Last post for the year and usually the most read one too… it is where I drop my annual solo podcast with a major player in our world, and I award the 2025 Glass Industry MVP and its runners up. So, without further delay…
-- The one-on-one podcast is an incredible one. I started the pod in 2021, and at the end of year, I did a solo podcast with someone I feel is a significant force in our industry. Since then, I've made it a tradition. This year, I was able to get Troy Johnson, President of Apogee Architectural Metals, on the line. Some may remember Troy when he blew the audience away at BEC a few years ago while running Harmon, so you’d know he’d be a great one to interview. We covered a lot of subjects and broke news- and that news is significant. It’s a very shrewd maneuver that will be appreciated in the marketplace- and I, as an industry observer, loved it. Troy hit on his job now (it’s still pretty new), culture moves, trends he’s impressed with, what the industry can expect from the companies of Apogee Architectural Metals, and so much more. Plus, on my fun question, he delivered an incredibly creative and deep answer. All of it was great, and I do think you will enjoy it immensely- I know I did!
AUDIO- or Search “From the Fabricator” on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
A quick thank you to Tammy Schroder (Director, Marketing- Apogee Architectural Metals) and Heather West (Heather West PR) for the extra planning and support of this episode. They are the best in the biz, and with them amplifying all of Troy’s messaging, it is going to be something to see!
And a special year-end THANK YOU to the sponsor of this episode- FHC-Frameless Hardware Company. I am grateful that they took a chance on me and got behind the podcast. Great people, building an extraordinary organization, who only want the best for our world!
By the way, Troy was guest #200 all time on my podcast- the ride has been pretty cool, and I look forward to the next 200+ guests to come!
Now, let's move on to the MVP race for 2025.
What a year! So many great candidates with a few I stashed away for consideration next year. The folks selected this year all dedicate so much time and care to our industry. They are also people who think outside the box, using innovation and resources. Each is making a difference in their own way. I’ll first list the runners-up with some detail and then, at the bottom, the 2025 Glass Industry MVP.
Rick Locke- Montana Door & Sash / NGA
Rick is a unique player- his businesses touch both the commercial and residential sides, and in both, he and his organizations are powerful. In addition, Rick has been volunteering at the association level, culminating in his run at Chair of the NGA. His year, though, was not typical, as he had to work through the transition of power at the organization when Nicole Harris announced her retirement. That is never easy, but Rick skillfully led the charge, got Lakisha Woods on board, and the transition was seamless overall. The trains continued to run on time! What could’ve been a true adventure was not, thanks to Rick’s calm & organized approach. In addition, his goals for NGA included expanding benefits for members, which he accomplished and then some. A great job and year- deserving of recognition.
Matt Fox & Travis Nevins – IUPAT
These two have been very active for years in many ways, but in 2025, they took the next step. Matt’s passion for training and education has reached more and more people, and improving performance in the field is crucial for us. As an industry, we can’t afford more people slinging barbs at us. Matt’s efforts surely help to push back on it all. Travis, meanwhile, has hit every high note possible- incredible insightful articles in Glass Magazine and Glass Magazine Weekly, a drive to educate about why we as an industry should be looking harder at division 10 work, and educational presentations that really connected with the masses. Very good guys, too- and they sincerely care about the ENTIRE industry, not just their specific areas- and that, to me, is very impressive.
The “Disruptors” – Steven Albert (S. Albert Glass), Ted Baumgardner (Guthrie AI), Lauren Dunford (Guidewheel), Nick Davy/Adrian Winoto (Andluca), Conley Oster/Gary Chen (Raise Robotics).
By definition, a disruptor is: “individuals or companies that significantly change an existing industry or market by introducing new ideas, technologies, or business models, often challenging the status quo and creating new value,” and these folks all meet and exceed it. So instead of picking one, I thought it was a good way to recognize a bunch that had a huge 2025. Steven Albert worked incredibly hard and developed the “Glaziers Tool,” which streamlines so much of what needs to be done in the field. Ted Baumgardner has broken through the AI ceiling with Guthrie AI and its approach to estimating and project management using the latest technology. Lauren Dunford is the CEO of Guidewheel, which is a manufacturer's dream. Her company manufactures a small apparatus that connects to your machinery and provides real-time updates on its health and efficiency. Andluca with a bird-friendly product that brings other elements into play, making it so much more valuable for all of us, and Raise Robotics, the revolutionary company with robots on a jobsite that is only scratching the surface. Kudos to all of these folks and their companies for stepping up and doing things that are making a difference and will genuinely be major players in our world for years to come!
All the people above I really admire and respect- I am honored that I get to talk with them along the way. Congrats and please keep up the good work!
Now…
Your 2025 Glass Industry MVP is…
Brian Risinger- Country Glass and the Texas Glass Association.
Brian is much more than a guy with great SWAG. LOL. He is a person who lives right and does right. He has a passion for this industry, and it shows. He’s been an innovative leader of the Texas Glass Association, which is the best regional glass chapter out there. He stepped up with insight and effort when the tariffs first hit, and he’s been an open book, doing all he can to make our industry better. From a company standpoint, building a training center for his folks and diving in to make sure it is utilized fully is impressive. Brian saw what didn’t work in his past and uses that knowledge to make great decisions overall. He’s been a significant part of a great culture at Country Glass, and that company represents our industry with pure class. I also love that Brian is super supportive of so many. Often, I’ll see a post on LinkedIn and notice that Brian had liked it- and in some cases, I think it was a competitor of his. But I do believe Brian subscribes to the “rising tide lifts all boats” theory, which I love. And yes, I do consider Brian a close friend, but even if he wasn’t, the evidence of his impact in 2025 (and beyond) is super clear, and he is highly deserving of this honor. Congratulations, Brian, on the MVP recognition- Keep up the great work!
As this is the last post of the year (unless of course some massive industry news breaks) – I want to wish all of you only the best going forward, a tremendous holiday season and a prosperous and HEALTHY 2026!!
LINKS of the WEEK
I’m a music guy- love Fleetwood Mac. Great story here on how their famous “Tusk” video, filmed at Dodger Stadium, came together. Very cool. https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/46871615/usc-band-fleetwood-mac-tusk-collaboration
2300+ Golden Retrievers all gather in a park in Argentina. Crazy! Some funny tidbits in there. I just can’t imagine that many dogs (let alone Goldens) in one place! https://apnews.com/article/argentina-golden-retrievers-world-record-buenos-aires-522297aa4aa0a5b422efc3e2a1653c45
A pretty cool idea to get a taste of Canadian culture. https://nypost.com/2025/12/12/lifestyle/canadas-openhome-program-invites-americans-to-dinner/
PROJECT of the WEEK
Cool one from the folks at CAM Glass in Dallas. This is the First Baptist Church Student Ministry, and it looks fabulous. Nice work by Jason Jennings, AIA, on the design, Tubelite on the framing (I think a smile may come across Troy Johnson’s face on this one), and Precision Glass Industries on the glass (Nice work Abdeali Karimjee and team!) Good way to end the year- kudos to the CAM Glass team on a job well done!!
