Introduction and Business Background

• Keith Daubmann, from MY Architectural Glass, is using social media to assist the industry and his business, with a presence on platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube 01:41.
• Daubmann’s company, MY Shower Door, was started in 2003 by him, his brother, father, and mother, and initially focused on heavy glass frameless shower enclosures 03:55.
• In 2012, they started their own manufacturing company, D3 Glass, despite initial rejections from bankers due to the recession 04:51.
• Daubmann’s mother encouraged him to get on social media, and he started with LinkedIn after watching Gary Vaynerchuk’s videos 08:01.

Social Media Journey and Building Trust

• He began posting consistently, starting with daily selfie videos, and later evolved to using TikTok reels and modern pop culture to integrate his business and help people 09:37.
• Building trust online is crucial, and it can be achieved by being authentic and putting oneself out there, as people are more likely to do business with those they trust 10:17.
• Dale Carnegie’s principle of needing 7-10 “touches” to build rapport and trust with someone can be accelerated through social media, allowing for faster trust-building and sales 11:12.
• Social media can help establish a personal relationship with potential customers, making them more comfortable and likely to do business with you 19:10.
• Fear is a major factor holding people back from using social media for business, as they are afraid of being judged or putting themselves out there 19:52.
• Being authentic and true to oneself on social media can lead to success and open up new opportunities, as seen in the case of the speaker’s business 14:57.

Overcoming Fear and Creating Content

• Many people are hesitant to create content online due to fear, but social media platforms provide an opportunity to reach a large audience quickly and easily 20:16.
• A single post can change the dynamic of a business overnight, as seen in the example of Ocean Spray’s sales increasing after a viral video featuring their product 22:25.
• Being genuine and relatable is more important than being polished or professional when creating online content, and finding someone in your organization who is comfortable on camera can be beneficial 23:59.

Promoting Others and Building Relationships

• Promoting other businesses and showing appreciation for their work can lead to reciprocity and new business opportunities, as seen in the example of promoting a homebuilder on social media 26:51.
• Building relationships and trust with potential clients through content creation, such as podcasting, can lead to new business opportunities and a 100% success rate in engaging in business after the fact 29:00.
• Building trust online involves offering value, creating content, and letting people get to know you, which can help temper down anxiety and build trust almost immediately 29:58.
• Being authentic and not polished is important, as people can tell when someone is being phony, and authenticity helps build trust 31:10.

Authenticity, Humor, and Soft Skills

• Using humor in content can help people think clearly and make better decisions, as studies have shown that people are 31% smarter in a positive frame of mind 31:41.
• Soft skills, such as situational awareness and customer service, are essential in building trust and making customers feel comfortable 33:25.
• Showing respect for customers and being considerate of their needs can help build trust and make them more receptive to messages 33:55.
• Providing a preview of what customers can expect, such as through social media, can help reduce anxiety and build trust 35:44.
• Paying attention to customers’ needs and being aware of their concerns can help provide excellent service and build trust, as seen in the example of a restaurant waiter who identified the customer’s type A personality and provided tailored service 38:07.
• Building trust online requires being situationally aware of all components involved in transactions and paying attention to details, which can help establish connections and speed up the process when people know you through social media 39:46.

Consistency, LinkedIn, and Analytics

• Consistency is key to success on social media, and trying to make viral videos can be counterproductive; instead, focus on creating quality content and engaging with your audience 41:34.
• LinkedIn is a recommended platform for business, with a high concentration of decision-makers and a low percentage of users who post content, making it easier to stand out 43:20.
• Using analytics can help track the effectiveness of social media posts and identify what types of content resonate with the audience, allowing for adjustments to be made to improve engagement 46:00.
• Consistency and managed expectations are important when building a social media presence, as it may take time to build a community and gain influence, but it’s possible to go viral overnight 47:02.
• Using analytics in business can help inform decisions, such as designing showrooms to feature popular products and displays, and can improve overall performance 48:29.

Personal Branding and Addressing Fears

• Building a personal brand on social media can benefit employees, even if they don’t own the business, as it can lead to increased recognition and potentially better job opportunities in the future 48:47.
• Fear is a major obstacle for people who are hesitant to use social media, including fear of being judged, fear of not being tech-savvy, and fear of not having the time or money 52:53.
• Consistency is key on social media, and it’s not about the number of views or followers, but about reaching the right person who might need or want the product or service being offered 57:12.
• Even a small number of views can lead to significant business opportunities, as illustrated by a story about a $250,000 job that resulted from a social media post with only 200 views 57:12.
• It’s not necessary to be a natural at social media, as skills can be learned with practice and dedication, and even people who are not tech-savvy can become proficient with time 54:07.

