I don’t mean to be the pessimistic person, already looking toward the next housing slump when we’re not even out of this one, but I have to mention this as the industry looks forward.

But first, let’s applaud a few companies who were wise enough to plan ahead when times were good. For this reason, a few companies are faring slightly better than others during the trying times.

First, in last week’s newsletter we published a link to a video in which Susan Marvin of Marvin Windows and Doors appeared on CNBC as an example of a company who has not had to lay off a single employee during this tough period. At a time when we hear constantly of manufacturers laying off employees, companies should look to Marvin to how they were able to achieve such a feat. If you missed that interview, click here.

A big reason Marvin was able to do this is that they saved money when the housing market was at its high. Another company who did this is much smaller than Marvin, but just as smart and forward-looking-Dove Windows and Doors in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.. I visited the company recently and general manager Bruce Dove Jr. told me how in 2008, when many companies were shutting down or laying off employees, Dove was investing heavily in automation. They were able to do this because they saved money when the market was booming. (For more on Dove see the upcoming June issue of DWM magazine.)

And now to my words of wisdom for when the industry may find itself in the next slump. (If you’re still around then, and I hope you are, I hope you’ll file this away somewhere.) This relates to a conversation I had with a few industry folks while at the meeting of the Window and Door Manufacturers Association in February. During a panel discussion on the economy, one forecaster made a statement along these lines: “The bright spot in this dismal housing market is that the memory of this will live forever.” That comment really struck me and I mentioned it to two people in particular following that session. I was surprised at their response. “People will not learn from this. They will find themselves in exactly the same situation.” I hope more of you agree with me than with these individuals but sadly they may be correct. But I challenge you to not let that happen.

When the market picks back up, and it will, take a step back before expanding and possibly overextending your resources, and remember the example that companies like Marvin and Dove have set.

P.S. Amidst all this talk of the economy, it’s easy to forget that tomorrow is Earth Day. Is your office doing anything special to commemorate the day? Are you making any plans to volunteer in your community, plant some trees, or make simple pledges to be more environmentally friendly?

Want to test your environmental knowledge? Check out the Earth Day quiz at cnn.com. (Click here to take the quiz.) Give it to your staff to check their knowledge as well.

Our staff is meeting tomorrow to discuss what we can do this year to take our environmental commitment to the next level. I’d love to hear your ideas and what you’re doing at your respective companies. Send an e-mail to ttaffera@glass.com or simply post a comment here.