From the fabricator: Uncertainties of the real world

We are now a few weeks in to the new year. You can start to feel that the holiday hangover is passing, and we’re now starting to settle into what’s “real” in our world. For some regions, that means slowing of business and more crucially the slowing of cash flow. In other areas, it’s still rolling along nicely though they too are watching their cash flow closely. All parties, though, are surely wondering how long this trend will last. For those on the slowing side, some past experience has shown that it was usually slowing up by late January, early February. Then awful until late March and early April. Will this year follow pattern? The clock is ticking…

Elsewhere…

• Missed this last week, but a hearty congrats to Kirk Johnson on his promotion at Hartung Glass Industries to COO. I’ve known Kirk a long time and it’s great to see him advance to such a strong position at one of the industry’s best companies.
• Also missed last week, Steven Brenner, joining McGrory Glass as Director of Architectural Sales. I am thrilled for Mr. Brenner and the classy McGrory family, as this is a win-win proposition for sure!
• And one more item from last week, I was heartened by the reaction to my piece on the supply channels being disrupted. I received a ton of feedback, both online and to me personally. Very cool. To hear from folks like Scott Surma and Gerry Duffy is just an honor and thrill. It is a serious subject and I am glad people see it as such.
• I’m on my way to the west for a few days for the GANA Annual Conference. I have not attended one of these in a while, so I am looking forward to seeing what is new and happening on the technical side of our world. Plus getting the chance to visit with folks like Greg Carney, Julie Schimmelpenningh, and the Pittsburgh legend Ren Bartoe among others is very exciting.
• Cold enough outside for everyone? Man oh man, just seems more bitter than normal. Then again my friends on the auto glass side are just pleading for a few ice storms to help that business segment.
• Lance Armstrong. Manti Te’o. I just don’t know what to say. What a wild news cycle.
• I have been involved with some of the planning of the Glass Management Institute, and will say that I am very excited about the speakers and subjects lined up. More info is coming, but suffice to say, this will be “can’t miss” sort of stuff.
• Hockey is back… my picks… St. Louis vs. the Rangers in the Cup. Early apologies to Paul DeGray, who, I believe is a huge Ranger fan, and is now screaming at the screen that I jinxed the Blue Shirts. Sorry, but I think King Henrik will carry them. 

Read on for links and clip of the week...

The author is founder of Sole Source Consultants, a consulting firm for the building products industry that specializes in marketing, branding, communication strategy and overall reputation management, as well as website and social media, and codes and specifications. E-mail him at MaxP@SoleSourceConsultants.com.

The opinions expressed here are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Glass Association, Glass Magazine editors, or other glassblog contributors.