Over the last few years, the pandemic has given our industry unprecedented growth. It also has led to many great opportunities for all of us. When business was growing at historic rates, experimentation with lead generation was plentiful and we were all still finding ways to get new customers. Whether on the retail side or […]

While releasing his budget for fiscal year 2024, President Joe Biden announced that, under his leadership, the economy has added more than 12 million jobs, including 800,000 in manufacturing. But recent jobs data shows that a roughly equal number of positions remain vacant, following the latest hirings and losses. According to the latest figures from […]

Michael Collins of EquiNova Capital Partners LLC, addressed possible recession concerns at the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) Hybrid Fall Conference, warning against a “wait and see” approach for businesses. While many companies are doing well, he says the U.S. has a tendency to worry itself into a recession. However, those recessions don’t last […]

I landed upon this recent article by Nicole Spector and after reading it, it does appear that the jury is still out as to whether or not we are really in a recession. Some indicators seem to point toward a recession while others are suggesting the economy is still in good shape. Most of my […]

The National Lumber & Building Material Dealers Association sent a letter earlier this week to U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo regarding the continued volatility of lumber prices and the effects it is having on the LBM industry, residential construction and the larger economy. The letter requests a meeting with Secretary Raimondo and her […]

What will the other side of COVID-19 look like and how will we know when we get there? This is one of the questions keynote speaker Chris Kuehl of Armada Corporate Intelligence attempted to tackle today when he addressed members of the Fenestration Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA). “The big question is whether the stimulus will […]

As the holidays approach and 2020 winds down, I reached out to industry associates and asked them what one word they would use to describe 2020. The answers I received were “uncertain, unbelievable, isolated, confused, transformational, volatile, stolen, exigent, adaptive, evolutionary, arduous, fortunate, prosperous, exhausting, and unforgettable.” Yes, I remember in March when the virus […]

How can the architectural glass industry have a positive effect on climate change? That was the question discussed during the Transatlantic Debate plenary session today during GlassCon Global VE-Glass Expo VE. Bruce Nicol, head of global design for Merck Window Technologies, moderated the session with panelists Dr. Franz Prettenthaler, director of LIFE Institute for Climate, […]

As COVID-19 continues to dampen the U.S. economy, the housing market waved a flag of relief in July, indicating that homebuyers are ready to move again under the stimulus of record-low interest rates. According to Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. (Freddie Mac), the average rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages fell to 2.98% last week. Meanwhile, […]

Toronto-based Gem Windows and Doors says it has been able to keep 95% of its staff employed through the COVID-19 global pandemic and subsequent economic upheaval, and continued to serve customers electronically and by phone, while maintaining prescribed safety protocols and procedures. As part of the company’s Canada Day celebration, Gem wants to continue to […]