glassblog

Monday, August 29, 2011

A good return on investment

As most of you know, GlassBuild America is right around the corner. This is the glass industry's one event that brings everyone involved with glass — glaziers, fabricators, manufacturers, dealers, etc. — together in one location. If you've never been, then this is the year to come. Let me share a few reasons why.

First, the cost is more practical than ever. Have you seen the price of flights to Atlanta? Not to sound like a used car salesman, but they're insanely low. A couple of the big travel sites (Yapta, Kayak, etc.) let you track the historical price of flights, and when you run them for Atlanta, they're as low as they've ever been. They've gone down even more in just the last couple days. So, the travel cost can't be an excuse. Go ahead, book a flight.

Second, is the industry-leading educational content. Sure, there are other seminars and conferences throughout the year. I'm sure all of them are worth your time. But the Glazing Executives Forum has become an event you simply must attend if you're serious about being successful in your business. You'll learn more about the latest trends and products in the industry, along with economic and financial information to put it all in perspective. Plus, you'll be in a room of your peers all focused on finding solutions to common challenges in the industry. We're also pleased to add a new forum this year directed at the architect community.

In addition to the forums, we have seminars on two of the biggest trends in glass: decorative glass and building integrated photovoltaics. The decorative glass session will be moderated by Kris Vockler of ICD Performance Coatings and her ace team of panelists. The BIPV seminar will be led by Richard Voreis of Consulting Collaborative. Both moderators have recruited a top-notch team of experts to share their insights on these two vital areas of growth.

Third, the show itself. Have you seen the list of exhibitors? There are some major names on that list. And there's only one show that they all attend. Simply stated, if you want to go to one place where you can see the latest in all things glass, this is it.

So, it's not that expensive to go, you'll learn a lot and you're highly likely to bring a good idea back to the office. That sounds like a good return on investment to me. 

Matt Rumbaugh is senior manager, education and training, for the National Glass Association. Write him at mrumbaugh@glass.org.

1 comments
Monday, August 29, 2011

From the fabricator: Eye of the storm

I had a great blog already written, but due to Hurricane Irene I decided to change it up. Because I post this blog on Sundays, the full force of the hurricane and its aftermath will not have played out completely when I post this. Obviously, my thoughts are with everyone in its path. Hopefully, everyone is staying safe.

Given the circumstances, my normal batch of commentary, snark and kudos is just not appropriate. All I can say is that a hurricane is bad wherever and whenever it hits, but the fact that Irene is hitting places that normally don't get hurricanes makes this even worse. Compounding the problem is that so much in our world depends on what happens in cities like New York. Basically, if New York sneezes, the rest of the country can catch a cold. So, it does beg the questions: how much of an economic effect will this hurricane have, and how far will it reach?

It has been a very good summer for the glass and construction industry (especially compared to the winter and spring). Will this derail or lengthen it? No matter what the result is, hopefully everyone  hangs in there with as little issues as possible. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

I will close with some levity though: specifically, this story on what the folks are hoarding in Brooklyn ... and it's not water. I guess we all deal with things in different ways!

I'll be back next week with a regular post. 

Read on for links and video of the week...

The author is founder of Sole Source Consultants, a consulting firm for the building products industry that specializes in marketing, branding, communication strategy and overall reputation management, as well as website and social media, and codes and specifications. E-mail him at MaxP@SoleSourceConsultants.com.

The opinions expressed here are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Glass Association, Glass Magazine editors, or other glassblog contributors. 

3 comments
Tuesday, August 23, 2011

VIDEO: The glass highway

They say a photo (or in this case, a video) is worth a thousand words, so I will keep this short.

In this frustrating economic environment, sometimes it's easy for me to get bogged down by falling ABI numbers and gloomy construction forecasts. Then I see videos like this, and I'm reminded that the future of the glass industry is bright: very bright.

Our industry, and those working in concert with it, continue to make product advancements that stretch the limits of glass applications, and the imagination. I continually see products and projects featuring glass in new and innovative ways, and that makes the glass industry an exciting place to be. 

Will we live in a world where our highways are made of glass solar panels like those in this video? Will glaziers installing BIPV today be installing solar highways tomorrow? Who knows? But it's interesting to think about.  

 

Chase is editorial director of Glass Magazine, e-glass weekly and GlassMagazine.com. Write her at jchase@glass.org.

