Bruce Cooke (left) is presented with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award by OGMA President Steven Ringler

First, Bruce Cooke was recognized with the OGMA Lifetime Achievement Award. Here is what OGMA President Steven Ringler had to say about the honour:

“After 49-plus years in the industry, there cannot be many of us who do not know who Bruce Cooke is. Bruce entered the industry back in 1975 at Glaverbel Glass Ltd. Bruce began working in the industry as seasonal glass fabrication help at the age of sixteen. He worked throughout high school and subsidized his university tuition by returning to the glass fabrication floor each year.

Bruce then transitioned to the contract glazing segment, working initially as a metal mechanic/glazing apprentice, before transitioning into estimating and project management. He then returned to the glass fabrication segment, as a Sales Representative. Bruce was privileged to join Dolores Primo, Ivan Martintoni, and Larry Vary in starting up a new entity, Armourguard Glass Products (which became what is now Oldcastle Toronto). He moved into Operations, assuming the GM role at AFG London, and returning to Oldcastle in the same role five years later.

Bruce joined Guardian Industries in 2005 as Sales Manager for the Ontario fabrication divisions. Two years later, he was promoted to the role of Director, North American Fabrication, overseeing divisions across Canada and the United States. Upon the sale of the Fabrication Divisions by Guardian, Bruce was promoted to Regional Sales Manager, Float Sales for Canada, and the Northeast United States. In 2017, Bruce left Guardian to Saand, as Director of Sales. He later joined Glassopolis as VP, Sales, giving him exposure to a new segment of the industry – fire-rated products. He was then asked by Toro leadership to join Commdoor as Regional Sales Manager.

Now I know many of you in the room were not even born in 1975. I first met Bruce back in 1993 when he was my sales manager for Armourguard Glass. Bruce and many of the firms he has been part of have been great supporters of OGMA and we thank him for his continued support over the years. Please join me in celebrating Bruce Cooke’s Lifetime Achievement. Congratulations, Bruce.”

AGMCA President Noel Marsella (pictured at right) accepts the 2024 Spring Bursary Award from OGMA President Steven Ringler on behalf of Joel Scott

Second, Joel Scott was awarded the 2024 Spring Bursary Award. Scott couldn’t attend so Architectural Glass and Metal Contractors Association executive director, Noel Marsella, accepted the award on his behalf.

Here is what OGMA President Steven Ringler had to say about the honour:

“Joel was selected by the training staff of the Ontario Industrial & Finishing Skills Centre to receive a joint $1,000.00 bursary from the Ontario Glass & Metal Association and the Architectural Glass and Metal Contractors Association. Our two associations have decided to give back to the glazing trade for the most outstanding apprentice for the term. James Clifford and Mike Pentz, your instructors, selected you for your positive attitude to learn the trade and helping tutor other apprentices with their work assignments. You have also been recognized for completing the advanced class with a 92.83% grade average. Joel also obtained Certificate of Qualification as an Architectural Glass and Metal Technician. Congratulations Joel on being selected Glazing Apprentice Honor Student for the term. Keep up the good work.”

2023 Spring Golf Tournament at Glen Eagle Golf Club

Glen Eagle Golf Club, a premier 27-hole championship golf course just a few minutes northwest of Toronto, hosted OGMA’s Spring Golf Tournament on Wednesday, June 14, 2023.

Two awards were presented at the tournament.

First, Brian Wiles (pictured here with his daughter, Megan) was recognized with the OGMA Lifetime Achievement Award. Here is what OGMA President Steven Ringler had to say about the honour:

After 40-plus years in the industry, there can’t be many of us who don’t know who Brian Wiles is. Brian entered the industry in 1975 with Indal Products selling storm windows and doors for $29.95 each. What in our industry can you buy for $29.95 these days? Not much is all I can say.