our products are once done and installed. And we need to embrace technology and automation more at every level.  This is a mighty challenge that was made worse by the pandemic and the various programs that came out of it- meant for good- but unfortunately being so intensely utilized that it’s a better alternative for some than working.  So we have to keep working on ways to do better and attract more and better to our world. 

 

Elsewhere….

 

--  OK now to some good news.  The Dodge Momentum Index posted its best report since 2018!  That is exciting.  Obviously, we are battling each and every day and some areas have grown softer than we all want, but the metrics are looking like we’ll have a fighting chance as the year progresses. The best news on the latest report here was education and recreation facilities were positive gainers.  We need more of that!

 

--  In case you missed it last week another brilliant blog by David Vermeulen of TGP.  This was a follow up to his fantastic piece on getting in the specs and he expands more into the process here.  I do love everything David writes, so I am biased, but this is tremendous stuff.

 

--  Congrats to my friend Chris Dolan of Guardian Glass.  Saw that he just celebrated 30 years at the company.  Which is amazing given that he looks like he’s 35. (He does not age.  At all.) Anyway what a run and what an incredible influence Chris has had on our industry.  Obviously, I hope he keeps going and giving to our world because his approach has always not only been good for his company but for the industry at large.  

 

--  Speaking of Guardian Glass… last week I linked to a great piece with a bunch of Net Zero jobs, and one of those projects were claimed by the team at Guardian Glass.  The John J. Sbrega Health and Science Building at Bristol Community College in Fall River, Mass. was one that Guardian Glass manufactured the glass on which was fabricated by Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope and installed by Middlesex Glass Company. The architect was Sasaki Associates. It was noted to me that this facility was able to achieve net zero energy in a project type that typically does not achieve this level of performance. This a community college science building containing teaching labs with specialized ventilation needs. VERY cool.  Here’s the link again- this is the 4^th one down. 

 

--  Last this week… the From the Fabricator podcast returns next week with 4 awesome guests that run the gamut of our world.  From leading architectural aluminum, to glazing & unitized, to the growing certification process, and then to young folks making a difference at a huge legacy company.  So much to cover and great people too.  Can’t wait and hope you take the time to check it out.  If you have not caught a previous episode, YouTube versions are HERE and audio ones are HERE.  Thank you!

 

LINKS of the WEEK

 

Wow.  Social media is not all bad.

 

Another story from me on saving an old structure in Minnesota- This time a house from 1858.

 

Nice ending to a story I had on here few weeks ago on the 91,000 pennies.

 

PROJECT of the WEEK

 

I have showcased Viracon once or twice on here on jobs that came from other parts of the supply chain but this week we get one direct from the source via Mitch Hawkins LinkedIn. (I am not connected with Mitch, I think Viracon limits how many people should be talking to me, LOL, but this ended up on my feed.) Anyway this is the Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids Michigan and it is a beauty.  Glass is dominant and pretty much perfect on this project which according to Mitch was a Gensler design and installed by Glass Solutions Inc.  Congrats Mitch and the team at Viracon for an absolute winner here!!

Big Company Moves

Big industry news this past week with some of the parts of CGH being sold off.  First we heard the news of the assets from Columbia Commercial Building Products being divvyed up between two companies, with the window system going to Arcadia and the architectural aluminum to FHC.  Nice moves for both of those companies- especially with regards to expanding their products lines.  Again, with how crazy our world is, diversifying what you do is NOT a bad play right now.  Then the news dropped that Solar Seal was being sold to 03 Industries.  This made me very happy as I know the Solar Seal people were absolutely determined to see their operation land in good hands and from all indications it has.  They surely beat out the rumors of their demise and that truly is a cool thing. So far, these moves look to be very good ones for many involved and few more shoes still to drop before it is said and done.  

 

Elsewhere…

 

--  I have talked on here a lot about John Wheaton’s “Creating Structure” podcast and this latest episode is incredible.  His guest is one of my “Influential 15” and someone that truly commands a ton of deserved respect in our industry- Jeff Haber of W&W.  This interview absolutely delivers.  The beauty of this cast was previewed really early on when John noted that if he saw Jeff at an event like BEC, he’d get a few minutes to chat with him and both would move on to network elsewhere- so getting him for an hour+ is something that just does not happen.  So this really is special.  Among the items covered here were Jeff’s history, W&W’s history (Racquetball Courts for the Win!), Value Props, Diversification, Communication and an amazing segment where off the top of his head Jeff riffs out 15 or more site considerations when working in New York City.  Truly a must listen and great job by both! CLICK HERE to listen.  By the way if I ever interviewed Jeff it would go kind of like THIS so I am glad John did it and is so good!

