In Waco, we have what we call the Fixer Upper effect. It's the amazing rebirth of the downtown area, it's the rehab of neighborhoods, it's the incredible number of visitors that otherwise wouldn't stop in Waco.
I personally don't think this effect is limited to Waco. I think we can use the Fixer Upper effect to impact our industry. I think it is super important that the glass and glazing industry, the residential side specifically, get some exposure. For the industry as a whole, I am trying to show new and innovative products that consumers may not know exist. Sure there is Pinterest and other avenues for exploration of glass ideas, but those are keyword sensitive. When we can show a fresh idea to the consumer market at the rate of 25 million views (Season 4’s estimated viewer count) without them having a preconceived idea of what they think they want to see, well we have a golden opportunity. My goal isn’t just to make my business better, my goal is to make the industry better. I want a Fixer Upper fan to see something that I am doing on the show and want it. That in turn results in a phone call to the local glass company. It really is an amazing opportunity for the industry.
We are going to keep creating the amazing pieces that Joanna wants and hope that we can offer some influence on what else we can do as glaziers. For instance, in Season 4 we had the ability to show some amazing frameless shower work, open shelving systems for the kitchen and bathroom featuring glass shelves, some custom built steel and glass barn style sliding doors, electric privacy glass/smart tint, and more. We hope to keep pushing the envelope in Season 5 and continue to be a face for the residential glass industry!