Sunday, November 17, 2024

Tough Now, Better Soon?

This week some of the latest forecasts for 2025 were dropped, and for the most part, the news was positive.  Obviously, for many in our industry, things are softer than we’d prefer, so this dose of good news was welcomed.  Probably the hardest aspect is the fact that a lot of the movement probably won’t hit us til mid ‘25.  The bullishness comes from additional rate cuts and some forecasting patterns that are favorable.  One area that is looking better is multi-home on the residential side. That is always a historical signal that improvement will be coming soon after on commercial.  And on that nonresidential side, the main highlights are retrofit/remodel will continue to gain, especially on the lodging side. (Lodging is looking like it will have a good 2024- I know some data was mixed- but as predicted by the great Nick St. Denis of KMR on my podcast earlier this year, lodging was going to do well, and it is doing so.) In addition, growth in the retail sector!  That too comes from more multi -family being built which means more stores and shops to service and support that community.  On the downside?  Offices continue to have some bumpy roads ahead and especially when you take the data centers (which aren’t glass users) out of the mix.  The thinking though is we are at the floor in the office side, and we’ll see some growth into 2026.  As always, things can and do change, but these latest forecasts gave some hopeful angles. Obviously, the same mantras apply- look to be diverse and find those efficiencies!  We’ll continue to monitor it all and on my February podcast Nick will be back for an update from his industry perspective as always!

Elsewhere…

-- End of the year means architects could be looking for educational credits.  If you are an NGA Member (and by now, isn’t everyone?), there is a batch of tremendous courses that you can present in front of Architects for them to gain those needed credits AND, more importantly, learn about important glass and glazing issues.  The latest on Thermal Bridging and one on Bird Friendly are at the link below.  Check it out and learn more! A ton of amazing volunteers did great work here. https://www.glass.org/news/2024/new-aia-accredited-offerings-launch-within-nga

-- Congrats to old friend Andy Amitrano who was recently promoted to VP at Architectural Glass Services in Florida.  Andy has always done great work and has been a super industry guy. Happy to see it.

-- Also always happy to see when our industry gets out in front of the future potential industry participants.  Recently, Harmon, led by Danny Bostic, hit up Florida State University and participated in a career fair there.  They spread the gospel about what they do and how great our industry is. So, hopefully, some that attend will find their way to our space.  Good work Danny and team!

-- I do get asked for updates on Billy Britt and Britt-Tilson Glass after the clean-up from the Hurricane disaster that they suffered through.  Billy and the team are resilient and continue to plug along against all odds.  He’s now found a new location and has kept things moving.  But in doing so and starting from nothing, there are always additional needs.  Billy put together THIS LIST of some of the things they could use. So if you have extra or want to donate, it would be more than welcomed.

-- I received word during the week that Gary Johnson, a major leader in our industry for many years passed away.  Gary is probably best known for his time at Helima where he ran sales for decades.  I didn’t know him well, but from what I did know he was a very good person and class act.  My condolences to Gary’s family, friends, and former co-workers.   

-- No blog next week as it is Thanksgiving in US and things will be on the quiet side.  Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, so I can’t wait for it.  And in the spirit of that holiday THANK YOU to all of you who read my blog and take in the podcast.  I truly appreciate it!!  I hope you and your families have a great holiday. (and to my friends outside the US a great week ahead!)  I’ll be back the week of 12/1 for the first of the final 3 posts of the year, and PLUS I’ll have new episode of the From the Fabricator podcast too.  See you then!!

LINKS of the WEEK

My buddy Josh Lowe of the NGA sent me this fun quick video of Canada/US and how far north Canada really is… or isn’t.  Loved it.  And made me think of “Don’t Stop Believing” from Journey and “South Detroit” where the astute Rob Struble of Vitro would always remind me is in Canada….

https://youtu.be/3wFAMwKi3O0

Another video- Darryl Dawkins was known in the NBA as the guy who first broke the backboard glass.  That anniversary came up with a twist of someone who actually grabbed some of the evidence.  I think all of us could grab some tempered to say we have the same!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVloy1czW5s

A pretty major explosion hit Louisville last week.  Had zero idea.  Need to check in with my friends there.  Scary stuff!

https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2024/11/13/what-to-do-if-home-business-damaged-by-givaudan-sense-colour-explosion/76254456007/

PROJECT of the WEEK

This week, we go out to the west in the US and Architectural Glass & Aluminum- AGA.  Great company with a sterling reputation. This is the Center of Innovation Building 2 in Emeryville, CA.

