From the fabricator: What can be said...

Well, I'm sure people aren't clicking here this week to get my feelings on the new cast of Dancing with the Stars. No, I'd bet (and I know because of my e-mail traffic) that because of my past associations, they want to know how I feel on the return of Leon to the glass business. Well, I am going to possibly disappoint because I am taking a different tact.

Everyone and their mother (including mine, she's feisty about this issue!) has an opinion on Leon himself, but for me, there are two other parts to this deal. Rick Silverstein and Manny Valladares are partners in this thing and that's the huge key. Rick (or it "Richard" now? I've known the guy for 10 years and never once heard him called "Richard") is very well known and connected with the customer base in South Florida, while Manny is easily one of the most talented guys I have ever had the honor of working with. So, while the publicity comes from one side, the real meat comes from these guys.

Now, there is no doubt there are tons of other issues that will be at work here and this will be something to watch/monitor/comment on, but I think for now it will be interesting to sit back and see what tone is set and how the overall acceptance or possible lack thereof plays out. 

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Perilstein is chief marketing officer for Vitro America, Memphis. Write him at mperilstein@vitro.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.