CommercialAlvaro Correa, project manager, West Tampa Glass, Fla.
We are going to have a moderately slower year than last year. The residential market is zero, and we are seeing the commercial market in a similar light due to these economic times. We have to find other sources of revenue, with the market the way it is. The hospital market is moving, and we are finding success [in that segment]. Additionally, we are taking smaller projects and opening more bids in a wider area of work to keep our labor force strong. Just recently we were awarded a monumental project in Daytona, on the East Coast of Florida, for Nascar, as an example.
We are also trying to be more competitive when possible by offering pre-glazed window systems. We use systems from Kawneer Co. [Norcross, Ga.], Vistawall [Newnan, Ga., a subsidiary of Oldcastle Glass, Santa Monica, Calif.], YKK [AP America Inc., Austell, Ga.] or our own WTG-700. | 
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RetailMichael Hood, owner, Liberty Glass & Mirror, Frisco, Texas
"My biggest challenge this year will be maintaining our growth despite the slowdown in the economy. We are going to focus on reducing waste, finding more effective and financially efficient forms of marketing and closing a higher percentage of estimates. I intend to set up a new incentive program to encourage my employees to help implement our new company goals." |  |
AutoPaul Heinauer, president, Glasspro, Mt. Pleasant, S.C.
I am focusing on what we can do to manage during these [economic] times. We are constantly talking about bringing value to our customers and striving to over-deliver. I’m hoping that if we can do that it [will be] a good opportunity for us to grow. We must make fewer mistakes. We must give customers a reason to choose Glasspro. We have to be conscious of our reputation and what customers’ expectations are. It’s not an easy road, but I feel that it’s an opportunity. | 
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FabricationRobert Price, director of sales, JE Berkowitz, LP, Pedricktown, N.J.
To persevere in a spinning economy. Financial uncertainty will overflow into 2009. It will be an interesting year, probably bad for most. We are living in incredible times, breaking barriers and setting new historic benchmarks. The strong will survive; this has always proven to be a fact.
We have strategically positioned our company to compete in an aggressive environment. We will continue to grow, seek opportunity, stick to our strategic plan and stay the course.
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