12 comments
Monday, August 22, 2011

From the fabricator: News of all makes and models

An absolute rollercoaster of a week news-wise: we had good news, sad news, surprising news, and what could possibly be considered depressing news. And, we had glass still falling from the sky. Really, it was all over the map, so let's take a look at what happened.

 

  • We will start with the sad news regarding the passing of John Neunlist, president of Admiral Glass in Houston. John was one of those consistent, classy industry guys. He always supported our industry, was a fixture at BEC and simply a force in his world. Our industry lost a very good man last week, and thoughts and prayers go out to John's family.
  • The week also saw more rough numbers out of the Architectural Billings Index. For the fifth straight month, the numbers were down. So now, it's surely an official "trend." However, I am starting to question the whole methodology involved, based on last year's predictions for this year. Our industry is a lot busier right now than what the ABI predicted it would be nine to 12 months ago. And while I think this burst of business is sorely overdue, I am still taking ABI's latest downward trends with a grain of salt. If our world is dog slow in August of 2012, then we'll know right?
  • The good news is that remodeling numbers are nowhere close to being down or depressed. That segment has been going hog wild for awhile and will continue to do so. The era of "spec" buildings is absolutely toast, and with years of inventory on the markets right now, the remodel/retrofit segment looks very promising.
  • Surprising news on the decision in U.S, court to dismiss the lawsuit against the U.S. Green Building Council. I really thought the suit would have more legs, but in the end, the judge attacked the logic behind the suit and sided firmly with the USGBC. The fine folks at BuildingGreen.com have a great recap with insights here. I don't think this is the end of attacks on USGBC. A lot of people still have issues with its programs and the overall value to true sustainability in our world. It will be an interesting one to continue to monitor.
  • Glass keeps falling off of buildings. The newest round is in Toronto, and that news has been bouncing around the Internet like wildfire. The bad thing is that, once again, this can be used as a negative mark against glass as a building product. As an industry, it would be nice to have at least a little run without someone beating on us.

Elsewhere in the very busy week that passed:

  • A hearty congrats to my pal Rich Porayko and his wife Tricia on the birth of their son Levi. I am sure the kid  is already taking after his Dad and hustling like crazy. Levi is their first child... Congrats!
  • A wish of good luck to Joe Krusienski as he heads off into new pastures, whatever they may be. I had the absolute honor of working with Joe for several years and there are not many who are better. They just don't make guys like Joe anymore, that is for sure. Hopefully we'll have a Joe K sighting at GlassBuild America in a few weeks.
  • Many thanks to Ted Knopp of McKenzie Glass in Oregon and James M. who noted on last week's blog that I mis-heard the wording on the video that I posted. I appreciate the catch and now know exactly what I did. I heard what I wanted to hear; what I assumed was said and just mixed it up. In any case, thank you guys for reading and for taking the time to post it. Much appreciated!
  • Also, thanks to Tish Oye of Glassworks in Seattle, Wash., for an awesome link about how architects love glass. You can read the piece here. To get you going, here's the first line: "Architects like to build with wood, masonry, concrete and steel, but most really love glass."

    Is that not cool or what?!?

Read on for links and video of the week...

The author is founder of Sole Source Consultants, a consulting firm for the building products industry that specializes in marketing, branding, communication strategy and overall reputation management, as well as website and social media, and codes and specifications. E-mail him at MaxP@SoleSourceConsultants.com.

The opinions expressed here are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Glass Association, Glass Magazine editors, or other glassblog contributors. 

Monday, August 15, 2011

Video: Glass IS Awesome

Last week, Glass Magazine linked to an amazing video story on glass that I somehow missed. After running across it today when working on this post, I had to make it my top story. The link was to a story done on MSNBC about glass, and it was fantastic. Granted, the majority of the piece was not about architectural or commercial glass, but there was enough in there to really put our industry in a positive light. At the end of the piece, legendary architect James Carpenter makes a great statement: "Glass will become more and more persuasive in our lives..."

