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Monday, October 8, 2012

You know you're a glass geek when...

You turn to your spouse while having a romantic dinner out and say, “You know what would make a good commercial for interior glass doors?”

And yes, this did actually happen. My husband and I were seated near a private dining area in a local restaurant that was sectioned off by sliding glass doors. A little boy who looked to be about six years old was effortlessly sliding the doors open and closed. I thought to myself, what a great way to show how aesthetically pleasing, functional and easy-to-use glass interior doors can be. Am I right?

You visit the art museum and are most excited about the exhibit on airport design and the use of glass curtain walls.

On a recent trip to Denver, my family and I decided to tour the Denver Art Museum, where they had a temporary exhibition taking visitors through six airports designed by Curtis Fentress. I was excited to see that a significant portion of the Sea-Tac (Seattle) International Airport and Denver International Airport exhibits were dedicated to the buildings’ curtain-wall designs. In addition to photographs and models, the exhibits included the hardware used to create the point-supported glass curtain wall in Seattle … displayed as a work of art!

You come up for air after lap 10 at your gym’s pool and take note of what company made the entrance doors to the hot tub area.

Granted, this could be attributable to not being in shape and using any excuse to stop swimming for a moment. But still, I took notice. U.S. Aluminum was the manufacturer.

You get stuck in traffic near the Colorado Convention Center and make your entire family (including the children under age 6) listen to the type of glass it features.

By the way, this happened on the way to the art museum, so it was a banner day for geeking out about glass. The Colorado Convention Center will host the AIA 2013 National Convention, a fact that I shared with my family, along with the details of two curtain-wall facades that use Viracon VE-2M insulating glass in their design.

I know I'm not alone here, or at least I hope I'm not. If you have a "glass geek" story to share, please do!

Chase is editorial director of Glass Magazine, GlassMagazine.com and e-glass weekly. Write her at jchase@glass.org.

48 comments
Sunday, October 7, 2012

From the fabricator: A great resource

This past week, the American Institute of Architects put out a tremendous document (86 pages!) on integrating energy modeling into the design process.  The document exams everything the designer needs to know to push the envelope energy-wise. Quite frankly, that NEEDS to happen. Plus, it benefits our industry, giving higher-end, value-added products a better chance of getting through the specification AND bidding processes without getting value engineered out. "An Architect's Guide to Integrating Energy Modeling in the Design Process" gives designers facts and figures on the building's energy performance. And yes, I know this sort of design process has been happening for years, but this document gives it a chance to be mainstream and somewhat standardized. Kudos to the AIA for an excellent job. If you want a copy (and you should), you can find it here.

Elsewhere...

  • A happy Thanksgiving to my friends in Canada; I can’t believe it's already here. Blink your eyes, and the U.S. version will be here in a second.
  • Am I the only one bummed out to know that every other industry can cut corners left and right and have no blowback? I have written about bags of dog food that mysteriously get smaller (but sell for the same price), and I just recently experienced it with a kitchen faucet. After 11 years, our faucet needed replacing. We got the same model, and after we installed it, we noticed it was smaller, thinner and just shoddy overall. But it surely wasn’t cheaper.
  • Gotta give credit to Jeff Razwick and the gang at TGP. They have been effectively using social media all year, and this past week Jeff used their blog in probably the best way possible. He wrote an informative, magazine-like piece on code tradeoffs. Good, healthy content. Well done.
  • Congrats to Viracon and all the folks back to work in Statesboro, Ga. A lot of people thought when Viracon suspended operations there to do upgrades that the plant would never re-open. Great to see it has!
  • The Canada Border Service Agency ended its look into alleged Chinese dumping of unitized curtain wall after not finding enough evidence to go forward. I have to admit, I am stunned. I don’t know enough of the ins and outs of the investigation, but this surely was an interesting turn.
  • March 31st, 2012: I picked the Yankees to beat the Nationals in the World Series, right here on this blog. It is stunning that I am even close to a pick being right!! Now that the playoffs are here, I do like that matchup, but will say beware the Tigers and their pitching. It also might be the year “Moneyball” wins with the upstart A’s.
  • Last this week, we had freeze warnings in Michigan, and I believe snow fell in the West. Winter is knocking on the door. Dang.

