Fun new episode of the “From the Fabricator” podcast for you.  It’s a dive into the upcoming GlassBuild show in Vegas with two guys who have done it all at this event.  I chop it up with two Kings in our space- Andrew Haring of FHC-Frameless Hardware Company and Kevin Hardman of Hardman Glazing Management and Hardman Glazing Systems.  The pod became a fun round-robin about first shows, cities it could go to, tips and tricks for getting around the show, and tons and tons of name drops. If you’re going to the show or still thinking about it, give it a listen/watch.  If you don’t have plans to go, it’s still an easy listen that drops more than a few nuggets along the way. 

Thanks to Hardman Glazing Systems for supporting this episode.  Learn more about them at https://www.hardmanglazingsystems.com/ 

From the Fabricator- #Glass and #Glazing hosted by Max Perilstein, Managing Partner of Sole Source Consultants.  Connect with Max on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-perilstein-409ba111/

The latest episode of the “From the Fabricator” podcast is now live, and it features two incredibly genuine people.  I start with the very sharp Kristina Buckett of Dallas Flat Glass and Excel Glass Systems.  Fun talk that covered a lot of topics and really delivered when it comes to networking.  Plus, Kristina may have dropped the line of the year when it comes to relationships in our industry.  Then Joe Silva joins me.  Joe is on for two reasons, one being his role at SmartLift, and we cover the massive benefits there. We then talk pizza (tremendous), and we finish with a conversation about the recent book Joe authored called “19 Days of Grace” about the unexpected health emergency and then the passing of his beloved wife Marianne.  Joe was raw, and because he’s got an insatiable trait of helping people, this book has become therapy for so many.  We talk through it, and you’ll come away with inspiration to move forward no matter what.  I’m honored Joe was willing to talk through it all with me. 

Thank you in advance for checking it out.  Both of these fabulous people will be at GlassBuild too, so you may run into them and immediately be added to their networks.

A huge thank you to my friends at FHC-Frameless Hardware Company for their support of this episode!

The Glass Magazine Awards are out, and only ONE company has won multiple product categories.

FHC has won two 2026 Glass Magazine Awards.

The FHC Hydraulic Series Shower Hinge was named Best Innovation for Installers, while the Aspire HD Thermal Entrance System earned Best Hardware Product or System.

At FHC, innovation isn’t about making something new just to sell it. It’s about solving real problems, helping glaziers work smarter, and improving the performance of glass in the built environment.

Two awards. One mission: moving the glass and glazing industry forward.

See both of these award-winning innovations in Booth #3135 at GlassBuild America.

Learn more at FHC-USA.com.

From the Fabricator- #Glass and #Glazing hosted by Max Perilstein, Managing Partner of Sole Source Consultants.  Connect with Max on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-perilstein-409ba111/

I’ve got a great new episode of the “From the Fabricator” podcast out and ready for your listening pleasure.  This time out, two really fascinating and talented people who have found our industry- and, for one, I think it’ll be home for a long time, and, for the other, he’s ours forever, thankfully!  I start off with the brilliant Kevin Roth of Privacy Glass Solutions.  His back story is amazing, as is what he and his team have been able to accomplish at Privacy Glass Solutions. Lots of good nuggets from lessons learned, to hot products, to collaboration, and more.  (Also, I’ll note my heart is broken for Kevin after England’s loss to Argentina.  We talked about the game on the pod since it was recorded before they played) Then I connect with the wonderful Amy Post of Guardian Glass.  This was my first time chatting with her and I enjoyed it immensely.  Amy has had a massive job on her hands, rolling out several technical advancements built to help the customer and industry.  We cover all of that, the obstacles that were overcome, and the upcoming opportunity to experience them all and more at the brand new Guardian Glass booth at GlassBuild.  All so good.  So please check this one out, to me this is more evidence of the great people we have in our industry and their efforts to make it better.  Thank you!

Thank you to FHC-Frameless Hardware Company for their support!

