Family Business Recognition

As you may have picked up, there’s a lot happening at GlassBuild this fall.  One of the areas that has me pretty stoked is that there’ll be a program celebrating family-owned businesses! The family-owned business has been around for more than 100 years and is still going strong, serving as the backbone of our space.  Getting folks together to honor it will be amazing.  If you did not see the call to action on this one via LinkedIn, HERE is the form to tell the team more about your operation and hopefully be highlighted during this event. 

Elsewhere…

-- The latest Dodge Momentum Index (DMI) dropped this week, and it brought some interesting takes.  So, the index itself was down about 2%.  But the analysis behind it was positive. That consisted of improvements in offices, hotels, and healthcare, among others. Of all of the various reporting, the DMI continues to be the most hopeful. Dodge, being a massive company with incredible resources, makes me feel confident that they’re more accurate than not.  Regardless of where we stand right now, many areas are super soft, so the sooner more breaks our way, the better!!

-- A bunch of times in the past, I wrote about the company, Acelab.  I was into them from the start and a massive fan of their founder, Vardhan Mehta. In fact, I may have been the first person to have Vardhan on a podcast, and now, a couple of years later, he’s doing a ton of them in the mainstream world. (And also probably on the shortlist for Kara Swisher and others) And I am seeing the company everywhere! Very cool that this effort continues to grow and do great things for the overall construction space.  It has taken the sourcing of materials to new levels and with really no equal.  And with the madness at CSI, along with so much other turmoil in the material spec world, it is awesome to see Acelab thriving.  If you have not checked them out- do so. Everyone benefits from a group like this that elevates the entire space.  Kudos to Vardhan and team!

-- Have you ever heard of the hot new sport “Padel?”  It’s neither Pickleball nor Tennis.  It actually has some squash to it.  But the best part is that it features glass enclosing the courts.  So if this keeps growing, we’ve got a new area for glass use!  Those of you who can remember when racquetball exploded, and the amount of glass used for that, know that this could become a good thing for us.   Here’s a quick video that shows and explains it.

-- Last this week… each summer, during the dog days, I try to do something different here to not only fill the space but also bring some different flavor to the blog.  So I’m up for any ideas you have, and at worst, I think I’ll resurrect my "3 Question series"- which was always fun and a way to either get updates on previous issues (or podcast guests) or elevate new voices.  

LINKS of the WEEK

I’m old school, so I don’t like the new trend of electric pop-out door handles on cars- and there’s surely a lot wrong with them. https://insideevs.com/features/798731/why-pop-out-door-handles-suck/

Fun list- 50 old home features that need to come back https://www.buzzfeed.com/lizmrichardson/outdated-home-design-trends-that-need-to-come-back

My friend who sent this to me called it “hideous,” and it really is.  It may have been a favorite of Frank Gehry, but it's not my taste. https://chicago.suntimes.com/architecture-design/2026/07/07/loop-glass-desk-designed-frank-gehry-7-tons-auction-inland-steel-building

PROJECT of the WEEK

VIG growth is kicking in, and so we go to this incredible project from Vitro Architectural Glass- Harvard Gund Hall.  This mixes Vitro’s VacuMax™ VIG and Solarban® to deliver an incredible building performance. 4x the thermal performance vs. double-glazed.    Also, I still love the VacuMax name- for obvious reasons.  The VIG growth curve is upon us, and it’s very exciting.  I’m most thrilled for the trailblazer Michael Spellman.  He’s lived and breathed this product for so many years- perfecting it a ton along the way and never giving up when not one person would blame him if he did.  Kudos to Vitro and everyone else involved in this stunner!

Holiday Catch-Up

So, if you only read this blog via Glass Magazine Weekly, I did have a post last week with a special episode of From the Fabricator, a classy family celebrates an open house, a couple of good people moves and much more.  CLICK HERE to read it. Thanks!

With the holidays this past week, this is more of a quick hit, catch-up post.  And on the shorter side.  So here goes!

-- ICYMI: the aforementioned pod featured a very cool interview with Lakisha Woods, the President and CEO of the National Glass Association.  Feedback has been strong- with lots of interest in the new tweaks coming to GlassBuild and people enjoying the “fun” question we had halfway through.  Please check it out!  Thank you!