Read on for links and video 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.

1 comments
Monday, October 1, 2012

Fenestration hallucination: Political predictions for 2013

"I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them." -Thomas Jefferson 

 I promise this is last political blog I’ll ever write.

These days, pundits and pollsters are in the prediction business.  This is mine: The Senate will continue to be split almost 50-50 but remain under Democratic leadership, and the House will remain under Republican control.

Consider what the next Congress faces after being sworn in January 2013:

  • We face the largest national deficit in history.
  • Most states face huge deficits.  Key states like Illinois and California might never be able to recover from their debt obligations.
  • We face a slow, ongoing economic recovery with continuing high unemployment rates and a slowly recovering housing industry.
  • The U.S. might be dragged into a war between Israel and Iran.  The world economy could be decimated and fuel prices could go sky high.  Even if that never happens, uncertainty in the Middle East will continue for some time to come and affect the world.
  • No changes might be made to Obamacare.  Approaching 2014, we might all face complexity and cost no government, business or individual can contemplate.
  • Public and private sector unfunded pension liability is the huge, ignored 'Sword of Damocles' hanging over all of our heads for the next decade or more.

Regardless of whoever wins the White House, our future will only improve when those in government at the federal, state and local levels find political courage, wisdom and the willingness to compromise.

May God help us all, because that seems unlikely. 

"The future ain't what it used to be." -Yogi Berra

Rod Van Buskirk is the third-generation owner of Bacon & Van Buskirk Glass Co., with locations in Champaign and Springfield, Ill. A past NGA Chairman, Rod looks quarterly at the industry from the middle of nowhere, steals ideas from anyone he can and pretends to know what he’s talking about. Rod invites your comments as you are certainly smarter than he is.

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.

19 comments
Monday, October 1, 2012

From the fabricator: Keep fighting

I have commented many times on my lack of satisfaction with the USGBC and its LEED program. When USGBC was confronted in the past, I jumped on board, and was even mocked by some for doing so. Once again this week, a challenge was issued  to USGBC, when a major developer decided it would build a structure, make it green and NOT go through the USGBC for certification. All I can say is AMEN. Why we always end up in these mostly monopolistic situations in our world is mind blowing. We have 1,000 places to buy glass from but only one to certify it as "green" or in compliance with energy ratings. It is insane. Hopefully, the developer sticks to its guns and a better system evolves, and the world benefits.

Elsewhere…

  • Want to know another issue I have with USGBC? Their annual Greenbuild show has become a portrait of disgusting excess: major concerts to kick it off and tons of celebrities and politicos on hand for no real reason other than “star power.” Basically, the event has become a gluttonous ego fest.  It's sad, since the goal of “going green” or living sustainably is the opposite of what the USGBC does every year at Greenbuild. As for the show, there’s a lot of pressure on event organizers, as last year in Toronto was not good. We’ll see what happens this time around.
  • Speaking of shows, we’re a month away from a pretty cool show in the West at Fenestration West 2012. Held October 23, it is a one-day powerhouse of education, networking and information. This year it’s in Burnaby, British Columbia. So if you are in the West, it’s a must-attend event. More info is here.
  • Did you happen to see the story this week on a possible water shortage in North America? The drought and weather is really taking its toll, and I believe this is a very serious issue. I think others agree, and that’s why so many companies are jumping on board with better performing machinery that uses re-circulated water and other more efficient measures. (Many at GlassBuild were looking for stuff like this.) Even if there’s not a shortage, I think running a smarter plant makes more sense.
  • Congrats to my friends at Glassopolis for their incredible contest win last week. They won a cool 100K in a contest sponsored by the Toronto Globe and Mail and Telus in a competition for small businesses. Evidently, we have some very smart cookies at Glassopolis as they beat out 1,200 other companies for the award. Awesome for them and our industry!
  • A bizarre new survey from McGraw-Hill Construction says we’ll have an architect shortage by 2014. I guess these guys have gone from having trouble predicting a correct economic forecast to somehow coming up with this doozy. Not a chance there will be a shortage of architects. Now, if they are saying they’ll be a shortage of capable architects, they might be right, but there’s been a shortage there for years…
  • Last this week, Serious Energy sold its Colorado plant back to Alpen, the company it bought it from a few years ago. There was also an auction, evidently, at the famous Chicago sit-in plant, so I guess that plant is gone too (though I don’t know what happened to the employee co-op that was poised to take it over). Anyway, it's amazing the transformation Serious has undergone. Two years ago, it was everywhere and everything, crowing about the Empire State Building and the “revolutionary” way it did business while being mentioned by the president. Now, it is pretty much a shell of its former self. I guess its version of heat mirror wasn’t ready for a comeback after all.

