Aerial robots. Megatall skyscrapers. Custom, abstract façades. These were just some of the ideas presented at the Façade Tectonics Institute “Façades Forum,” held in mid-October at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.
I’m completely beat… GlassBuild finally arrived, and the three days passed in a flash. So, it’s now time for my annual gigantic recap, including what I saw and heard at the show, and, of course, a lot of name drops. I was very lucky to run into many amazing people. So, settle in, this is traditionally my longest blog of the year…
Finally. GlassBuild America week! If you are at the show, please feel free to grab me to say hi. I often am in 1,000 different directions, and I miss seeing people… I look forward to it.
Most glass, window, and door companies think artificial intelligence, or AI, means million-dollar projects. That belief keeps them stuck doing nothing. The smart move is to start small with AI and visibility systems that deliver immediate ROI: content creation, research automation, voice agents for after-hours calls, and follow-up systems.
Switching to new software can feel daunting, but fear signals that you care about making the right choice. Customizable solutions, paired with a supportive partner and phased implementation, help businesses preserve their unique workflows while gaining efficiency, transparency, and scalability—turning short-term challenges into long-term success.
A new episode of the “From the Fabricator” podcast is now up, and this was a learning edition for me. First up, Seth Madole of Viracon. Seth has been a key cog in the Viracon machine for years, and it was great to get his insight into successful business approaches and, of course, the supply chain, which falls under his responsibilities at Viracon. Then I talked with Kevin Black of Flexijet.
Typically, I usually end my blog posts with a list… but this week I’ll flip the script and start with one. This is the 1st half of 2025 Top US Metro areas for commercial buildings and multifamily housing construction starts via Dodge. I found it interesting in a few ways, mostly performance this year vs. last.
It is that time… GlassBuild is approaching, and with the hotel deadline this week, I figured this was a prime opportunity to make my pitch on why you should be there. This is the show for the entire industry. A chance for all of us to connect, learn, and grow. I hear from people who say they don’t go because “there’s nothing for me there,” and to that I say…nonsense! To me, it means you are not looking at it the right way.
The latest edition of the “From the Fabricator” podcast is out, and we’re big game hunting this time with two industry heavyweights. I start with Devin Bowman of TGP & Allegion. A brilliant guy who’s had a significant impact on our space and continues to push the envelope. Great hearing his insights on protective/health and safety issues and where we fit in.