Everyone talks about products.
FHC is obsessed with what happens 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 you place the order.
Yes, they're a U.S. manufacturer and supplier of premium glass & glazing systems, hardware, tools, and supplies. But the truth is, their greatest product is service.
Because when you're a glazier or fabricator, deadlines don't move. Install dates don't wait. And your reputation is built on showing up when you said you would.
That's why FHC has invested heavily in the people, inventory, manufacturing capacity, and a fulfillment strategy designed to help you get what you need, when you need it.

Whether it's:
✔️ Faster order fulfillment
✔️ Complete and on-time orders
✔️ Expedited production and shipping options
✔️ Convenient Will Call pickup
✔️ Same-day local delivery—including Uber Courier for urgent jobs
✔️ Knowledgeable Customer Service personnel that actually answers the phone
✔️ More inventory, more locations, and more ways to keep your projects moving

...it's all built around one goal: 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘄𝗶𝗻.

Because FHC doesn’t believe great service should be the exception. It should be the standard.
FHC is bringing service back to the glazing industry. You Now Have A Choice...

From the Fabricator- #Glass and #Glazing hosted by Max Perilstein, Managing Partner of Sole Source Consultants.  Connect with Max on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-perilstein-409ba111/

I’ve got a special new episode of “From the Fabricator” this time out.  A special solo guest episode with Lakisha Woods, President & CEO of the National Glass Association (NGA). Lakisha has been in office for almost a year, and I thought timing-wise, it was the perfect opportunity to catch up with her, see how the year has gone, get her impressions of our space, and find out some of the new stuff coming down the road… and there is a lot! All of that and more, as lots of topics are covered, and you get a great feel for the vision Lakisha has for our space and the excitement that comes with it.  Thanks for watching/listening!

Thank you to FHC Frameless Hardware Company for the support of this episode!

When it comes to the glass and glazing industry, FHC isn't answering to shareholders.

They're answering to glaziers. Fabricators. The people doing the work every day.

Founded as a return to what a true vendor partnership should be, FHC is built on accountability, extreme customer service, quality products, and agile customization.

But what really sets them apart is their focus on the people factor.

Real people. Real relationships. Real support when it matters most.

From quick answers and meaningful conversations to helping customers solve problems and win more projects, FHC believes business is still personal.

Their mission is simple: help grow the glazing industry—not exploit it.

Because when their customers succeed, the entire industry gets stronger.

FHC. Your partner in glass. Every step of the way.

You install glass. FHC installs confidence.

From the Fabricator- #Glass and #Glazing hosted by Max Perilstein, Managing Partner of Sole Source Consultants.  Connect with Max on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-perilstein-409ba111/

A new episode of the “From the Fabricator” podcast is now up!  This time out was a very cool mix with the guests, and it had tons of helpful notes.  I lead off with Tom Culp, consultant extraordinaire and one of the key cogs of the NGA Technical Super Hero team (led by the incredible Urmilla Sowell, and featuring a crew of folks who care deeply for the good of our industry: Thom Zaremba, Nick Resatar, Karen Wegert, Georgia Oehler, and Amber Johnson).  Tom covered a ton of the technical ground and also broke some great code news for our industry.  In addition, Tom covered what’s next and how we as an industry- with great volunteers too- are working through it. Next up was the fabulous Jamie Kernohan of Glass Guru.  Jamie is a pros pro when it comes to the marketing game and has done a great job in our industry and now is making a difference within the walls of a pretty massive organization at Glass Guru.  Jamie shared some great angles she has in play now, what’s happening in her world, and the importance of not being in a “square on the screen.”  Loved it.  Both guests brought it, and I’m excited to share!  Thanks for checking it out! 

Thank you to FHC- Frameless Hardware Company for the continued backing of the podcast! Much appreciated!

When it comes to the glass and glazing industry, FHC isn't answering to shareholders. They're answering to glaziers. Fabricators. The people doing the work every day.

