Hey there. It’s been a little while since I last wrote. Life has a funny way of stealing your time and giving you wrinkles in exchange. I’m not complaining, though… wrinkles equal wisdom.

Work has been full – new opportunities, old opportunities that need attention, customer repairs, and the daily waves we tread in the trades. And in the middle of it all, I’ve been thinking about something I’ve known for a long time:

There are generally two types of customers.

The first is detail-oriented. They know what they want,  or at least they know they want quality. They respect craftsmanship. They make decisions in a reasonable timeframe. They understand that value and price are not the same thing.

The second type struggles to decide, focuses almost exclusively on price, and can turn every step of the process into a negotiation. They ask endless questions but resist clear answers. If they were on the Titanic while it was sinking, they’d debate lifeboat colors while asking if a blue one could be brought up from below deck.

We’ve all worked with both.

Here’s the hard truth:

When a contractor repeatedly takes on projects where the customer squeezes every dollar, changes direction constantly, nitpicks every detail, and makes impossible demands, it slowly drains something important.

• Ambition
• Pride
• The drive to deliver excellence.

You start showing up a little later. You cut a corner you normally wouldn’t. You lose some of the fire that made you start the business in the first place.

I’ve seen situations like that push good entrepreneurs to close their doors and go work for someone else.

So the obvious lesson would be: identify the wrong customers quickly and walk away.

And yes – that matters.

In the words of Chris Voss, a man who has deeply influenced how I approach sales and negotiation:

“It’s not a sin to not get a deal. It’s a sin to take a long time to not get a deal.”

The faster you can identify whether someone is a fit, the better. But here’s where most contractors miss something important. The real tool isn’t just discernment.

It’s empathy.

I know. That word can sound a little soft in a world of steel, glass, and concrete. Thirty years ago, I probably would have laughed at it myself.

But empathy isn’t sympathy.

Sympathy is feeling sorry for someone.

Empathy is understanding them.

It’s putting yourself on their side of the table. Seeing the project through their fears, expectations, and past experiences. Understanding that sometimes what looks like “difficult” is really uncertainty. Or a bad experience with a previous contractor. Or simply someone who doesn’t know how to articulate what they want.

When you slow down and ask intentional questions – and actually listen.. you uncover what’s driving their behavior.

“It sounds like you’re concerned about making the wrong decision.”

“It seems like you’ve had a bad experience before.”

“It looks like budget is important, but quality still matters to you.”

When a customer hears that, they know you didn’t just hear them.

You listened.

Empathy builds trust.

Trust builds contracts.

And here’s something even more important:

Even the hardest customers can become your biggest advocates.

I’ve seen abrasive, skeptical, price-driven customers turn into referral sources, not because we gave them the lowest number, but because we handled them with professionalism and respect when they were at their most difficult.

Sometimes people change.

Maybe they go through a life-altering experience.

Maybe they mature.

Maybe they simply encounter enough poor service elsewhere that they finally recognize what integrity looks like.

And when they remember how you handled them – patiently, calmly, without ego.. you’re the one they call.

Or the one they recommend.

Not every difficult customer should be taken on. Discernment still matters. Some projects truly are best avoided.

But how you handle people.. even when you walk away – leaves an impression.

In this business, reputation compounds.

The contractor who listens, asks thoughtful questions, and keeps his composure under pressure is the one who builds something sustainable.

So if I had to simplify everything I’ve learned into one sentence, it would be this:

Listen carefully.

Ask better questions.

See the mountain from their side before you decide whether to climb it together.

Wrinkles may come with time.

But wisdom comes from learning which battles to fight and how to treat people along the way.

It’s a heavy week. Life is heavy. Work. Home. All of it. Work is overflowing, there are unrealistic deadlines to meet, 30 proposals to send out, 6 problems in the pipeline, happy builders, unhappy builders, & it’s one of those weeks where I don’t want to deal with any of it.