AGA noted in a post on LinkedIn

“The curtainwall has a host of unique features from the offset section adorned with 20-foot copper panels, to 12-inch extruded aluminum fins. You can truly see the architects’ vision throughout the curtainwall system.”

It's a neat project and congrats to AGA and all who were involved in it!! Also a goal for 2025 is getting Jeff Scalisi of AGA on the podcast!




Friday, November 15, 2024

Support for Britt-Tilson Glass- Needs List

Please see below and if you can help- it is appreciated.  


This is a needs list as Britt-Tilson rebuilds. If you have extra or something on the list you are not using please consider sending it their way.  Thank you.


They have found a new space to call home and are continuing to move forward.


Send to: 

Britt-Tilson Glass

44 Buck Shoals Rd. 

Suite 201, 

Arden NC. 28704


List of Shop items

5" Dewalt rotary sander

Dewalt Drills

Drill Bits - wood, metal, masonry

Allen Sets

Hole saw - core drill for mirror fab

push point gun

Small Chop Saw

Skill Saw

Straight Edge, cutting square

Hand Tools

Screwdrivers

Deglazing Tools

Gloves - heavy and light

Table Saw

Glass Pliers

Glass Calipers

Vinyl Rollers

A-Frame Racks

Rolling racks and carts

Extension Cords

Pallet Jack

ForkLift

Heavy Casters

Glass Cutting Table

Glazier protective gear

Vaccums - shop, handheld, upright

Trash Cans - shop, office

First Aid Kits

Laptops

White Boards

Shelves - plastic, metal

Refrigerator

Sweep cutter

Break Machine

Suction Cups

Sanding Machine

Saw Horses

Scaffold

Compressor

Nail Guns

Shop Fans

Glass Polishing kit

Ladders - all sizes

Time Clock

Clothing/Uniform Items

 

OFFICE

8 Desks

Front counter - build out

Desk Calculators

Pens, Pencils, Writing

Copy Paper

White Out

8-10 Desk chairs

2-4 Bar Stool height chairs

Lamps

Stapler, Staples

Filing Cabinets

Envelopes

Sticky Notes

Surge protectors

Trash Cans

Computers

Filing Items, organization

Clip Boards

Shredders

 

Send to: 

Britt-Tilson Glass

44 Buck Shoals Rd. 

Suite 201, 

Arden NC. 28704

 

THANK YOU

Sunday, November 10, 2024

2024 MVP Season Begins

For those of you who may be new to this blog, since 2013 I have awarded a yearly MVP award at the end of the year.  We’re now a month away from that happening, and once again a ton of folks to choose from.  I try not to select anyone who has been listed before, either as a runner-up or the actual MVP, so that makes it tougher than normal but also allows me to spread the recognition around.  The process for who hits that list for 2024 is now underway, and I look forward to seeing who ends up on top!

Elsewhere… 

-- Stanley Yee was a runner-up for MVP in 2022 and has been a massive influence and force in our industry for many years.  This past week he announced he’s retiring from his position at DOW and with next steps still to be determined.  I hope that whatever Stanley decides to do next, it has him still active in our industry because his impact is immense.  No matter what the journey holds, though, I know Stanley will be a star.  Good guy, and I wish him only the best!!

-- ICYMI – a quick Podcast reminder… the most recent episode featured Keith Daubmann of My Shower Door, My Architectural Glass (MAG) and D3 Glass, along with Jason Godfrey of UFP Packaging.  Both guys brought a ton of energy to the pod and more than a few “wow” moments for me.  The feedback I am getting is that Keith really opened up nicely and that Jason fits in our space well.  So good stuff.  Thank you for checking it out!

VIDEO

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

FHC-Frameless Hardware Company sponsored this episode- Thanks again to them for the support!

-- Congrats to Merv Campbell and the team at Omni Cubed on the launch of their new website.  Take a look at https://omnicubed.com/ to learn more and take the proper safety and efficiency route.. less injuries, less breakage.  Sounds like a good deal to me!

