BIG News & BIG Pod

News finally broke this week about the new leadership coming to the National Glass Association. Lakisha Ann Woods has been named as the replacement for the retiring Nicole Harris, marking an exciting step for the organization and the industry. Lakisha’s credentials are very strong, and her past positions will bring some different perspectives to our space. I am also thrilled that she has building product knowledge and experience. That surely helps the learning curve. 

Note... she previously ran the AIA, so hopefully she skipped over my blogs "discussing" their trade show…lol. But seriously, it is a strong move by the Board of Directors at NGA. They knew that they had a big job to replace Nicole, and it looks like they nailed it with Lakisha. I am looking forward to meeting her and hearing her vision for our world. As an industry, we’ve already started to showcase our strengths, based on the numerous mentions on social media, and I am confident that positive times are ahead! Congrats, Lakisha, and welcome to the best trade around!

Elsewhere…

New pod

Only a significant piece of news could move this powerhouse podcast episode from the top of the blog… but that’s what we had! Anyway, the latest From the Fabricator podcast is now available, and it features two incredibly bright and driven individuals as its focus. I kicked it off with Sneh Kumar of Kawneer. I’ve always been a huge fan of Sneh’s and now hearing more of his back story and his passion for doing things the right way has me deeper in his camp. Sneh covered a wealth of information regarding important issues affecting our industry right now and provided valuable perspectives. 

Then the truly awesome Kyle Sword of Pilkington NSG joined me. Kyle checks all the boxes for someone who gets it. We hit on many subjects, including the importance of growth and collaboration. If we do more of the items Kyle presented, we’d surely be better off! Also, Kyle’s volunteerism is the stuff of legends. I think he has 30-hour days because I have no idea how he manages to get it all done!

Thank you for checking it out!

Watch now on YouTube, or listen here, or by searching “From the Fabricator” on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

The Glass Symposium

Quick reminder: The Glass Symposium in Atlantic City is coming up on April 30. I talked to one of the speakers of the event, Ted Baumgardner, this week and the dude is flat out interesting and talented. He has some game-changing technology for the glazing community, and I look forward to seeing how this unfolds and his next steps.  

California Glass Association event

Unfortunately, I had to miss the California Glass Association’s event at the new campus of FHC. From all indications, though, it was a smashing success! I am thrilled for everyone involved. In a very short time, the CGA really has grown a smart and needed organization with so much more potential to be a massive key in the marketplace. Kudos to all!

Harmon people news

Good news via Harmon with the naming of four new Vice Presidents of Construction Operations. Jacob Johnson, Adam Perkins, Tim Ryals, and Kevin LaMay all have the new roles, and I congratulate them. Of the four, I must specifically point out Tim Ryals, as he took great care of me, along with many others from Harmon, during BEC’s last trip to Nashville and the site tour of one of their projects there. I will always appreciate that time and hospitality! Way to go guys and good luck in your new roles!

Top 50 Glaziers

And speaking of the folks from Harmon... Every year, Harmon is listed as a Glass Magazine Top 50 Glazier. The survey for the 2025 edition is closing this week. So, if you are a top glazier and want to see where you rank within the Top 50 + get that prestigious Glass Magazine recognition and more, go here to fill out the info!

No blog next week

Last this week…No blog next week! Yes, I am taking a week off from blogging and will also attempt to take a few days off from work too. We’ll see how that goes! So next blog will be out the week of May 4th. Obviously, if big news breaks, I’ll jump on here, but otherwise I’ll see you in May. Keep rolling, everyone!