Sunday, February 09, 2025

Lots of News and Nuggets

Last week was a big and busy one in our industry- and I am all for it. I was in California for the NGA Glass Conference: Carlsbad.  As noted, it was my first NGA Glass Conference in a while, so I was curious and excited to experience it.  First and foremost, Urmilla Sowell, Karen Wegert, Georgia Scalfano, Amber Johnson, and the entire NGA team were fantastic.  First class effort all the way around.  The education and insight were astounding.  I was not joking last week when I talked about the brainpower that would be in attendance.  It was strong!  From an education side- I walked away with more than a few nuggets.  Tariffs and the speed of light changes there were discussed- and who knows, by the time this is published, it will change a few more times.  But the comforting thing was I know NGA has our back in making sure we’re always up to speed on the latest. Advocacy was on display in many areas beyond the tariff issue.  In addition, interest rates (stuck), data centers (they need glass too- believe it or not), innovation (let’s keep embracing it and THEN market it!), and more.  Of course, the school security glass issue was critical.  The audience got the lay of the land and then were able to see exactly where they stood.  Some right now are in better shape than others with regards to standards and codes, but I am confident that everyone will evolve and adjust.  (Though there’s gonna be some pain for a bunch.) And a big note was stressed that “to this date, the International Window Film Association (IWFA) is unaware of any films that have Ballistic properties.”  So, when you see those that are saying film is bullet-resistant, that is running counter to the people who know better.  There’s so much, so I would suggest you look up and follow Tara Lukasik on LinkedIn as her coverage is impressive and much deeper than what is here- as well as Glass Magazine will have more, too!

 Elsewhere…

-- The only downside?  Flying home, our plane was stuck on the runway in San Diego for 6 hours. With weather issues as an excuse, we were actually defueled to make our load lighter and diverted to Salt Lake City. (I say excuse because other planes were getting out- odd) Then on to Detroit.  In total more than 11 hours on the plane.  Glad I brought snacks.  But the silver lining for me was in the seat behind me was the code and standard legend Thom Zaremba.  Unlucky for him, I had him as a captive audience while I peppered him with questions and comments.  The poor guy was stuck.  Anyway- loooooong day to get home and with all my travels a first in where we had this sort of crazy workaround.

-- ICYMI!  The latest From the Fabricator podcast dropped last week and it was the talk of California.  I had people quoting me lines from Steven Acker and Nick St. Denis.  The timing of that pod next to a major conference played out well for feedback.  Good stuff- great people! Thanks for checking it out!

VIDEO

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

Once again, FHC-Frameless Hardware Company was this month's presenting sponsor. Thank you to the team for their support!

-- On my way to Carlsbad, I was able to sneak in a visit to DP Glass- also known as Double Play Glass and the one and only Evan Afenir. Great to see Evan’s set up and grab a bite to catch up.  My guy is doing great things in the marketplace, and he’s surely on a rocket ship right now.  With his growth and popularity, I have a feeling it won’t be as easy to get a lunch date with him in the future!  Evan won’t be at BEC this year because he’s got another blessing on the way due right around the show (this is the 2nd kid and 2nd big NGA event missed- timing needs to be worked on! LOL), so I am glad I got to visit.  Super talent and guy!

-- Next up for me- headed to the great state of Texas for a February 19th presentation for the Texas Glass Association- North Texas chapter.  I always cherish every opportunity I get to talk with the fine folks in the Lone Star state, and this year, we’ve got quite a bit to cover.  TGA-NTD does it up right and I am honored to be thought of!  If you’re in the area- sign up and come on by! Link is: https://northtexasga.org/meetings-events/

-- Speaking of Texas, the new TGA Board for 2025 was announced.  And look at this list!  It’s an all-star team of some of the most talented and best people in our world- and it’s just from one state! Brian Risinger, President, Chris Hill, Vice President, Tyler E. Hall, Treasurer, Landon Lovette, Secretary, Kyle Sharp, Immediate Past President

Board of Directors: Wade Arnold, Chris Bayer, Jacque Freeman, RJ Hernández, Jody Hilton, Kyle Lamb, James LaRocca, Chance Lloyd, Valerie Nagy, Scott Theut, Dennis Bevans.  I am a huge fan of so many of these folks and love that they always are there to give back to the industry.  Congrats to all and thank you for all you do!

