San Antonio ,USA

The global ceramic, glass, and metalworking equipment industry is under pressure from every direction: rising steel costs, tariffs on imported components, a nationwide firebrick shortage, and surging fuel prices. Yet even as costs climb, demand for kilns, forges, grinders, polishers, saws, and studio equipment has never been higher.

A Perfect Storm of Global Disruption

1. Four converging forces are reshaping kiln and studio equipment economics in 2026:
2. Rising steel prices. Steel is the structural backbone of every kiln, forge, and furnace, and costs have climbed sharply across every form the industry relies on, including wire, rolled sheet steel, handles, and latches.
3. Tariffs and import costs on Asian-made components. American kiln manufacturers depend on imported relays, transformers, computer chips, controller boards, and switches because there simply are not enough domestic suppliers producing these small electronic components at scale. American manufacturers have to import them to keep production lines moving, and every new tariff on those parts gets baked into the cost of a finished American-made kiln.
4. A nationwide firebrick shortage. There are not enough U.S. manufacturers producing firebrick to serve the entire industry. When even one brick maker goes offline, the ripple effects are felt across the marketplace, delaying production schedules and driving prices higher across every kiln category.
5. Rising fuel costs. Higher fuel prices push up the cost of moving raw materials to manufacturers, and shipping finished equipment to customers, compounding every other pressure on the supply chain.

U.S. Tariffs Add Domestic Cost Pressure

Closer to home, escalating U.S. tariffs on imports have compounded the cost pressure across the manufacturing and distribution chain. The federal government maintains a 25 percent duty on automobiles and auto parts, including engines, transmissions, and electrical components. Steel and aluminum products face a 50 percent tariff, effective since mid-2025. Section 301 tariffs ranging from 7.5 to 25 percent remain in effect on a broad range of Asian goods, often stacked on top of an additional 20 percent surcharge, pushing effective rates on many imported components to historic levels.

Rising oil prices, driven in part by the Iran conflict, have simultaneously pushed shipping and logistics costs higher. The combined effect of tariffs, fuel costs, and supply disruption has driven retail prices for kilns and related equipment up 20 to 30 percent over the past year, with increases passed directly to consumers.

“The cost pressure is real, and it is hitting everyone in this industry,” said Gail Stouffer, founder of KilnFrog.com and HeatTreatNow.com. “Tariffs on steel and aluminum, higher shipping costs from rising oil prices, duties on imported components, all of that has pushed prices up significantly over the past year. Then you add the brick crisis on top of all of it, and the math no longer works the way it used to. That cost gets passed on to the customer. There is no way around it.”

Why American-Made Matters Now

For Kiln Frog, a Texas company that exclusively sells American-made kilns and studio equipment, the disruption has reinforced a business model built on domestic manufacturing partnerships.

Kiln Frog and Heat Treat Now carry kilns exclusively from U.S. manufacturers: Paragon, Jen-Ken, Olympic, Evenheat, Cress, and Hot Shot. While domestic manufacturers are not immune to rising material costs from steel and aluminum tariffs, they offer what imported equipment cannot: a reliable, transparent supply chain with no exposure to overseas production shutdowns, international shipping volatility, or compounding layers of import duties.

The contrast with imported alternatives is stark. European-made kilns of comparable size and capability often retail for 30 to 60 percent more than their American counterparts once freight, duties, and currency exposure are factored in. Chinese-made kilns may carry a lower sticker price, but buyers routinely report inconsistent build quality, shorter equipment lifespans, and almost no access to service, parts, or technical support once the unit ships. American manufacturers, by contrast, stand behind their equipment with warranties, U.S.-based service teams, and replacement parts that ship in days rather than months.

A Growing Market Meets a Shrinking Global Supply

The supply chain disruption and cost increases arrive at a time of record demand for heat-treating and craft equipment in the United States. According to Mintel’s 2025 US Arts and Crafts Consumer Report, 71 percent of Americans now identify as crafters, up from 62 percent five years ago, and 75 percent of American adults completed at least one crafting project last year. The global arts and crafts market reached $44.6 billion last year and is projected to more than double to $106.6 billion by 2034. The pottery studio experience market alone is growing at 8.7 percent annually, and that figure does not include the parallel booms in glass fusing, casting, and blowing, or in blademaking, metalsmithing, and jewelry.

Much of that growth is being driven by a broader cultural pivot away from screens. With average daily screen time now topping seven hours and nearly half of U.S. adults reporting elevated stress, “analog hobbies” have been named by Psychology Today as the new self-care trend, and searches for the term on the Michaels craft store website surged 136 percent in the past six months. The result is a steady flow of new buyers, including parents outfitting garage studios, retirees seeking meaningful hands-on work, and younger consumers deliberately choosing to make something physical instead of scrolling.

Beyond the hobbyist market, HeatTreatNow.com has also seen growing demand from commercial and industrial buyers. More companies are bringing heat-treating operations in-house rather than outsourcing, a move driven by the same tariff and supply chain pressures that are reshaping the consumer market.

“In spite of everything, the market for kilns is booming,” Stouffer said. “More and more customers are coming to the table to become makers. And on the commercial side, we are seeing a big increase in businesses seeking manufacturing autonomy and R&D independence by bringing their heat treating in-house to cut costs and control their process and quality. The demand is real from every direction. Having a reliable, American-made supply chain is what lets us keep up with it.” [NEEDS CLIENT APPROVAL ON EXACT WORDING]

About Kiln Frog & Heat Treat Now

Kiln Frog and Heat Treat Now are woman-owned, online destinations for kilns, ovens, furnaces, forges, and related equipment in the United States. Founded in 2010 by Gail Stouffer in San Antonio, Texas, Kiln Frog serves ceramicists, glass artists, metalworkers, and knife makers nationwide. Heat Treat Now serves commercial and industrial producers in need of customized solutions for heat-treating. Stouffer, who holds BFA and MFA degrees in Art Education, has spent more than 20 years teaching technique to artists around the world. Both companies are known for their industry-leading educational content and commitment to customer trust, earning a 4.9 out of 5-star rating from more than 900 reviews.