Building Trust and Targeting Content

• Building trust online is crucial, especially in industries like architectural glass, where it’s about the right people, not the most people 58:25.
• To create effective content, put yourself in the shoes of the person you’re targeting, such as designers, architects, or building engineers, and develop content that satisfies their needs and wants 59:40.
• Content should be tailored to specific audiences, such as designers, contractors, or owners, and address their unique concerns, like timeliness, accuracy, and trust 01:04:25.

Trust, Value, and Differentiation

• Trust is a key factor in decision-making, and showcasing real-life jobs and being available can help establish trust with potential clients 01:05:26.
• Price is not the most important factor, and having all the other components, such as trust, timeliness, and communication, is crucial for success 01:07:42.
• Building trust online is crucial, especially for glass companies, as it helps differentiate them from competitors who focus on discounting prices 01:07:51.
• The number one complaint of glass companies is being undercut by competitors, but a social media approach can help build value and differentiate a company 01:08:13.
• By showcasing a company’s culture, values, and processes on social media, customers can start to see the value beyond just price, making it easier to build long-lasting relationships 01:10:17.
• Keith Daubmann believes that social media is the best way to garner new opportunities and build rapport, and it’s more effective than traditional methods like trade shows or phone books 01:11:17.
• Daubmann’s approach to social media has helped shift the conversation from price to value, with customers recognizing and trusting his company, MY Architectural Glass 01:09:43.

Here’s an outline and timecode for the podcast.

• Keith Daubmann is the guest on the podcast, and he has an interesting background and story to share, having grown up in an entrepreneurial family in Western Massachusetts 03:23.
• Daubmann’s parents started a home services business to pay for his medical treatment after he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s non-lymphoma at age 12, and this experience shaped his entrepreneurial spirit 03:47.
• Daubmann’s family moved to Florida, where they started a closet shelving business that eventually led to the glass industry, specifically shower doors, after being introduced to the idea by Tom Whitaker 06:35.
• My Shower Door is the first brand Daubmann started, specializing in measuring, manufacturing, and installing heavy glass frameless shower enclosures, and it has carved out a niche in the market by focusing solely on shower doors 08:11.
• Keith Daubmann’s company has grown significantly, with 198 employees, and he attributes this growth to the company’s focus on a specific product, the heavy glass frameless shower enclosure, and its ability to provide better customer service through vertical integration 09:18.
• D3, the manufacturing side of the business, was born after the recession in 2008, and it allows the company to have more control over quality and provide better customer service 11:36.
• My Architectural Glass was started in 2017, and it was initially met with skepticism, but it has since grown and allowed the company to expand its product offerings and build relationships with builders and architects 14:03.
• Keith Daubmann started using social media in 2017, and it has been instrumental in building his personal brand and promoting his business, allowing him to connect with people and build rapport, which has condensed his sales cycle 15:29.
• Daubmann emphasizes the importance of being authentic and having fun on social media, and he encourages others to make time for it, as it can open doors and build relationships 16:53.
• Keith Daubmann’s company has a strong team, including his brother Doug, mom Donna, plant manager Bryce, and Jay, who has been with the company for over 21 years and is the only person Keith has never disagreed with 18:59.
• Keith’s company, D3 Glass, MyShowerDoor, and My Architectural Glass, has evolved from shower doors to manufacturing, with a focus on culture and teamwork 22:06.
• The biggest challenge Keith faced was transitioning from a small team to a manufacturing culture, which led to high turnover rates and financial struggles, but was eventually resolved with the help of Bryce and a focus on building a positive work culture 22:47.
• The most popular products currently being sold by Keith’s company are wine cellars, glass railings, and shower doors, particularly Barn Door style sliders, which are extremely popular in Southwest Florida 25:17.
• In his spare time, Keith enjoys playing golf and is very competitive at it, although he has not had as much time for it lately due to his business 26:30.
• Keith Daubmann’s social media presence is driven by his competitive nature and desire to show his team that he’s the hardest working one, which has become an essential part of his daily routine 26:49.
• Daubmann’s family, particularly his parents, have instilled in him the value of giving and helping others, which is reflected in his involvement in the industry and charitable efforts 30:07.
• Daubmann’s company helped raise funds for Billy Britt, a member of the Showerdoor Professionals Group, after his business was affected by a hurricane, as a natural response to help those in need 31:10.
• Daubmann’s personal experience with Hurricane Ian, which caused significant damage to his home and business, taught him a valuable lesson about the importance of letting go of material possessions 31:55.
• Daubmann and his brother, Doug, who works on the manufacturing side, used to have battles over lead times and sales promises, but have since developed a better understanding of each other’s needs after 20 years of working together 34:20.
• The key to success is learning from experiences, both good and bad, and being committed to what you do, which can sometimes be an obsession 35:41.
• Keith Daubmann is excited about the future, expecting growth in the manufacturing space, particularly with laminate products, and is looking forward to the evolution of technology and digital integration in the glass industry 37:04.