 

--  So saw this blurb on remodeling of the Pittsburgh Airport and I got sentimental.  The original Perilstein Distributing (PDC) did a lot of the glass in that structure when it was first built and when I first started in the industry it was one of the first places my brother took me to show me what our company did. (back when you could visit an airport without flying) It was so cool to see our logo on the tempered and name stamped on the spacers, it really started that level of pride first in working in the business and then obviously for our industry.  Whomever does the modernization, do it up great my friends! 

 

--  Laminated glass continues to be a hot product and with that usually comes more oversight and standards. Including now this one in the new ASTM C1900. Things like this help our world perform better and I am all for it. 

 

--  Good news about Anixter’s Jenifer Truhn with her now taking on a new role there leading a team of Glass Hardware Specialists.  I had the honor of meeting Jen a few years ago when her involvement at the Detroit Glass Dealers Association (DGDA) was helping promote GlassBuild America and from there on out I would see her from time to time making great inroads in the market and also on LinkedIn. Super talented. I think Jen will do great in this new role and I appreciate her continued support of our industry too! (Her company just smartly joined the NGA!)

 

--  Marketing friends are you following the latest from Google and their new algorithm changes for later this year?  From what I am seeing it means website optimization will take a serious headline role like never before.  This will certainly be interesting once it rolls out and how it affects older sites and also newer ones not built to keep up with the Google updates. Never a dull moment out there…

 

--  Last this week… cool look at some Net Zero projects.  Some are better looking than others and some use glass more effectively.  Check it out and let me know what you think and if you supplied any material on any of these!

 

LINKS of the WEEK

 

--  Another just “click to read the headline” sort of story.  Unreal.

 

--  Cool treehouse. Brutal execution. Gotta do things the right way folks!

 

--  This repurposing of a Mall needs to keep happening- all over.  

 

 

PROJECT of the WEEK

This week my focus is on a nice interior and entrance package done by the fine team at Kensington Glass Arts.  Good folks there (I’m a big fan of Bill Wilson there- great guy) who really do right by the industry and they do nice work including this on at Franklin Square in Washington, DC.  KGa did glass on those majestic entrances and upgrades throughout the lobby and concourse. Looks great! Props to everyone at Kensington on this excellent work!

 

Positive Report

I am known for my very bad sports predictions (the fact I got the Super Bowl teams right this year notwithstanding) but I am usually pretty confident with my industry and forecast prognostications.  So last week here I predicted an uptick on the Architectural Billings Index (ABI). Everything I was seeing was pointing that way and I went cautious predicting a slight jump to 46/47.  Welp… I was wrong.  But not like you would think- the ABI came in at a stunning 53.3! The score of 50 is the break even and so this score not only shot past that but did so for the first time since this pandemic began.  New project inquiries also went through the roof posting a 61.2 and new contracts posted a nice 51.6.  All in all, a super report.  Now the key is making this the trend and not an outlier.  There’s been a ton of pent-up demand and starts have been off etc.- so this was due and now we have to see if it can be sustained.  But in a world that seemingly is constantly giving us bad news- this is a good turn, and I am pleased I was somewhat “wrong” here!  Keep plugging along everyone- we have a long road ahead of us still but this sure was nice to see.

 

Elsewhere…

 

--  Huge retirement in our industry with Rick Butcher hanging them up after more than 40 years at Binswanger Glass.  Rick is a Texas legend- a tremendous man and one of the most talented and classy leaders I have ever worked for and with.  Rick- have a great retirement my friend- you deserved it and the industry and the Texas markets you served will surely miss you!

 

--  Time for the latest Glass Magazine review.  This was the Top Fabricator issue and I have been blown away on how many people checked out the Dan Pompeo inspired feature on Randy Steinberg of Glasswerks.  That is very cool.  The rest of the issue is a monster with a ton of great content on the Top Glass Fabricators and the markets they serve.  Plus, Katy Devlin’s Top 5 Decorative Trends were absolutely on point. Great issue once again!

 

--  The Ad of the Month again was hotly contested with Vitro coming out on top.  Rob Struble nails it again with a sleek ad that honestly is like nothing I have seen before in our industry.  The color, font, and messaging just delivered.  Tremendous work by Rob and the team there to create a stunner.  See the ad on the back cover and the entire awesome edition online HERE

 

--  Good news for a company I see big things coming from… Ubiquitous Energy has a very impressive product approach and they recently picked up some very healthy funding to keep their processes rolling.  As you may know I LOVE innovation and glass and this is a company that has something is very special.  Happy to see them get some good news!

