From the Fabricator Podcast for Glass & Glazing Pros

Hosted by Max Perilstein

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Oct 2026

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About the show

This is the companion podcast to the first ever glass and glazing industry blog- "From the Fabricator"- join Max Perilstein of Sole Source Consultants each month for interviews and details into the most important subjects in the industry.

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60 recent

October 31, 2026Episode 171 hr 5 min

From the Fabricator! S6E17 Tom & Kyle Nesbitt (UGPS/UAM) & Omar Maalouf (Momentum Glass)

A new episode of the From the Fabricator podcast is out, packed with insights! First up: the father-son duo, Tom and Kyle Nesbitt of United Architectural Metals and United Glass & Panel. Tom is brilliant, and Kyle is following in his dad’s footsteps there. Culture, innovation, market optimism, trophies, and “challenging the ordinary” were some of the highlights of a very wide-ranging conversation. Next, airing by popular demand: the summer interview with Omar Maalouf of Momentum Glass that was transcribed the blog. This wasn't planned as an audio/video version, but the blog post made a lot of waves, and with the podcast audience growing, I thought it was a good time to share it. Omar covers a ton, talks about great technology and innovation, and then gets into his passion for the industry and his goals to advance us. Both interviews were a blast, and I’m thrilled to share them with all of you. Thank you for listening and supporting as always!! Thank you to FHC Frameless Hardware Company for the continued support! STOP WASTING TIME. START WINNING MORE JOBS. Introducing the NEW and IMPROVED FHC INSTAQUOTE™ . The award-winning software that lets glaziers and fabricators BUILD IT. QUOTE IT. ORDER IT. Faster than ever. Configure custom all-glass and aluminum entrances in minutes, with automatic glass calculations, real-time hardware alerts, instant pricing adjustments, and production-ready drawings. Multiple openings? No problem. Bi-Folding Doors? Citadel Security Doors? It’s got those, too. Fully web-based. Directly connected to FHC manufacturing. Less guesswork. Fewer mistakes. More productivity. Winner of USGlass Magazine's Readers' Choice Award. FHC INSTAQUOTE™. LESS CLICKING. MORE GLAZING. Get started today at FHC-USA.com /instaquote 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/

October 17, 2026Episode 1653 min

From the Fabricator! S6E16 Scott Thomsen (Luxwall) Brendan Champion/Andrew Leopard (1st Choice Glass)

Thrilled to have a new episode of the “From the Fabricator” podcast for you. This one lets us dive into hot companies & products while also addressing the industry's needs. First up: Luxwall Chairman and CEO Scott Thomsen. Scott has been making the podcast rounds, but I think I pulled some fresh insights from him. Obviously, he’s one of the most intelligent people our industry has ever seen, and his swing with Luxwall is massive for our space. Next up, I get the dynamic duo of Brendan Champion and Andrew Leopard of 1st Choice Glass. That company is crushing it out there- which I love to see. I always get fired up talking to people who have their finger on the pulse and bring real passion to our industry. Fun, sharp guys who I am now a fan of, since this was the first time I ever got to speak to them. I think you’ll enjoy and get ready for me to complain about electricians again. Thank you for checking this out! I appreciate it. Also, thank you to FHC-Frameless Hardware Company FHC is doing things differently. To many, that means the product innovations that make your installs faster, safer and more profitable (they’ve got the product awards and patents to vouch)… to others that means a lead time that makes your GC’s and owners happier while getting you onto the next project faster… but to MOST, it’s the commitment to the customer service that makes your lives easier. They believe in seeking and hiring (and retaining!) the highly-skilled, knowledgeable and responsive staff that will not only answer the phone, but are equipped to help solve your problem. They’ve also made significant advancements in order fulfillment protocols, have re-negotiated shipping terms/pricing with the biggest third-party partners, have partnered with Uber Courier for instant on-site delivery to keep you working while waiting for the next shipment, and are adding new service centers every year to bring the products you need even closer. They’re the manufacturer, supplier and vendor you deserve. Visit FHC-USA.com and experience the difference in what project partnership can and should look like. 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/

