40 Years in Glass: How Darand Davies Built Black Line Glazing and a Culture People Want to Work In | Cutting Edge Install Podcast Ep 12
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Welcome to another episode of the Cutting Edge Install Podcast — brought to you by Omni Cubed, where innovation meets installation and everything in between.
In this episode of the Cutting Edge Install podcast, host Merv Campbell sits down with Darand Davies, Founder and CEO of Black Line Glazing in Oregon. With over 40 years in the glass industry, Darand traces his journey from sweeping shop floors at 19 to running a company built on integrity, long-term relationships, and a culture where people actually want to come to work.
Darand shares what’s changed most in glazing over four decades—from single pane to high-efficiency systems, from aluminum to advanced European product lines and vacuum glass—and why estimating is more art than math. He talks candidly about big mistakes (including missing an entire floor on a job), why doing what you say you’ll do matters more than ever, and how strong communication and clear values can carry a shop through brutal market cycles.
You’ll also hear Darand unpack:
• How Black Line Glazing was born and why “Black Line” isn’t just a cool name
• The leadership lessons behind building a healthy, durable company culture
• Why owners need to know their blind spots and hire people smarter than themselves
• The future threats and opportunities he sees for glaziers in a changing construction landscape
• How faith, family, hunting, travel, and poker help keep him grounded outside of work
Whether you’re an installer, estimator, shop owner, or just curious how a trades business survives and thrives over the long haul, this conversation is packed with hard-earned wisdom, humor, and practical takeaways.
Learn more about Black Line Glazing: https://blacklineglazing.com/
Learn more about Omni Cubed: https://omnicubed.com/
Chapters
- (00:00:03) - Cutting Edge Install
- (00:00:53) - How Old Is Your CEO?
- (00:01:49) - Glass Industry Veteran Retiring after 40 Years
- (00:03:59) - Black Line Glazing
- (00:05:53) - Blackline CEO on Team Culture
- (00:08:48) - In the Elevator With Ray
- (00:11:47) - How to Estimate a Glass Job
- (00:16:51) - Running a glazing business is difficult
- (00:20:09) - Bradley Glass Works: Technology and the Challenges
- (00:23:22) - Does the Glass Industry Have a Future?
- (00:25:12) - Do You Have Any Fun Activities?
- (00:26:29) - In the Elevator With Benji
- (00:28:04) - Tim Ferriss on Starting a Business
- (00:32:13) - How to Delegate Your Gifts
- (00:35:31) - Darren on Advice For 25-Year-Olds
- (00:37:47) - Cutting Edge Install Podcast