Read on for links and video 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.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

D.I.G.: Your call to duty

In the early 1960s, a young upstart from Massachusetts said, “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.”  With that concise comment, John F. Kennedy challenged all Americans to get outside of themselves and look at how they can influence others. As the new chairman of the board of the National Glass Association, I issue a similar challenge.

Ask not what your industry association can do for you. Ask what you can do for your industry.

At the beginning of the 21st century, I asked myself if I wanted my company to grow or maintain status quo. Charlie Jones said in his book, Life is Tremendous, "You will be the same in give years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read.” It occurred to me that I had developed the habit of hanging around with the same people and listening to their “advice”. This limited the information and ideas to which I was exposed.

I made the decision to grow my company. I understood that I needed new ideas and networks to do this. Even though I had difficulty visualizing specific benefits and I couldn’t afford the extra expense, I made the decision to find sources for ideas and relationships that would get me out of the rut I was in. I had to DIG my way out of the rut. I did not know where to go, so I turned to the National Glass Association.

D: Decided to join
I: Investigated opportunities with NGA
G: Got involved

I knew that what I received was directly proportional to what I put in. If I paid the dues and remained uninvolved, I would receive nothing. 

Evans Glass Co. has received benefits from my involvement. We have trained new employees with www.myglassclass.com and the Glass Management Institute. By attending GlassBuild America, I have made connections and discovered new software, machinery and products.  We have sent employees to GBA and to visit glass companies in different geographic regions. The bottom line is that the NGA has provided new ideas and relationships that have helped us grow.

Initially, my thinking was limited to my company. Then, over time, my interest expanded to my local market and then to my regional market. Now I realize what happens nationally impacts my business locally. Because of what Evans Glass Co. has received, I feel a responsibility to give back. Call it my “call to duty”. I am just a glass guy that got involved.

Let me issue you the challenge.  Get involved and give back to your industry.  Together we can strengthen it.  Will you accept your call to duty?

The author is president of Evans Glass Co., and chairman of the National Glass Association. Write him at bevans@evansglasscompany.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.

2 comments
Monday, September 24, 2012

From the fabricator: Catching up

So it's time to get back into the nitty gritty of the industry after the rush and excitement of GlassBuild America. Before the show, a ton of news broke, and we put it on the shelf until after the show so it could get its proper due. And of course, since the show there’s been significant news too. So without further delay, let’s get caught up!

Here goes:

