June 1 marks the start of hurricane season, and each year we get predictions from experts about what may happen. Before I get to that, I do need to point out that hurricane protective glazing was a huge win and move for our industry. It is now what school security will eventually be. A must-use product to keep people safe while also allowing them to live a normalized life.
After nearly a decade working in the world of apprenticeship, most recently as a field representative and supervisor for the New York State Department of Labor, I’ve seen how both employers and employees benefit from this training and certification program. While we often speak about apprenticeship in terms of employer benefits—solving recruitment and retention issues—but it’s important to recognize how and why it benefits employees as well.
For the holiday weekend, a new episode of the “From the Fabricator” podcast is ready for you. Guest numbers 219 and 220. I kick it off with Randy Brooks, president and CEO of Gardner Glass/Walker Glass. Randy is the genuine article, and it was fun to catch up with a guy I first ran into in this industry 30+ years ago. We hit on a ton of subjects, including bringing two great companies together, expansions, products, and more.
One thing I often talk about is moving away from the “that’s the way we’ve always done it” mentality in our industry. Yes, I’ll admit, I actually fall into that trap from time to time too, especially as the years go by, so I know it’s not easy. But in challenging times like the ones we’re facing now, thinking outside the box is more crucial than ever.
The George Orwell quote that gives this blog its title—“At 50, every man has the face he deserves”—is relevant to my topic in more ways than one. One of my recent blogs mentions that 2026 is Technical Glass Products’ (TGP) 50th anniversary. What I didn’t mention is that I also turned 50 this year. And just a short drive from TGP’s headquarters, Freeway Park in Seattle is also celebrating its 50th anniversary.
The George Orwell quote that gives this blog its title—“At 50, every man has the face he deserves”—is relevant to my topic in more ways than one. One of my recent blogs mentions that 2026 is Technical Glass Products’ (TGP) 50th anniversary. What I didn’t mention is that I also turned 50 this year. And just a short drive from TGP’s headquarters, Freeway Park in Seattle is also celebrating its 50th anniversary.
So the industry picked up a huge win last week, one that you’ll hear more about this week and for sure weeks going forward. Behind a herculean effort by NGA’s Urmilla Sowell and her incredible team of technical & advocacy stars, a new bill was introduced in Congress that could be massive to the glass and glazing industry. I’m speaking of House Resolution 8506. Sponsored by Rep.
Good stuff this time out after an excellent industry week. First, the latest “From the Fabricator” podcast is out and has two really enjoyable conversations. First up was Jason Epps, CEO of Specialty Fenestration Group (Quikserv & USBP). Then I connected with JJ Derman of NovaTech Wall Systems.
This past week was the Texas Glass Conference at the Woodlands, near Houston. Tremendous event overall. The Texas Glass Association really delivered a great gathering chock-full of excellent insights and networking opportunities. A few standouts included a really informative AI panel and a fabulous talk from Scott Kimpland of FMI. Overall, everything really clicked, and I was honored to be involved. My sincere thanks to Brian Risinger and the TGA board for the opportunity.
The challenge of getting our industry and our needs in front of the right people is an ongoing process. One of the big things that happens each year is NGA’s Glass & Glazing Advocacy Days, and they're coming up in May. I am grateful for those who attend and hit Washington, D.C. with the passion necessary to get our points across. This time out, key topics are school security, bird-friendly, and workforce development, all big pieces in our space. Learn more about this effort and your opportunity to be a part of it.