Blog #1,000

1,000. That is a heck of a number. It is also the number of this post. Starting with post 1 in 2005, we’ve now reached post number 1,000. I’m blown away that this bit of “therapy” I started years ago is still plugging along weekly. “Therapy,” I called it since I missed my broadcasting days and needed an additional outlet to vent as I had a monthly article in one of the trades, but this allowed me to be more active. That turned out to eventually be weekly posts.

When I started this effort, it was to bring some light to the issue of the NFRC getting involved in our industry, with side dishes of China talk, green building and fantasy football. Seriously I did write that about fantasy football, but I don’t think that ever took off. Dang. I mean in 2005 there was a dearth of that stuff. Now it’s crazy saturated. Missed that boat. LOL. Also, when I started this, I was much younger, overly bold, reckless and pretty immature. I took many shots at a lot of different people and organizations. It seemed fun/effective in the moment, but it really wasn’t and I guess that is the part of growing. I can surely see where I was sideways. 

As the years went on, I evolved, as did this blog. Less flamethrowing (though I’ll toss a grenade here and there when warranted, but I hope with fair reason vs. me in 2006-ish) and more news and views and sharing recognition on so many deserving folks who would otherwise probably not get the pub they deserve. In doing all this, I was blessed to grow my network, which I am super proud of and grateful for. I also started a business in the middle of it all too, which being able to talk with all of you helped that along as well. Bottom line? There is nothing better than getting to know the great people in this industry. All of that said…Thank you. Thank you for reading and supporting. Thank you to those of you who read me way back in the day (like Joe Erb as an example) who continue to always support me and thank you to anyone who recently found this or the podcast. I am grateful. I love this industry. I love doing this blog. And my goal is to keep going as long as people read and have interest. 1,000 posts. Blows me away. 

Elsewhere…

The latest Glass Magazine review

One of the staples over the years for me is doing a monthly Glass Magazine review, so it’s pretty appropriate that this special post has one of those reviews in it. The current issue is the Glass Magazine Awards edition, and I have already noted my respect for the winners in a previous post. Stunning. But this issue has a ton more to check out. Articles on labor, technology, and law are all must-reads. Plus, a thoughtful AI piece to end the issue made it great. Good stuff! The ad of the month is always a heck of a challenge for me to pick and this month was no exception. Winner though for me was the “Jumbo” ad from Glasswerks in LA. Fun ad that had a lot going on. Sometimes that could be a distraction but this one worked nicely. Kudos to Glasswerks team on this one!

GlassBuild America approaching

GlassBuild month is here! Soon, we’ll all be in Dallas. Are you registered? Question. If you’ve decided NOT to go- hit me up. I’m curious on why. Not judging but curious. Obviously, as I have noted a few times in the past few weeks, things are a little rough in certain spots in the US, but I'm not sure if it’s that or something else that may hold you back from the biggest and most important show of the year in North America. (Programming? Exhibitors?  Location? Me?) Also, if I can answer any questions etc. let me know! Reminder for free show entry: please feel free to use MAXPOD at checkout. Thanks!

Mental health and well-being

Design for mental health and wellbeing is a growing and important trend. One person taking the lead is old friend Dustin Anderson. Dustin has always been on the front end of these items and now it’s great that he is now pushing it in his designs. Good stuff from Dustin and surely more to come!

Industry anniversary

Double dose of kudos to the “Nicolas Cage” of our industry Ian Patlin. If you ever have seen “National Treasure” and the way Cage deciphers ancient maps, that is how Ian deciphers the most complicated specs and plans. Ian and his company Phoenix Architectural Glass + Metal are celebrating their 3rd anniversary! Congrats! Plus, he just launched what could be the nicest website in our industry. I am jealous of him and his team on this one. Beautiful.

Football hopes

Last this week, it’s not fantasy football, but over the 1,000 posts here, I always make sports predictions and always for Pro Football. So, with the season about to start, it's time for the glass ball to come out and make the choices. I have decided you can’t pick against Patrick Mahomes. He’s too good. Amazingly, I am taking the Chiefs to win it all… again… over the Dallas Cowboys. Everyone is counting the Cowboys out, but that Dallas GlassBuild magic will transfer over…And yes, I obviously want the Detroit Lions in the Super Bowl, but I will not put that pressure on them! Enjoy the season everyone…