  • A comment was left on a recent blog post about the lack of action regarding training our glaziers and industry. This is a massive problem and one that will most likely get worse before it gets better. Reason being, with everyone slashing costs, one of the first things to go is education and training. It’s a classic corner cut. Add that to our aging industry workforce, lack of feeders and the volatile nature of our world, and this IS a massive problem that deserves debate. There is no easy fix either, because it will need a concerted industry effort to improve the situation. Our industry has never been known to work together, so we have our work cut out for us.
  • One person who was working very hard to provide education to our industry sadly is leaving us. David Walker, the excellent VP of Association Services for the NGA is moving on to a tremendous gig as president and CEO of the Coalition to Support America’s Heroes. It is a great organization that is doing extremely important work for the men and women who risk their lives to protect us every day. David was instrumental in reviving the NGA education efforts, and he will be missed. However, the NGA acted very quickly and  hired David’s replacement in Jim Gandorf. I was able to spend a few minutes with Jim at GlassBuild and came away extremely impressed. I am confident that the issues that I note above will be on Jim’s radar and he’ll be pushing hard to take the work that David and team began to the next level. Welcome to our world Jim!
  • The Architectural Billings Index bounced back. Parse that with a great trade show, and I’m back on the positive train.
  • The Glass Magazine People awards were a hit, and a major congrats to all of the winners. I do not know Brian Abrisz or Richard Poirier personally, but I am sure they deserve after winning such a huge vote. What an honor! I do know John McGee and I am thrilled for him, a great guy who I have immense respect for. As for the last winner, that category was tough, with John Bush, Scott White and the eventual winner Waylon McCall. I actually worked at one time or another with all three. I think the world of all three and wish I had a portion of their talent. I'm happy for Waylon, since this award should make up for past crushing fantasy league losses (LOL). Seriously though, how anyone who knows these three could pick between them is beyond me. In any case, looking at all of the nominees and winners does show the talent we have in our industry, and I am sure next year these awards will be even harder to vote on. Heck, if we could have a training program led by the guys above, maybe we could solve some of our workforce issues!
  • The great news out of Colorado about RavenBrick (full disclosure, my firm does consulting work for them) was exciting. Getting funding and preparing to go into full production in a new plant is just tremendous for the company founders and employees who have worked their tails off to get to this point. It also shows that dynamic glass, whether its thermochromic like this, or electrochomic from Sage or Soladigm, is going to be a major player in our world going forward. The momentum is there.
  • One more show note, did any of you who stayed at the LVH laugh over the “Go Green” offer in your rooms? The LVH would give you a $5 coupon a day to skip getting your room cleaned in the name of “green." That just slayed me. What a great efficiency improver. Give someone $5 that has to be used in the hotel, and save time and money not having staff clean. That has got to be the most creative usage of the green meme yet.
  • Last, I picked USC to win it all, and they have already lost, and I picked the Dolphins to go winless, and they have already won. Nice to see I can still pick ‘em!

Read on for links and video 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.

3 comments
Tuesday, September 18, 2012

The three-tiered personnel challenge: Recruiting, training and future planning

The glass industry has a people problem. Or, more accurately, a lack of qualified people problem.

I was shocked to read a statistic that said the contract glazing industry will have 33,400 job openings between 2010 and 2020, which is "80 percent of the total number of glaziers employed in 2010," according to a report from 24/7 Wall St. (Thanks to Max Perilstein for leading his blog two weeks ago with this news). And it's not just contract glaziers that need people.

"We struggle with finding the right talent that is interested in getting into glazing," said Scott Clymire, vice president, United Architectural Metals, during the State of the Industry panel at the Glazing Executives Forum last week in Las Vegas. With design-assist becoming more common, UAM is seeking architects and engineers that want to get involved on the manufacturing side of the building trade, he said.

As the glass and glazing trade becomes increasingly more sophisticated, education and training on all levels at a company are critical. "Our employees are assets, and the investment in people is important," said Garret Henson, vice president of sales for Viracon, who also spoke during the GEF panel.

New employees coming into the industry will expect these training opportunities, added panelist Oliver Stepe, senior vice president of sales & marketing for YKK AP America. "More and more, we are hiring new people from outside of the industry, and they're asking us, 'what are you doing to train?'" YKK developed several training programs that it utilizes when necessary, including a basic product training, one week manufacturing training, a quick start program to prepare new employees for customer service within 90 days, and career development training.

"One of the best things you can do is to use an employee to train other people," Stepe says. "It doesn't have to be the most seasoned person. It's a good motivational technique. Send employees to conferences and symposiums, and when they come back, have them speak to the team about it."

In addition to recruiting and training, companies also need to be planning for the departure of their seasoned workforce. "Succession planning is critically important," Henson said.

Companies are faced with a three-tiered personnel challenge: to recruit talented young people, train them, and poise them and others at the company to become the future leaders of the company and the industry. And, according to economist Jeff Dietrich, the time to make those investments in people is now. "You should be hiring," said Dietrich, senior analyst for the Institute for Trend Research, at GEF. "You have a window where you can hire young and intelligent people and not pay them what they are worth for two or three years. Hire them and train them now." 

Devlin is senior editor for Glass Magazine. Write her at kdevlin@glass.org.