Media details

Name: Gail Stouffer

Organization: Kiln Frog

Website URL: kilnfrog.com

Email: [email protected]

Las Vegas, NV

Brian Ferdinand has been awarded the 2026 Global Apex Quantitative Visionary Award, a distinction recognizing financial innovators whose strategies, analytical frameworks, and market intelligence are helping redefine the future of modern investing.

Presented to a select group of quantitative strategists, institutional market thinkers, and financial technology leaders, the award recognizes individuals driving the evolution of global finance through advanced trading systems, predictive analytics, and scalable portfolio engineering.

Ferdinand was recognized for developing adaptive investment models designed to operate across rapidly shifting market cycles while emphasizing precision, discipline, and long-term capital resilience. His work combines systematic execution, quantitative intelligence, macroeconomic modeling, and technology-driven market analysis to create structured investment frameworks capable of navigating increasingly volatile global environments.

The awarding committee cited Ferdinand’s ability to merge data science with strategic market execution, noting that his methodologies reflect the next phase of institutional investing — one increasingly powered by automation, artificial intelligence, and real-time analytical infrastructure.

“Modern markets reward adaptability more than prediction,” Ferdinand said. “The objective is to build systems capable of responding intelligently under pressure while remaining disciplined enough to survive every market cycle.”

According to organizers, recipients are evaluated through a multi-stage review process examining strategic innovation, quantitative methodology, risk-adjusted performance philosophy, technological integration, and broader influence on the future direction of financial markets.

The organization further stated that Ferdinand’s work represents the growing convergence between finance and advanced computational intelligence, where investment strategy is increasingly shaped by machine learning, predictive analytics, and scalable algorithmic infrastructure rather than traditional discretionary decision-making.

As institutional finance continues accelerating toward automation and data-centric execution, the 2026 Global Apex Quantitative Visionary Award highlights professionals contributing to the rise of a more intelligent, adaptive, and technologically driven financial ecosystem.

About Brian Ferdinand — Portfolio Manager & Trader, EverForward:

Brian Ferdinand is a Portfolio Manager and Trader at EverForward, where he is responsible for portfolio construction, active trading, and firm-wide capital deployment. He leads EverForward’s trading operations with a disciplined focus on execution quality, structured risk management, and consistent performance across varying market environments.

His work centers on identifying asymmetric opportunities, managing drawdowns, and enforcing strict risk parameters while adapting dynamically to evolving market conditions. EverForward operates with a performance-driven mindset, prioritizing clarity of strategy, capital preservation, and scalable trading frameworks.

Brian plays a central role in shaping EverForward’s trading philosophy, ensuring that decision-making remains data-driven, accountable, and aligned with long-term objectives.

He is also a newly selected member of the Forbes Business Council, a prestigious, invitation-only community of senior exe cutives and business leaders. You can review his published insights and contributions here:

About EverForward: 

EverForward is a trading firm focused on portfolio construction, active trading, and execution across liquid global markets. The firm emphasizes clarity of strategy and scalable trading frameworks designed for consistent performance.

Longwood, FL

May 2026 — Florida’s 2026 building code updates are now in effect, bringing important changes that impact commercial roofing systems across Central Florida. To help local businesses stay compliant and avoid unexpected costs, John Keller Roofing, a trusted commercial roofing contractor serving the Greater Longwood area for more than three decades, is offering guidance and inspections tailored to the new requirements.

The updated codes introduce stronger wind‑resistance standards, revised fastening guidelines, and more detailed inspection documentation for commercial roofs. These changes aim to reduce storm‑related damage and improve long‑term building safety. However, many commercial property owners are unaware that their existing roofs may no longer meet the updated criteria.

“Commercial buildings in Central Florida deal with intense heat, heavy rain, and strong winds every year,” said John Keller, owner of John Keller Roofing. “These new code updates are designed to protect businesses, but they can be confusing if you’re not in the roofing industry. My goal is to make it easy for owners and managers to understand what’s required so they can stay compliant and avoid surprises.”

To support businesses throughout Longwood, Altamonte Springs, Lake Mary, and surrounding areas, John Keller Roofing is offering commercial roof evaluations focused on identifying potential compliance issues early. These assessments review roof membranes, drainage systems, flashing, fasteners, and structural components to determine whether updates or documentation changes are needed.

For many commercial properties—especially older buildings—proactive inspections can help prevent costly insurance complications, reduce the risk of storm damage, and ensure the building meets the 2026 standards before the peak weather season.

“Most people don’t realize that a roof that passed inspection years ago may not meet today’s requirements,” Keller added. “A quick check now can save thousands of dollars later, especially with hurricane season right around the corner.”

John Keller Roofing encourages commercial property managers, warehouse operators, retail centers, and office building owners to schedule a compliance review to ensure their roofs meet the 2026 Florida building code updates and are prepared for the months ahead.

For more information or to schedule a commercial roof evaluation, visit www.cflroofer.com 

John Keller Roofing at 407‑332‑0345 for scheduling and service coordination.
Business address for reference: 1228 Bella Vista Circle, Longwood, FL 32779
Hours: Mon–Fri: 7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Sat: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.