2025 Predictions

We’re now a few weeks into the new year and the time has come to make my fearless industry predictions for 2025. Not everyone will like these, but they are what they are, right? Here we go.

Advocacy going further- Our industry has the best advocacy people around in Urmilla Sowell and the Tech Superheroes at NGA.  And this coming year, we’ll see more and more of that. School security leads the way but also pushes on higher performing daily products and the constant protection of the wall and our spot in it. With a new administration in DC and changes to the various agencies, it will be a crucial year for any effort to advance our industry and I believe you will see some major steps put in place to make that happen. Whether that’s a push deeper into codes or something along the lines of a congressional act put in motion I am not sure, but my view is that this year things will take yet another positive step forward for us.

Ride the rail- There’s hot products and then there’s the railing business for glass, which has absolutely gone crazy in the last year plus. To me the moment was when the incredible Shelly Farmer left the railing side, it opened up a massive vacuum and everyone saw the opportunity to fill that gaping hole of business she left. Product advancements hit the streets and companies expanded into it or strengthened their lines. I have a feeling a major player in our space is going to jump in this year and disrupt it even more. Railings are great for us. It's a value added product and now with many needing bird friendly (another hot product) that’s the sort of stuff that is good for the bottom line.

Don’t give up on new tech- It was a bad year in 2024 for some companies that were once among the leaders in the emerging tech side. However, I am looking at 2025 as a comeback of sorts for a few companies that have been diligently working in the shadows some. Names like Andluca Technologies and Alpha Solar Tech could be household words this year and I am rooting for them and all the other folks trying to get a foothold in the market. Learn from those previous misadventures that went out and move forward for the good of our world!

Alive to 25, in the mix to 26- So for many, the rallying call was “Stay alive until 2025,” and now we are here. Unfortunately, in many markets, things are still on the soft side, and as I have noted a few times, the forecast is looking like summer for a breakthrough to better times. So now it’s “Be in the mix, until ‘26” for those battling some of the blues. And if you are in that boat, doing things like attending BEC (more on that below) and hearing the keynotes from Jeff Haber of W&W and Alan Kinder and Suresh Devisetti of Guardian Glass is a must. Information and knowledge are power in a tough market- as is the networking that could surely help a ton. So in the mix for 2026 it is, but here’s to a quicker return to the plus side in ’25.

Also, as I mentioned last week, I expected more automation and robotics, but it didn't happen in '24. Part of that was lead times, so my thought is that you will see more in '25.

Elsewhere…

First pod of 2025

ICYMI- the first From the Fabricator podcast of 2025 was released last week, and I am absolutely thrilled with the reaction and feedback. I knew Marc Deschamps of Walker would rate well, he’s universally popular in our world and people love to hear what he has to say. I wasn’t sure how Scott Lowe of the Beck Group would be welcomed because he’s not from our space, but needless to say the numbers spoke volumes. People wanted to hear his perspectives. Lots of feedback on his glass thoughts and the approach of an architect. It opened some eyes. So good stuff and thrilled that this one went over so well. If you haven’t checked it out yet you can do so at the below options. Thank you for the support!

Watch on YouTube or listen here, or by searching “From the Fabricator” wherever you get your podcasts.

Next podcast is scheduled for Feb. 2, and it will have more insight you can use in planning your year to come along with more building envelope insights.

Top Glass Fabricators

Since this is “From the Fabricator,” it is only right that I make sure that all fabricators know Glass Magazine’s Top Fabricator issue and its recent call for entries. If you have not responded to the requests, you still can by Jan. 21. Make sure your company gets the recognition it deserves and is placed in the most prestigious listing of fabricators in our industry.

BEC registration

I mentioned above about BEC, and this is a reminder to get registered. The Early Bird pricing ends Jan. 22. Take advantage of it. BEC is back in its original Vegas home and is set to once again be a memorable and crucial event. More of the subject matter being covered will be released this week, but I can assure you its worth attending for the keynotes and networking alone. If you’ve never attended and are curious about it, hit me up. Otherwise, go register now!

NAGMA monthly webinar series

Last this week, the fine folks from NAGMA- National Architectural Glass and Metal Association is kicking their monthly webinar series off on Jan. 23. The speaker is Chris Scheiblein of the IUPAT and he’ll be covering the extremely important “Helping Hand Program” that they have to support folks that are dealing with a whole range of challenges from substance abuse to mental health. Those who know me, know that I believe wholeheartedly in education and support in these areas, and I salute Chris and the IUPAT for their efforts and thrilled NAGMA is bringing the webinar out to start the year. Sign up for it now!