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.
The most recent Architectural Billings Index was released, and as expected, the main number remains underwater —though slightly better than last month. The big key again was inquiries were positive, making that a nice trend, and even the AIA analyst is seeing some hope.
Most people walk into trade shows and walk out with a backpack full of catalogs and a few business cards they’ll never follow up on. Here’s how to walk out with momentum.
When I asked exhibiting companies what their advice was for attendees preparing for GlassBuild this year, the main takeaway was: plan your trip to get the most out of the show.
I’ve got a new episode of the “From the Fabricator” podcast loaded up for you, and as I mentioned last week, it’s a real dandy. This time out, I begin with Kevin Hardman of Hardman Glazing Management. You may know him from several different avenues, including his legendary Tools Tuesday pieces, but he goes much deeper than all of that. Really cool guy with some excellent stories, and his family's past is similar to mine, going back to the 1800s. Fun one all the way around.
When it comes to AI, there are no clear-cut answers—whether it’s choosing a major or continuing to provide glazing solutions to multiple building sectors.
From time to time, I do hit on “adaptive reuse” as I genuinely believe that is a must as we move forward. Old inventory with good bones and no one using it should be reset into housing. It was nice to see this article running down a great success story in San Antonio. This shows it can be done. This may not benefit our industry a ton, though usually windows need to be changed, and they can always use shower doors, but it’s critical for our world, and that takes priority here.