Founded as a return to what a true vendor partnership should be, FHC is built on accountability, extreme customer service, quality products, and agile customization.

But what really sets them apart is their focus on the people factor.

Real people. Real relationships. Real support when it matters most.

From quick answers and meaningful conversations to helping customers solve problems and win more projects, FHC believes business is still personal.

Their mission is simple: help grow the glazing industry—not exploit it.

Because when their customers succeed, the entire industry gets stronger.

FHC. Your partner in glass. Every step of the way.

You install glass. FHC installs confidence.

From the Fabricator- #Glass and #Glazing hosted by Max Perilstein, Managing Partner of Sole Source Consultants.  Connect with Max on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-perilstein-409ba111/

For the holiday weekend, a new episode of the “From the Fabricator” podcast is ready for you.  Guest numbers 219 and 220. I kick it off with Randy Brooks, President & CEO of Gardner Glass/Walker Glass.  Randy is the genuine article, and it was fun to catch up with a guy I first ran into in this industry 30+ years ago.  We hit on a ton of subjects, including bringing two great companies together, expansions, products, and more.  Then I had a great time with Jared Ruggieri, National Sales Manager at Spectrum Metal Finishing.  Cool career he’s had and now doing great things on the coating side.  Great perspectives on several items (real backlog vs paper backlog, among others), and he shares my appreciation for powder coating!  I continue to enjoy bringing different voices to the forefront, and these two deliver.  Plus, with the growth in the audio audience, I think this model is working!  Thank you to all who continue to support this effort!  I appreciate it!

Thank you to FHC Frameless Hardware Company for their ongoing support of the From the Fabricator podcast!

Still the fastest railing system in the game.
Still the “Best Innovation for Installers”, per Glass Magazine
Still the best railing solution.
FHC ACHIEVE Frameless Glass Railing delivers safety and smiles, consistently.
Visit FHC-USA.com  and shoutout to the railing guru Jose Quinones.

From the Fabricator- #Glass and #Glazing hosted by Max Perilstein, Managing Partner of Sole Source Consultants.  Connect with Max on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-perilstein-409ba111/

Good stuff this time out after an excellent industry week.  First, the latest “From the Fabricator” podcast is out and has two really enjoyable conversations.  First up, Jason Epps, CEO of Specialty Fenestration Group (Quikserv & USBP), and it was fabulous to get to know him.  Jason has built a top-notch culture, and when you listen to him, you can understand how he did it. Good stuff on that, and also the latest with his company, with new owners and positive items going forward.  Then I connected with JJ Derman of NovaTech Wall Systems.  Loved hearing about JJ’s path and also learning more about his company- that’s new ground for me and very interesting. Plus, he dropped a nickname for one of the industry's most beloved people.  Had me speechless there. All in all, a ton of great insight.  Thank you to both men and thanks in advance to all who listen/watch and support!  Much appreciated!

Thank you to FHC-Frameless Hardware Company for supporting this episode.

Vote for FHC!
A vote for FHC is a vote for innovation. Pure and simple.

Voting is now open for the Glass Magazine Awards, presented by the National Glass Association, and FHC has been nominated in FOUR categories, including the new FHC Hydraulic Series Shower Hinge in the “Best Innovation for Installers” category and the FHC Aspire HD Heavy-Duty Thermal Entrance for “Best Hardware Product or System.”

FHC is committed to delivering the products and services glass & glazing professionals need to be faster, stronger, and more profitable. These multiple nominations are proof.

Glaziers, FHC has your back! 