This brings me back to the beginning of our business. When we first started selling shower doors, we were mocked and told we could never make a living selling them. Basically shot down in every direction at first. It seemed like there was no realistic way to make this business successful, no way to grow to what we had envisioned when we decided to open up shop. Negativity was coming from everywhere. Back then I didn’t have to try as hard not let it get to me. It’s probably where the term “grumpy old men” comes from. The older I get the more I see it.

When we first started manufacturing, we were told we’d be out of business within the year. My father, mother, brother, & I put in hours upon hours with the stress piling on like flies on cow shit… and it seemed like it would never end. (And in a lot of ways, it still hasn’t; it’s just a little different now) We worked 24-hour days a lot of days. Barely eating, rarely sleeping. It was heavy. It was a lot to carry – still is. Learning the ins and outs of glass manufacturing is one of the most complex things I’ve ever witnessed in my life. The machines need constant maintenance, the glass is temperamental & extremely easy to screw up. Time is never on your side when you have deadlines piling up & the water-jet is down and of course, the technical support phone calls go unanswered. Getting through the beginning stages of manufacturing was one of the most challenging yet life-altering experiences…probably of our lifetime.

What kept us going, and still does, was a dream. A sort of fire in our bones fueled by the opinions of those who told us we wouldn’t amount to anything. Fueled by the dreams of a little boy in a hospital bed fighting for his life & parents absolutely terrified of the unknown. Fueled by a family that chose to stick together no matter how hard things might get. Thats the kind of fuel that burns for a lifetime & the furnace never shuts off.

20 years later, we’re still here. I’m not going to say it isn’t as hard and overwhelming as it’s always been – because it definitely is. It’s a different type of hard now… there’s almost 200 employees all with different lives and responsibilities all depending on their paycheck at the end of the workweek & making sure the gears keep moving for that to happen is a heavy burden, even for the best of us. As the business grows the problems grow and even though some days it seems like we don’t have the strength to get through it, there’s over two decades of data that says we do.

I’m not writing this article today to seem like a sob story. No. That’s not it at all. I’m writing it because, well, for one it feels good to get these ever-present thoughts off my chest, and two, I know there are men out there working their asses off to make sure their business stays open, their customers stay happy, and their employees stay paid. I know there are entrepreneurs out there having the worst week of their life and quitting seems like the best option. I know because I’ve been there many times before. Maybe I’m even there right now. Or close to it anyway.

However, I just know that those two decades of data saying “don’t let the hard days win” is enough for me to lift of my chin & keep grinding along. One of my worst fears is failing & I’ll be damned if I go down without a fight.

I don’t know where the finish line is but I know it sure ain’t here.

I’ve been working in this industry for over twenty years now, and I’ve seen a lot of things change. The work itself? That’s pretty much the same. But the way we talk about it, share it, connect over it… That’s different. Social media’s changed everything about how we communicate, and I gotta say, I’ve noticed something that just bugs the hell out of me.

The negative stuff gets all the attention.

I’m not talking a little more attention either. I’m talking ten times the views, ten times the comments, ten times the shares. When I post about a job that went sideways… equipment breaking down, a customer being difficult, or me making some bonehead mistake… people eat it up. My phone’s buzzing all day. But when I share something good? When I post about a project we nailed, or some advice that took me years to learn, or just a solid day where everything clicked? Crickets.

And I can’t help but wonder: when did we all become so hungry for disaster?

Look, I get it. There’s something about watching someone else struggle that makes us feel better about our own problems. We’re all human. When I posted about a job that had 13 change orders, 8 months past the original deadline, & somehow it’s always the glass guys’ fault for not jumping when the GC  said they were ready for install NOW!  Many people could relate to that. They’ve been there. They wanted to commiserate, share their own horror stories, maybe even feel a little relief that it wasn’t happening to them that day.

When something goes wrong, people want to comment, but somehow, when everything goes right, they won’t even like the post.

