Last month when the Architectural Billings Index (ABI) came in with a stunning “positive” number, there were two thoughts. Is this the start of the comeback, or is it a fluke? Welp. We got our answer this week, and it came with authority. The ABI checked in at a horrendous 43.6. Or, as the main analyst from the AIA called it, “A fairly major disappointment.” This is the lowest rating since December of 2020. The analysis of this low score pointed to interest rate growth fear and, thus, the cost of money. A month ago, things seemed like they were stabilizing on that front. It’s changed.
Labor is the number one pain point for industry companies. In the recent Thirsty Thursday webinar, “Recruitment Resources for Installers,” hosted by the National Glass Association, Jodi Martinez, vice president of AllStar Glass and NGA board member, and Jenni Chase, vice president of workforce development for the National Glass Association address how to interest the next generation in a glass industry career, and what free resources exist to get companies started.
With one of my sons finishing up his freshman year of college and another graduating from high school, the father in me always looks to provide wisdom and guidance. Technical Glass Products (TGP) also has a new sales team member starting who is eager and ready to learn. “Have a clear vision” can mean a few things and can help most of us achieve, whether that’s finishing a semester in school or starting a new career.
Not sure if you heard the news last week that the one and only Andrew Haring was leaving the NGA and returning to the for-profit world in an undisclosed position. There’s an “LOL” needed because you had to have heard…the news hit, and it spread pretty much like nothing I have seen. And for good reason. Andrew made a significant and incredible mark on our industry in a relatively short time.
No traditional lead story this week, just a lot of catching up with tidbits of information and happenings around the glass world. Plus, if I write about the adventure with interest rates and dire predictions from this past week, I may get too depressed to continue, so I’ll save that for another time. So let’s jump into some lighter industry related fare!
Thrilled to be headed to the great state of Texas this week to visit with the North Texas Division of the Texas Glass Association. I love the opportunity to meet and network, as well as share some of the latest insights in our space. There’s quite a bit of news to cover too, so that will be fun.
The latest “From the Fabricator” podcast is now live for your listening and/or watching pleasure. Kicking it off with 2 guys who are incredibly detailed and strong on the paint and finishing sides. Neil Chrisman III and Chris Incorvaia were great in running down the various issues on that area of the world, many of which I had no idea and some that are a continuing pain for which solutions were offered. Neil is flat out brilliant on this subject matter (The King of Paint) and Chris was incredibly impressive too. Good learning for me.
I'm excited for several personnel shifts in our industry, including Shelly Farmer's great new position a senior vice president at rising company Pellucere Technologies. Plus, upcoming events to put on your calendar.
Adaptive reuse involves repurposing existing structures for new functions while preserving their potential historic or architectural significance. This type of project, along with renovation, offers significant opportunities for glazing products and systems.