 

--  Friendly reminder… you have until April 9^thto check out the episodes in BEC PRESENTS for free HERE.  The content is unreal.  The detail from the code experts (Episode name “Decoded”) given in such a short period of time is insanely valuable.  Also, if you don’t believe me, then read what marketing savant Rich Porayko thought HERE.

 

--  Last this week… documentary recommendation.  Check out “Operation Varsity Blues” on Netflix.  It is about the big college admissions scandal from a couple of years ago.  Very well-done doc and the whole process of the way colleges work will really get you fired up.  This doc has plenty of bad actors in it from the scammers, to the parents, to the schools and so on.  Absolutely unreal what “status” means and what people will do to attain it.  Check it out and let me know what you think!

 

LINKS of the WEEK

 

--  This story is worth clicking for the headline alone…

 

--  I saw this one and aside from being petty, I also thought about the coin shortage we have in the US right now- this surely didn’t help.

 

--  GREAT story about a dog and finding a new home and pal!

 

PROJECT of the WEEK

I had mentioned this company a few weeks ago on another story but they had another project that popped up in my timeline and was extremely impressive.  This is a fabulous one from Ipswich Bay Glass and honestly their LinkedIn writeup is probably better than anything I can say- so here it is below but kudos to the team there and hey whomever manufactured and fabricated this glass- step up you deserve props too!

From Ipswich Bay Glass LinkedIn

Sure the silhouettes at Assembly Row 5B are really cool, but you know what’s also cool? IBG’s channel glazing that’s right next to them! The cast glass channel provides structural rigidity and an unobstructed, obscure source of light while retaining privacy without the need for vertical mullions.
IBG Solutions: Unitized curtainwall, pre-glazed two-story punched curtainwalls, rainscreen terracotta tiles, composite aluminum panels, corrugated panels, aluminum entrances, custom aluminum rooftop trellis

Architect: Jacobs
GC: Cranshaw Construction

 

 

The Tightening of Supply

It has been on the radar for a while, and now it’s time to say it again.  Everything is getting tighter.  What I mean by that is there’s not many areas in the supply chain that are chock full of inventory.  On my recent podcast (CLICK HERE to view or HERE to listen only) I lead off by talking about this issue specifically on the glass side and the various issues that are causing some pain.  Check that out and then keep in mind what I constantly preach here- communication is so crucial.  Make sure you are working closely with your supply chain and communicating downstream too. It will make a difference in the long run.  In the meantime I still think we are better off than the folks in other building product trades, so at least that is a small positive. 

 

Elsewhere…

 

--  On March 22^nd and lasting only until April 9^th, the new BEC PRESENTS series is being released.  5 episodes that are perfectly timed to either be binged all at once or done over the few weeks  they’ll be available.  For me I am excited to see the State of the Industry one- three unbelievable industry titans on there with Oliver Stepe of YKK, Tim Kelley of Tristar and Troy Johnson of Harmon.  That will be awesome.  The other episodes are no slouches either.  I worked on the legal one with Brian Carroll and his advice and insight into our world post COVID is strong.  The Real Estate piece will be fascinating because that is an area that all of us need to learn more on.  The “Code Breaker” episode where the best consultants in the land crack a tough code case?  Yeah, sign me up there.  And last but not least the special feature recapping the Tech Tables is a must-see resource.  So check them all out from March 22^nd to April 9^th!  And kudos to the team at NGA who worked crazy hard to pull off something new and different for this and especially to video editing wizard Melissa Fischer for making it look incredible, including me being the fastest I have ever been!  (When you watch the legal one, you’ll see what I mean!)

 

--  Sat in on a great presentation this past week from the folks at Goldray.  It was for the Mosiac Wall System and while I had gotten a good low down on it from Cathie Saroka on my 2^nd podcast, this was a much deeper dive.  Really interesting innovation that makes our industry look great.  Fantastic job by Laura Little on the presentation- she has an energy that just bursts through the screen, and big-time props to Lisa Maragh, Goldray’s Engagement Specialist who set up the most inviting session- from the initial reach out, through all the communication, it was really different and well done.  

 

--  Loved seeing this news about Don Friese.  Mr. Friese, who has done so much for our industry (and continues to do so with his support of things like MyGlassClass) along with his wife Andrea Friese, donated a $50 million gift to Providence Tarzana Foundation, a transformational donation that will support the expansion and renovation of Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center.  Absolutely awesome move from a class person and family.

