Employee Spotlight: Michael Sovine – Hot Shop

Some people inherit a last name, but Michael Sovine inherited a legacy and a tradition (and apparently a pretty solid tolerance for heat).

Michael joined our family in September of 2023, bringing with him not just a willingness to learn, but a story that was already generations in the making. As a third-generation glass worker, you could say working with furnaces runs in his blood. His grandfather built them, and many moons later, Mike has followed in those same fire-lit footsteps, helping build and maintain the very heart of what we do. (Yes, Mike has literally helped us build one of our furnaces alongside Mr. Matt Urban and others from the hot shop.)

If there’s one thing that stands out about Mike, it’s his patience, and not just the everyday kind, the legendary kind. The kind that keeps things steady when the shop is buzzing, the glass is moving, and the pressure is on. It’s the kind of patience you can’t teach, but you’re sure glad someone brought it to work. Mike also brings his own brand of humor to the shop: quick, dry, and just sarcastic enough to keep everyone on their toes. You might not always catch it at first, but when you do, it lands perfectly.

In his time here, Mike has already mastered a wide range of responsibilities, including mould holding, carry-in, stick-up, and heat-in, and now he’s stepping into learning how to gather. Basically, if there’s a job that needs doing, Mike’s either done it, doing it, or quietly figuring out how to do it better or keeping a watchful eye on the veterans to prepare for what’s coming next.

Much like his grandfather before him, Mike is helping build the future, both his own and ours, one brick at a time. While the team may grow and change, it’s clear that the craftsmanship, dedication, and patience of the Sovine name are here to stay, and we couldn’t be more grateful he chose to carry on that legacy with us.