Big News on the School Security Front

So the industry picked up a huge win last week- one that you’ll hear more about this week and for sure weeks going forward.  Behind a herculean effort by NGA’s Urmilla Sowell and her incredible team of technical & advocacy stars, a new bill was introduced in Congress that could be massive to the glass and glazing industry.  I’m speaking of House Resolution 8506.  Sponsored by Rep. Charles "Chuck” Fleischmann [R-TN-3], it will establish a grant program to improve school security, with an emphasis on glass & glazing, by providing funding avenues that enable districts to adopt more effective, layered protection strategies for both students and educators. Yes. You are reading the right- and the wording in the resolution was glorious:

 (C) securing glass in the building’s exterior through the installation of forced entry or bullet resistant glass;

(D) glass in the building’s exterior through the installation of forced entry or bullet resistant glass;

We need more and more of this out there, and this is an example of the stellar work Urmilla does, along with incredible and caring talents like Karen Wegert, Georgia Oehler, Thom Zaremba, Tom Culp, Nick Resetar, among others. They are doing the work in representing us and advancing causes that are good for us! Kudos to them! As noted above, more on this is coming, especially with NGA holding its Glass and Glazing Advocacy Days this week in DC. Let’s keep this momentum rolling, folks. 

Elsewhere…

-- ICYMI! The most recent episode of the “From the Fabricator” podcast is making waves- very positive waves at that.  Jason Epps, CEO of Specialty Fenestration Group (USBP, Quikserv) blew people away with his story and approach.  JJ Derman of NovaTech got people thinking about diversifying their offerings and how service and support can be very valuable to the glazing community.  Really enjoyable pod.  Thanks to those guys and thanks to everyone who’s checked it out already!

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Thank you to FHC-Frameless Hardware Company for the sponsorship of this episode!

-- Dodge Construction had a quarterly update this past week, and the word “uncertainty” is once again in the spotlight.  I swear, if I had a nickel for every time that word has been uttered in the last 10 months, I could finally retire and take the greeter job at a Publix in some small Florida town.  But that word and that fact are real.  With the constant changes in government decision-making and now the war, the construction space has basically been paralyzed. So, needless to say, we’re still in that resilience and patience mode.  As I’ve noted before, the hunger is there, the work is being planned, but the volatility out there is delaying progress. 

-- One of the hardest working people I have ever known and also a tremendous human got a promotion recently.  Scott Goodman was named Technical Field Sales Specialist- Southeast Region for CRL.  I love it when the people who grind get that recognition, and Scott absolutely deserves the props.  Congrats, my friend, on this new spot, and props to CRL for recognizing it!

-- Also, congratulations to my friends at TSI Corporations for their field teams being honored by the Washington Building Congress with the Craftsmanship Award for both the Reston JW Marriott Hotel & Condo and the OB5 project in Reston, VA.  So cool to see and not a surprise knowing Thomas Cornellier and the team there.  Great company and culture! 

-- Last this week… the new Michael Jackson movie- “Michael” is out and I went to see it, curious about how they’d handle his life story.  Well, that whole life story is going to come in future parts.  This movie covers Michael from the mid-80s, and I enjoyed it. Well done and the acting, especially by the actor who played Michael as a kid, was incredible.  I’m a sucker for music biopics, and so this one was a winner for me. If you grew up in the 80’s and had any liking of Michael Jackson, this one is for you.

LINKS of the WEEK

Bonkers… being delayed 50 years to build a dream home on their property https://www.ksby.com/los-osos/los-osos-couple-gets-closer-to-building-their-dream-home-after-50-year-wait

This story completely misses the point- it’s trying to be cute about a pink colored cat- but it completely blows off a major item. And that note they missed bums me out. https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/pets-animals/shelter-staff-scratch-their-heads-when-a-pink-cat-shows-up-at-their-door/ar-AA22De3Y

Could the “Milk Door” make a comeback?  Doubtful. Still cool to see some old ones out there though! https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/milk-doors-history-2-37550297

PROJECT of the WEEK

We go to Virginia for the Project of the Week and a great job by the gang at SPS Corporation. This is the Kinsale North office building in Richmond, VA.  This one had a little of everything and in the end turned out beautifully!  Congrats to SPS and all involved in this excellent effort!

The Pod & Lots of Great People

Good stuff this time out after an excellent industry week.  First, the latest “From the Fabricator” podcast is out and has two really enjoyable conversations.  First up was Jason Epps, CEO of Specialty Fenestration Group (Quikserv & USBP), and it was fabulous to get to know him.  Jason has built a top-notch culture & company, and when you listen to him, you can understand how he did it. Good stuff on that, and also the latest with his company, with new owners and positive items going forward.  Then I connected with JJ Derman of NovaTech Wall Systems.  Loved hearing about JJ’s path and also learning more about his company- that’s new ground for me and very interesting. Plus, he dropped a nickname for one of the industry's most beloved people.  Had me speechless there. All in all, a ton of great insight.  Thank you to both men and thanks in advance to all who listen/watch and support!  Much appreciated!

