How AI Is Reshaping the Glass Industry | Stephen Mullins | Cutting Edge Installs Ep. 26

Welcome back to the Cutting Edge Install Podcast, brought to you by Omni Cubed — where innovation meets installation and everything in between. In this episode, host Merv Campbell sits down with Stephen Mullins, founder of the Glass & Design Group, for an insightful conversation about entrepreneurship, innovation, and the future of the glass industry. Stephen shares his unconventional journey from a decade-long career in banking to becoming a leader in the glazing industry and launching his own company in 2026. Along the way, he discusses the lessons he learned from sales, business development, and why building systems and relationships ultimately led him to take the leap into entrepreneurship. The conversation dives deep into what separates great companies from average ones, the importance of understanding your ideal customer, and why so many businesses fail to adapt as industries evolve. Stephen also shares how emerging technologies like AI are already changing the way glass companies operate — from proposals and customer communication to efficiency and business strategy. Merv and Stephen explore where the industry is headed, why glaziers need a seat at the design table, and how small, agile companies can use technology to compete in ways that were impossible just a few years ago. In this episode, you'll hear them discuss: Why Stephen left banking to pursue a career in glass Building a new glazing company from the ground up The importance of systems and having a business plan Why relationships and customer experience matter more than ever The latest design trends in residential glass and glazing How AI is transforming proposals, communication, and operations Why business owners need to define their ideal customer The importance of asking questions and continuous learning How technology can help companies become more efficient and profitable What the future of the glass industry could look like in the next decade This episode is packed with practical insights for glaziers, business owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to build a modern company in the trades. Learn more about Omni Cubed: https://omnicubed.com/ Learn more about the Glass & Design Group: https://glassdesigngroup.com/ Chapters (00:00:03) - Cutting Edge Install Podcast(00:00:44) - Meet a Pro in the Glass Industry(00:01:53) - Many Glazing Industry Pros Reveal What Keeps Them Going(00:07:13) - What Led Me to Glass Design, Grip(00:13:32) - Well done Merv Griffin!(00:14:22) - Glass and Design Companies: Being More Flexible(00:20:02) - Looking for trends in architectural glass(00:21:49) - Do frameless shower doors cause leaks?(00:22:24) - Framed Shower Doors and Office partitions(00:28:41) - Good Conversation with Glazers(00:35:18) - Irish Businessmen on Why They Ask Questions(00:40:45) - Why Do We Do Things?(00:42:19) - How AI Is Helping You Manage Your Business(00:46:50) - How to Manage an Online Business?(00:48:18) - Starting a Glass Company(00:54:10) - What Makes Your Glass Panel Insurance So Different?(00:56:48) - What Do You Expect the Glazer Industry to Do in 5 Years(01:01:31) - Glass and Design Group(01:02:45) - Cutting Edge Install Podcast