Eye on GlassBuild: Rob Botman

In advance of GlassBuild America: The Glass, Window & Door Expo, Sept. 12-14 in Atlanta, GlassMagazine.com will feature brief interviews with various people connected to the show.

This week, "Eye on GlassBuild" catches up with Rob Botman, general manager of Glassopolis. His company will be on the GlassBuild floor at booth #1603, and from the sounds of it, the giveaways will be flowing!

What was the first GlassBuild America that you attended, and how many you have been to? Any favorites jump out?

Rob Botman: I've gone to GlassBuild every year since I came into the industry in 2006. I remember walking the show in 2008 in Las Vegas just about the time we launched Glassopolis. We didn't know whether our business concept would work or not, and we hadn't really begun our marketing yet. But our ad agency had given me a business attaché bag featuring our spanking new logo. So we walked the show and attended the Glazing Executives Forum. The crazy thing was, people saw our bag with the Glassopolis logo--which is bright and [resembles] an icon of a glass guy working a sheet of glass--and actually came up to me offering to buy my attaché bag right off my shoulder! We couldn't believe it. We kind of felt at that moment a bit of foreshadowing that Glassopolis was going to do all right if people were willing to buy luggage with our logo! There is something about the branding for Glassopolis that works. We have been exhibiting at GlassBuild ever since.

Say I am on the fence about attending this year, why do you think I should make the commitment to come?

RB: You should go to GlassBuild this year because it's a place where companies on the move are buying and selling. There is plenty of business to be done if you have something going on. If you are on the fence about attending, maybe you should go so you can find the sizzle and add something new and growing to your business. And of course, drop by the Glassopolis booth to get some of our killer swag to bring back for your crew.

I know you are excited about the Glassopolis booth this year. What do you consider the "must see" aspects of your exhibit?

RB: Our booth is a place to chat and set up new relationships. We will have new fire-rated glass and specialty glass products that slay the competition, of course, but really it's about making connections and offering customers service and value they can use. At GlassBuild in Atlanta we look forward to having a few pops with the boys and getting some business done. And giving away cool Glassopolis swag.

For more information on GlassBuild America and how to register, please click here.