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Thank you to FHC-Frameless Hardware Company for the sponsorship of this episode!

Elsewhere…

-- So, my magical mystery tour for the month of April (shows, shows, shows) ended at the Glass Symposium in Atlantic City, NJ.  Tremendous event with excellent people involved, either organizing, speaking, attending, or exhibiting.  The venue was a classic, too, which added serious charm.  Kudos to the awesome Pat O’Connor for his intense drive in making this effort so successful.  And of course, there were quite a few people rowing alongside Pat, and for me, it was a great thrill to meet and get to know them. Their hospitality towards me was amazing.   These were incredibly cool and talented folks like Steve Metzger, Lisa Godlewski, Roberto Rios, Mike Laughlin, Matt Traska, Dave Tomczak (who had to be pumped with the Flyers win over the Pens), Tim Crowther, and Dion Frasca.  I know I missed a bunch, and I am sorry- I was meeting so many new people at once, I was taxing what’s left of my brain and memory power to the max. 

I also got to know a bunch of people in our space and also adjacent to it. Chris Puzo of Ventrina was seriously cool, along with Steve Racht and Will Paquette of EDA Contractors, all young, sharp guys who will be big parts of our future. Add Archie Goldsmith to that list, too- excellent case study he presented! Two guys not exactly in our space but attended and “got it” and were super classy were Jason Copely of Cohen Seglias, and Craig Hall of P. Agnes, who had to deal with my 30 questions to him over lunch.  Love any opportunity I can get to spread the glass gospel.

Seeing old friends like the legend Jon Kimberlain of Dow, Barry Wood of Wood’s Pwr Grip, Doug Derusha of FHC, and Joe Silva of Smart Lift was enjoyable.  I also enjoyed meeting people in person that I knew and admired online, like Ron Kudla and Megan Kudla of Advanced Glass & Metal, John Pierce of Glass Enterprises, and Pat McIntyre of Synergy Glass. Now I know them in person!

It would not be a trip to the Philly/Jersey area if I didn’t get to visit with old friend Mark Rabinowitz of Paul Rabinowitz Glass.  He’s incredibly strong out there and is constantly thinking outside the box.  Plus, seeing his son Justin again and meeting Sean Griffin from there was a bonus.  Cool to see Mike Clabbers of National Glass outside of the walls of BEC, and his company was prominent in the absolutely fantastic keynote from Shaun Patchell of LF Driscoll.

For me, a great way to end a busy month, but also see and meet so many people that make our industry go.  Folks who are super resilient and determined to do right by their company and the glass space as a whole.  I look forward to seeing all of them at another show and hopefully at Glass Symposium 3 next year.  (Which keep in mind is open to more than just the Philly/Jersey region, so may be one to add to the list)

-- Last this week… the GFAB momentum is rolling along.  Early Bird ends this week, so get signed up, and if you have folks for the Workshop sessions at Skyline Glass, get them in now before the openings go away. (It’s a 50-person max.)  And on that note, I really enjoyed seeing old friend Michael Spellman of IGE Glass Technologies on the Glass Cast podcast (see HERE) – he always lays it out there, and his passion is really second to none.  More on GFAB is HERE, and I hope to see you there!

LINKS of the WEEK

Amazing story- a baby born on a Delta flight!  Great work by all- and that kid should get Frequent Flyer status now!  https://apnews.com/article/woman-gives-birth-on-flight-portland-6294a432018007308ace0f6cfdac4469

15 years ago, Seal Team 6 got Bin Laden.  Good look back. https://nypost.com/2026/05/02/us-news/us-navy-seal-who-killed-osama-bin-ladens-reflects-on-historic-raid-15-years-later/

Wild one- people in Montreal are trying to fix potholes themselves, and the city does not like that. https://montrealgazette.com/news/montreal-tells-vigilante-pavers-to-stop-patching-city-potholes/

PROJECT of the WEEK

Keeping in the Philly/AC vibe- the project of the week comes from MEG Glass and the Thomas Holme Elementary School in Northeast Philadelphia. Clipped from LinkedIn:

Completed on an accelerated schedule in 2025, the 88,000-square-foot, three-story school now serves approximately 1,300 students. MEG Glass provided and installed storefront systems, curtain wall assemblies, and entrance systems throughout the facility, including an exterior curtain wall featuring 12 distinct glass types and more than 1,400 units.”

OK, I am super curious about the 12 glass types… anyway, this is a fabulous job done by a top-notch company.  Congrats to everyone involved in this one!

TGA Does It Again!

