Leftover Gifts: The New Year is Wrapped in Challenges, but Growth Lies Ahead
The start of each year is a hectic time for everyone. The holidays end and then it’s time to dig out—not just of wrapping paper and boxes, but deferred tasks. Add to that the level of uncertainty we all feel with the start of a new administration this year and it’s understandable that so many people and companies are locked in “wait and see” mode. Yet, who has time to wait? It’s time to get to work.
For me, the year starts on more than just a hectic note; it starts with some of my favorite projects, including [DWM]’s Readers’ Choice Awards. Tallying the results is one of the most enjoyable things I get to do, partly because I never know what to expect. It’s like unwrapping a gift leftover from the holidays. But the gift isn’t for me; it’s for all of those companies, and employees, who came up with the products [DWM] readers love best. As I scroll through the results for each category, I can almost hear a drumroll in my head. Then the drumroll gives way to the results, which you can find on page 26.
February is also the time for one of my all-time favorite trade shows: the International Builders’ Show. Stop by page 32 and you’ll find what some companies plan to show off this year. I, for one, can’t wait to see them firsthand. Watch for coverage on [DWM]’s website and in the newsletter.
Mammoth Tasks
Last, but not least, with every new year also comes [DWM]’s Annual Outlook for housing, remodeling and the economy. The latter might not sound like the most exciting, but, undoubtedly, it’s one of the most important things I do each year. I spend weeks (if not months) gathering reports, crunching data and interviewing some of the nation’s top experts, in order to give [DWM]’s readers an idea for what might be in store for the year ahead. With that immense responsibility in mind, never do I feel more inspired as a writer and a journalist to put in the extra effort, the results of which you’ll find on page 20.
Speaking of extra effort, some of you may have noticed in recent announcements that I have a new role to fill. In addition to serving as executive editor for [DWM], I’ve also advanced to vice president of Creative and Client Services for Key Media & Research, [DWM]’s parent company. My new role began January 1, and I’m really enjoying the added responsibilities. It’s a juggling act, to be sure, but the mix of magazines and media, with creative direction and management, is one that keeps me satisfied and sleeping soundly. This is an opportunity I’m thankful for.
Just as I look ahead to 2025 and see challenges for the door and window industry, I see plenty in my immediate future as well. But it’s those challenges … strike that—opportunities—that enable us to be the best version of ourselves and to advance. To that I say: Whatever the future has in store, let’s get after it.
Drew Vass is the executive editor for [DWM] magazine.
dvass@glass.com
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