D3 Glass (d3glass.com) is pleased to announce that the company has been honored as a GrowFL Florida Company to Watch for 2022. The awards program attracted over 400 nominations, with 66 companies selected as finalists and only 50 chosen as award winners.

The 12th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch award honors impressive second-stage companies from throughout the state for developing valuable products and services, creating quality jobs, enriching communities, and broadening new industries throughout Florida.

MY Shower Door / D3 glass has won several awards in recent years, consistently standing out because of its state-of-the-art design and quality workmanship. The company started in 2003 as a small showroom and assembly operation in Naples, Fla., later delving into manufacturing by founding D3 Glass in 2013.

D3 Glass continues its explosive growth in glass fabrication and tempering, allowing the company to manufacture its own glass and expand its brand over the past several years. The company now makes and installs frameless shower doors for nine Florida MY Shower Door locations and other glass shops in Florida. Additional products include bulletproof glass, decorative glass, wine closets, staircases, office partitions, and other glass products.

Five hundred fifty companies across Florida have been named GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Honorees since its inception in 2011, including MY Shower Door in 2013. Together, the 12th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Finalists represent nearly 2,000 jobs and generates over $430 million in revenue. These companies, all of which are “worth watching,” anticipate a growth of 40 percent in revenue and 18 percent in employment by the end of 2022.

Companies to Watch was developed by the Edward Lowe Foundation as a unique way to recognize and honor second-stage companies that demonstrate high performance in the marketplace with innovative strategies and processes. In addition to evaluating past growth and projected success, applicant companies are judged according to their special strengths and impact in their markets, communities, and within the state – thus deeming them “worth watching.”

The 12th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch awards celebration will take place on February 23, 2023, at Hard Rock Live, Universal City Walk, Orlando, Fla. For more information, visit https://growfl.com/about-growfl-flctw/ The Daubmanns’ are leaders in their industry and have seen their company grow from the original four founding family members to the current 185 employees throughout the State of Florida. They’ve established six affiliate stores in Oklahoma City and Edmond, Okla.; Grand Rapids, Mich.; St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minn., and York, Pa. 

Tickets are on sale now for the awards celebration!
Thursday, February 23, 2023
Hard Rock Live | Universal Studios, Orlando, Florida

Many people have reached out to help and ask what they can do to help us. While we are ok as a company, our staff needs your help. Many have lost their residences, autos, clothing, and food. Any and all donations will be distributed by me, personally.

I want to thank you in advance for anything that you can do to help. The link will open our page and you can view the items we can provide and what we will do if we have an excess. All funds will go to help others in Lee County.

If your child has a business idea or entrepreneurial dream, this event will showcase those ideas and provide a successful starting point. This event will feature children ages 7-17 who will have an opportunity to present their business idea, sell their products and services to the public and pitch their business to a panel of judges representing some SWFL leading companies, such as MY Shower Door and MY Architectural Glass.

Every participant will also receive coaching sessions with a business mentor. The first, second, and third-place winners will receive prize money to help make their entrepreneurial dreams come true. We have $5,000 dollars of prize money donated to give to the best business ideas.

The cost for kids to register is $35; participants can learn more about the event and register online at Biz-Kids-Expo.com. Business sponsorship packages and the opportunity to mentor a child are also available to area businesses that wish to participate.

For more information about becoming a sponsor, visit Biz-Kids-Expo.com, or contact JD Ribali at 239.675.1235 or jd@Biz-Kids-Expo.com.

D3 Glass, a glass fabricator based out of Fort Myers, Fla., was named a finalist for the 12th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch in 2022.

The award celebrates second-stage entrepreneurs and recognizes companies throughout Florida for their contributions to the community, creating good jobs, and developing quality products and services.

Finalists will now be in the running to be named a GrowFL company to watch honoree. If a company is announced as an honoree, it will then join the ranks of 550 second-stage companies across Florida that have been recognized since 2011.

The award is a way to honor second-stage companies that demonstrate high performance in the marketplace with innovative strategies and processes. In addition to evaluating past growth and projected success, applicant companies are judged according to their special strengths and impact in their markets, communities, and within Florida.

“This group of business owners represents the remarkable second-stage businesses operating across the state of Florida,” says Jennifer Taylor, president, and CEO of GrowFL. “They demonstrate the agility, perseverance, and innovation needed to take their business to the next level. GrowFL is proud to support Florida’s second-stage entrepreneurs and help to play a part in recognizing their success.”

In order to qualify for the award, companies must have between six and 150 employees. Companies must also have revenue between $750,000 and $100 million in 2021.