16 comments
Monday, September 17, 2012

From the fabricator: The massive GlassBuild America report

If there was one word that could sum up GlassBuild America 2012 it would be “engaged.” For the last few years, the show saw exhibitors continue to build amazing booths but attendees struggle to fill expectations against a brutal economy. This year, however, the tide turned. This time, the attendees were truly engaged in positive conversations with the exhibitors, and they actually had real live business to discuss. I heard from so many people who booked business or found great prospects that it really was exciting. Like one exhibitor told me: Last year it was, 'wow I hope someday to use your product.' This year it was, “I have a project and I want to use your product.' What a difference a year makes.

I have been to boatloads of shows over the years and I always gauge the crowd and get a feel for expectations. After this one, I can’t help but feel positive that we are headed in the right direction. Time surely will tell, but for now, I am enjoying where we are going.

My quick awards:

  • Best booths: Quanex: They always have a great presence, but this year their booth was perfect: open, inviting, informational and truly welcoming. The runner up was PRL for its amazing mix of materials, including some really unique hardware.
  • Most newsworthy event: The Glazing Executives Forum “State of the Industry” panel absolutely delivered in an 80-minute session that could have gone on all morning.
  • Hot product: Decorative glass still rules, but the installation equipment for the glazier was a very close second (loving the lifts and cranes!)
  • Best shirts: Lauren Manufacturing with the blue, orange and black shirts. Sign me up; that group has excellent fashion taste!
  • Top showstoppers: Several booths had professional models working, and YKK even got Jay Leno (or a close impersonator) to work their party. Looks like the Vegas style is back!
  • And before I hit my part of the show, I have to give major props to the ladies who put this event on. They build this thing from the ground up and deal with every obstacle thrown at them to put on a first-class event.  Congrats ladies; you are one talented and amazing team!

Now on to the show scene…

Who I saw on the very busy show floor:

  • Last week I said, "If you see me, stop me and say hi." The first to do that was Mike Gainey of Azon. Odd to see Claude Duquette of Eastman now that Solutia is a part of that company. He did look dapper in a great red Eastman golf shirt though. He was with Doug Marren, who will be returning from the solar world to work in glass again. It's great to have him back in our side of things! Good to see industry stalwarts like John Dwyer and Bernard Lax. I saw the Idaho State football hall of famer Dave Michaeli of AGC; looks like he could gear up now and rush the QB. And speaking of AGC, running into Matt Ferguson was an unexpected pleasure. No show for me is OK unless I see Jan Rogan of PPG, so I knew all would be well when I visited her on day one. The always-dynamic duo of Bob Price and Mike Nicklas of JEB even stopped and said hi to me. 
  • On the fashion side, Danik Dancause of Walker broke out a powder blue sport coat that not only drew attention at the show, but also had all the women at Coyote Ugly wanting him to dance on a table. (That will never happen to me!) 
  • Always nice to see my old friend Chad Simkins, who is now doing great things for Soladigm. Speaking of old friends, getting to see Bret Summers of Arcadia was great, as was catching up with Michael Schmidt at Erdman Automation (whose booth was jammed all day, every day).
  • A few more: saw fellow bloggers and NGA heavyweights (as well as excellent businessmen) Bill Evans and Chris Mammen. I also met for the first time Mike Albert and Bryan Bush: great guys. Got to have a quick visit with one of the best reps in our world, Dan Pompeo, who was there with his better half and the brains of their operation, his wife Stacey. The Quanex people as a whole are always so welcoming to me. I can’t thank them enough for their hospitality. Dave Lutrell and Tom Noe of Glasstech actually admitted that they read the blog. Then again, they said this at the big reception party, so who knows… LOL. Bowie Neumayer of Cardinal and I caught up and compared notes on Fantasy Football. Hopefully by the time you read this Bowie’s team will have a win on the board or they’ll be heck to pay.
  • Finally on the scene, it was super to catch up with family: my brother and nephew Josh along with Justin Benline and Tim Marconi of WA Wilson were there. Great to see my bro and Josh and watch them cringe realizing that they are related to me as I worked the floor in an obnoxious yellow media vest. (Yes, I think both want to disown me.) 

