The news that a White House budget proposal could dismantle or privatize the Energy Star program shocked me. Wait, the government isn’t going to save money by cutting back on some of the major burdens on many industries, including door and window manufacturers? Like OSHA’s record-keeping requirements? Like the EPA’s lead paint rule? No, they […]

Want to know what words to say or hold back? What body language signifies power, and even where to sit in that important meeting with a potential customer? Janine Driver, body language expert and best-selling author, covered all that in an entertaining session during the recent meeting of the American Architectural Manufacturers Association. “I am […]

When I return from a big industry trade show, I often put together a list of the best. After returning from GlassBuild America, this time my reviews have more to do with the market than the players. But of course there a few standouts that I just have to mention. Company that can truly say: Mission […]

If you read my article on ProVia, published in DWM’s May issue, you may recall how the company makes a concerted effort to build future leaders by pulling from its current talent pool. After attending a two-day Global Leadership Summit myself earlier this month, I couldn’t help but get energized on the topic. I want […]

Many of you travel often, so the last thing you may want to do is go out more than is absolutely necessary. But, take it from me: a good old-fashioned road trip— a window and door one at that—is well worth it. And if you are a seasoned traveler, are you really reaping the benefits […]

I’m really not a newbie to the Fensterbau show held biannually in Germany. I was there in 2014 for the first time, and at the time I was shocked by the sheer size of the event, particularly compared to those in the U.S. But this time I was prepared. This time I knew what to […]

Another International Builders’ Show is in the books, and many people hearkened back to the “good old days” to describe the show. You know, back in the day when housing starts were well more than a million and business was good all around. As new-home construction continues to climb toward that million mark, the aisles […]

I’m sure I’ve written articles in the past at trade shows with the headline, “Its all about the products.” But while walking the show floor at GlassBuild America on Wednesday, I realized this industry really is all about the people. They are the ones who develop the products, and they are the ones who have the great stories. […]

Okay, those questions won’t get answered in this one short blog, but diversification of your door and window business is a valid question to consider. On the other hand, you may not need to expand. But even if you have only offered doors and windows, I’m sure at some point you have at least considered […]

Many of you may remember that I took (and passed) the Certified Renovator training required by the Environmental Protection Agency. EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP Rule) requires that firms performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities and pre-schools built before 1978 must be certified […]