The Work Doesn't Stop

As we all know right now, even with lock downs and shelter in place rulings work still continues in many ways.  Some of that action is going on full speed led by Urmilla Sowell and her team at NGA on Advocacy for the industry.  Among the areas the team were involved in THIS MONTH were several ASTM subcommittees covering a wide range of glass products and various standards.  Laminated glass, anisotropy, bird collisions, color measurements, roll wave distortion, and a lot more.  Big time subjects that do affect every level of the glass industry.  Why am I pointing this out?  Its because the NGA is doing serious work to continue to represent our best interests, even while so much of our world is in flux.  I am in awe of their efforts and passion and appreciate it all.

Elsewhere…

--  The latest Architectural Billings Index was released and I think we all expected bad.  And dreadfully bad is what we got.  The index came in with a 33.3 which is way below the break even index of 50.  Brutal record level drop.  BUT surprisingly I am going to take a positive spin on the new product inquiry rating.  That came in at 23.8.  Seriously I expected that to be almost nothing.   New projects!  Anyway it would be nice if both of those ratings are at rock bottom right now but unfortunately I think both will slip again in next month’s release.  Hope I am wrong!

--  Time for the latest Glass Magazine review.  The cover is a stunning picture on a project at UCLA that was installed by Giroux Glass.  Inside featured several excellent pieces best among them Katy Devlin’s latest installment in the “101” series- which is now at Glass and Metal 501!  Really nice dive into that space and in a great and easy to read layout.  In addition the article from one of my favorites in this industry Tammy Schroeder of Linetec on Finish options nailed it.  Tammy and Linetec just keep providing winning approaches.  Overall great issue as always and was a good diversion from the current world.

--  Ad of the month was a tough race once again… TONS of excellent creative this month.  Kudos to everyone out there who had an ad in this issue.  Bar was raised yet again.  That said I have to pick a winner and I am going with CRL.  New logo.  New Look.  Great looking ad.  Well done by the team there!

--  News from Okalux North America reached me this week as their parent company is now a part of the large European producer Glas Trösch.  Some names will change making it Okalux Glastechnik, but all else in North America will stay the same.  Okalux North America President Donald Press is a good man and he’ll continue to lead his team as before.  I was happy to hear that because Okalux actually puts out the best customer newsletter in our industry in my opinion.  I always learn something so I appreciate their efforts and also obviously glad that the good people there can continue on!

--  One fun one this week- TV Series to watch… How about “McMillions” which is on HBO right now.  (Its on free HBO streaming if you don’t subscribe)    It’s a 6 part series on McDonald’s and the scam that was pulled with their game in 2001.  Really well done documentary series.

--  Last this week… sad news once again.  One of the nicest and sweetest people in our industry Doug Sampsel passed away.  Doug was most recently a VP at Trulite and before that owned TGI in Georgia.  Doug was a staple at every industry event and was a popular figure with pretty much anyone he came in contact with.  Doug was passionate about his company and this industry and he was loyal and wonderful man.  He and I were on the same side of the fence for a bit but mostly we competed but that never got in the way in how he treated me or anyone else.  Just a good person.  My sincerest condolences go out to his friends and family- especially to his son Matt, who in my opinion is a ton like his dad personality and class wise. Top notch.  It has certainly been a tough run losing some incredible people in our little industry over the last few weeks. Thoughts and prayers out to Matt and all of Doug's family and co-workers.

LINKS of the WEEK

--  This was in the first episode of the absolutely fantastic Michael Jordan documentary airing for the next few Sundays.  Fascinating how he could’ve gone way off the tracks!

This is one amazing litter!!

My gosh- 68 and giving birth to TWINS!  Incredible.

PROJECT of the WEEK

I’m not sure exactly where this one is located but saw it on the feed of Jay Meiries of Insulite Glass.  Love the way it looked and the glass looks sharp!  According to Jay’s post this beauty has AGC Energy Select 28 as the glass.  Pitman Glass in Memphis, TN glazed it and of course Jay’s company Insulite Glass in Olathe, KS was the Fabricator.  Nice work here!!

Get Updated

One thing is for sure right now and it’s there is A LOT of information out there on loans and assistance but how do you know what is right or wrong?  So I was thrilled that the NGA was able to setup a MUST ATTEND webinar with financial expert Marco Terry to talk about things like PPP, EIDL and others.  These are very fluid and moving issues (like the PPP running out of funding) that we need to have a handle on.  So this week we have our chance to hear from a trusted and respected expert on this and more. Marco is up to date on the latest and again is the absolute best in his field. Click HERE to learn more and get registered.  Note the live webinar is open to all but if you miss it the replay is only for NGA members… (So JOIN!)  And yes I do work for and with the NGA but right now all that the team there is doing to educate and work with the industry is incredible.  They are truly there for you and this industry.

Elsewhere…

--  I keep talking about the “post” planning and almost right on queue was an article that took a nice dive into planning for contractors and owners.  I believe as we start to emerge from this there will be an initial rush of need and lots of pressure on logistics before things settle.  (and hopefully they don’t settle “too much”)

This passage is one to keep in mind:

“First, Robbins said, when contractors are cleared to begin work, they could find themselves waiting in a long line for building inspections; materials, tools and equipment; and skilled trade workers and other labor, particularly as some seek to make up for schedule delays.”