 

--  The next Architectural Billings Index is released this week and I am going to go out on a limb and predict it will be up- but still not over the break-even point of 50.  I’m thinking in the 46/47 range.  Basically, at this point an upward trend with the number is all I want, and I think the metrics are there to support but we will see…. 

 

--  Last this week… This is the sort of hopeful news I think we all like to see right now.  University of Michigan back at it with a massive hospital build.  Love to see it.  Given both my kids were born at U of M and just this week my nephew was accepted into a medical residency there- I’d say I’m loving everything about that school.  GO BLUE!

 

LINKS of the WEEK

An undefeated team that doesn’t make the basketball big dance?  Brutal beat on the rules…

 

Whoa!  While I am an Ohio Bobcat (grad) I surely wouldn’t want to see an ACTUAL bobcat this close to my home! (and note- I am still on Cloud 9 with Ohio winning over Virginia- wow!)

 

As if we don’t have enough to worry about with our electronics- but can your texts be stolen this easily?

 

PROJECT of the WEEK

So my man Tim Finely of T.Fin Architectural has been red hot as of late.  He was on the always awesome John Wheaton “Creating Structure” podcast (listen here) and he also gets my coveted “Project of the Week” space for a project that he posted out there and was heavily involved in.  This is Sammons Financial, and the interior is outstanding thanks to Livers Bronze and a custom railing system.  The exterior is strong & stunning too with SAGE Glass’ Harmony product. The look of that Harmony is very neat)  Just an awesome project- great design by SVPA and installation from the fine folks at Forman Ford.  Congrats to all and Tim, just remember us little folks as you keep rolling along!

 

 

 

Impressive Industry Minds on Display

The March edition of the From the Fabricator podcast is now LIVE.  This release is a bit earlier than normal because I didn’t want to conflict with the episode drops from BEC Presents coming next week, so I hope you’ll still make room in your listening/viewing schedule for all!  This month I start out with a commentary on a very big issue facing our industry and then go into three very cool interviews.  Kendal Rowe of Rowe Fenestration leads off and she is an absolute star- a relatively new addition to our industry but with family roots long in it.  Then I connect with Josh Burg of Glass Enterprises.  This guy is so incredibly sharp and he really “gets it” at every level.  Impressive man.  Last, I catch up with Brian Thomas of Super Sky.  Brian is a fantastic talent and leader and the work that he and the team do at Super Sky is jaw dropping.  Plus some fun stuff at the end.  To watch it via YouTube and to see some impressive glass and glazing projects CLICK HERE.  To find it as an audio file that you can listen to on your walks or commutes you can either search your favorite podcast app or go to this page.  Thank you for the support!

 

Elsewhere….

 

--  I had a post on LinkedIn last week that did very well, and it was all because Jodi Martinez of All Star Glass shared a post promoting the fact that we all really need to be pushing and promoting trade schools with as much passion as we push traditional college.  I was excited that the post accumulated a lot of action because it was nice to see I (and obviously Jodi) are not alone in our thinking that this is something that culturally we have to address.  For some there is a stigma that trade or technical schools are not as good and that is so wrong and needs to be changed.  I think we should all keep in our mind as we talk to youngsters that are in high school and we ask what their plans are for the future, make them aware of the trade route and how good it truly can be.

 

--  Good news from the last Dodge Momentum Index with its best score in a long time.  Some pent-up demand broke loose and that was nice to see.  We still have some slower pockets to deal with out there and I know some on the commercial side are now getting frustrated/worried that we are slower than we are used to- but signs like these are ones for us to point to.  In the meantime, we keep hustling….

 

--  Congrats to the fine folks at Q-Railing on the addition of another location in the US- this time in Orlando, FL.  Jan Hulin and his team there are really rolling, and I love the growth and the excitement around that product segment.  Orlando joins Tustin, CA and Brooklyn, NY as the US locations for Q.

 

--  As mentioned above and also last week BEC Presents has episodes dropping on March 22.  Fun way to inform and educate and plus you may get some shots of me taking on a monster task…. So get ready to check it out.

 

--  Also coming up is the next Thirsty Thursday and that is this Thursday the 18th and the title is: Understanding the Tech Tables: NGA's Engineering Standards Manual and Heavy Glass Door Design Guide.  If you have either of these guides than you absolutely want to be on this session.  (If you don’t have either guide- you should buy them) Melissa Szotkowski of Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope will walk you through it all in this FREE session.  Click HERE to learn more and register.

