It's Time!

We’ve made it to GlassBuild Week!  The industry will descend on Las Vegas later this week for THE trade show of the year.  I am excited to see everyone, meet new folks, learn new things, and just be a part of the great glazing community for a few days.  Please, if you see me, stop by and say hi.  I am confident this week will help propel us further, overcome some frustrating obstacles (IYKYK), and keep rolling into 2027.  Safe & easy travels to all- and when you get there, have a good time and be careful out there too.  Next week I’ll have the annual massive GlassBuild recap here on who I saw, what I learned, and what is next!

Elsewhere…

-- Not the best of weeks for the construction space, eh?  Rising costs (aluminum, more volatile than ever) followed by the necessary rate hike.  Sad that the rate hike was needed- given it wasn’t that long ago we were on the cusp of a rate cut! That rate cut was meant to spur building; now the first thing that came out after the rate hike was the cooling of potential construction work.  Never a dull or easy moment in our world.  Regardless, we soldier on.  And I am very curious to see what Connor Lokar, economist extraordinaire, says during his keynote this week. 

-- ICYMI- the most current podcast is up, and the reaction has all been focused on the tone.  I’m getting feedback about the fun personalities of Urmilla Sowell of NGA and Bruce Murray of Steel Encounters.  Everyone knew these two were whip smart, but I am guessing being extra cool is something that caught people’s attention this time.  In any case- if you haven’t listened yet- give it a shot.  I think you’ll enjoy.  The next pod drops October 4th, featuring a leading commercial glazier and a star in the window and door installation area.  I haven't had much conversation with either of them, so it’ll be great to get to know them and have them share with the industry.

For Urmilla & Bruce:

VIDEO

AUDIO

Thank you to FHC-Frameless Hardware Company for their support of this podcast!

-- News also this week is that a growing construction segment is Malls.  Yes, Malls.  Mall values jumped 13% in a year, more than doubling commercial-property price gains. I thought Malls were all closing, but evidently that’s not the case.  I’m surprised, but happy to know this, and if this truly is a rebounding trend, that is wonderful for those who fabricate and install heavy glass.  Back in the day, mall work was a huge piece.  Wouldn’t that be nice to see it return- even in a smaller way.

-- Last this week… I’ve talked at the end of my podcast about the Amazon show “Reacher”- it’s fun and empty-calorie viewing, and it’s really a great treadmill show.  However, they pulled an absolute blunder with a scene featuring a skylight.  The skylight was ANNEALED.  Single lite.  I don’t want to spoil it if you haven’t watched yet- but needless to say- the Skylight scene was super wrong in the real world.  It was done to help the plot, so I get it, but still disappointing.   I can only imagine a guy like Brian Thomas of Super Sky, who is the world’s leading authority on that product, watching the scene and jumping out of his skin.  Hollywood really needs to hire one of us… but all these shows force you to suspend belief, so I guess that goes for proper glass and glazing too.

LINKS of the WEEK

I find this to be a fascinating way to recycle solar panels and glass. https://energiesmedia.com/melbourne-solar-glass-sand-concrete-tunnel-trial/

105-14 a final score in… Football? https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/football/texas-high-school-football-game-ends-in-score-that-looks-like-a-typo/ar-AA2c4Lly

A condo built for a tall guy https://www.stltoday.com/life-entertainment/local/home-gardening/article_a262fb87-5039-4604-af92-33ec9140bdae.html

PROJECT of the WEEK

If you know me, you know I am a massive fan of Matt and Joey Aragon and the team at Aragon Construction.  Super nice and classy people who do great work and represent our industry very well, whether at the NGA level or anywhere else possible.  So, when I saw this job, I had to make it a spotlight project!

This is the USC Keck Pasadena Medical Office Building, and it’s beautiful.  They have a great write-up with more detail HERE, so check it out.  For me, I loved the veritable all-star team of suppliers on it.  The interior featured PurOptima, which is fast becoming the leading player in that space. (Even though this wasn’t a Tom O’Malley- PurOptima job) along with Kawneer, Okalux, Vitro, Vitrum, TGP, and Pulp Studio.  I know plenty at each of these places, and they all deliver at the highest level.  And I’m sure my old pal, Kirk Johnson of Pulp, was mighty thrilled to be involved here. Anyway, this is a winner all the way around, and kudos to everyone involved.  And to Joey, Matt, and the Aragon team- congrats on an epic job!  Keep up the good work!