-- Last this week… two big personnel moves… one I missed and one that you couldn’t miss!  The one I missed was old pal Joseph Holmes moving to WinTech.  I have known Joseph a very long time and I admire his incredible skillset.  Happy for him to continue to his stellar career! The one I couldn’t miss was the extremely popular Darijo Babic leaving Guardian to chase the dream of running his own rep firm.  People who know me know I am a big fan of betting on yourself- and Darijo’s bet is about as close to a sure thing as you can get.  His work ethic is off the charts and everyone knows, loves, and respects him- he’s going to crush it out there.  Congrats to both guys!!

LINKS of the WEEK

No links this week – I’m legit too tired, thanks to the flight debacle mentioned above!

PROJECT of the WEEK

Staying in California… Hale Glass gets the spotlight with the work at Morongo Casino & Resort in Cabazon, Ca. It features custom glass technology, with each piece connected to a different power supply, creating colors that change throughout the day.  Pretty dang sharp!  Kudos to Gloria and Brian Hale and the team there on tremendous work!



Sunday, February 02, 2025

Insights, Forecasts, Conferences, and More

The newest episode of the From the Fabricator Podcast is now out!  This time out I kick it off with Steven Acker of Wicona/Hydro.  Steven has seen it all- and then some in a very stellar career in our industry so cover that, we talk repurposing of buildings and the first ever Acker Building Index (my “ABI”- not the one below) hits on where things are going in our world. Impressive guy and company!  Next was Nick St. Denis of KMR Media & Research for his yearly visit to review/preview the forecasts.  He looked at 2024, worked the angles on 2025 and gave some profound insight overall- including “Steady and Boring” which is actually a good thing.  Listen/Watch to find out why!  Anyway both folks incredible people! Thank you!

VIDEO

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

Once again, FHC-Frameless Hardware Company was the presenting sponsor this month. Thank you to the team for their support!

Elsewhere…

-- This coming week I’ll be in southern California with the sharpest technical minds in our industry.  Somehow, they’re letting me into the NGA Glass Conference: Carlsbad and I am very excited to experience it and learn—especially the school security workshop among many other items.  Just being in that room automatically will make me smarter. (I know it's not a big lift there…lol… but still!).  I’ll report back here next week on it all.

--NOTE!!! If you are coming to BEC (and I am sure many of you are) MAKE SURE you book your hotel by February 5th.  That is the hotel rate cutoff.  Thank you!

-- So, I briefly noted above the ABI- and so the traditional ABI- the latest Architectural Billings Index was released- and it was very ugly.  All the gains from the last 2 months were crushed when the number of 44.1 was released.  And that was BEFORE the Fed announced they were cooling their heels on a rate increase.  We knew things would be a battle, and that continues, but I am fired up over the Acker Building Index, which gives me some hope for the future. Unfortunately, I think we’re in for another bad one next month, and hopefully soon after, the upward swing can take place.

-- The latest Glass Magazine is out – this was the “What’s Ahead 2025” edition, and it is a must-read.  Once again, the awesome NGA/Glass Magazine team knocked it out of the park! (Kudos Katy Devlin, Norah Dick, Tara Lukasik, and Rachel Vitello).  Article wise make sure you check out the piece on Building of the Next Generation.  Very strong.  Also, one of my faves in this industry (but a guy I never get to see or talk to anymore), Devin Bowman of Technical Glass Products and AD Systems, brought it with a super piece on Glass being a part of the healthcare world and healing!  Nice work!  All in all, like I said above- really good. If you are not getting this mailed to you- subscribe!  Or go to https://www.glassmagazine.com/current-issue to read online.

The ad of the month? This task was crazy for me, as at least six or seven ads could’ve won. You folks are raising the game! But as I do each time, I make the tough call and pick one. This time, it was Viprotron with the snazzy STOP sign and a red, white, and blue companion ad that delivered. Nice work, Sandra Kugler, Terry Gibney, and all others who may have had a hand in this one.

-- I received a cool note from the incredible Cal Beyer of the SAFE Project this week asking me to share a very helpful video on alcohol awareness. As many of you know, Cal has been very active within the NGA and at our events, giving presentations on substance use and addiction treatment and recovery. The film is only three minutes long and can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wg92u_FKphA.  Please check it out.

Cal also shared a link to an article discussing ideas for de-emphasizing alcohol at company gatherings: https://cfma.org/articles/promoting-a-recovery-ready-workplace-by-de-emphasizing-alcohol-at-company-gatherings. Thank you for all you do, Cal!