 

--  Last this week it is March Madness.  Obviously last year it was cancelled and that was the start of the very dark and tough year for all.  I am excited to see this tournament because for the first time in years my alma mater (and also that of Wolverine Glass’ Rodger Ruff) Ohio University will be in the big dance!  Can’t wait to see them play and who knows maybe they’ll pull an upset along the way…. In any case bring on the madness and good luck to all of you and your favorites in the tournament.

 

LINKS of the WEEK

 

The friend that sent this one to me said it best “will this hold up in court?” Read about the Cheeto Dust evidence!

 

A story not getting enough coverage is we are running out of a ton of items in our world- even cheese… (I am serious about the shortages though)

 

This happened near me- and it is wild.  And I will say it happens a lot. Crazy and scary!

 

PROJECT of the WEEK

 

Historical AND Hurricane Resistant?  Yes is the answer on this sharp project of the week from Winco.  This is the IYRS School of Technology & Trades (fits perfectly with my theme above- support these places!!) and a super job done by Winco and its partners on it.  

A CONGRATS to all on a super project for a very important building! 

Winco had more on this project HERE.

The Man The Myth The Legend

In the next issue of Glass Magazine there is a story I am very proud to be associated with.  It is a “Take 5 with Randy Steinberg” of Glasswerks and it really was a fun one to dig into.  First and foremost though for this story all of the heavy lifting from start to finish was done by Dan Pompeo of Architectural Glazing Solutions.  Dan created the outline, delivered the questions and then did all the leg work on timelines and picture needs.  Not only is Dan one of the best manufacturers reps ever created but he’s an amazing advocate for this industry and a loyal to the core guy when it comes to his long relationship with Randy.  This article doesn’t even leave the launch pad without Dan. 

Randy, for those who know him, is not the sort that likes to talk about himself or sit in one place long enough to get any sort of insight about him.  So getting this chance, and digging in to what makes Randy tick really was special.  One of the best takeaways is something I have now adopted too and that is Randy’s “never look back” approach to things.  Check out the article online HERE ahead of the printed version coming out soon. Thank you, Randy, for taking the time and Dan for making this happen!

 

Elsewhere…

 

--  Great news for the folks at Guardian Glass with their DeWitt, IA plant earning a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR certification, which signifies that the i plant performs in the top 25 percent of similar facilities nationwide for energy efficiency and meets strict energy efficiency performance levels set by the EPA.  We always take heat in our industry for various reasons and usually we get picked on because of energy in one form or fashion- nice to see some good news on that front!  Congrats!

 

--  Speaking of good news, congrats to my old friend Erik Stumpf of deGorter who is handling the sales now of the very well regarded Sedimentor from Bohle.  Erik Is a battler that is for sure and I think he’ll do well pushing this very important product for our industry and environment.

 

--  I always talk on here that I love our technology and it often is under-rated.  This past week I was able to see a demo of the FeneTech FeneVision Shower Door program and it was quite impressive.  This software really covers the bases when it comes to the shower door trade.  Nice work by the team there and tremendous presentation by Dave Miller.

 

--  Last week I linked to some incredible jobs via an article in Architects Daily.  One of them in particular I said I liked the most and lo and behold the industry folks behind it did drop me a note.  So props to Kelley Lasek and his team at Linel.  Kelly noted that the Boston project featured Linel and that Ipswich Bay Glass was the Installer.  Tremendous work everyone!

 

--  There was an update on 2022 being “The Year of Glass” this week with things continuing to progress in this process.  The team behind it is doing a super job keeping glass in the forefront and filling the holes with regards to areas of support.  The one thing I don’t know is who are we competing against?  What other products or industries are going for this esteemed honor? I just don’t know- but I do know the efforts that Alicia Duran and her team are putting forth have been incredible. So staying positive that 2022 is not only going to be a great year but also “The Year of Glass!”

 

--  Last this week… the episodes are coming together for the upcoming series BEC Presents.  This setup for information and education delivery is going to be different than you’ve seen in the past but the detail and knowledge you are going to gain will be just as good as ever.  I’m excited for it as all episodes drop on March 22^nd. 

 

LINKS of the WEEK

--  Even the best hack for being able to use the carpool lane gets exposed. 

 

--  This is a great story on Charles Barkley and prepping for the “hora” at his daughters wedding.  

 

--  Excellent article on a mystery solved- old pictures and crowd sourcing seemingly work every time!

 

PROJECT of the WEEK

Those who know me know I love a good Sunshade project and this week in the spotlight is Fabricated Products Group for this job in Missouri.  These are rectangular tube Sunshades with integrated lighting at the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis. Congrats to Daniel Shields and his team on a tremendous project here!