Experience-Here, There, and Everywhere

I’ve got a new episode of the “From the Fabricator” podcast for you, and I gotta say it was a real dandy.  Leading off was Brad Thurman of General Glass International- GGI.  Brad is super sharp and has extensive experience in our industry, and we hit on a wide variety of items that Brad just nailed.  Then to Paul Robinson of Pioneer Glazing.  Impressive man and company, and his story is inspirational- he’s done it the right way and continues to do so.  Plus, both had insights on BEC and what’s happening out in our space right now.  I think you will enjoy.  Thank you in advance for checking it out! (PS- on YouTube, feel free to check out Brad’s glorious bourbon collection sitting behind him-Wow)

VIDEO

AUDIO – Or search “From the Fabricator” on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!

Thank you to FHC-Frameless Hardware Company for their support and sponsorship of this episode!

Elsewhere…

--  Thrilled that on February 18, I’ll once again be in Dallas at the North Texas Glass Association’s monthly lunch meeting.  Excited to speak there and bring everyone up to speed, but also to learn from everyone as well.  It’s always an incredible crew at this one, and I’m extremely honored to be there.  So if you’re in North Texas and haven’t signed up- do it- and we’ll see you there!

--  Last week, I had a post on the Netflix special (from Michael DeFrank) on the solo building climb in Taiwan.  I had no idea that the glass was fabricated in the US at Viracon!  Via Garret Henson of Viracon:

Several of us at Viracon watched the video of Alex climbing the facade . Project is located is Taipei, Taiwan. 100% of the fabricated architectural glass came from MN. I was there on several occasions working with the original Buliders Federal team that then transitioned the facade to Gartner/Permasteelisa. The man lift on that tower was crazy. 👀 I took the stairs on many occasions. Check out their YouTube New Year’s Eve celebrations- the fireworks from that tower are epic. The comments on Michael’s LinkedIn post are spot on!

Thank you, Garret, for the info, and congrats on a fantastic job.

-- Last year, the industry’s nicest guy, Tom O’Malley of Clover Architectural Glass, got me into the show “Hijack” on Apple TV.  The first season was great. Second has been a bit uneven, BUT there are a few shots of an awesome laminated glass handrail (season 2, episode 1), and the glass edge itself was pristine.  Made me think my guy, Ian Patlin, manufactured it… So even an uneven show with great glass keeps my attention!

-- A bit ago, I noted that Kermit Baker, the economist at the AIA, was retiring.  They have named his replacement, and it’s former Dodge economist Richard Branch.  Tremendous move.  Richard is so good, so this is a big-time winning move.   Congrats to all involved.  ALSO big, Richard will be a keynote speaker at the inaugural GFAB event this summer in Chicago.  That is going to be a great conference, and I love seeing this all come together!

-- One of the best this industry has ever seen announced he’s retiring at the end of the year.  Tom Jackson of Steel Encounters, in a LinkedIn post about attending the BEC Conference, let it be known this would be his last one and he’s hanging ‘em up at the end of the year.  Tom accomplished a ton, was a force across a multitude of efforts, culture, and workforce improvements, leading the way, and he will also go down in history for delivering two of the highest-rated presentations at BEC ever. I am so happy for Tom, but hate seeing him go!  Congrats, my friend- I’ll see you in Louisville and will always wish the best for you going forward!

-- Last this week… a loose BEC Conference connection.  In 2007, our keynote speaker at BEC was Mike Eruzione, Captain of the 1980 US Olympic team- aka “Miracle on Ice” and he was incredible.  Inspirational and funny.  He picked on the Minnesota contingent from our industry (a fun rivalry between his home in Boston and Minnesota) and truly had the audience in the palm of his hand.  I bring this up for two reasons.  

1- BEC is where things happen that you just don’t forget.  Speakers, Connections, Tornados etc.

2- Netflix debuted a new documentary on that 1980 team, and it is absolutely a must-watch.  Never-before-seen video, never-before-heard stories, and some serious emotions that, if you are a parent, you will cry.  Just so well done.  Check it out.  And please come to BEC too!

 And by the way- here’s a picture of me at that event with Mike… time flies!!

LINKS of the WEEK

Wow- 13-year-old boy swims for hours to save his mom and sibs.  Incredible https://people.com/boy-13-swims-4-hours-save-mom-and-2-siblings-stranded-at-sea-11897300

This winter sucks and too much snow for a lot of us- but please do not use a flamethrower to melt it… or something bad can happen! https://www.koat.com/article/man-using-torch-massachusetts-home-on-fire/70229819

No more frozen concentrate OJ.  Another item from the past is going away. https://apnews.com/article/minute-maid-frozen-juice-orange-cocacola-81e513c8b692e10eec2304501958bcf4

 PROJECT of the WEEK

We head to the Pacific Northwest for an absolute showstopper from Sargent Construction. This baby is at Washington State University, and it’s going to be a must-see piece for years to come.  I don’t know the Sargent folks at all, but I’m guessing I should with work like this! The post listed a bunch of people- some I knew, like Brad Glauser, and a few I did not.  I did recognize companies like Vitrum and Pittco- so my guess is you all were involved.  Congrats!  And for sure, I need to get to know Eric Ritchey of ZGF Architects, as his design is a big-time winner. Keep up the great work, everyone.