But guys… here’s what gets me: we’ve *all* had good days too. We’ve all had that moment when everything lines up perfectly, when you step back and look at your work and think, “Damn, I’m good at this.” We’ve all learned lessons the hard way that could save someone else time, money, or a major headache. So why don’t those stories travel the same way? The ones where everything went perfectly, and you’re proud to tell your followers that you can, in some instances, achieve perfection? Or at least close to it.

I think we’ve trained ourselves to scroll past the good stuff. It doesn’t grab us the same way. A post about me finishing a tough job ahead of schedule and under budget? That’s nice, but it doesn’t make you stop mid-scroll. A post about me accidentally drilling through a water pipe & our customer screaming that we’ve ruined their unique, impossible to find, cannot be duplicated, once in a lifetime imported marble? Now that’s entertainment.

And maybe that’s the problem right there… we’re treating real life like entertainment. We’re looking for drama, for conflict, for something to shake our heads at or argue about in the comments. Positivity doesn’t give us that hit. It’s too smooth, too simple. It doesn’t activate that part of our brain that wants to see what happens next. It tends to make people feel worse about themselves.

Maybe it’s because feeling happy for someone else gives a little part of the joy you have for yourself to the other person. Maybe a lot of people want to hold onto all of the joy they have for themselves. Too painful to support someone else’s happiness when you feel you lack it.

But man, I worry about what that’s doing to us. Twenty years ago, if you messed something up on a job, you’d tell maybe five people about it… your crew, your boss, maybe your buddy at the bar that night. Now you can tell five thousand people before lunchtime, or at break time while you snack on your leftover sandwich from yesterday & stale cheese puffs. Information spreads fast these days. And all that negative energy just multiplies and becomes this cloud we’re all walking around in day in and day out.

Don’t get me wrong… I’m not saying we should only share the highlight reel. That fake positivity stuff is just as bad, maybe worse, because at least the negative stuff is honest. I’m just saying there’s got to be a balance. And right now, the scales are tipped so far toward the negative that it’s affecting how we see our work, our lives, maybe even ourselves.

If depression wasn’t that bad of an issue 50 years ago, it certainly is today.

Always seeing the good things other people are doing – their vacations, their new cars, their attendance at every sports game & concert, local or not.

It’s exhausting always comparing your life to someone else’s.

I’ve started asking myself why I’m posting something before I hit share. Am I putting this out there because it’s genuinely useful or interesting? Or am I doing it because I know people will click on a disaster? Because if I’m honest, there’ve been times I’ve shared the bad stuff just because I knew it would get more attention. I’ve caught myself doing that a lot lately.

If I’m going to take the time to create content .. I wanna at least get views on said content.

Not many people realize how long it takes to keep social media running & the constant flow of content coming. It’s a full-time job. Adding it to your already full-time job is a challenge. However, if we’re going to bring eyes to the skilled trades industry… somebody’s gotta show this new generation what they’re in for.

The good & the bad.

We’ve got younger guys coming into the trades now who’ve grown up with all this social media stuff. And I wonder what message we’re sending them when every viral post is about someone’s failure, every popular video is about something going wrong. Are we teaching them that’s just how it is? That struggling and complaining gets you further than working hard and sharing what you’ve learned?

I don’t want it to be that way. I truly hope that’s not what the future looks like for the next generation or we’ll have a big problem on our hands.

Anyhow…I don’t have all the answers. But I know this: we’ve got a choice every time we pick up our phones. We can feed the negativity machine, or we can try to tip things back the other way. Maybe your positive post won’t get ten thousand views. Maybe it’ll only reach ten people. But if one of those people needed to hear something good that day, if one person learned something that makes their job easier, isn’t that worth more than going viral with your latest screw-up?

I’m going to keep sharing the good stuff, even if nobody’s watching. Because after twenty years in this business, I’ve learned that the work we do matters, the knowledge we pass on matters, and the attitude we bring to the job site every morning matters. Even if Instagram doesn’t think so.

Maybe some of you feel the same way. Or maybe I’m just old and yelling at clouds. Either way, I said what I needed to say.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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.