WDMA Open & Close

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Episodes

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WDMA Open & Close

This podcast by the Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) provides a mixture of content and analysis of the issues impacting the industry, along with engaging interviews of industry leaders, experts and analysts that will provide unique perspectives on the industry today. The podcast examines the big issues driving the window, door and skylight industry in an environment of constantly changing business conditions, political developments and consumer preferences.

Episodes

Episode 15: NFRC on their Linear Energy Analysis For Fenestration (LEAFF) Methodology

In this episode, WDMA’s Steve Orlowski sits down with Scott Hanlon, Director of Programs with the National Fenestration Rating Council to discuss a new program to streamline energy performance testing of windows, doors, and skylights. Hanlon will cover how the new methodology leverages the simulation process that it has used for three decades producing fair, accurate, and credible ratings which measure the energy efficiency of fenestration products.

Mar 13, 2020•14 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Episode 14: Washington Policy Outlook; AmesburyTruth Interview

In this episode, WDMA’s Mike O’Brien and Kevin McKenney discuss the outlook for industry policy issues in Washington for the remainder of the year. Then Mike talks with Michelle Nissen of AmesburyTruth about some of the trends in the hardware industry and her perspective on the state of the window and door industry.

Dec 06, 2019•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Episode 13: John Burns Real Estate Consulting Interview; Proposed Canadian Formaldehyde Regs

In this episode, Mike O’Brien talks with John Burns of John Burns Real Estate Consulting about his market outlook and his firm’s “window and door hotness index.”  The WDMA’s Kevin McKenney and Steve Orlowski discuss the potential implications of proposed Canadian formaldehyde regulations on U.S. manufacturers.

Sep 27, 2019•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Episode 12: Nat’l Renewable Energy Labs Interview; Policy Issues Update and Outlook

In this episode, WDMA’s Jeff Inks talks with Dr. Robert Tenent about current NREL R&D projects.  Then WDMA’s Mike O’Brien and Kevin McKenney have a discussion policy issues dominating the agenda in Washington, including tariffs, trade, energy and taxes and what to expect this fall in Washington.

Aug 28, 2019•41 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Episode 11: 2019 WDMA Market Study Results; Franklin Adhesives Interview

In this episode, WDMA’s Mike O’Brien talks with Brad Farnsworth of The Farnsworth Group about the 2019 WDMA Market Study results. Then Mike has a conversation with Jaye Schroeder of Franklin Adhesives and Polymers about the latest trends in adhesives and their use in the industry.  

Jul 29, 2019•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Episode 10: Standard for Design Pressure Ratings; Stiles Interview

In this episode, WDMA’s Jeff Inks talks with Marvin’s Brad Fevold about rating products using the WDMA I.S.11, the Industry Standard for Analytical Method for Design Pressure Ratings of Fenestration Products.  Then WDMA’s Mike O’Brien talks with Greg Jansen from Stiles Machinery about innovations and trends in the use of machinery in the industry.

May 31, 2019•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Episode 9: The Culture of Safety

A important subject for all companies in the industry is how to foster a better safety culture.  WDMA’s Mike O’Brien talks with Regina McMichael, CSP, about how companies can move from a compliance-driven safety culture to more humanity-based safety solutions that improve safety and employee retention at the same time.  The author of “The Safety Training Ninja,” she shares her knowledge from 30 years of training across numerous industries. 

Apr 24, 2019•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Episode 8: Remodeling Market Insights

As the building season kicks into high gear, WDMA’s Mike O’Brien has an in-depth discussion with Craig Webb, president of Webb Analytics and the former editor-in-chief of Remodeling magazine.  They discuss key takeaways from the recent Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies Remodeling report, the attributes of successful remodelers, the dramatic impact of technology, why so many remodeling businesses fail and many other issues in this wide-ranging discussion.    ...

Mar 28, 2019•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Episode 7: The Year Ahead in Congress

With the shutdown over, WDMA’s Mike O’Brien and Kevin McKenney discuss the outlook for many of the critical issues that could impact the window, door and skylight industry.  From trade and tariffs to energy policy to regulatory policy and emerging state issues, Mike and Kevin discuss what the current situation is and what may have the best chances of moving forward in a divided Congress.

Feb 22, 2019•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Episode 6: Proposed Canadian Fenestration Requirements; Lexington Manufacturing Interview

Jeff Inks, WDMA’s Sr. VP of Advocacy, talks with Jeff Baker of WESTLab Canada about proposed federal requirements in Canada on energy efficiency.  Then, Steve Orlowski, WDMA’s Sr. Director of Standards and Technical Activities, has a conversation with David Claypool of Lexington Manufacturing about how they are fulfilling the need for engineered components in the industry and their commitment to sustainable forestry practices.  

Jan 30, 2019•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Episode 5: NAHB Chief Economist on the Residential/Remodeling Outlook; CDS Logistics Interview

WDMA CEO Mike O’Brien talks with NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz about the outlook for the residential/remodeling market. Then he has a discussion with Mike Heary of CDS Logistics about transportation issues.

Dec 12, 2018•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Episode 4: Midterm Elections Discussion; RiteScreen Interview

WDMA Director of Government Affairs Kevin McKenney discusses the results and impact of the Midterm Elections with Jordan Stoick, Vice President of Government Relations for the National Association of Manufacturers. WDMA CEO Mike O’Brien has a conversation with Tom Himmel of the RiteScreen Company about trends in screen manufacturing.

Nov 13, 2018•32 min•Ep 4•Transcript available on Metacast

Episode 3: AIA Chief Economist on the Commercial/Multifamily Outlook; Omniglass Interview

WDMA CEO Mike O’Brien talks with AIA Chief EconomistKermit Baker about the outlook for the commercial/multifamily market. Then he has a discussion with John Zadro of Omniglass SCT about fiberglass fenestration. The episode wraps up with a NAFTA/tariff update.

Sep 28, 2018•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Episode 2: WDMA Market Study Results; Soft Tech Interview on Technology Trends

WDMA CEO Mike O’Brien discusses the results of the recent WDMA 2018 Market Studies with Brad Farnsworth of the Farnsworth Group. Then he has a discussion with Mitch Lewandowski of Soft Tech about technology trends and developments in the industry.

Aug 31, 2018•27 min•Ep 2•Transcript available on Metacast

Episode 1: Trade/Tariff Discussion; Interview with HOPPE President

In this episode, WDMA CEO, Michael O’Brien, talks with the association’s Director of Government Affairs, Kevin McKenney, about all the recent trade and tariff developments in Washington, what’s ahead in Congress and the possible impact of the midterm elections. O’Brien then has a discussion with HOPPE North American CEO, Jeff Shilakis, about current trends in the industry, how his company has responded and what are some of challenges they are facing.

Jul 27, 2018•51 min•Transcript available on Metacast