This past week was the Texas Glass Conference at the Woodlands (Houston).  Tremendous event overall.  The Texas Glass Association really delivered a great gathering chock-full of excellent insights and networking opportunities. A few standouts included a really informative AI panel and a fabulous talk from Scott Kimpland of FMI.  Overall, everything really clicked, and I was honored to be involved. My sincere thanks to Brian Risinger and the TGA board for the opportunity.

Of course, I have to mention a handful of folks whom it was wonderful to run into. Super to chat with Kyle Lamb of Universal Glass- I always get a strong takeaway or three.  The awesome Jacque Freeman of Binswanger was there and holding court like always.  It was incredible to see the launch of a new Women in Glass chapter- Syndi Sim, along with Danielle Whatley, Emma McLemore, Kristina Buckett, and Valerie Nagy, are doing something great and needed for our space.  Talented people in so many ways are now giving back even more to our industry.

Cool to see & hear from one of the all-time greats in our industry, Teri Gilmore of A3 Glass.  And I guess while throwing the word “great” out there, it would also pertain to Chris Bayer of Austin Glass and Ted Baumgarder of Guthrie AI.  Ted even overcame a nasty flat tire to make it in for the event.  I was thrilled that Abdeali Karimjee of Precision Glass Industries was there- He needs to do more of these! And speaking of Precision- two of their newest people- Jack Wickstrom and Fulgencio Rey were there- I am thrilled for both of them as they start this new phase in their lives.  I get a charge out of seeing good people joining good organizations.

Another dynamic duo- Hector Vallejo and Wade Arnold of USBP/Quikserv were there, but I could not effectively shoehorn my way into a conversation since both always had crowds around them.  I was honored to have Omar Maalouf of Momentum Glass & Jeff Haber of W+W Glass in the audience for my talk.  Both are so freaking good, and both care deeply about our industry, which I admire and respect.

I did get a short visit with Greg Grothoff of GlassFab.  He is one of the sharpest guys in our world- neat to see him excelling.  And amazing to meet new people- like Larissa and Julio Vasquez of Stratford Glass & Mirror.  As well as Jaime Torres of Trulite.  Really impressive folks! 

Catching up with friends like Todd Schulz of IGE Glass Technologies can’t be underestimated. He was working it all, plus, and unlike the last time I saw him, he did not have to take me to the ER!  As well as Rick Newnom of HOU-TEX Glass.  Always fantastic to catch up & also talk some Houston sports. Plus, it had been a while since I had seen "The Great Joy Lee" (that’s her legal name- or it should be), and her work in and around this conference was huge & appreciated!

I know I missed a bunch- and I am sorry- I didn’t keep notes as well as I usually do!  Wonderful to see everyone and another positive time in the great state of Texas!

Elsewhere….

-- The Glass Magazine Awards public vote is now open.  More details can be found HERE. Check it out and vote.  Some incredible categories and candidates- many I wish I could choose multiple winners. Deadline is May 5th. Go VOTE!

-- Changing of the guard at Winco Window with Woody Miller moving to the top spot, taking over for his dad, Gantt.  I am excited for Woody and happy for Gantt.  Great guys.  I was lucky enough to have them on my podcast way back in October of 2021, and they were super.  So much has changed, and I may have to get Woody back on.  As the podcast has gotten so much better since then, too! If you want to check it out- 

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Last this week… a huge win for our industry at the International Code Council Public Comments Hearings.  Can you believe there are people who want windowless buildings?  Well, they exist, and thankfully, the NGA Advocacy & Tech team went to work and, with some excellent collaboration from across the built environment space, closed loopholes and pushed natural light into the play.  Plus, a huge win with the use of daylight in classrooms, too. Read it all HERE.  Good stuff from the team and massive for our space.

LINKS of the WEEK

Stalking in a “thoughtful” way- yes, it’s a real story/headline. https://gizmodo.com/meta-thinks-its-smart-glasses-could-stalk-people-in-a-thoughtful-way-2000746222

Ruthless scammers.  This one with 3D printed homes. https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/3d-printed-homes-an-abandoned-590000-deposit-the-fbi-what-really-happened-in-this-small-town/

Oh my- Bunk Beds on a plane? https://apnews.com/article/air-new-zealand-economy-bunk-beds-sleep-c2c434f60116f332c0ce96c69d662c3b

PROJECT of the WEEK

So, always a highlight for me is seeing Sam and Chris Hill of Oak Cliff Mirror & Glass.  So good. So classy.  And they really are key figures in so much of what we do in our industry.  Tremendous people.  So, the project of the week spotlight hits one of their projects.  

This is the North Dallas Bank and Trust at Fields West in Frisco, TX.  In progress and not complete yet, but looking great!  And by the way, Chris Hill, also known as the “Busiest Man in the Glass Industry,” keeps adding on with more and more – and always on the cutting edge.  How he finds the time will always amaze me!  Kudos to the team there and all who collaborated on this one!