October 3, 2026Episode 1559 min

From the Fabricator! S6E15 Hugo Ramirez (Adler Window) Mike O'Neal (Chesapeake Glazing)

The new episode of the From the Fabricator podcast is now live and ready for you to listen to (or, for a few of you, watch). This time around, I have 2 people I don’t know very well, so it was a lot of fun to get to know these guys. First up was Hugo Ramirez of Adler Window. I stumbled onto Hugo via his incredible LinkedIn feed and immediately knew I wanted him on the pod. And he did not disappoint! Very thoughtful guy who has had a pretty amazing career and now is in the thick of it all in New York. We covered a ton of items, including the cost of “waiting,” IIBEC, NY LL 97, and learning how to ski under serious pressure. Good stuff! Then I got with Mike O’Neal of Chesapeake Glazing. I have only met Mike once- and it was a super quick hello at BEC. So this was a great opportunity to learn more. Mike falls into the American Dream category- working his way up from the very bottom and entry into the glass world, all the way to President of an extremely impressive organization. It was a great talk on recruiting, mental health, hot products, and more. Just a super cool guy for sure. Truly, it’s fun to bring voices into our space that aren’t heard as much as others! Thank you for checking it out! Thank you to FHC- Frameless Hardware Company FHC is coming to the Windy City! Chicago is next for the latest FHC location. Opening in 2027- 80,000 sq ft distribution warehouse. Everything there that a glazier wants and needs. You now have a choice! 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/

September 12, 2026Episode 141 hr 11 min

From the Fabricator! S6E14 Urmilla Sowell (NGA) Bruce Murray (Steel Encounters)

The latest episode of the From the Fabricator podcast is now out! This time, I have two really smart, interesting people who drop serious knowledge. Leading off with one of the NGA Technical Super Heroes, Urmilla Sowell. Urmilla was on my first-ever podcast in 2021, and it was great to reconnect with her since so much has changed. We cover what’s happening in the tech and advocacy arena, volunteering, super people, and a very memorable food conversation. Then Bruce Murray of Steel Encounters joins the pod, and we get deep into safety and Bruce’s unyielding passion for it, his background, his love of the Raiders, and a clutch, meaningful quote, among other things. Two fun, classy people, and I’m excited to see both in person in Las Vegas at GlassBuild. If you are not familiar with either, this is a great way to learn about them. Thanks to them and to everyone who checks it out. I appreciate it! Thank you to the gang at FHC-Frameless Hardware Company for their support of this podcast- I am grateful! For innovative glass & glazing products, the FHC booth (3135) is your can’t-miss stop at GlassBuild America, September 23-25 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. - FOUR new product launches premiering at the show - SIX Glass Magazine Award-winning products on display - Centuries of industry expertise on-hand and in-person - The latest innovations in architectural railing, glass entrances, frameless shower doors, transaction windows, door hardware, glazing tools & supplies Whether you install, purchase or specify architectural glazing systems, the FHC booth is your premier GlassBuild destination. Get your FREE PASS using promo code FHC26 at glassbuildamerica.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/

August 29, 2026Episode 1337 min

From the Fabricator! S6E13 GLASSBUILD SPECIAL with Andrew Haring (FHC) and Kevin Hardman (Hardman Glazing)

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/

August 8, 2026Episode 121 hr 6 min

From the Fabricator! S6 E12 Kristina Buckett (Dallas Flat Glass/Excel) Joe Silva (Author & SmartLift)

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/

July 18, 2026Episode 111 hr 1 min

From the Fabricator! S6E11 Kevin Roth (Privacy Glass Solutions) Amy Post (Guardian Glass)

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/

June 27, 2026Episode 1038 min

From the Fabricator! S6E10 Lakisha Woods, National Glass Association NGA

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/

June 13, 2026Episode 91 hr 5 min

From the Fabricator! S6E9 Tom Culp (Birch Point & NGA Consultant) Jamie Kernohan (Glass Guru)

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/

May 23, 2026Episode 81 hr 7 min

From the Fabricator! S6E8 Randy Brooks (Gardner/Walker) Jared Ruggieri (Spectrum Metal Finishing)

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/