Brilliant Minds

The latest episode of the From the Fabricator podcast is now out!  This time, I have two really smart, interesting people who drop serious knowledge.  Leading off is one of the NGA Technical Super Heroes, Urmilla Sowell.  Urmilla was on my first-ever podcast in 2021, and it was great to reconnect with her since so much has changed.  We cover what’s happening in the tech and advocacy arena, volunteering, super people, and a very memorable food conversation.  Then Bruce Murray of Steel Encounters joins the pod, and we get deep into safety and Bruce’s unyielding passion for it, his background, his love of the Raiders, and a clutch, meaningful quote, among other things.  Two fun, classy people, and I’m excited to see both in person in Las Vegas at GlassBuild. (BTW- Still time to join us!) If you are not familiar with either, this is a great way to learn about them.  Thanks to them and to everyone who checks it out.  I appreciate it!

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AUDIO

Thank you to the gang at FHC-Frameless Hardware Company for their support of this podcast- I am grateful!

Elsewhere…

-- Very sad news, as we lost a man who made a massive impact on our industry.  Jerry Haber, past Managing Partner at W&W Glass, passed away early last week.  A beautiful remembrance is HERE, and it’s worth a read, but I wanted to call a few things out.  Jerry was a tremendous leader and man.  He earned respect from all sides of this industry through his character and drive.  With the 9/11 anniversary this week, I thought about Jerry and W&W’s role in New York's rebuild.  Jerry and team/family stepped up and did some usually impossible things to get crucial projects done.  These projects showed great American skill and pride, and they offered a chance to lift our world up after the tragedy.  There’s a great article HERE that goes into specifics on that time. The bottom line is we really lost a person whose contributions in both business and labor can never be minimized.  His legacy will live on through his family and current team at W&W; that is for sure.  My sincerest condolences to the Haber family and everyone at W&W.

-- Evan Afenir of DP Glass is a really thoughtful follow on LinkedIn.  He shares cool jobsite tech and project insights, but he also posts some true “food for thought” that is good for us to read, consider, comment on, act on, etc.  The latest was this post on one of the biggest issues and frustrations on the Precon side.  I appreciate Evan putting good stuff out there, and I think it’s really good for our industry to learn and push for improvements. (Some are easier than others, of course)

So, the New York Times recently had a piece on the “Happiest Cities in the US,” and of course you know I love lists… so here’s the top 10.

10- San Jose, CA – Out of the gate with a surprise.

9- Gilbert, AZ- Makes sense to me

8- Irvine, CA- Another California surprise- guessing perfect weather (most of the time) is big.

7- Charleston, SC- Home of the juggernaut that is CBK Media- so that tracks

6- Overland Park, KS- I can see it, plus people I know from Kansas are usually super chill

5- Fargo, ND- Wouldn’t the weather rule this out?

4- South Burlington, VT- Skiing, I guess?  Vermont is one of a couple of states I have never visited

3- Scottsdale, AZ- This one for sure makes sense on the list. Though it is pricey there.

2- Bismarck, ND – See Fargo.  Wow. #2?

And #1 “Happiest City,” based on three categories- emotional and physical well-being, income and employment, and community and environment was:

Fremont, CA.

I have been to Fremont, and from what I remember, it was nice- but happiest city? Shocking.

Wow.  If I were guessing, I’d say Scottsdale and Charleston for sure (though traffic in Charleston has to affect emotional well-being), but none of the others.  Stunned no Texas.  Plano was closest at #16. I know Florida takes some hits, but there’s a ton of tremendous places to live there that can check these boxes, and anything Utah missing was a surprise.  If anything, these lists get you talking! 

LINKS of the WEEK

Flipping your car in the drive-through lane…how?https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/09/09/roll-forward-please-car-flips-into-auckland-mcdonalds-drive-thru/

An “overwhelmed” squirrel.  At an Ohio State football game?  Yeah I’d say the poor guy was probably freaked out. https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2026/09/11/Perry-Township-Ohio-State-squirrel/9691789147583/

This party in honor of what would’ve been Freddie Mercury’s 80th birthday looked like a fun one. https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/music/articles/dont-stop-them-now-fans-205122351.html

PROJECT of the WEEK

From the feed of Katie Boydstun of United Glass Commercial. Really sharp-looking job in Weatherford, Texas.  Love the design, and obviously the shots taken during a perfect sky (or photoshopped to look like it) make the building pop.  The glass and glazing look great! Plus, United also noted they did the interiors too, with offices and glass railings.  Very cool.  No suppliers were listed, but if you were involved- kudos!  And absolute congrats to Katie and team on a great one!

