Set a goal, turn it into a plan, then implement it
Let’s focus on goals. The theme of this and succeeding blogs will focus on goals, goal setting, and goal achieving.We have just begun a new calendar year. If you have not set one or more goals for this...
View ArticleDon’t get stung by new EPA requirements
Do you perform residential glass and window applications? Or install products at child care facilities? If so, it’s time to get up to speed on new lead paint requirements coming from the Environmental...
View ArticleE-networking is next best to face-to-face networking
—Matt Rumbaugh, division manager, Education, Training and Certification, National Glass AssociationAre you on Twitter? How about Facebook? Even if you're not, you probably know people that are....
View ArticleCommitment ignites action
It's easy to remain committed when times are good. Everyone's busy, days and weeks run together as we go about our business, and we do the things we planned to do and are expected to do. Others do what...
View ArticleChinese glass imports continue to spark controversy
I honestly didn’t know what to think when I learned last year that the bid to supply blast-resistant glass for the new World Trade Center tower went to a Chinese company. On the one hand, I’m all for...
View ArticleGrow glass
All the news on the economy trending toward the negative can wear you and your co-workers down. The construction and our glass industry have been down. All companies have made changes and...
View ArticleServing a changing architectural community
The architectural community has struggled through this recession. Faced with two years of declining business, firms have downsized, cut services and, for many, closed. According to a Jan. 20 New York...
View ArticleGoal checkup: How are you progressing?
In my last blog we covered the basics of goal setting: 1) set the goal, 2) develop a plan, 3) keep the goal and plan in front of you, 4) focus on the reward for accomplishing it.By now, you have either...
View ArticleDiscussing double glazing
I got an e-mail the other day from a Mr. J.E. Swain, and he asked two questions:1. "Why is the double-glazing industry producing 20-millimeter space partially filled argon gas units? Considering argon...
View ArticleRunning the Red Queen's race in Washington
Official Washington leaves much to be desired these days.Here we have the presidency, the House and the Senate all in the hands of the same party, and yet we have a classic case of legislative...
View ArticleStaying strong in a weak market
Like you, I’m not immune to the seeming barrage of discouraging news regarding the construction industry out there. And frankly, sometimes I find it hard to see beyond the negative headlines. So, in an...
View ArticleWill the new jobs bill drive hires in the industry?
Last week, President Obama signed an $18 billion jobs bill to spur hiring by giving tax breaks to small businesses. The bill also includes $20 billion for highway and transit programs.The bill was...
View ArticleCollectively facing the dangers out there
Lions and tigers and bears? That’s nothing. The glass industry’s got codes and standards, and emissions regulations. Oh my.The major threat to the glass industry right now, according to some presenters...
View ArticleWatch those e-mails
E-mail is easy. Too easy. Richard Kelson, Esq., Babst, Calland, Clements & Zomnir P.C., Pittsburgh, says careless or casual e-mails can open companies up to problems if a legal dispute arises....
View ArticleIt’s decision time
The first quarter has ended. Let’s review our goals. You are either on track to achieve your goal(s) for the year or you are not on track. So what are you going to do about it?If you are on track, you...
View ArticleSupport solar manufacturing tax legislation
Solar panels have opened up a booming market for glass and glazing professionals. Most big names in the industry have entered the niche. Just in the recent past, Solutia, St. Louis, agreed to acquire...
View ArticleAvoid delays on recovery-funded projects
The glass and glazing industry is starting to see the trickle-down of government recovery money, but it is not without a price. These projects are tagged with important features that glaziers will do...
View ArticleRepresentation without taxation
A Census Bureau person was on the news saying that, if conservatives don't participate in the census (due to their presumed anti-government sentiment), then they will be under-represented for the next...
View ArticleYou get what you pay for
2009 was a tough year for contract glaziers. Of the companies that made this year’s Top 50 Glaziers and provided exact sales figures for 2008 and 2009, 55 percent reported a decrease in sales volume....
View ArticleThe mental game
You’ve probably heard that “a 1000-mile journey begins with a single step.” This is true. Just as true is the fact that “the journey continues with a single step.” In previous blogs I stated that I am...
View ArticleWhy NFRC uses U-factors for windows
Recently, I’ve seen a number of articles, blogs and online discussions regarding U-factor and R-value, especially with regard to fenestration products. It’s time for NFRC to set the record straight on...
View ArticleWeighing opportunities
I was struck last week by a member of the industry, with whom I chatted on a conference call. He remarked he'd just heard for the first time about an important piece of legislation that I thought...
View ArticleIt’s time to get on the BIM train
My first introduction to Building Information Modeling was way back in 2006 at the first annual Glazing Executives Forum during GlassBuild America: The Glass, Window & Door Expo. Patrick MacLeamy...
View ArticleRequirements for blast-resistant glazing projects
Are you considering jumping into the fray to receive some of the trickle-down recovery money? Perhaps you’re considering a project that requires blast-resistant glazing. If so, it's important to know...
View ArticleUse technology, best practices to improve productivity
A panel of experts talked about Keys to Enhancing productivity at the 4th Annual ENR-CURT Construction Business Forum, June 15-16, at the Sheraton National Hotel in Arlington, Va. Paul Goodrum,...
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