We need to keep promoting and pushing that sentiment exactly. Glass has been getting a bum rap for years, and much of it unfairly so. Hopefully, with pieces like this; the continued amazing advances on the dynamic, energy, safety and decorative side of things; and hungry people out pushing, we'll keep turning the tide and changing any negative perceptions that remain. Check out the video below:

 

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Elsewhere...
  • This past week, I was lucky enough to join an online "GlassChat" created by Social Media Consultant Patricia Linthicum, who runs the excellent "Looking at Glass" blog. The weekly online Twitter chat is getting more and more popular, and becoming a great resource to learn and build from. I got a kick out of seeing great insights flowing from tremendous people representing companies like Glasswerks, ICD, Glasslam, Gardner, Coral, Connors Sales and more. And don't worry, there was not even a sniff of anti-trust activities; it's basically a great interactive version of something you would follow here or in e-glass weekly. If you want to get in the conversation, there's a group on LinkedIn. Or, if you follow any of the above companies on Twitter, they can lead you there. You can also drop me a line.
  • Also saw a very good update online this week about changes to UFC codes and ASTM F2248. If you or your company is in the blast protection world, it is surely an update to look at and an issue to follow. More can be found clicking HERE. (H/T to the excellent JEI folks.)
  • Football: the pro version is now playing preseason and I am STILL not into it. Getting worried that I lost that groove. College ball is getting closer, and I am somewhat excited about that.
  • The phrase "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery" dates back to the 1820's but continues to be relevant today. Though it can be frustrating, it is uplifting when your efforts are copied. Must mean you are doing something right, eh? Anyway, it has been great to be flattered lately.
  • So, we are basically a month away now from the show of the year, GlassBuild America. I am excited about it. Having the chance to see people again and network is crucial. And the opportunity to see the new products and innovations available is a must to help diversification efforts. No doubt, there is some excitement surrounding the event. Enthusiasm also is growing for the Glazing Executives Forum. The breakout session moderators have been announced and it's a who's who of intelligent and solid industry folks. Hope to see you there! 

Read on for links and clip of the week.

 

The author is founder of Sole Source Consultants, a consulting firm for the building products industry that specializes in marketing, branding, communication strategy and overall reputation management, as well as website and social media, and codes and specifications. E-mail him at MaxP@SoleSourceConsultants.com. 

 The opinions expressed here are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Glass Association, Glass Magazine editors, or other glassblog contributors. 

16 comments
Monday, August 15, 2011

Breaking down the barriers

Johnson Controls' Institute for Building Efficiency recently published the results of its fifth annual Energy Efficiency Indicator survey. Each year, the survey asks those responsible for energy use and real estate decisions about items ranging from management practices and investment plans to technology integration strategies. This year's results indicate a growing urgency to make buildings more energy efficient.

Interestingly, what also stood out were the participants' reported barriers to pursuing energy efficiency investments, including a lack of awareness regarding energy-saving opportunities and projects' inability to meet financial payback criteria.

I believe the glass industry is prepared to meet the growing need for energy efficient improvements. That being said, how can organizations and others who have a stake in this industry—architects, engineers and glazing contractors, to name a few—overcome these perceived barriers to increase future investments in energy efficiency improvement projects?

First and foremost, our industry needs to increase awareness of how proven glazing technologies can transform the building envelope into a real energy-saving opportunity. Once viewed as an energy efficiency "weak link," the time has come for glazing to transition from being part of the problem to part of the solution. The bottom line? Glass should be viewed as a key tool for improving a building's energy efficiency, lowering its carbon footprint, and decreasing cooling and heating expenses by as much as 30 percent.

Simply put, high performance glazing makes buildings more efficient, but not enough people know it. By making awareness a priority, the glazing industry can knock down a key barrier to energy efficiency investments. The increased urgency to make buildings more efficient is certainly a step in the right direction toward a greener and more sustainable future. Here's hoping the results of next year's EEI survey indicate that an increased awareness of glazing solutions is helping to make this future a reality. 

Bruce Lang is the vice president of Marketing and Business Development at Southwall Technologies, Palo Alto, Calif. He also is the president of Southwall Insulating Glass, LLC, a joint venture company established to manufacture energy-efficient insulating glass incorporating Southwall's Heat Mirror film technology. Write him at blang@southwall.com.

The opinions expressed here are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Glass Association, Glass Magazine editors, or other glassblog contributors. 

Friday, August 5, 2011

Lessons from the pit crew: Maximize efficiency to maximize service

My wife, Tammy, had a quizzical look on her face when I told her that I planned to write my first blog about my favorite t-shirt.

My favorite t-shirt―gray with a fading logo and a little oversized―is really nothing special, but I wear it around the house (and even out in public) much more than Tammy would like. Why do I like wearing it so much? Because of the story that comes with it.