-- Pretty significant deal this past week when the great Ty Clem of Window Outfitters worked out a groundbreaking arrangement with the team at IUPAT. Details can be found HERE, but the basic gist is that Ty and the IUPAT have a partnership that will assess, classify, and train Ty’s workforce to differentiate him from other brokers while simultaneously raising standards for the industry.  You all know me- raising standards is a must for me and I love each and every angle to get there.  Kudos to all involved- this is big as in the past there’s no way even a discussion would be held, let alone an agreement.

-- Last this week… The Super Bowl is set.  And I called it. However, I called it before the playoffs started, not the season. (Stupid Cowboys) I had KC and Philly with KC winning yet again. We’ll see what happens but I just want a good game… and of course good commercials please!

LINKS of the WEEK

Those monkeys I had here in this section recently- the ones who escaped- all have been recaptured.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/43-research-monkeys-escaped-south-carolina-facility-recaptured-rcna189269

Not sure how this works?  Donating 100% of profit to charity?

https://apnews.com/article/newmans-own-paul-newman-corporate-purpose-9f572c6143c40a080e3db231882bb034

Tragic accident in a HS Track and Field event- and trying to make sense of it.

https://apnews.com/article/hammer-throw-spectator-killed-colorado-meet-530ea88da9c43fe4ec9aed1f2a1b8b4f

PROJECT of the WEEK

One of my all-time favorites is Tom Nesbitt of United Architectural Metals. This past week, after years of asking, Tom agreed to do my podcast later this year.  So, in honor of that, I thought his company should get the prestigious weekly honor for Project of the Week! 

This is… CWRU Tinkham Veale University Center – Cleveland, OH.  Knockout of a building featuring 26,000 sq ft of UAM’s unitized curtain wall system.  Looks spectacular and the Perkins&Will design indeed hits the mark.  I don’t know who fabricated the glass but kudos there on the outcome after being installed by United Glass & Panel.  Congrats to all involved and now I can’t wait to get Tom on the pod!!



Sunday, January 26, 2025

Following Up & Catching Up

A few weeks ago, I posted a blurb about an article in the Wall Street Journal about bullet-resistant glass, the confusion in the marketplaces, and misuses of the product and segment.

It was a powerful piece and very eye-opening; hopefully, schools and institutions will pay closer attention to what they’re doing with the glass/doors/windows.  One comment under my post caught my eye and may have been missed because of my brother’s immense popularity, but his retirement announcement dominated that section.  The comment was this one from Chris McGrory of McGrory Glass, and I think he brought the A game here:

“In terms of the WSJ article, they had good intentions but the article lacked pointed statements. The fact is there are characters who have promoted what film can do in a scrupulous fashion. The bottom line is the glass needs to be tested and pass that test by a recognized National Testing Lab. Trick phrases include : “tested according to” ; “observed by” or “modified testing performed”. I could go on and on but there is simply too much at stake for the industry to turn a blind eye to the people who cut corners or try to sell by sensualizing a product that has not passed any national test.”

Thank you, Chris.  This sort of thing will be covered at the NGA Glass Conference: Carlsbad at the start of February. Plus legislation, codes, and support will get time too.  Huge all of it. I am looking forward to seeing what comes of it and will report back here.

Elsewhere…

-- I teased it last week with Aragon Construction in my Project of the Week- so here goes!  CONGRATS to Joey Aragon for being named to NGA’s Board of Directors!  Joey is a tremendous guy, and his knowledge and drive will add a ton to an already stacked board.  Very cool!

-- The 2024 rundown of my podcast stats and info really blew me away.  Thank you again to all who listened and downloaded throughout the year.  This cast keeps growing like crazy.  Overall, the listens/downloads were up 50% from 2023!  Awesome. The number of pitches I’m getting from non-traditional industry outlets to appear on the show has been comical (and humbling really).

Anyway, on to the stats!

Cities with most listens/downloads:

1.     Tampa/St Pete- Stunned.  I don’t think I even had a guest from that area that could drive it. 

2.     LA- Every year SoCal represents!

3.     Minneapolis- Same thing here- Minnesota Nice comes through again.

4.     Frankfurt, Germany- ummmmm.  I legitimately have no idea about this one. Seriously, it doesn’t add up.  But hey, if people are there listening, I’ll take it.