-- I really enjoyed visiting the team from CAD-PLAN at GlassBuild and am now happy for them on the news of a new product they just released.  The product is their ATHENA 2024, and from all indications, it looks like an efficiency monster for those of you who deal in AutoCAD design.  Faster and more accurate are the words being used, and given the adventures out there, I like those attributes.  Jan Krutsky, Rulon Allred, and the company keep making moves.  Love it!

The person known as “The Industry Front Man,” the one and only Carl Christ of DFI, has done it again.  In what I am sure was an epic team effort, DFI produced a very snazzy point-of-sale video pop-up.  It was an impressive compact box with auto-play video.  I was lucky enough that Carl thought of me to share one with and I was very impressed.  Stuff like this makes our industry look great.  Kudos to all involved.

Thanks to the fabulous Barbara Horwitz-Bennett for including me in an article about bullet-resistant glass in Architectural Products Magazine.  I am honored to be in such an excellent piece listed and quoted alongside some of the best in our space.  Thank you, Barbara and Architectural Products, for the coverage.  https://issuu.com/docs/aa70f6fbd29c75322f6a24c329e2e4db/18

Last this week… at the recent Architectural Glass and Metal Certification Council (AGMCC) annual meeting lots of positive news was made with regards to what they are doing to keep things rolling in our space.  The biggest plus was that they launched GlazingCertification.com to combine AGMCC, NACC, and AGMT details in one convenient online location. This new site clearly shows the value of certification to different stakeholders and provides more resources to support those pursuing or have earned certification.  We need to keep growing this effort because it is good for all!!  Congrats to Jeff Dalaba and company on the continued success!

LINKS of the WEEK

I’m never good with anything “that escapes from a lab” including monkeys.  Yikes.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/forty-monkeys-escape-lab-research-south-carolina-b2643599.html

Music buffs- another version of “Knocking on Heavens Door” is out… a little on the slow side for me, but I can see the attraction.  (I’ll take the Guns-n-Roses version as my favorite)

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/sophie-thatcher-bob-dylan-knockin-on-heavens-door-heretic-1235140095/

Good read on Passive House tech, though sadly, there is no mention of glass (seriously, I was expecting a perfect Michael Spellman quote in there on VIG) and no mention of Matt Price when they talked Hemp material.  Big misses.  But it's still a good read!

https://www.wsj.com/business/energy-oil/new-tech-tries-to-catastrophe-proof-your-home-6a32b6c4?st=k2EcVt&reflink=article_email_share

PROJECT of the WEEK

North of the border we go with Heritage Glass & Aluminum in Calgary.  Nice project! The post I saw on LinkedIn noted that Kawneer and Vitrum were also involved.  Looks great! 



Sunday, November 03, 2024

New Pod and a Mix of News and Notes

The latest edition of the From the Fabricator Podcast is now live!  Two really interesting guests with regard to backgrounds, approaches, and products.  I kicked it off with Keith Daubmann of MyShowerDoor, D3 Glass, & MyArchitecturalGlass.  Keith is a dominant social media force (great insight from him on that during the pod), but he’s so much more.  He’s a genuinely fascinating person, and he opened up on a few items that I found intriguing, including moments when things weren’t going swimmingly.  It is a fun and wide-ranging talk, and I am just a huge fan of Keith and family (including Jay and Bryce).  Then, onto Jason Godfrey of UFP Packaging.  I barely know Jason, just initially met him this summer, so was good to get to know him, his company and once again trying to break through with products that aren’t “the way we’ve always done it.”  Good stuff from both and I think you’ll enjoy.  Thank you in advance for checking it all out!

VIDEO

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

This episode was sponsored by the fine folks of FHC-Frameless Hardware Company- Thanks again to them for the support!

Elsewhere…

-- Should be a quiet week ahead in the US, right?  Nothing major happening right?  LOL.  Anyway, we’ll stay focused on our space... the latest Architectural Billings Index hit while I was in Germany. The index clocked in at a flat 45.7.  Matching the previous month exactly.  Just goes to show you we’re all just in a wait and see mode.  And one of the most used lines “waiting until the election” now expires, so we’ll see what sort of movement is to come, especially with another meeting of the Fed this week as well.   By the way, also in the latest report, project inquiries continue to stay positive.  It is a minor data point but still one that provides a sliver of positivity.

