Welcome to our February edition of our newsletter.
 

I always tell myself, by the time we get through February, we have made it through the tough stretch of winter. It may still snow a fair amount in March (tournament time tradition right?) or even into April but the temperatures are starting to rise and the sun is warm. We can start looking ahead to that magical season...spring!
 

Speaking of looking ahead, our son Shawn got a little lesson on expecting the unexpected this winter.  Shawn is attending school at Northeastern University in Boston. As we were preparing to ship him off to college this past fall, his mother was concerned that he didn't pack any winter boots. "What do I need those for?" was his reply. Again, after his winter break, I attempted to get him to buy into the fact that winter boots wouldn't be a bad idea.
 

Well 95 inches of snow this past month may have taught him after all that his mother does know a thing or two about planning ahead!

Our winter here at home has been relatively mild on the snow fall front compared to our East Coast neighbors. It's truly amazing some of the pictures that have been flashed across the news channels. I particularly like the one where it shows someone opening their door and a drift has completely covered the door way. In the snow was an impression of the door. Now THAT'S a snowstorm!
 

One of my favorite reasons to look ahead to spring is getting back outside to train. Being a self-proclaimed fair weather runner and cycler, I'm always impressed with the hardy souls who brave this cold to get their miles in. I tend to need the motivation of organized competitive events to force me into a more regular training routine. Speaking of that, you'll see an opportunity to sign up for the local Apple Duathlon later on in the newsletter. Come race or volunteer with me! We always have a blast-- it's something to look forward to! We all need motivation and everyone's triggers are different so whatever motivates you, identify it and use it to your advantage.
 

Speaking of motivation, I would like to share an example of making the most of an opportunity that Patrick Reusse of the Star Tribune wrote about recently. For you basketball fans, you may know that former Gopher standout Randy Breurer had his number retired and was inducted into the Gophers Hall of Fame. Randy's induction prompted this article by Reusse:  Click here for the full Star Tribune story

My father-in-law, Jerry Snyder, who is featured in the story, was Randy's High School basketball coach. Randy wasn't necessarily going to attend Lake City High School or even play basketball at all. How the two met is an interesting story and the basis of Reusse's article. Their meeting highlights that when an opportunity presents itself in life and in business, if you don't take that leap of faith, and in this case get off the ladder, you could be missing a great opportunity. I try and coach my team members to take that leap and investigate opportunities when they are presented. They may not materialize into one of the all-time great Gophers but it may turn into an interesting story. 

The arrival of spring will be good for business too. Our first quarter has been relatively soft and our backlog starts to materialize into active jobs into March and April. Bidding activity is fairly strong for this time of year although project starts in the St. Cloud metro are still not where they should be. Read on to see a national perspective on that same subject.

If you get a chance, come visit us at the CMBA Home Show at the River's Edge Event Center, March 6-8th. We'd love to show you the latest in residential glass products. From windows to shower doors, mirrors to glass backsplashes Heartland Glass has you covered!
 

Wishing you continued success!