This article basically backed a lot of what I have been preaching here- automation is a must, communication paramount, and strategic planning a priority.  We continue to have challenging roads in front of us, so take the time to plan the trip now…

--  I am big into the positivity that can still be had out there.  (Because most days right now its not out in force) Anyway John Wheaton is always a great source of that positivity and this tweet really made my day:

Proposal requests and real projects still quite active. Actually exceeding my expectations. We are REALLY busy still.#OneDayAtATime #construction #aec#delegateddesign#curtainwall #glass #glazing #creatingstructure

— John L. Wheaton (@JohnLWheaton1) April 15, 2020

--  While some have more time on their hands than others, I do think finding those areas of knowledge are crucial.  Case in point the latest blog post by the brilliant Rick Alexander of Tom Brown Inc.  No doubt people like me are the audience for posts that educate about things like seals and glazing tapes. This one was short, smart, and effective.  Nice work Rick. And folks if there is a good blog post out there you want me to see, please drop me a line!

--  Last this week… two very sad notes from our world. Absolute gut punches for me when I heard. 

Last week on my project of the week it was from Ajay Glass. I noted that I have known them for years- great family business.  Well that family lost its leader this week in the passing of George Stathopoulos.  George was a tremendous man and father who came to the US from Greece in the early 60’s and worked his way through learning how to be a glazier all the way to buying Ajay Glass and then building it into the absolutely incredible company it is today.  He raised an awesome family including three sons that run the operation today and are pillars in our industry and in their community.  The title of legend can be thrown around lightly but it really fits on George.  He did it the right way and he will be remembered positively forever.  His family will carry on his legacy and all will sorely miss him.  My thoughts, prayers and condolences to Jim, Steve, Dean, the entire Stathopolous family, and everyone at Ajay and in our industry that had the supreme honor of knowing George.

I also got word this week that Jim Gresehover, Vice President of International Development for Pleotint/Suntuitive Glass passed away. Jim was a wonderful man and a rare beast in our world.  He was so incredibly good at the international game.  Dealing with so many different styles and cultures is very difficult but Jim made it look easy.  I was honored to see a presentation he did at glasstec in 2018 and in a room that featured people from all over the globe, Jim was in the zone.  He absolutely mesmerized the audience.  It was something to see.  Jim was a guy who loved glass and loved innovation.  He was a pros pro at this game.  My heart and condolences go out to Jim’s family and friends and his co-workers.  He will truly be missed and our industry lost a passionate advocate for all of the good things our product of choice brings. 

I know we have a lot going in our world, but please keep both the Stathopolous and Gresehover families in your thoughts during this tough time. 

LINKS of the WEEK

First article I ever wrote in the glass industry was about the pressures of picking a name.  Thisperson obviously didn’t read it. 

I’m good with this… LOL

Great story- wonderful stuff here- even if he ends going to a 2^nd tier school like Ohio State.  (Ha ha)

PROJECT of the WEEK

So before we talk this week… last weeks stunner from Ajay Glass had material on it that I did not know where it came from.  Thankfully a few people read this blog and pointed it out to me… so the primary glass was from Guardian Glass and it was fabricated by Trulite out of Cheswick, PA (hmmm I know that location for some reason…)

Now this week… we go to a company that I follow on Instagram but have no clue of anyone there but they do post some beautiful work.  Woon-Tech is whom I am talking about and they really have it dialed in on this one.  This is a wild shower door setup and the detail of the direct to glass paint is incredible.  Not my style for sure but it surely is an eye catching look!!  Job well done team at Woon-Tech.

Strategic Planning

Each week as this adventure in our world continues I reach out to many people in our industry to check in.  My main priority is making sure everyone is healthy and safe but also it’s nice to get insight and inspiration along the way.  This week, one of my contacts provided some thoughts that really connected with me.  I was talking with the brilliant Lindsey Rowe-Parker of Rowe Fenestration.  Lindsey has an incredible and vast skill set so she brings some additional perspectives to our piece of the world that others do not.  Lindsey and I were talking positively about when we see the other side of this crisis and what happens then.  She stopped me when I was going too far into the future and noted that now is really the time to be strategic planning and have that next step(s) laid out vs. waiting for “the time to come” sort of thing.  And you know what?  She’s right.  Yes, we all have to be mindful of what is going on now, but if we are not constantly in motion with plans for the future we are missing out.  Eventually things are going to break here- do you want to be chasing that curve or on top of it?  

I think the message in all of this is that strategic planning- which in my case means marketing and communications- needs to be something you are working on now and ready to release and execute fully as we see the eventual openings take place.  Now we just have to get to that point of those openings right?   Anyway that’s my mini-sermon for the week… and thanks to Lindsey for getting me fired up about being strategically proactive!

Elsewhere…

--  One my favorite contests each year is the Vanceva World of Color Awards from Eastman.  Love the buildings that get nominated and the use of laminated glass is jaw dropping and awesome.  Here is the link to participate this year and I already have some favorites… get your votes in and we’ll see who wins it!

