A New Year, A New Beginning

As the calendar turns and we bid farewell to another year, the time for celebration is fleeting. The dawn of a new year brings with it a renewed sense of purpose and urgency. 2025 is no different.  

Not only do shifting goals for construction and operation require new approaches to design and material use, but there are sure to be market changes as well. Both create opportunities and challenges for those of us in the glazing industry. 

With planning and approaching challenges head-on, we can continue to innovate and to make glass better for buildings and the world around them. It's time to roll up our sleeves and dive back into the work that drives our success. 

Setting goals and planning ahead 

The first order of business is to establish clear goals by territory. This involves a thorough analysis of past performance, identifying areas of improvement and setting realistic yet ambitious targets. With these goals in mind, we can put together tentative travel schedules, plan meetings and set objectives that align with our overall strategy. 

This first step is not limited to those under a company’s roof. It means setting clear goals with every project team that walks through the door. Understanding what glaziers need, what architects want, what building owners and end-users are looking for, it all comes with collaboration and planning with a clear vision of our goals. 

Embracing what's difficult in order to build better 

A new year is synonymous with new opportunities and challenges. But it's also a chance to innovate, explore new markets and refine our approach.

In Technical Glass Products’ (TGP) case, one of our main competitors closed their doors at the end of 2024. How do we navigate the new competitive landscape? How do we ensure architects and glaziers have access to the glass systems they need to push the envelope in design?  

This year, we also face the added complexity of a new president. As typical with an administration change, a new president brings questions about how this shift will impact the construction and manufacturing industries. How will this change affect the glazing industry? And how will we all, suppliers, competitors, glaziers, architects, designers, adapt? 

At TGP, we always aim to deliver more, both in what systems we design and how we support those in construction. For example, our Architectural Service Manager, Tim Donaldson, helps architects optimize fire-rated glazing for both cost, aesthetic and performance, no matter how the market shifts in response to manufacturers or policy. 

Economic outlook and industry impact 

Leadership changes in government can have significant implications for various construction sectors. Interest rates, for instance, may be influenced by the new administration's fiscal policies. For the construction industry, this could mean changes in project financing, investment in infrastructure and regulatory adjustments.  

The results of a new administration may shake out in several ways. But the key is that there will still be projects, and those projects will need glazing. At TGP, we’re planning on staying nimble and meeting design teams where they are in terms of project goals. This strategy requires adaptation and strong relationships—two concepts that can help any businesses succeed when change is in the air. 

Strategic adaptation 

In fact, it's crucial to remain adaptable and proactive to stay ahead. This means continuously monitoring economic indicators, staying informed about policy changes and being prepared to adjust our strategies accordingly. By doing so, we can mitigate risks and capitalize on emerging opportunities, whether that is in glazing or other construction sectors. 

As we embark on this new journey, let's embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. With careful planning, strategic foresight and a commitment to excellence, we can turn this year into a period of growth and success. Here's to a productive and prosperous year ahead!