The honorees for this year’s award will be announced in October. The 12th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch awards celebration will take place on February 23, 2023.

Please visit US Glass Magazine to read the article in its entirety.

MY Architectural Glass offers a low-iron glass called Ultra-Clear Glass, which has a brilliantly clear, neutral color that offers incredible aesthetic benefits. 

Our glass manufacturing plant (D3 Glass), located right here in Southwest Florida, is the backbone of our company. D3 Glass houses a glass library with multiple glass thicknesses, clarities, and patterns to ensure our customer’s project needs can be met in a timely fashion. Glass coming through D3 can be tempered or laminated to meet specific code requirements for your project.

One of the most popular products used by MY Architectural Glass is Ultra-Clear, low-iron glass, which has a brilliant crystal-clear look that offers incredible aesthetic benefits. Ultra-Clear Glass can help bring the wow factor to any project and provides an unobstructed view between spaces. Ultra-Clear glass has become a top choice for interior designers and decorators because it creates the illusion of a space being larger than it is.

MY Architectural Glass offers many other exceptional glass products, including MY Switchlite Glass, our flagship switchable glass product. Switchable glass is becoming more popular in the custom home and design market as it allows the glass to change from clear to privacy with the flip of a “switch.”

Switchable Glass is a laminated product with an interlayer permanently bonded between two pieces of glass that are activated by an electrostatic pulse. When the switch is off, the glass is in a privacy state. When the switch is turned on, the glass immediately becomes clear. We invite you to visit our Naples Showroom to see Switchable Glass on display.

MY Ultra-Clear Glass is a low-iron product that has a crystal-clear appearance.

Many factors distinguish one type of clear glass from another. Firstly, the sand used to make low iron glass passes under a powerful electro-magnet where large percentages of iron are extracted giving the glass more clarity and less of a greenish hue in color. The thicker the standard glass, the greener the hue. Modifying the iron content can increase the light transparency by 6%.

Secondly, low-Iron glass has become a top choice for interior designers and decorators. This glass is also very popular in the hospitality industry where it is vital to give the bathroom the illusion of being larger than it is.

MY Architectural Glass offers both “standard clear” and Ultra-Clear (low iron) glass in both thicknesses of heavy glass.

In this episode, Keith Daubmann discusses how social media and specifically LinkedIn is an amazing resource and networking tool he uses to locate & hire local talent, collaborate with skilled labor, and build rapport with potential customers and clients.

Keith discusses three main ways he uses social media to achieve many of his business goals.

1. Firstly, he states that you must message people in a genuine and authentic way to build a connection.

   As the saying goes, “You get one chance at a great first impression.” His approach is quite simple. He begins by introducing himself in a relaxed fashion. (Hey Mike. It’s great to be connected to you. I’m Keith.)

   Next, he creates a connecting point between himself and that person. “I noticed that we shared a background in the glass industry, and it would be great to hop on a call to learn more about each other and how we can support one another here on LinkedIn.”

   Finally, he finishes with a simple CTA (Call To Action). “Do you have any time this or next week for a call or Zoom?”

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2. Provide value-added content on a consistent basis.

   Instead of chasing the mighty dollar, give as much value as you can each week in the form of thought-provoking posts, videos, and articles. Over time, this will absolutely help bridge the gap between the problems your ideal clients have, with the solutions you can then provide them.

   Don’t overthink the process. Just give, give, give, as often as you can and watch it all come back to you ten-fold.

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3. Post LinkedIn Polls that truly are based on market research to solve problems that business owners, potential job seekers, or potential customers might have.

   The market research that you can obtain by using LinkedIn Poll Questions the right way is unbelievable. You will never know what someone is struggling with unless you ask. One of the best ways to do this is by asking a great question that prompts great responses. When you leverage polls the right way on LinkedIn, you will never, ever run out of content to speak on ever.

The SWFL Business Podcast, where we interview business owners in the Southwest Florida area to learn about their business and where they’re heading. Today’s guest is Keith Daubmann from MY Shower Door and MY Architectural Glass.

He shares their most recent upgrade, the autoclave, and what its impact will be on the company, the local labor force, and the glass industry as a whole. This is no small machine and no easy feat, so we dive into the possible risks that come with this scale of investment, and what they’re doing to mitigate that. This has great insights for any companies looking to scale.

Keith is also a master at social media, so we dive into the unconsidered benefits of creating and building a brand on social platforms, and what types of opportunities this opens up.

Connect with Keith on LinkedIn.

Show Keith some love on Instagram @myarchitechturalglass

Check out the MSD jobs available here: https://bit.ly/34RJXQv

Also, please support SWFL Business Podcast @swflpodcasts