Building with Glass: An Entrepreneur's Guide to the Glazing Industry in Bloomington, MN

Building with Glass
is a comprehensive guide for professionals, entrepreneurs, and aspiring business owners in the commercial glazing and fenestration industry. Written by industry veteran Zane Crews, this book combines practical field knowledge with strategic business insight, offering readers a complete roadmap to understanding, entering, and succeeding in one of construction's most specialized trades.
From the science behind glass and aluminum systems to navigating code compliance, this book breaks down complex concepts into accessible lessons. Readers will explore the evolution of glazing, modern materials and technologies, and how to manage a glazing operation-from estimating and manufacturing to field installation and long-term business planning.
Topics include:
The history and future of glazing in architecture
Types of glass and framing systems used in commercial buildings
Installation techniques, tools, and safety protocols
U.S. and international codes, standards, and certification processes
Marketing strategies, estimating fundamentals, and financial management
Case studies and real-world lessons learned
Sustainability, energy efficiency, and smart glass trends
Legal compliance, licensing, and business structure guidance
Whether you're launching your own glazing company, expanding your skill set as a project manager or estimator, or developing a training curriculum for employees or students, this book offers unmatched value and clarity.
Perfect for glazing contractors, glass shop owners, trade educators, architects, and engineers,
is both a technical reference and a practical business guide. With clear explanations, industry best practices, and decades of experience behind it, this book is designed to elevate the knowledge and success of anyone involved in the commercial glass and aluminum industry.