Experience: Here, There and Everywhere

I’ve got a new episode of the “From the Fabricator” podcast for you, and I gotta say it was a real dandy. Leading off was Brad Thurman of General Glass International. Brad is super sharp and has extensive experience in our industry, and we hit on a wide variety of items that Brad just nailed.

Then to Paul Robinson of Pioneer Glazing. Impressive man and company, and his story is inspirational, he’s done it the right way and continues to do so. Plus, both had insights on BEC and what’s happening out in our space right now. I think you will enjoy. Thank you in advance for checking it out! Also, on YouTube, feel free to check out Brad’s glorious bourbon collection sitting behind him!

Watch on Youtube, listen here, or search “From the Fabricator” on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Elsewhere…

North Texas Glass Association

Thrilled that on February 18, I’ll once again be in Dallas at the North Texas Glass Association’s monthly lunch meeting. Excited to speak there and bring everyone up to speed, but also to learn from everyone as well. It’s always an incredible crew at this one, and I’m extremely honored to be there. So if you’re in North Texas and haven’t signed up, do it and we’ll see you there!

Glass in Taiwan

Last week, I had a post on the Netflix special (from Michael DeFrank) on the solo building climb in Taiwan. I had no idea that the glass was fabricated in the U.S. at Viracon! Via Garret Henson of Viracon:

Several of us at Viracon watched the video of Alex climbing the facade . Project is located is Taipei, Taiwan. 100% of the fabricated architectural glass came from MN. I was there on several occasions working with the original Buliders Federal team that then transitioned the facade to Gartner/Permasteelisa. The man lift on that tower was crazy. 👀 I took the stairs on many occasions. Check out their YouTube New Year’s Eve celebrations- the fireworks from that tower are epic. The comments on Michael’s LinkedIn post are spot on!

Thank you, Garret, for the info, and congrats on a fantastic job.

Glass in Hijack

Last year, the industry’s nicest guy, Tom O’Malley of Clover Architectural Glass, got me into the show Hijack on Apple TV. The first season was great. Second has been a bit uneven, but there are a few shots of an awesome laminated glass handrail (season 2, episode 1), and the glass edge itself was pristine. Made me think my guy, Ian Patlin, manufactured it… So even an uneven show with great glass keeps my attention!

AIA Chief Economist

A bit ago, I noted that Kermit Baker, the economist at the AIA, was retiring. They have named his replacement, and it’s former Dodge economist Richard Branch. Tremendous move. Richard is so good, so this is a big-time winning move. Congrats to all involved. Also big, Richard will be a keynote speaker at the inaugural GFAB event this summer in Chicago. That is going to be a great conference, and I love seeing this all come together!

Industry retirement

One of the best this industry has ever seen announced he’s retiring at the end of the year. Tom Jackson of Steel Encounters, in a LinkedIn post about attending the BEC Conference, let it be known this would be his last one and he’s hanging ‘em up at the end of the year.  Tom accomplished a ton, was a force across a multitude of efforts, culture, and workforce improvements, leading the way, and he will also go down in history for delivering two of the highest-rated presentations at BEC ever. I am so happy for Tom, but hate seeing him go! Congrats, my friend, I’ll see you in Louisville and will always wish the best for you going forward!

BEC/Olympics connection

Last this week… a loose BEC Conference connection.  In 2007, our keynote speaker at BEC was Mike Eruzione, Captain of the 1980 US Olympic team, aka “Miracle on Ice”, and he was incredible. Inspirational and funny. He picked on the Minnesota contingent from our industry (a fun rivalry between his home in Boston and Minnesota) and truly had the audience in the palm of his hand. I bring this up for two reasons.  

1. BEC is where things happen that you just don’t forget. Speakers, connections, tornados etc.
2. Netflix debuted a new documentary on that 1980 team, and it is absolutely a must-watch.  Never-before-seen video, never-before-heard stories, and some serious emotions that, if you are a parent, you will cry. Just so well done. Check it out. And please come to BEC too!