This time last year, I was making predictions for 2020. I predicted that it was going to be a strong year for the window and door industry with single—if not double-digit—growth. The one factor that I said could stand in the way was an “unexpected” event. Well, as we all know, the unexpected did happen. The […]

With skilled labor being such a big issue these days, window fabricators have lost some of their key people this year. Some were furloughed during plant shutdowns and never returned for a variety of reasons. So, one of the ugly things I have noticed this year is that it seems like there may be an […]

As 2019 was coming to a close, I predicted that 2020 would be another strong year. Yet, I cautioned, “Unless something unexpected happens!” Well it happened! So, when the pandemic unfolded in March, I thought, “Well, this year is really going to come off the tracks … demand for doors and windows is really going […]

Well if someone would have told me back in April that six months from then I would be helping customers deal with material and component issues (in October) I would have given them that “deer in the headlights” look for sure.  Indeed, back in April my train of thought was more like, “How will I […]

As I meet and talk with door and window manufacturers, a common theme this year is that they seem to have plenty of orders but not enough muscle on the production side of their businesses. There is clearly a disconnect between windows ordered and windows that can be made. The problems with production break down […]

As we approach the peak selling months in the fenestration industry, now is the time to analyze long term equipment needs and begin making decisions regarding equipment investments for 2020-21. As orders approach peak levels, the next few months will reveal to door and window manufacturers which areas in their manufacturing processes we need to […]

Well, if someone would have told me a year ago that I would not be attending GlassBuild America in Vegas in 2020, I would have told them they were crazy. After all, I have gone to every single GlassBuild America show since its inception in 2002. Well, here we are in 2020, and I am […]

With the industry currently experiencing a sharp uptick, one of the challenges that has recently presented itself is raw material shortages. With the onset of the pandemic, some raw material and component suppliers were too quick to cut staff only to realize 60 days later that the fenestration industry is somehow benefitting from the stay […]

I just spent a week in Tulsa, Okla., visiting my stepson, as he begins training for a new job as a window installer. Alex took the technical route through high school and learned construction technology. He spent his first year after graduation working for a company that remodels banks. Now he wants to learn a […]

Well, from what I can tell, the busy season is coming early this year. Door and window sales usually take a dip in July and August, as the summer season and vacation plans take hold. But this year is different. It appears that many people have cancelled or downsized their summer vacation plans due to […]