Who I missed…

  • I know Rodger Ruff of AGC was there but didn’t ever get to catch up to him. His booth was always packed when I went by. Tom O’Malley, the legend from Doralco, I saw for a second and never saw again. Joanne Funyak of PPG missed the show, and all really missed her. Joe Carlos of Triview was working the floor and seminars, so I didn’t get as much time with him as I would like. I saw Derek Malmquist, the excellent VP of marketing for SAGE for a split second, and then did not make it to his booth in time to visit. Very disappointing for me. Saw Mark Spencer of SAPA several times, but the guy is too popular, so never could get a chance to talk. And last but certainly not least, Earnest Thompson of Guardian had to miss because of other meetings… or maybe because he was afraid an Alabama fan would approach the booth and remind him about the U of M-Bama game.

Final thoughts…

  • Hope to see everyone in Atlanta in 2013. This year proved yet again that this is the show where the industry meets and the networking is just top notch. It was amazing to see how many meetings and gatherings there were all over the show floor, in the lounges, at the lunch tables, heck any area that someone could sit down really. BUSINESS WAS BEING DONE! It was great to see. This show brought it out…
  • Last, my feet hurt. Time for universal rules that we can all wear sneakers or comfortable shoes. No more worry about fashion and political correctness. Let's focus on comfort!

Read on for links and video 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.

9 comments
Monday, September 10, 2012

See you in Vegas!

As I head to Las Vegas this week, I'm looking forward to seeing everyone on the GlassBuild America show floor. As well as I've gotten to know many of you on the phone or via email, nothing beats seeing each other in person. So, if you're in Las Vegas, please stop by Glass Magazine booth #1277 to say hi. From the welcome reception to the Glazing Executives Forum, this year’s show offers several networking opportunities that we can all use to get to know each other better. 

And speaking of getting to know each other better, I want to thank all of you who participated in the Glass Magazine Awards online voting program to determine the winners in the best installer, production supervisor, project manager and sales representative categories. Voter response was fantastic, and my hope is that this new people-centric program will continue to spotlight our industry’s best people in the years to come.

For those of you I won't see in Las Vegas, stay tuned to GlassMagazine.com this week for live coverage of the GlassBuild America trade show in the form of blogs, videos, photo galleries and more. 

6 comments
Monday, September 10, 2012

From the fabricator: It's show time!

Finally, after months and months of buildup, GlassBuild America is here. I have attended this show pretty much every year since I started in the industry (even when it was just the “glass show”). One of the taglines for the show is “the place where the industry meets,” and it is so true. Every facet of our world is represented. Heck, even press that usually ignore it for 362 days of the year cover it like crazy for three. It is where business gets done, innovation is on display and networking takes over. And it’s finally here…

Elsewhere from GBA…

  • From the show floor, I’ll have sporadic posts on my own blog, but the major recap will come next week. In the meantime, the coverage from Glass Magazine will be top notch (as always), along with the live tweets from show organizers at Twitter.com/GlassBuild. So whether you are attending or have to stay home (I have a few friends regretfully staying home to tend to major business items), you can still follow all the action online.
  • If you are coming and I haven’t met you yet, please by all means, if you see the chubby bald guy wearing a striped shirt and media vest, stop and say hi. That has happened in the past, and great friendships have come of it. My favorite instance: the classy and cool Milind Jhaveri of Technoform stopped me in my tracks a few years ago, somehow recognizing me from my picture, and I’ll always be grateful he did.
  • There will be many highlights of the week, but I am most excited about the “State of the Industry” panel at the Glazing Executives Forum. The panel will feature great folks with diverse opinions and insights on our world. It should be very interesting.
  • I'm also excited about Steve O’Halloren moderating a cool decorative glass session on Friday morning. That should be fun and informative. And of course, there's the Quanex cocktail party and seeing my friends from that company and the rest of the industry. There’s nothing out there like that event.
  • Aside from the show, there’s plenty of other news I want to hit but I don’t want it to get lost in the GlassBuild shuffle. So, I’ll save my takes on the Glass Magazine Award winners, the great news from my friends at RavenBrick, the latest acquisition from Grey Mountain, and of course, the latest economic news for future posts. Also, I'll want to cover this comment that was left on last week's post. Makes a great point:

"What? Not a single comment about our need for trained glaziers. I have commented before about our need to recruit and properly train our workforce. It is a need very few companies seem to want to invest in. Quality, safety and reliability depend on this."

No doubt that subject is a biggie, even if we don't get tons of comments on it.

  • See you on the floor!

Read on for links and video 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.

1 comments
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