Quick Look Back at '25

We are off and running in 2026, and that first tough week, where everyone is catching up after the long holiday run, is done.  As is tradition, each year I review my predictions from the year before. I have to say I didn’t fare too badly with my calls in 2025. So here goes…

Advocacy going further

I was predicting a deeper push into the codes and standards, and we did have a few nice wins. Still muddled a bit on the school side, and that really needs to be worked out. I am confident it will be. Overall, I am calling this a win. The awesome Urmilla Sowell and team worked hard for us. Thank you!

Ride the rail

It wasn’t a real leap to say railings would be strong in '25, so this one ended up being an easy win. More people did get into it, though I was surprised at one potential acquisition that did not happen that could’ve really supercharged it even more. Still a good year, and I don’t see this segment slowing. It’s a great one for our space!

Don’t give up on new tech

Going to give myself a ½ point here. I noted last year that the name “Andluca” will become a household name in the US, and it surely is on its way, especially after a few big awards and a successful debut. I also noted “Alpha SolarTech” would be as well… and well, that one surely did not happen. That one never even left the launch pad in North America.

Alive to 2025, in the mix to 2026

More people stayed alive in ’25 than I think we all thought. A couple of bigger names went out, and there were some branch closures, but for the most part, we battled through it. I also stressed that attending BEC would be a great way to learn and grow, and that came through nicely, too. Jeff Haber gave the audience the answer to the test, and I think those who heard it were among the year's winners.

So, overall, I’m pretty pleased with these calls, maybe my best showing ever. Now the pressure is on for this year, and those predictions come next week.

Elsewhere…

ICYMI, The first podcast of 2026 was released, and I’m loving the feedback. Both Sarah Andreasen of Kawneer and Chris Scheiblein of IUPAT/LMCI got a ton of comments (to me) about their approaches and accomplishments. Very cool. Love hearing the positivity! Thanks again to those two for their time.

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

Attend BEC

I noted above the value of attending BEC. Yearly, 700+ people do, and they all gain from it in one way or another. This year will be no different. Get to glass.org and sign up —early-bird pricing ends soon. I’m pumped because we’ll have a very strong economic forecast session, and I love Evan Afenir and Emily Yukish, and I am thrilled they are among those participating. Brilliant people who are extraordinary talents. Get registered before the pricing goes up!

BEC economic forecast

One of the many reasons I am excited for the BEC economic forecast is that I do think too much is focused on the Architectural Billings Index. Of course, I follow it and report on it each month, and I feel I have a good handle on it. But there are so many other factors and data that I don’t have access to that will tell a more complete story. You’ll get that at BEC! In the meantime, the ABI came out when we were all off for the holidays, and billings were down slightly, but contracts were up and inquiries stayed in the positive zone.

Superbowl predictions

Last… In the NFL – At the start of the season, I picked the Ravens over the Packers – and I did some damage there, cost the Ravens coach his job, and the Packers a truly painful season, ending loss in Chicago. So new pick! I'm rolling with Denver to win it all, beating the Bears, who may just be a team of destiny. So, we’ll see how we do! In any case, it’ll be a fun run to the Super Bowl, and if your team isn't in it, hopefully, we get good commercials.