Getting Closer!

It’s September. It’s GlassBuild Month!  Are you feeling the energy build?  I feel like there’s been more social and media activity for the show this year than ever, which has helped fuel the excitement.  If you haven’t checked out the schedule yet, give it a look.  One I want to point out is the Case Study- Project Failures and Lessons Learned by Raul Espinosa of CDC. Getting a guy of Raul’s caliber to come in and share stuff like this is huge.  The key is that by hearing Raul and seeing the issues encountered, you could possibly avoid those same mistakes on one of your projects.  This piece takes place on Day 1 at 1PM on the Main Stage.  That is just one of so many solid sessions featuring a ton of brilliant industry brains like Casey Anderson, Ted Baumgardner, Jamilla Walcott, the up-and-coming Alicia Berzinis (very cool cat), Diana San Diego, Mike O’Neal, Joe Kaiser, and so many more.  Go to HERE and check it all out- I guarantee at least one session will be valuable to you- if not more.

Elsewhere…

-- ICYMI- I did do a GlassBuild focus podcast with Andrew Haring of FHC and Kevin Hardman of Hardman Glazing Systems.  And this pod provided me with evidence of the energy building, as it is now the most-listened-to pod of the year for me and is getting close to the rarefied air of the all-time most-listened-to pod I did with the incredible Troy Johnson of Apogee Architectural Metals.   Check it out:

VIDEO

AUDIO (or Apple/Spotify- Just search "From the Fabricator"

New episode coming next week and features two very sharp industry people who are making a difference out there.  Can’t wait to release it!

-- I have noted on here a few times about the mess happening at CSI and their desire to copyright and charge (license) for the use of the MasterFormat classification system (you know, like 8800, etc.). Welp, a Federal Judge has ruled against CSI and now they have 30 days to appeal, which looks fruitless, but evidently CSI is going to try.   This was a bad idea from the start; now it has turned into an embarrassment for them.   We’ll see what happens next…  The court judgment is here, and it's a wild read.

-- One of the best in our space announced his retirement- Dave Nelson of CRL is hangin them up.  Classy guy- always greeting you with a smile- and repped our space well for a long time.  Go enjoy that next chapter, Dave!!

-- The Gilbane 3Q Market Conditions report is out, and it’s what you would expect- data center dominance, shortages of labor, supply chain challenges, etc.  Positivity still remains for non-data center growth heading into 2027, and that sentiment is shared by many based on increased quoting activity.  But man, it would be nice to see this volume of quotes transfer into orders sooner rather than later.  In any case, the battles still continue.  There was one line in the report that probably will make some throw their coffee at the screen when they read it:

“Despite on-going tariffs, imported glass and aluminum from the EU are currently priced competitively with U.S. sources.”

 So much to say on that, but I’ll refrain… for now.

-- CONGRATS to the folks at Quaker Window & Door for being named the “Show-Me-State Best Overall Place to Work for 2027” by Missouri Magazine.  That is a VERY cool honor and having gotten the opportunity to see Quaker a few years ago, I can see why they picked up this recognition.  Great people, place, and culture.

LINKS of the WEEK

Comical jury duty story about Reese Witherspoon and Legally Blonde https://www.fashiontimes.co.uk/reese-witherspoon-jury-duty-mix-1763528

A stolen truck filled with Pabst Blue Ribbon beer is missing.  Not me!  Now if that truck was filled with Diet Dr. Pepper…. Lol https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/pabst-blue-ribbon-stolen-beer-california-b3041792.html

150 Corgi dogs running in a race… fun! https://apnews.com/article/lithuania-vilnius-corgi-race-costumes-nose-bark-82c1d801bc7805e78bf365ea44a1344f

PROJECT of the WEEK

Colorado is the home of the spotlight project- it was posted by Allen D Smith of Ryan Glass, and it’s their installation of the Abrams Elementary School at Fort Carson Military Base in Colorado Springs, CO.  No suppliers were listed, but whoever it was teamed up nicely with the Ryan Glass team for a job well done!  Congrats to all involved!!