Texas, Speakers, and DC

Big week ahead as the 4th Texas Glass Conference kicks off this week outside of Austin. The Texas Glass Association once again has put together an amazing agenda, and the speaking group/subject matter is top-notch. I can’t wait to be there to participate! I am very curious to get some insight from the attendees on the various product trends, too. Even though that is one area I am talking about, I am looking forward to some feedback on what other people are seeing and experiencing. I’ll have the recap with pertinent details next week here on the blog!

Elsewhere…

Latest pod

In case you missed it, one of my guests from my most recent podcast is playing a huge role in the Texas Glass Conference IV. Kyle Sharp of Sharp Glass is the current President of the TGA, and he gave a nice rundown of the event, among many other nuggets. Also on that pod is the fabulous Chris Giovannielli of Kawneer. The thought leader approach that Chris and the team are doing is really super and good for our industry as a whole. So please if you haven’t listened/watched yet, check it out!

Watch now on YouTube, or listen here, as well as by searching “From the Fabricator” on Apple, Spotify etc.

Top Industry Speaker list

I teased a few weeks back that I was going to do a “Top Industry Speaker” list, and here it is. I will note, this list is missing the amazing Troy Johnson of Apogee/Harmon, as I put him in a class all by himself. Plus, I don’t see Troy speaking at multiple events like the people below have done and will most likely do so in the future. Getting him to BEC was tough enough! So, in no specific order, here’s who I consider the best public speakers/presenters right now.

• Wade Arnold- USBP- I have heard him speak in public and on webinars, and he is tremendous. Strong grasp of the product and codes that surround it and speaks in terms everyone can understand and also throws some sharp jabs too when needed. I always learn something and appreciate the effort he puts into it.
• Andrew Haring- FHC- Most know Andrew for his LinkedIn persona, but he’s an unreal speaker. His performance at the Texas Glass Conference III was a masterpiece in grabbing the audience, pulling them close, and taking them on a thrill ride of info. Very effective and interesting and, of course, creative to the core.
• Paul Bush- Vitro- You may not have seen Paul speak since he veers more to the technical stuff, but if you ever get a chance to hear him, run, don’t walk. Intelligent and in-depth presentation skill and he is able to mix a ton of info in the right style where you “get it” and your eyes don’t glaze over. I once had the misfortune of having to follow him in the speaking roster. I was dying in the audience as he was crushing everything including tidbits I had. Following him would be like the opening act following the headliner. Good stuff!
• Henry Taylor—Kawneer—It’s all about the style and tone here. Henry makes you feel like you should pull up a chair, grab a lemonade, and listen intently to tales of storefronts and curtain walls. Always thorough and always giving you more to think about and act on, Henry delivers a top-notch experience. His knowledge base is also unreal.
• Seth Madole-Viracon- Seth delivers info with authority and a genuine touch. Maybe it’s the mix of being 7 feet tall and being Minnesota Nice, but whatever it is, it works. Deep dives delivered in that easy-going Midwest style, and you walk away from it smarter and also hungry for more. Plus, Seth has such a wide range of experience that he can walk in another person’s shoes and provide a ton of really helpful content. Always an enjoyable experience!

So there you go, first round of folks on the list. I’ll keep watching and listening for future additions!

Glass and Glazing Advocacy Days

This week also has the industry headed to Washington DC for Glass and Glazing Advocacy Days. The National Glass Association has done an incredible job organizing this, and it brings much-needed visibility to the issues that affect our space now and into the future. Among the topics that will be covered this week with lawmakers from all over the US include bird friendly, school security, high performance glazing, and workforce development. Follow the NGA social accounts. Are you following on LinkedIn? If not, do that now. Look at the next issues of Glass Magazine Weekly and Window + Door Weekly for more!

Architect frustration

Last this week… saw a blurb on a recent webinar that architects are getting more and more frustrated because they’re doing more design concepts and not getting compensated. We all know that feeling in some form or fashion, right? Anyway, they listed who were the main culprits of these actions and it’s not surprising to me. Worst culprit, the developer. Followed by institutional non-profits, building owners, government, and private institutions. Interesting list and situation going on, especially with certain conditions softening, being gracious and doing things for “free” gets a lot harder. We’ll see if there’s any pushback ahead!