Volume 35, Number 1, January 2000
People
promotions
Kunkel Moves to Viracon Manufacturing Position
Larry Kunkel has been appointed to the position of vice president of manufacturing at Viracon in Owatonna, MN. In his new role, Kunkel oversees all aspects of manufacturing, including daily production, safety, engineering and maintenance, research and development, ISO and quality. He moves into the position from Viracon’s sister company, Viracon/Curvlite.
on the move
Kawneer Names Bill Cralley New President
Kawneer Company Inc. of Norcross, GA has appointed William (Bill) O. Cralley as its new president. Cralley has 19 years experience in the architectural products industry, including 14 years with Apogee Enterprises. He served most recently as vice president, architectural products and services at Hoffer’s Inc. of Wausau, WI, a supplier of architectural, industrial, residential and auto glass systems.
“Kawneer’s number-one priority will be its customers,” said Cralley. “We look forward to refocusing our customer commitment and providing growth and success for them as well as for Kawneer,” he added.
appointments
Bowmead Appoints Field to Board of Directors
Bowmead Technology, an Ottawa, Canada-based window-system developer, has appointed Stephen Field to its board of directors. Field, a professional industrial designer, is an industrial design lecturer at Carleton University and a design consultant to a number of public and private sector companies.
A Minute With ...
* up and comers
Howard Tanner
Patriot Glass & Mirror
Howard Tanner is president of Patriot Glass & Mirror in Schnectady, NY, which has been in business since 1992. In the contract glazing business in northern NY, Tanner is know as a perpetual motion, a true idea person, who spouts them constantly. In fact, when he first threw out this idea for a column at our editors, little did he realize that he would become its first subject.
Q: What are some of the differences between
today’s new generation contract glaziers and the older
generation.
A: We’re not used to the glory days—the days when glaziers could rely on the fact that the work would be there. We have to be more aggressive and go and out and get the jobs. Also, in previous years, deals were written on a napkin and sealed with a handshake—and you got paid. Today, you can’t rely on anyone’s word.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not working?
A: Work.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do at work?
A: To pursue the thrill of the chase—then be rewarded by getting the job. I also love being out on a construction site and seeing the job in progress—I’m in my glory.
Q: What do you hate most about your job?
A: Money collections.
Q: What do people outside of the industry (friends, etc.) think about your job?
A: They don’t [think about it]. They think, ‘Oh, he works for a glass company.’ Then they see a project we do, and say, ‘Wow.’
Q: What did you want to be when you grew up?
A: I never wanted anything to do with glass. I was always into cars and wanted to do something with that. Then, when I was in college I started hanging around my father’s glass business, and I realized I had the ability to sell and schmooze. So, when my father sold his business in 1991, I opened my own one year later.
Q: What’s interesting about you?
A: I have a lot of energy—more energy than some people can deal with. I’m going morning, noon and night.
*Have Your Minute
“A Minute With ... Up and Comers” will appear bimonthly rotating with “A Minute With ... An Industry Leader.” If you would like to be the focus of “A Minute With” or would like to recommend someone, e-mail us at minute@glass.com
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