TigerStop has allowed us to speed up production while not jeopardizing the safety of our employees. It has helped us complete 5-6 times the amount of work per year.”- Colin Itzko, Founder & CEO, Itzko Glass & Metal
It All Started with a Dream
In 2008 Colin Itzko had a grand vision of starting his own top of the line commercial glazing firm. It was smack dab in the middle of the financial recession, but he was determined, and thus, Itzko Glass & Metal, or IGM, was born.
IGM is now one of the leading design-build glazing contractors in the country. Colin and his team of 20 designers and engineers, everything in house, and partners with architecture firms, developers, and general contractors to facilitate their common goal of constructing sustainable buildings throughout the region.
Using Social Media as a Marketing Channel
Colin was able to defy the odds thanks to his unwavering tenacity and in part, his use of technology. He was an early adopter of Social Media and shared IGM content on various social networking platforms. “We were one of the first construction companies on Facebook back in 2010, as well as on Instagram. We made use of Social Media to showcase our work. We’ve found that this allows people from all over the world to see what we do and what we are capable of.”
Not only does Itzko pride itself in being savvy online, the company uses leading manufacturing technology to produce excellent work. Colin explains, “IGM prides itself on the utilization of technology and integration of technology and new methods in all of our work.”
Using TigerStop’s Technology
In 2011 the team incorporated TigerStop equipment into their production cycle. “We use a TigerStop automated fence on our chop-saw for our non-ferrous metal fabrication. We have the ability to take shop drawings from preconstruction and update them with rough opening fabrication sizes after field measurement. We then kick this data into an IGM standardized Excel format which our employees use during fabrication.”
TigerStop equipment has integrated nicely into the IGM manufacturing process and the employees have had success operating the equipment as well. Colin further explains, “Our TigerStop not only saves an abundance of time, it’s easy and trustworthy for our employees to use. I would say that having it has allowed us to speed up production while not jeopardizing the safety of our employees. It has helped us complete 5-6 times the amount of work per year.”
Being able to complete many times the amount of work per year has allowed IGM to remain a key player in an increasingly competitive industry. “Having this device helped set us apart from our competition while aiding in safety and accelerating fabrication. It allows ANYONE to walk up, punch in a numerical value, and cut 1 or 1-million of the same size. It truly is phenomenal.”
Since 2010 the Itzko team has completed over 200 projects throughout Northern California. Quite an incredible feat considering the average project’s scope and the prestigious clientele IGM has acquired. Some of the more notable projects IGM has completed include storefronts, curtainwalls, and architectural windows & doors for Disney, Peet’s Coffee & Tea, REI, Chase Bank, Target, and Chipotle. “Itzko Glass & Metal, Inc. (IGM) utilizes TigerStops automated fence on EVERY project we are contracted on,” explains Colin. “We literally use it for EVERY single thing in relation to cutting.”
On Social Responsibility
With all of the time saved using TigerStop equipment you would think Itzko Glass & Metal team might kick back and relax on occasion. This is hardly the case. The company’s founder has done an incredible job giving back to the community and actively engaging the company in charitable endeavours.
IGM is a proud supporter of the “Adopt-a-highway” program with 5 locations in Northern California. They also support local sports teams. IGM was recently featured on the ESPN highlight reel for their support of an Elite Skills Basketball Camp founded by DeMarcus Cousins of the Sacramento Kings. The camp supports underprivileged children and teaches important athletic and life skills to serve them on and off the court
Colin Itzko’s impressive business acumen and philanthropic nature has earned him a nomination as a finalist in the Sacramento Business Journal’s “40 under 40.” He continues to defy the odds, and this December will mark Itzko Glass & Metal’s fifth anniversary. Keep your eyes peeled- we will surely hear more from Itzko Glass & Metal in the future!