Actionable Insights Coming

We are now one month away from the BEC Conference in Louisville, and I am getting more and more excited every day as more people register to attend. There’s a lot happening there, and I’ve called out a few things in past posts (Workforce, Forecasts, Codes, etc.). I also have to mention the plans for Tactical Tuesday.  We’ve got real actionable AI insights, jobsite tech, legal- including immigration, and pre-con strategies.   For some more color, I was on the Glass Cast podcast with Katy Devlin last week- and ICYMI, my post on it- you can access it HERE or search “Glass Cast” to find it on your favorite podcast platform.

Elsewhere…

-- And also, in case you missed it, the latest From the Fabricator podcast is out, featuring Mike Rapp of PDS IG and Cam Reynolds of 3Form.  There was heavy immediate interest in these guys- and feedback has been positive.  So, if you haven’t checked it out yet, please give it a try!

VIDEO

AUDIO (Or search "From the Fabricator" on your favorite podcast platform)

Thank you to FHC Frameless Hardware Company for the continued sponsorship of this effort!

-- Time for the latest Glass Magazine review. It is the annual “Outlook” issue, and it is always read heavily.  If you haven’t seen it, check it out. Kudos to Tara Lukasik for a great industry forecast piece and to Norah Dick for a look ahead and a world of glass update.  Great stuff, and you can see it online HERE.

-- The Ad of the Month from my view goes to Wood’s Powr-Grip.  Just a cool, eye-catching, and inspirational ad.  Really strong at every level.  Congrats to all at Wood’s that had a hand in this, and congrats on your 60th anniversary!

-- And while we’re on anniversaries- congrats also to QuikServ turning 40 and Physical Security turning 20.  Great companies with caring management that also support our industry significantly. Best wishes for many more years ahead!

-- My guy Danik Dancause has taken on a new gig within the Walker Glass /Gardner world… Danik has been appointed Marketing Director for both Gardner and Walker. Great call by the powers that be there.  Danik is fabulous, and I have always been a fan.  Now the question is: as he keeps moving up that corporate ladder, will he continue the high fashion he’s known for, or go ultra-conservative with a plain blue blazer and white shirt? LOL.  Congrats, my friend!

-- Evan Afenir continues to be one of the most impressive up-and-comers in our industry. So strong.  And recently, he posted a video on LinkedIn that was absolutely tremendous in its perspective.  1st person footage of a jobsite.  It was mesmerizing, and it has a purpose too! Love it.  Keep up the good work, Evan! 

-- Last this week… a double dose on Michael DeFrank of Country Glass.  First up, he had a great take on the guy who climbed the building in Japan on a live Netflix Special.  Mike is like all of us- watching the climber with one eye, and checking out the glazing with the other. Read his thoughts here- fantastic.  And part 2- here’s to a quick recovery for Mike, who took a spill this past week and broke his arm. Get healing quickly, my friend, so you are in peak condition for BEC!!

LINKS of the WEEK

-- These are MASSIVE wine glasses. Wow. https://shopping.yahoo.com/gift-ideas/articles/costco-selling-giant-wine-glasses-221010557.html

-- Friends in Minnesota & North Dakota- check your pantries.  This recall is super late.  Wow. https://people.com/thousands-of-gold-star-items-recalled-for-exposure-to-rodent-waste-11894824

Pretty cool new doc on the making of Disneyland.  It’s on my list! https://boardwalktimes.net/review-disneyland-handcrafted-is-a-transportive-and-cinematic-experience-4e098a1d0257

 PROJECT of the WEEK

The ultra-talented Karolina Styk of Press Glass pinged me this week’s spotlight project.  This is the 25-01 Queens Plaza North, Long Island City, NY.  Fantastic work. Karolina noted to me the coolness of the irregular openings.  It’s a unique look, and the glass made it stand out even more.  The makeup did contain Guardian Bird 1st UV, so kudos to them, too.  Way to go Karolina and Press… NOW… Karolina… you have to come to BEC!!

Pods Galore & Stats Too

2026’s 2nd episode of the From the Fabricator podcast is now live, and I’ve got a pair of guests who bring something new to the pod.  I lead off with Mike Rapp of PDS IG.  Mike and his family have been stalwarts in this industry for a while- so it was nice to get a deeper dive on their background and to learn about the innovations Mike & team are working on now.  Then I connect with Cam Reynolds of 3 Form.  In my efforts to bring some new faces to the forefront, Cam fits that bill.  Whip smart and very engaging- Cam provided a ton of insight on the decorative state and a big nugget on office rebuild tastes.  Hopefully, we see more of Cam active in our space.  Overall, two fun interviews.  Thank you very much for checking it out!!