VIDEO

AUDIO (Or search “From the Fabricator” on Apple and Spotify)

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

-- Anniversaries hitting – Guthrie Glass celebrated its 40th.  Great company, tremendous people, and class ownership.  And kudos to Ted Baumgardner, who penned a tremendous tribute that you can read HERE.

-- Also hitting a milestone is Technical Glass Products, reaching the half-century mark.  I think back to their founders, the Razwick family, and what they built is truly incredible, and it carries on with Allegion today.  Also, hiring some of the best of the best in our industry didn’t hurt either. HERE’S a quick tribute video they put out.  

-- And last, Standard Bent Glass celebrated its 90th anniversary with a big BBQ that I hear featured several Pittsburgh Steelers, and I think Aaron Rodgers even showed up. Greg Conn has some friends there! Lol.  Congrats to all!  

-- On the people side… Congrats to Tony Genzale on his promotion to Vice President of Business Development at Hartung Glass.  Always nice to see good folks getting those props!  Happy for all there.

-- Another good update HERE on adaptive reuse.  It continues to grow, and that is so good for all. Obviously, I want projects that will add more glass, but I’m also good with just making something good from something that’s not being used now. 

-- Recently, I had an article published in Construction Business Outlook on the need and value of glazing certification. I know some may not see it my way, but I am absolutely on this train for life.  We need to keep putting our best foot forward, industry-wide, and independent 3rd-party programs like NACC and AGMT are the way to go.  Check out the case I made- HERE.

--  Last this week… The World Cup.  It has truly been awesome.  The entire event has been mesmerizing for me.  I have always enjoyed the World Cup, but this year it really kicked up a few notches for me.  I’m excited to see how it plays out in the next few weeks.  I think we’re in for a dandy finish! 

LINKS of the WEEK

Wow.  A “stolen” cookie causes serious havoc.  Unreal the amount of time/effort that went into this debacle. https://local12.com/news/nation-world/ford-employee-fired-after-cookie-theft-accusation-says-payment-proof-led-to-reinstatement-union-back-pay-policy-change-following-kiosk-malfunction-report-at-kentucky-truck-plant-in-louisville-dispute-resolved-cincinnati

Some treasures CAN be found at Goodwill.  Crazy stuff here. https://www.actionnews5.com/2026/07/02/3-goodwill-jacket-now-expected-sell-up-250000/

I can’t imagine a pony living in a 4th-floor apartment… but it’s true! https://apnews.com/article/croatia-pony-mile-rovinj-flat-recovery-11860c31d0e950a2066d845c9161bc74

PROJECT of the WEEK

The team at G4 Glazing gets the spotlight this week.  They have become a solid follow on LinkedIn, plus I love their logo.  This is Passport Park West, Irving, TX. The glass and glazing look fantastic!!!   Great industry partners, too, in YKK AP America and Precision Glass Industries. Nice work to all, and keep it going!

Insights from the Top

I’ve got a special new episode of “From the Fabricator” this time out.  A solo guest episode with Lakisha Woods, President & CEO of the National Glass Association (NGA). Lakisha has been in office for almost a year, and I thought timing-wise, it was the perfect opportunity to catch up with her, see how the year has gone, get her impressions of our space, and find out some of the new stuff coming down the road… and there is a lot! All of that and more, as lots of topics are covered, and you get a great feel for the vision Lakisha has for our space and the excitement that comes with it.  Thanks for watching/listening!

