Subcontractor Spotlight: U.S. Architectural Glass & Metal
As one of only a handful of minority-owned glazing companies in the United States, U.S. Architectural Glass & Metal will install the exterior glass for the Obama Presidential Center. For this Subcontractor Spotlight, we spoke with U.S. Architectural’s Founder and President, Ernest Edwards.
Q: How did you get involved in the industry?
A: I was born and raised on the West Side of Chicago where I had limited exposure to careers in construction. While working my way through college, I accepted a position doing office work at Globe Glass and Mirror under the leadership of Joseph Kellman, who was very well-recognized in the industry. He revolutionized how glass is done. I did whatever I could around the office, learned a lot, and the industry grew on me. Now, I’ve spent 36 years in it and 22 as an owner.
Q: What do you value most in employees and coworkers?
A: I love how diverse our team is. We’re a diverse group, and we’re an up and coming group. I value that this is a team of people who are motivated by working hard and making a mark in our city. I hope they can take over the firm one day and lead us into the next generation. I would be very happy to see that happen.
Q: What excites you the most about being a part of this historic undertaking?
A: This project gives minority firms the opportunity to show what they’re capable of when given the chance. It’s also an opportunity to show Chicago’s youth that there are possibilities for them. I see myself in these kids — I grew up on the West Side in a single-parent home — and I want to be an example of what’s possible in this industry when you work hard.
Q: Anything else you’d like to speak on?
A: I am so grateful to Lakeside Alliance for giving me this opportunity and for working with U.S. Architectural on our plan in depth. Going against larger competition for contracts on major projects like the OPC sometimes makes me feel like my story is one of David vs. Goliath, but now that we have the opportunity we’ll do everything we can to make them and the Obama Foundation proud.