5.     Dallas/Ft Worth- I love the support! Can’t wait to speak at the TGA-North Texas meeting on 2/19 in Dallas.

Overall, 29 countries listened!

Top Episodes of the year were:

1.     Neil Chrisman III (Picura) & Chris Incorvaia (Edge Facades) and Tom Donovan (Thompson Innovative Glass) – I’ll admit I was surprised here- but all 3 are good, active people in our space and Tom’s connections in Hollywood and New Guinea obviously came through.

2.     Jason Isackson (Sentinel) Michael & Carolyn Spellman (IGE)- The hockey jersey curiosity (Jason) was helpful as is folks always want to hear from the Spellmans.

3.     Aaron Pine (Specifier Extraordinaire) and  Christina Elia & Brad Leamon (The Shower Guy/Shower Door Pros)- Getting that spec insight was great, and the good stuff Christina and Brad continue to do obviously attracted folks.

4.     Tom O'Malley (Clover) & Kevin Mayer (PurOptima) + Travis Nevins & Matt Fox (IUPAT)- Tom is the nicest guy in our industry- so his following is huge.  Kevin is whip smart.  And the dynamic duo on Travis and Matt were just taking off then- now those two are everywhere and doing great & important things.

5.     Kyle Sharp (Sharp Glass) and Chris Giovannielli (Kawneer)- I knew Texas would represent with Kyle and Chris was brilliant- the word of mouth here probably spurred this one higher.

But in reality, there wasn’t a huge gap between the rankings of 1 to 17. The audience is pretty consistent, and great. THANK YOU!!!

-- If you don’t know yet- if you are a member of the National Glass Association (and if not let me know because we need to get you there) you get access to MyGlassClass for free!  To help you understand that incredible value, there’s a webinar on 1/30 to go over it all. There are a lot of new things happening now and in the future, so make time for this webinar to learn more.  We must keep growing and educating- this is a major step towards that!

https://members.glass.org/cvweb/cgi-bin/eventsdll.dll/EventInfo?sessionaltcd=TT25-01-30

-- Thrilled to see a good guy get a bump up the ladder.  David Nelson from CRL was promoted to Director of Operations, East Coast recently and I was pumped to see it.  David has always been a great person and has treated me extremely well over the years.  Always grateful for his smiling face at whatever event we run into each other at.  Congrats David and CRL on a great move!

-- Last this week… The fires in Southern California continue.  So heartbreaking.  I did hear of one glass company that was affected by it all.  Rafael Calvo and his company Tico Tech- a high-end shower door player lost everything in the fire, and they have a GoFundMe going.  You can see that HERE and support if you can.  I have a feeling we’re going to hear of others, sadly.  Thank you to the always incredible Dan Pompeo (Architectural Glazing Solutions) along with Vic Purunjian (Glasswerks) for the heads up on this.  Here’s hoping for the best for Rafael and family.

LINKS of the WEEK

Winning the world Scrabble title in Spanish.  When you don’t speak Spanish.  Wild.

https://apnews.com/article/spanish-scrabble-world-champion-nigel-richards-zealand-9743b41cf1bbe1628adec1f59121aa50

I don’t play the lottery, but this is a cool and wild way to win!

https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2024/12/31/lotto-Missouri-Lottery-clerks-choice/2781735678488/

Where does lost luggage unclaimed go?  Interesting.  Also, on those rare times I check luggage I always use “Air Tags” and highly recommend them!

https://nypost.com/2024/12/31/lifestyle/if-your-lost-luggage-is-never-returned-it-could-find-new-life-and-owners-at-this-massive-warehouse

PROJECT of the WEEK

Every December, Alan Kinder of Guardian Glass does a countdown of his favorite buildings of the year on LinkedIn. (25 days of buildings leading into the holiday)  It is an awesome thing to see work from all over the continent.  One of those jumped out for me, and it’s the Project of the Week!  This is the Simon Fraser University Student Union in Burnaby, Canada. Featuring 2 Guardian coatings, this building is really a jaw-dropper. The glass looks spectacular.  Kudos to Perkins&Will on the design.  And big props to the gang at Garibaldi Glass for the fabrication.  Projects like this can be very rough to produce, but Garibaldi aced it like always.  Well done!  Congrats to all who worked on this one, and massive kudos to Alan for his shares that help elevate our space!