-- Want to pass on a huge public thank you to the extremely classy Eric Leclair of Vicone Rubber. He had remembered after meeting my daughter at last year's Halloween-timed GlassBuild that with her food allergies, she can only have certain brands that are made specifically on peanut-free lines in Canada.  (I think she was a consistent visitor to his booth because he had the safe treats there).  So, in time for the Halloween holiday this year, Eric sent a goody box down from Canada for my daughter and she was over the moon.  So cool.  Thank you Eric!! Much appreciated!

-- As I have noted on here the challenges that my good friend Billy Britt at Britt & Tilson Glass has gone through in the aftermath of the Hurricane and storms that hit Asheville, NC were monumental.  Recently, at a benefit concert for Carolina, music star Chase Rice sported a Britt & Tilson hat on stage, and that hat is now in demand. Big time viral.  So, with that in mind, these hats are now for sale and will in addition to the GoFundMe raise money for the recovery in the area.  Check it out and if you can support by buying a hat- please do so.  Billy and family are tremendous people and seeing them fight forward is an inspiration.

-- WEBINAR upcoming with the extremely sharp Conley Oster (possible future podcast guest too if I can get his agent to budge on his speaking fee… LOL) – the date is 11/12 and this is the latest in the National Architectural Glass and Metal Association (NAGMA) series.  Conley is with RAISE Robotics and this webinar will hit on “Robots and the Future of Smart Equipment” – that title alone makes it something you will want to see.  Plus, the IUPAT will have a piece in there on training plans for 2025.  So a must attend for sure for a few reasons.  LINK is here to sign up!

-- Kudos to Luxwall on the news of their latest fundraising which will lead to more expansion of high-performance glazing.  More details HERE, but bottom line is this next level of products are here to stay and will only keep growing.  Good for our industry in the never-ending battle for the wall! (Which note, the battle for the wall TRULY never ends, thankfully the NGA Technical Super Heroes continue to fight for us)

-- I missed attending and covering the WCNY Glass and Glazing Forum in New York (timing with Germany killed me) but I heard absolute rave reviews about it.  This is an annual show in West and Central New York that just keeps growing and delivers that perfect mix of fun networking and educational show values.  Good crowd and a lot of architectural attraction too!  When good guys like Frank Stento are involved, along with many others, you know it will be well done… so kudos to everyone involved, and I will NOT miss the edition in 2025!

-- Last this week… for you baseball fans… Congrats to those who are Dodgers fans for bringing the title home.  It is always nice to see the scrappy, underfunded teams win… OH… no, seriously, I do like a lot of the Dodgers and have many friends who are over the moon with this win.  So happy for ya.  And on a personal baseball note?  The Mayor of Glasstown, the one and only Jon Johnson, got me back into a fantasy baseball league this year for the first time since 2016.  So, between having that to follow and the amazing Detroit Tiger run, this year was fun, and it reminded me of my love of that sport.  Sadly, though with baseball ending, that means it is winter and it’ll probably snow next week….

LINKS of the WEEK

Pushing back vs Shrinkflation?  We’ll see….

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/tostitos-ruffles-shrank-bags-chips-100042749.html

A time limit on that airport goodbye!!

https://apnews.com/article/new-zealand-airport-goodbye-hugs-time-limit-d6176082ffb6ab66e8d2f05dd590b8aa

Also at the airport... The people who try to load the plane before it’s their turn may have met their match with this new tech.  Hmmmm. 

https://apnews.com/article/american-airlines-technology-boarding-line-cutters-aae3374524aa87b2278053a33dc030bc

PROJECT of the WEEK

In the spotlight this week a good looking one in Texas from Kelley’s Glass & Mirror.  I think this may be the rare glazing company I don’t know down there – at least I don’t think I do- but regardless a tremendous job!

In their LinkedIn post on this, they called out a few of my industry favorites of mine as collaborators on this job.  Tristar Glass and Vitro with the glass fabrication and supply and Kawneer on the curtain wall.  Congrats to all involved!  Good stuff!!