GLASS EXPO SOUTHEAST ’24 EDUCATES, INSPIRES ATTENDEES

At Glass Expo Southeast™ ’24 (GESE), attendees explored the latest technology and information in the architectural glass industry thanks to educational speakers and exhibitor booths. The show occurred Jan. 25-26 at the Rosen Plaza in Orlando.

Between listening to speakers and networking with industry peers, many attendees left with their eyes opened to new possibilities, determined to improve their businesses.

Speakers kicked off GESE with seminars on various glass-industry topics. Sessions covered statistics to gauge the present and future state of the glass industry, the significance of security glass, properly connecting glass systems to structures, liability issues in shop drawings, bird-friendly glazing and how subcontractors can ensure they get paid on time.

Three speakers rounded out the educational program on Friday, Jan. 26, with sessions on tax credits, glass handrail and guardrail systems and instilling empathy into business practices.

In her seminar on Employee Retention Credit (ERC) for businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, USGlass magazine publisher Deb Levy explained that applying for ERC sounds tempting. Still, it isn’t the right choice for every business.

“I don’t know about you, but as a business owner, when I hear ‘you can get $26,000 per employee’ my ears perk up,’” Levy said before explaining the cautious considerations a business owner must make before they apply.

In his session, Paul Daniels of Frameless Hardware Company offered examples of poorly constructed glass handrails and guardrails, explaining common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Keith Daubmann of MY Shower Door and MY Architectural Glass spoke about his journey from childhood cancer to working in a successful family business. He shared how his experiences and the people he met and worked with along the way helped shape the empathy he embodies as a boss and salesperson now.

There was a lot for attendees to take in both in the seminars and on the expo floor.

Anthony Blowe, president of I.B. Glazing Inc. in Pompano Beach, Florida, felt inspired by Daubmann’s session.

“It was one of the best classes that I had … it really inspired me and gave me more things that I could go back to my company and implement,” he said.

Max Tosado of GlassMax & Mirrors came to GESE from Sunrise, Florida, specifically to grow his business by keeping up to date with all the latest industry knowledge and technology. He also did some valuable networking.

“I have a job where I was looking for fire-rated glass,” Tosado said. “I found that contact here.”

Lazaro Novoa of Ultimate Glass & Cabinets in Miami is relatively new to ownership. He, too, was inspired by Daubmann’s seminar and also said he learned several new things about handrails from Daniels’ seminar.

“There was a lot of useful knowledge to help us in our business and journey,” Novoa said.

Thanks to GESE, Novoa sees the glass industry as growing and is excited about the future.

“I don’t see (business) slowing down,” he said. “I’m excited about that.”