VIDEO

AUDIO (Or search "From the Fabricator" on your favorite podcast platform)

Thank you to FHC Frameless Hardware Company for the continued sponsorship of this effort!

Elsewhere…

-- I have my pod stats for 2025, and that will come next- but I wanted to call out another podcast from this week. I was honored to be asked by Katy Devlin to appear on Glass Cast to discuss BEC. There’s been a lot of talk about what the agenda at BEC looks like, and Katy and I went through it in a lot of detail.  Take a look HERE. (or search Glass Cast on Apple/Spotify)  Also, the agenda online is continually being updated- so click HERE to see it and register.  Key components are Workforce, Forecasts, Code changes (including stretch) A.I., Legal, including immigration issues,  Precon Success, and Jobsite advancements + much more!  I look forward to seeing you in Louisville, March 1-3.

-- Ok, on to my stats for 2025.  Always fun to share!  It was a record year on the podcast- and it was pacing ahead of 2024, and then Troy Johnson of Apogee Architectural Metals happened, and things went bonkers. Incredible year. Thank you!  So here goes:

·      1065 minutes in 2025 with 17 episodes

·      Always fun- Locations checking it out.  50 countries listened along the way up from 29 in 2024

·      In North America, 726 cities were represented in the listening stats – (no idea on past- first time they listed this)

Top Cities by Listens/Downloads:

·      Minneapolis was #1 – Minnesota Nice for the win!!  (in 2024 #3 but #1 in 2023)

·      Chicago #2 (First time in Top 5)

·      Dallas #3 (In 2024 #5) Love my Texas folks!  Will be speaking at the NTGA on 2/18!

·      LA #4 (In 2024 #3, 2023 #2 Consistent!)

·      Orlando #5 (In top 5 for first time since 2022)

Episode Ranks by listens & downloads

#1-- Troy Johnson (Solo Episode)

#2-- Bendheim (Peter Stattler & Said Elieh) & Ted Baumgardner

#3-- Karolina Styk & Corey Thompson

But note- there was not much daylight between the #2 through #17 - so I really am blown away and grateful! THANK YOU for the support!!

-- Last week, I had my handy predictions for 2026, and I had 2 comments that I wanted to bring out and show here.  It was regarding my take on D10 and our industry growing within it.

First, Travis Nevins at IUPAT dropped in with this: “I love the momentum around demountable partitions! I see that momentum carrying into ‘26 and beyond as well. In regard to that, I think folks need to look carefully at their market and not attempt a one size fits all solution. Not to be a negative Nelly, but we, the contract glazier community, are coming from behind on this. It’s going to take intentionality and continuous effort. Nothing this community can’t do though”

Very strong advice there.  The worst we can do is get in and not do the job we know we can do.

Then old pal Jay Phillips, now at DIRTT (VP of Sales) jumped in:

“As you know I transitioned from the industry to DIRTT. I’m always happy to discuss opportunities with those interested in developing a DIV10 business.”

Obviously, this is very meaningful given DIRRT’s standing in the space there- AND- Jay gets what we do thanks to his past.

Thank you, Travis & Jay, for adding to the conversation!

-- Big industry news last week as well, when Merritt Gaunt was named President and CEO of Guardian Industries. In this role, he will assume leadership of Guardian Glass.  Any change of leadership can be nerve-wracking, but from what I hear, this was seamless, and the focus and support of our industry will continue full speed ahead.  Love it.  Congrats, Merritt, on the new position.

-- Last this week… the great Dr. Kayla Natividad of Pilkington/NSG sent me this article on the bathroom trend of being “all glass” and, in some cases, in the middle of the room.  Read the whole thing- it’s quite a hoot.  Now I travel a ton, and I have seen things like a hot tub in the middle of the room (Vegas), but never a glass-enclosed bathroom. Anyway, for glass geeks like us, it’s a fun read. Thank you, Kayla, for the share!

LINKS of the WEEK

Hey, when it comes to defending your home &kid, you use anything- including a frying pan! https://www.wtvm.com/2026/01/18/father-uses-frying-pan-fight-off-armed-intruder-while-daughter-texts-911/

Don’t see this every day- a stray cat rescued with a Dorito’s bag on its head. https://www.kcra.com/article/cat-saved-with-doritos-bag-on-head/70038297

PROJECT of the WEEK

To Western Canada for this stunner.  This via Jon Fearn of the Flynn Group of Companies.  This is the TELUS Ocean project outside of Vancouver, and I think you can say just by looking at it- that’s a beauty. Jon noted some interesting aspects too:

“This project marks our first-ever Unitized / Speedwall Hybrid façade system, and our team rose to the challenge by designing and modeling a fully prefabricated envelope that meets the demanding requirements of Step Code 4 and TEDI 19. The façade seamlessly integrates alternating opaque and full-vision panels with expressed 'sawtooth' units (including the finished floor!).”

Congrats to Jon and the entire Flynn team on this one.  Once again, we have systems and people that can do what is needed- and then some- for every situation out there!