Recently, while on a business trip I had the unfortunate circumstance of running over a dead deer in the middle of the freeway. Since I was only a mile or so from my hotel, I continued down the road at a cautious pace. I parked at the hotel and got out of the car in time to hear the last of the air escaping the tire. With a dinner appointment in less than an hour, the tire was quickly replaced with the donut that was in the trunk, and I went on my way.

After a meeting the next day I started to head home, at which point I wondered how far I should drive on the donut. A quick look in the car's user manual indicated that 50 miles was the recommended maximum. I then took the next exit off the freeway in an attempt to find a new tire.

I quickly came upon a rundown garage that had a tire sign in front of it. I pulled in and went inside. Did they have a tire to replace the flat one? Yes. Did they have a set of four? Yes, At a reasonable price? Yes. Now, the most important question: How long would it take to replace all four tires? I didn't want to wait the expected two hours. The gentleman told me they would have me on my way in 15 minutes. I was shocked and said yes right away.

The next thing I knew, a garage door flew open and a small army of men with floor jacks and air wrenches descended on my car right there in the parking lot. I could hear the new tires being placed on the rims and spin balanced. I watched in amazement as the new tires were placed on the car and they told me I was ready to go, all in less than 15 minutes. As I walked out the door, the gentleman handed me a t-shirt and thanked me for the business.

They certainly exceeded my expectations and gave me a t-shirt to remind me of the experience!

Going forward, my hope for this blog is that my words regarding manufacturing efficiency, organization and production flow can create an experience that will keep you reading. 

 

8 comments
Thursday, August 4, 2011

From the fabricator: A word of caution

Being diverse is a good thing, as is adding new avenues to your business. But taking on business that you know little about and stepping all over your subcontractors, well, that is bad. And it has potential to be dangerous too. Recently, there's been a trend in our world where general contractors are deciding that they don't need professional glaziers; they can just install the glass and framing themselves. This maneuver is becoming more prominent as job bids get tighter and people get more desperate for work. Not only does this upset the natural order of things (which surely can be debated by some), but it can be very dangerous for the installers handling the products and the general public as well. In the last few weeks in the Northeast, we had such a situation raise its ugly head. A general contractor was able to buy glass directly from a fabricator and then installed it. It was annealed glass and it went into doors... at a hospital no less. Luckily, no one got hurt when the first piece broke in large shards. But at the end of the day, fabricators that sell to a GC direct are being complicit with a poor and most likely dangerous business practice, and the GC cutting out the glazier is absolutely shameful. I know "desperate times call for desperate measures" but these sorts of moves are not good for anyone and it actually stains us all as an industry. So go ahead and be diverse, but think twice before you step into a scenario that could have serious long-lasting and devastating effects.

Elsewhere...

  • Can we backcharge Standard & Poors because of their calculation mistake? What a miserable week on Wall Street.
  • Props to Jenni Chase, Katy Devlin and the gang at Glass Magazine. Last week in e-glass weekly there was yet another tremendous interview, adding to a really stellar list of people being profiled here. (And more to come!) Glass Magazine and e-glass weekly have become the place people come to be heard, as well as the home for in-depth insight into every big story in our world. It is just very exciting to be a part of that.
  • Good news for the "dynamic" window world with the release mid last week from Lux Research. The world is moving that way and will continue to embrace that technology because it is good... VERY good for our world. Congrats to SAGE and Soladigm for their mentions and don't sleep on the gang from RavenBrick. They are absolutely in the discussion too. No matter how you slice it, good things are coming and it's great for our industry.
  • My alma mater, Ohio University, finally won something.... The Princeton Review named OU the #1 party school in the country. Amazing. I wonder if they still do quarter beer night like they did when I went there.
  • You know I like lists, and this week a cool one came out with the Top 10 cities that will be the places to live in 2020. Boomtowns is what they are calling them... so I guess if you own land in these areas, the boom is coming according to Proximity One.
    1. Raleigh, N.C.
    2. Richland, Wash.
    3. Austin/Round Rock, Texas
    4. Provo, Utah
    5. Hinesville, Ga.
    6. Logan, Utah
    7. Grand Junction, Colo.
    8. McAllen, Texas
    9. Idaho Falls, Idaho (Once upon a time, ISU hall of famer Dave Michaeli of AGC surely roamed this area!)
    10. Charlotte, N.C.

    I have been to most of these places and could see the allure. You wonder though: if they grow too much, will they still be as nice?
  • Last this week: did you make your plans yet for GlassBuild America? The show is coming up quickly and well worth the time and minimal cost to be there so you can network and advance your business. 

Read on for links and clip of the week.

