Glass Getting a Positive Push

At the end of last month Microsoft founder Bill Gates wrote a pretty fascinating blog post. The post was headlined “Buildings are Bad for the Climate,” and he went deep into the issues he sees the traditional building causing our world going forward. It was deep dive that went in a few different directions. It offered some of his solutions and approaches, which was nice compared to the typical article of this nature that just would “hit and run” the facts of the situation. I think it’s worth a read. Plus, he did call out glass, but in a very positive way, in my opinion, with this line:

“I’m aware of some promising technologies that could help buildings use energy more efficiently. I’m intrigued by windows that use so-called smart glass, which automatically turns darker when the room needs to be cooler, and lighter when it needs to be warmer.”

Now, as someone who has used this space many times to talk about the dynamic glass technologies, I absolutely got a charge out of this. It was truly nice to see at least one of our product lines get a positive push from someone as respected and well-known as Gates. What happens next with this approach remains to be seen. Gates really didn’t push more on this article because at the same time as it came out, he was in the news cycle for his wealth and taxes, part of the ongoing presidential primary season. So, hopefully that passes and we see this expand and extend into where glass can truly make a difference. It is surely one to watch.

Elsewhere…

• Does your company temper glass? If so, make sure your plant leadership is on the Thirsty Thursday webinar this week. This one features John Kent representing the Safety Glazing Certification Council and he’s bringing everyone up to speed on changes to the process. Note that in mid-2019, SGCC implemented a new lab-training exam that will become mandatory in 2020. This may impact your facility so click here and sign up. 
• Passing major kudos on to the Daubmann family and their My Shower Door operation. They have really continued to outkick the coverage constantly in their approach and now added a Manufacturer of the Year award and great letter from United States Senator Rick Scott to boot. Love the recognition that they have been able to garner and the good will they bring. Plus, Keith Daubmann is a “Stoolie” so that gives me extra incentive to like him! Congrats!
• While I am passing out the props, great news from Salem Distributing on the naming of two fabulous people to vice president slots. Mike Rosato and David Anderson both got the nod for the West and East Coasts, respectively. I like both of these guys a ton. I have only known Mike for a short while and he’s always impressed me. Meanwhile, I go way back with David and I can’t tell you how thrilled I am that he’s excelling at Salem. Makes the day. Congrats Mike and David and to Salem for the inspired choices.
• Good economic and forecast info is now available through the talented Nick St. Denis and KM&R. The glass and glazing quarterly review is out and you can get it and be added to the lists by clicking this link. Nick does nice work and this is very helpful in keeping abreast of the various economic moves out there.
• Great news from two great people in our world. Super reps Lindsay and Dustin Price welcomed a new member to the family this week. Max Andrew Price was born on Nov. 12. Obviously, I love that name and congrats to Lindsay and Dustin on their awesome and growing family!
• Last this week: this is the last post before the Thanksgiving holiday in the U.S. hits. Unless something crazy happens, I won’t be back in this space until the week of Dec. 1. As I have written here pretty much every year, Thanksgiving is easily my most favorite holiday. I love everything about it, and I love that it gives us a chance to reflect and thank those that mean so much to us. It goes without saying that I am thankful to those of you who read and support this blog week in and week out. I truly appreciate it. I sincerely hope everyone out there has a wonderful holiday and you can enjoy the time with your family and friends. 

Max Perilstein 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.