Tough Now, Better Soon?

This week some of the latest forecasts for 2025 were dropped, and for the most part, the news was positive. Obviously, for many in our industry, things are softer than we’d prefer, so this dose of good news was welcomed. Probably the hardest aspect is the fact that a lot of the movement probably won’t hit us until mid ‘25. The bullishness comes from additional rate cuts and some forecasting patterns that are favorable. 

One area that is looking better is multi-home on the residential side. That is always a historical signal that improvement will be coming soon after on commercial. And on that nonresidential side, the main highlights are retrofit/remodel will continue to gain, especially on the lodging side. Lodging is looking like it will have a good 2024. I know some data was mixed, but as predicted by the great Nick St. Denis of KMR on my podcast earlier this year, lodging was going to do well, and it is doing so. In addition, growth in the retail sector! That too comes from more multi-family being built which means more stores and shops to service and support that community. 

On the downside? Offices continue to have some bumpy roads ahead and especially when you take the data centers (which aren’t glass users) out of the mix. The thinking though is we are at the floor in the office side, and we’ll see some growth into 2026. As always, things can and do change, but these latest forecasts gave some hopeful angles. Obviously, the same mantras apply: look to be diverse and find those efficiencies! We’ll continue to monitor it all and on my February podcast Nick will be back for an update from his industry perspective as always!

Elsewhere…

New AIA accredited offering

End of the year means architects could be looking for educational credits. If you are an NGA Member (and by now, isn’t everyone?), there is a batch of tremendous courses that you can present in front of Architects for them to gain those needed credits and, more importantly, learn about important glass and glazing issues. The latest on Thermal Bridging and one on Bird Friendly are at the link below. Check it out and learn more! A ton of amazing volunteers did great work here.

Personnel news

Congrats to old friend Andy Amitrano who was recently promoted to VP at Architectural Glass Services in Florida. Andy has always done great work and has been a super industry guy. Happy to see it.

Workforce development

Also always happy to see when our industry gets out in front of the future potential industry participants. Recently, Harmon, led by Danny Bostic, hit up Florida State University and participated in a career fair there. They spread the gospel about what they do and how great our industry is. So, hopefully, some that attend will find their way to our space. Good work Danny and team!

Hurricane relief update

I do get asked for updates on Billy Britt and Britt-Tilson Glass after the clean-up from the hurricane disaster that they suffered through. Billy and the team are resilient and continue to plug along against all odds. He’s now found a new location and has kept things moving. But in doing so and starting from nothing, there are always additional needs. Billy put together a list of some of the things they could use. So if you have extra or want to donate, it would be more than welcomed.

A loss in the industry

I received word during the week that Gary Johnson, a major leader in our industry for many years passed away. Gary is probably best known for his time at Helima where he ran sales for decades. I didn’t know him well, but from what I did know he was a very good person and class act. My condolences to Gary’s family, friends, and former co-workers.   

Thanksgiving next week

No blog next week as it is Thanksgiving in US and things will be on the quiet side. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, so I can’t wait for it. And in the spirit of that holiday thank you to all of you who read my blog and take in the podcast. I truly appreciate it!! I hope you and your families have a great holiday. And to my friends outside the US a great week ahead! I’ll be back the week of 12/1 for the first of the final 3 posts of the year. Plus, I’ll have new episode of the From the Fabricator podcast too. See you then!