The author is founder of Sole Source Consultants, a consulting firm for the building products industry that specializes in marketing, branding, communication strategy and overall reputation management, as well as website and social media, and codes and specifications. E-mail him at MaxP@SoleSourceConsultants.com. 

 The opinions expressed here are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Glass Association, Glass Magazine editors, or other glassblog contributors. 

2 comments
Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Have the duties on Chinese aluminum helped, or hurt, your business?

Concluding an investigation that began in early 2010, the Department of Commerce determined this spring that Chinese companies dumped some $500 million worth of extruded aluminum products into the U.S. market last year, selling them at prices up to 33 percent less than fair value. In response, U.S. International Trade Commission officials voted to impose steep duties on all aluminum extrusion imports from China.

My question is, are you feeling the impact? And if so, has it been a positive or negative experience? 

According to American Architectural Manufacturers Association President and CEO Rich Walker, many of AAMA's commercial members have benefited from the ruling. "Early indicators are proving this was very effective and positive for our members, and those dumped aluminum profiles have pretty much disappeared," he said in an interview with Glass Magazine earlier this year.

For others, like shower door manufacturer Coastal Industries, the duties on Chinese aluminum have had a negative effect. "The tariffs have forced manufacturers like us to rethink our manufacturing process," says Ray Adams, president. "Before the tariffs, we could mix imported and domestic metals, fabricate shower doors here in America and compete with imported items. With the tariffs on raw goods, we are all faced with having to look at producing doors overseas, tariff-free, in order to compete," he says.

For still others, the duties have not had an impact. "Most of our purchases are not from Asia," says Rick Hamlin, executive vice president, national estimating, system design, Trainor Glass Co. "While a minor amount of it is, we're not feeling the effects [from the tariffs]," he reports.

What about your company? Has the ITC decision to levy duties on Chinese aluminum coming into the U.S. affected your business positively or negatively? 

Chase is editorial director of Glass Magazine, GlassMagazine.com and e-glass weekly. Write her at jchase@glass.org.

The opinions expressed here are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Glass Association, Glass Magazine editors, or other glassblog contributors.

1 comments
Monday, August 1, 2011

From the fabricator: Ready to roll!

Well, the time has come to finally introduce my new venture, or more aptly put, my new AD-venture! I have founded a new consulting firm for the building products industry called Sole Source Consultants. The mission of this new organization is to help businesses prosper by offering expertise in virtually every aspect of their operation. My specialty is the marketing, branding, communication strategy and overall reputation management side, as well as website and social media, and of course, code and specification assistance. To make sure we can meet any need out there, however, I have also been working with some of the best independent consultants our industry has to offer. So, that's the basic pitch. For more information, e-mail me at MaxP@SoleSourceConsultants.com and I'll gladly provide specific details.

Also, I will note that after this post, I will not promote my business in this space. This blog will remain the popular industry observation point that so many have flocked to since 2005. I am humbled by that and thank you for reading. I will have a specific blog for the new company on the Sole Source site that will cover issues pertaining to that business, but I have no desire to ever mix the two.

Finally, as I have worked to put this together, I have been repeatedly asked why I am going in this direction. What was my thought process and so on? For companies in our industry, I believe now is the time to attack, business-wise. It is time to step up, get ahead of the pack and be a market leader as the economy continues to evolve. Smart companies are making the moves necessary to be at the forefront, and they will be in the market for the services that a group like mine can provide. But this is also about my family. My great grandfather, grandfather, Dad and brother Steve all started businesses and did extremely well. I want to see if I can measure up to their awesome legacy. I also wanted to create a vehicle that my kids (along with my wife, brother, sister and Mom) can look at and be proud of: a venture that sets the tone for the future, provides positive services and helps people achieve and reach their goals.
Plus, rumor has it that if I do well, I might move up the rankings of the favorite people in my Mom's life. Right now I am perking around #17... so there's that.

Anyway, thank you for reading and supporting the blog and my career over the years. Please know I truly appreciate any and all consideration you send my way.

Elsewhere...

  • Since this blog was so long, we'll save the posts for next week, when I will have a piece on a very scary and discouraging story about glaziers getting cut out of the food chain by generals, and  the mistakes that come with it. So come back for that next week! 

Read on for links and video of the week...

Write Max at MaxP@SoleSourceConsultants.com.

The opinions expressed here are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Glass Association, Glass Magazine editors, or other glassblog contributors. 

2 comments