VIDEO

AUDIO (Or search “From the Fabricator” on Apple and Spotify)

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

Elsewhere…

-- This past week, I was honored to be invited to an open house at Ajay Glass's new facility in New York.  Excellent setup and just impressive all over.  The Ajay folks are so classy (more on that in a second), and this event was first-rate.  A great part for me was running into some other industry folks there.  I did see NGA’s Apprenticeship Savant Amy Hadfield, and it was wonderful to get an update on all the fabulous things she and the team are working on.  I ran into my old co-worker Bruce Mikels, which was amazing. Thankfully, he’s never changed.  Stunned to see the great-looking Hollywood star Cameron Scripture of Viracon there.  Only got a couple of seconds with him, but I’ll take it.  I enjoyed meeting Marc Pano of Vitro; the poor guy got stuck in a corner with me talking his ear off. He’s gonna need therapy for sure.  Now, back to the team at Ajay. I’ve known them a long time, and just thrilled for their continued success. It was fantastic to say hi to Brian O’Shell, and then spending time with Dean, Steve, and Jim Stathopoulos was tremendous.  These guys do it right, and they also care greatly for our industry. (Jim will be chair of the board of NGA next year, among other volunteering) Those guys are like family to me, my brother, and sister, and watching them trend upward, and now with a new and expanded setup- that’s only going to grow- very, very cool.   Congrats!!

-- Two personnel moves of interest. One of the coolest new folks in our space is Mark Pereira of Andluca.  Recently, he was named Vice President of Marketing, and he’ll do a fabulous job.  He’s been a great breath of fresh air in our space, so I’m excited to see him keep moving forward! And, congrats to Geoff Shellard, who has advanced to the role of regional architectural manager for Central and Western North America for Guardian Glass.  I’ve enjoyed getting to know Geoff a little bit, and he’s an impressive and talented person.  Great to see him advancing this way. When good folks move forward, that just makes our industry that much better! Kudos to all.

-- A few months ago, when the Architectural Billings Index was up somewhat, I noted that it probably wasn’t up to date with all the happenings worldwide- specifically the conflict in Iran.  Welp.  Now it has.  The latest ABI is absolutely dreadful.  And worse yet, the one score that always gave me hope, new project inquiries, was down significantly, too.  Not great folks.  I always preach resilience and note the bumpy roads out there- so unfortunately, that theme continues. I’ll keep looking for the silver linings (like some recent improvements on commercial starts)- but when you get reports like this, even when you expect it, it hits hard.

-- So, going lighter… if you need more of me on a podcast (which is a better choice than staring at ABI numbers, that’s for sure), I did my annual appearance on the Zach Perilstein show’s Father’s Day episode.  It was fun to talk Disney- Parks vs Cruises, best movies for “Dads,” and the one word that I promote and never follow.  Check it out HERE or search “Zach Perilstein Show” on Apple and Spotify.

-- Last this week… May all of my friends in Canada have a wonderful Canada Day, and for those in the United States, a tremendous 4th of July/Independence Day.  Have fun, everyone, and please stay safe around fireworks and BBQs etc..

LINKS of the WEEK

Somehow, a 10-foot-tall Giraffe disappeared from her ranch in Texas… and luckily, she was found, and her return trip will be interesting! https://apnews.com/article/giraffe-escape-texas-gracie-d2b4195738c484d562758c5b24e9e4a9

The brutal business beat of Red Lobster’s “Endless Shrimp” deal is being accused of a planned effort.  Honestly, I thought only people in our space tried to sabotage themselves/the industry. (Ha- my friends will get that little quip…) https://nypost.com/2026/06/25/business/red-lobsters-disastrous-endless-shrimp-deal-was-owners-scheme-to-squeeze-profits-lawsuit/

I really never did “Dave & Busters,” but I know many who did/do.  Good look at what’s going on there. https://slate.com/business/2026/06/arcade-raves-dave-and-busters-family-friendly-business.html

PROJECT of the WEEK

This week, a jaw-dropper in a couple of ways is in the spotlight!  From Sam VanHoozer of Bell County Glass Company, a tremendous effort on the Building Construction Technologies facility at Texas State Technical College, Waco.  Just this line from his post gets you thinking about the hoops he and his team were probably jumping through

"Hours spent on 3D BIM Modeling during pre-construction and coordinating everything from structural tolerances on the Curtain Walls to each wire running through the walls for the SageGlass to operate correctly."

Kudos to Sam and his team on a beautiful project.  And also props to him and team for being NACC Certified- the certification angle is the future (well, it’s kind of the current, really- needed all over- but you get my gist). So I love it when I see companies that are on top of it, like Bell County, getting certified and then showing off their skills on incredible projects like this one.