New Pod- Catch Up and Grow
Coast to coast guests
The newest episode of the From the Fabricator Podcast is now out and we go to coast to coast with great guests yet again. I am so fortunate to be able to talk to this sort of talent!
Kicking it off by catching up with Chris Hanstad and Barry Sutherland of FHC (Frameless Hardware Company). They were on my second ever episode way back in February of 2021 and needless to say a lot has changed. Great to get the updates, including a massive expansion and those guys and the entire FHC team is rocking right now.
Then on to Amber Deimler of MyGlassTruck for a conversation that was very enlightening on a lot of angles including culture, R&D, new products, EV and much more. Plus the MyGlassTruck booth at GlassBuild will have a different look and a lot of cool things to see/experience. Truly enjoyed both interviews! Please give it a listen or watch!
Thanks for checking out my podcasts. I appreciate the support as always! You can watch on YouTube, or listen here, as well as on Apple, Spotify, Google and more.
Elsewhere…
GlassBuild
OK folks. Let’s get real here for a moment. We are a month out from GlassBuild. Time to make sure you are registered and have your hotel room. I have been checking with some of my friends in the industry and more than a few came back with “oh yes, gotta take care of that” sort of answer. Do it now. Get it set before you forget or before the hotel you want is booked. GlassBuild.com for it all. As for the show, 475+ exhibits now…and so much cool educational content I can’t wait! Next week I’m going to talk about a couple of those sessions that can’t be missed….
Architectural Billings Index
In my last post I noted the new Architectural Billings Index would be released and I predicted it would be down and that actually happened. The index limped in with a 48.1 score (50 is the break-even mark) so we’re underwater officially and it feels like we may be there for a bit. Experts are calling it a “modest softening” and that is what it is for now, but the focus is what will the continuing trend be. Design inquiries stayed above water nicely even ticking up a bit from last month, but the interest rate issue is real, and we continue to have to be focused on a tougher market ahead.
JLL Mid-Year Update
More food for thought? The Jones Lang Lasalle (JLL) mid-year update had a lot of data points to absorb as well. It too is showing some slower conditions among other items. Lots to take in overall. Check out some of the more pertinent details HERE.
GPAD
Before you know it the next edition of GPAD (Glass Processing and Automation Days) will be here (March, Nashville) and one of the stars of the last event just got some good news. Kyle Lindersmith of Burkle North America was named Vice President of the 3P Division there. Very cool for Kyle and nice move by Burkle. Now the pressure will be on Kyle to repeat his incredible performance at the next GPAD! Congrats!
Losses in the industry
Last this week… Sad news. Two big losses of major pillars of the past in our industry with the passing of Donn Harter and Rich Walker. Donn Harter was a hugely important figure out west, started the original California Glass Association and was instrumental in so many codes and actions in our space. Truly impactful in many ways.
Rich Walker was the past President of AAMA (forerunner to what is now FGIA) and was a major part in raising the educational options in our industry and representing the Fenestration world at the highest levels. AAMA grew by leaps and bounds under Rich as well which was a challenge given some of the economics during his tenure. Both men were great leaders and will be missed. My thoughts and condolences to the family and friends of both gentlemen.