Vote now at GlassMagazine.com

From the Fabricator- #Glass and #Glazing hosted by Max Perilstein, Managing Partner of Sole Source Consultants.  Connect with Max on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-perilstein-409ba111/

A jam-packed new episode of the “From the Fabricator” podcast is now ready for you.  It’s a rare “3 sets of guests” edition, and each one brings something cool to the table.  I start out with Scott Kennett of AMS/NACC/AGMT & Nicolas Esquivel of CDC, and we talk about certification/licensing and the role it’s playing now and, more importantly, in the future.  Then Pat O’Connor joins, and we talk about the upcoming Glass Symposium, which is a very cool and unique event.  Last, I end with Abbie Legara of Aluminum & Glazing Lines.  Just a very impressive person and operator, and it was great to dive into her business, AI, and being a woman-led company.  Really neat insights.  THANK YOU for listening

And thank you to FHC- Framless Hardware Company for the support!  A lot of new and exciting things are happening at FHC.  You now have a choice- see it all at www.fhc-usa.com. 

From the Fabricator- #Glass and #Glazing hosted by Max Perilstein, Managing Partner of Sole Source Consultants.  Connect with Max on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-perilstein-409ba111/

Back at it with a special new episode of the “From the Fabricator” podcast.  This time out, a focused edition on the shower door side of the business with three of the best around.  Leading off, I visited with one of the best minds on the shower-door side, Danny Donahue of FHC.  Danny delivered a ton of straight-to-the-point insights and broke news on a very cool hydraulic hinge now available.  Good guy and an enjoyable talk.  Then I was fortunate to have the dynamic duo from the Shower Door Co-Op (and, of course, their own companies), Christina Elie and Shannon McKinney. If you are in the shower door world and not involved in the co-op, you are missing out on a major opportunity. This is an excellent organization that makes our space better in many ways.  So, take a look/listen, and while you’ll hear it on the pod, you can check the Co Op out HERE.  Also, Shannon and Christina are top-shelf businesspeople who run impressive operations.  Both sets of guests are great for our industry, and if you know me, I love that.  

Thank you for checking it out! 

This episode is brought to you by- FHC Frameless Hardware Co.
When it comes to true innovation in frameless shower hardware, one company is leading the pack. While others reheat and repackage more of the same, FHC Frameless Hardware Company has the experience, track record, testing certification, awards, and more importantly, the PATENTS, to back said claims. They consistently deliver new products designed to make your shower installs faster, safer, and more profitable.
 
Built by the glazing industry for the glazing industry, FHC has your back.
 
Visit FHC-USA.com to see the difference between rhetoric and true innovation.

From the Fabricator- #Glass and #Glazing hosted by Max Perilstein, Managing Partner of Sole Source Consultants.  Connect with Max on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-perilstein-409ba111/

I’ve got a new episode of the From the Fabricator podcast for everyone, and it’s got a bunch of strong takeaways.  First up, the 2015 Glass Industry MVP Jon Kimberlain of Dow joins me.  Jon is just a brilliant guy.  Smart as heck, extremely friendly, and always doing his best for his company and our industry.  It was fun to pick his brain on a few items, including the growth of unitizing and the moves he’d make to improve the industry.  Then we get the yearly visit from Nick St. Denis of KMR Research. We look back at the 2025 data, and Nick shares his insights on where the forecast is pointing in 2026. Nick is a good guy, and his appearance yearly on the pod always rates well. Good stuff all the way around!  Give it a listen or view.  Thank you!

Attention Northeast glaziers and fabricators…

FHC NEW JERSEY IS NOW OPEN!

The new FHC New Jersey Super Center brings 120,000 sq ft of manufacturing and distribution to the New York Metropolitan area, bringing a new level of products and services that this region has been missing.

Glass Entrances, Door Hardware, Frameless Shower Doors, Architectural Railing, Commercial Storefronts, Transaction Hardware, and Glass & Glazing Tools & Supplies… FHC has what you need.

If you’re tired of backorders, unanswered calls, ghost town customer service, and endless wait times…

You Now Have A Choice…  

Meet the FHC team at BEC in Louisville, Kentucky, and discover why more and more glaziers are choosing FHC.

From the Fabricator- #Glass and #Glazing hosted by Max Perilstein, Managing Partner of Sole Source Consultants.  Connect with Max on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-perilstein-409ba111/