--  An update on 2022 and the potential of it being “The Year of Glass” was released and the effort received a nice endorsement from UNESCO, which is the science arm of the UN.  This is a big and exciting step.  Decision coming this June!   To show your interest- go HERE and add yourself to the interested parties.  In tough times like this it’s the hope of the future that can keep us all going!

--  If you are an NGA Member (and right now being a MEMBER is crucial to stay ahead of the issues out there) there’s another Thirsty Thursday Webinar this coming week.  The topic this week is wire glass and where in the world it actually plays.   Why not expand that knowledge base and jump in and join it?  Learn more HERE and join NGA if you have not yet done so.  

--  Good read here on how this current crisis is changing design. And I am telling you for the 1000^th time (with many more to come) that glass is going to be a player in the new world.  A big one.

--  Last this week…  just a nod to all of the glaziers and glass shops that have quickly mobilized and are installing sneeze/cough guards in retail establishments.  Those stores (pharmacy and markets among others) need to stay open but the folks there need to have that safety.  Our product, thanks to great companies who quickly sprung into action, are supplying and installing those must needed barriers.  To all of you doing it- thank you and keep up the good work!!  And a special H/T to my friend AJ Carr of Glass Contractors of KY who I know has been burning the midnight oil to get it done! 

LINKS of the WEEK

The evolution of the “Happy Meal” continues and I think its time…

All about a baby name here in a head spinning story

How can you have this many board games? I mean how???

BONUS Link

That’s not a stray puppy…

PROJECT of the WEEK

AJAY Glass is one of the nations biggest glaziers and a family owned business that I have had the honor of knowing pretty much my entire professional life.  Class and excellent people.  They are wrapping up this very important medical center in Rochester, NY right now and it’s looking fantastic.  Not sure who supplied the glass on this one but looks like my friends from AJAY knocked it out of the park glazing wise.  Nice work team!

Remembering the Positivity

BEC was a little over a month ago and I never in my wildest dreams would’ve thought we’d be where we are at right now.  Obviously when we all gathered in Nashville, the virus was out there and beginning to cause concern, but I don’t think anyone thought it would be turning out like this.  So here we are, working through this world together and learning something new every day.  The reason I bring up BEC is because the positivity and the focus there is something we can’t lose sight of.  We have brilliant people and companies in our industry and we have an incredible desire to succeed and overcome.  I am energized on a daily basis when I see the #NGAalert videos from all over the industry of people sharing their experiences and thoughts.  (Though Tim Finley telling me to clean up my database still has me thrown.  LOL) We will get through this and I said it last week and will continue to say it- our product will be in a great spot on the other side.   So everyone keep plugging along, keep communicating, keep reaching out, keep innovating, and keep focused on the future. 

Elsewhere…

--  I think another major play coming out of this will be the growth of automation.  I have been banging that drum for years but now I think it’s obvious that the efficiencies and performance that automation delivers are crucial to the world post COVID-19.  Very interesting article here that I saw posted by IGE Glass Technologies on LinkedIn that backs that up and this line stuck for me because it speaks to a lot of what we do right now manually.

“People are relatively more expensive, including with their benefits. Meanwhile, you can restructure your business using new technology that increases productivity. So the typical move is to replace less-skilled workers with a fewer number of more-skilled workers or retain higher-skilled workers but then to bring in new technology.”

--  Got this article from my pal Scott Goodman of Bohle America.  Did not realize what was happening in Georgia and found this fascinating.  Not sure if this changes with their new state lock down though.

--  NGA continues with Advocacy and the last update was very good.  While some face-to-face code meetings are cancelled the work still continues which means we still have to be on top of it and vigilant.  Our industry is lucky to have Urmilla Sowell and her team in the mix here.  In the meantime they did have a fresh call for volunteers for the Fabricating Committee.   Two technical papers need updating (below) so if you are interested, now’s the time.

• ·      Durability and Testing of Painted Decorative Mounted Glass
• ·      Assessment of the Weatherability & Durability of Decorative Glass

If interested contact NGA or let me know and I’ll get you connected!

--  So I feel like I am texting a lot more than normal and what I am finding is the spellcheck/word choices that the iPhone make is pure craziness.  I type in the right word and Apple replaces it constantly with the wrong word.  And I’m not talking like a close cousin of the word. It is something not even close- am I the only one suffering on this?

--  Last this week… last year I noted I started to watch Ozark and wondered on here if it was worth continuing.  I was told yes- do it- and those folks were absolutely right.  Now season 3 is online and I am almost done with it- interesting show, very curious to see where this all ends up. 

LINKS of the WEEK

What is wrong with trying to teach your dog to drive???

Guy going for a record of kite flying?  Interesting story with some twists too.

This is the ultimate in “rut roh” with a new license plate design you can’t see at night!

PROJECT of the WEEK

We have a sharp looking one that is in progress for our project of the week… found it on LinkedIn and it made me stop and look.  Nice work by some of the biggest names in our world.  Glazing by Harmon, fabricated glass from Viracon, Gensler as the Architect and the GC being Swinerton.  Nice work by everyone here and I look forward to seeing what it looks like when done!!