Make Plans

I’ve noted a few times that coming this June is the new NGA Glass Fabricator Conference (GFAB) and now registration is open and questions are flowing in about it. So, here’s my take, this conference is focused on the glass fabricator space. The content is geared towards that audience, and it’s delivered in a “track” style so the messaging can be targeted to the right attendees. After all, we’re not a “one size fits all” sort of industry, and this event takes that into mind.

There are three tracks: Executive, Glass Conference, and Workshop. The Executive has content geared towards company management and includes presentations that support planning and execution in the future. The Glass Conference is basically a traditional technical gathering that used to be a standalone meeting. This is where the best technical minds in our industry gather to develop standards and guidelines that are so crucial for our space. If you care about those standards and how they affect you, you should be there. The last track Workshop, is built for plant leadership and personnel. Improving performance and quality, with a big emphasis on tempering, is on tap. If you’re new to tempering or want to learn the latest tips and tricks, that’s for you. The event is this June in Chicago. 

Elsewhere…

Next pod

FYI, the next edition of the From the Fabricator podcast drops next week, and it’s a pretty unique episode. Four people total from different backgrounds, all serving the industry well. Was very enjoyable getting to know each one better. I think you’ll enjoy it.

Glass Canada feature

Recently, my guy Travis Nevins of IUPAT had a great feature in Glass Canada magazine on certification. Travis delivers a passionate appeal for licensing, and I think he hits all the high points. And this is not a union/non-union issue, it is an industry issue. We need to be at our best out there, and since many other trades have licensing and certification that give owners/architects/GC’s peace of mind, we should have that as well.

2026 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Greater Los Angeles

Congrats to FHC President & CEO Chris Hanstad for being nominated for the 2026 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Greater Los Angeles program. Chris deserves any and all recognition he can get as he’s worked tirelessly to deliver the best for our space. And yes, I know and agree that FHC is a massive team effort, so I am sure Chris shares this honor with each and every person there. I am just thrilled to see mainstream honors hitting one of our own.

Personnel moves at Viracon

Saw two moves from the fine folks at Viracon. Brian Savage, who always keeps me posted on the blizzards in Minnesota (which I hope are done for 2026), has taken on a new role as Senior Manager, Project Operations and Supply Chain. Love it, Brian will be great. Then I noticed Seth Madole is now Vice President, Customer Experience and Supply Chain. Seth is an off,the,charts talented guy, and his effect on customer service and logistics/supply has been huge. He represents the best side of our industry at all ends, and it is awesome that he continues to be impactful out there.

Baseball season begins

Last this week… I am late to this, but Major League Baseball has begun, and I need to make my predictions. Plus, for the third straight year, the Mayor of Glasstown, Jon Johnson, got me into a fantasy league, and it’s been an incredible distraction for me. So grateful to Jon there. On to the predictions… is it too easy to say the Dodgers win it all again? They’re so good… I really have no choice but to pick them, and they’ll take on Seattle in the World Series (Seattle is so overdue there). For Jon and me, our Detroit Tigers may make some waves, but I don't think they have the bats to get there.