NRCA member celebrates U.S. soldiers
Bill Johnson, owner of NRCA member Johnson Roofing Inc., Waco, Texas; the Texas Military Family Foundation; and many volunteers joined to thank U.S. soldiers at Johnson's 500-acre (200-hectare) ranch in Robinson, Texas, on June 4. The purpose of the event was not only to show gratitude, but also to create a prototype for communities finding ways to help and befriend soldiers.
More than 2,000 people gathered at the event, including more than 800 Fort Hood soldiers from the Texas Military Family Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides direct delivery support to soldiers going to war or returning home, as well as support for soldiers involved in homeland security.
The event, referred to as Operation Building Bridges, offered a host of activities and entertainment, including 30 bands and singing groups; fishing; horseback riding; and the Sweethearts of Texas, a professional flag rider rodeo team, among others. Attendees included guitarist Ted Nugent, Texas Gov. Rick Perry, U.S. Congressman Rep. Chet Edwards (D-Texas) and State Rep. Charles Anderson (R-Waco). Because of their efforts, the Johnsons were invited to Fort Hood and presented with a plaque of the Battalion Colors and Brigade Coin. They also were invited to attend the Change of Command Ceremony at Hood Stadium.
Johnson's goal was to support soldiers, as well as spread the word so people across the U.S. also will show support. He says many citizens want to help but don't know how.
"The soldiers have a lot of needs, but friendship is No. 1," Johnson says. "And every base has the same problem as Fort Hood. The response from the community was unbelievable. Hopefully, this will gain momentum."
To find out more about the Texas Military Family Foundation, visit www.tmff.us.
U.S. fiberglass demand increases
According to "Glass Fibers," a new study from Cleveland-based The Freedonia Group Inc., fiberglass demand is expected to increase 1.8 percent annually to 8 billion pounds in 2009 with a value of $6.2 billion. The study predicts overall fiberglass advances will result from material and technological improvements, enhancing cost and performance characteristics of end-use products.
Glass wool, or fiberglass insulation, is expected to have a slower increase of 1.7 percent annually to 4.9 billion pounds in 2009. The study predicts fastest growth will be for nonresidential building insulation with opportunities in reinsulation. Increases could be threatened by competition from foamed plastic insulation, as well as the drop in single-unit housing starts.
Textile fiberglass demand is expected to increase 2.1 percent annually to 3.1 billion pounds in 2009 with the reinforced plastics areas predicted to have the best growth opportunities—2.8 percent annually to 1.5 billion pounds. Textile fiberglass demand in all other reinforced applications is expected to rise 1.2 percent annually to 1.3 billion pounds in 2009.
Can e-mail addiction affect your intelligence?
Are you a person who constantly has your fingers poised on your computer's mouse, ready to check your e-mail at any moment? Do you go through e-mail withdrawal when you're away from a computer? If so, you may want to cut back on the obsessive e-mail checking.
A recent study commissioned by Hewlett-Packard, Palo Alto, Calif., and conducted by the University of London's Institute of Psychiatry found that constantly checking your e-mail and cell phone messages can be detrimental to your IQ, causing it to drop twice as much than if you smoked pot. Studies have reported that smoking marijuana can cause a four-point IQ drop. The e-mail study claims technological interruptions you face every day can cause your IQ to drop as much as 10 points, which is what someone can suffer after missing an entire night of sleep.
According to the study, 62 percent of adults are addicted to checking e-mail and text messages, leading to the conclusion that adults' constant accessibility to work can be a source of stress. Researchers urge e-mail junkies to set boundaries and learn to turn technology off before they suffer from what is being called "infomania," which can lower performance and reduce mental acuity. Moderation in the world of technology is key.
Source: Adapted from Addicted to e-mail? as cited in First Draft, August issue.
"I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is to try to please everyone."
—Bill Cosby
Tecta America acquires generalRoofing
Tecta America Corp., Skokie, Ill., has announced the acquisition of a majority of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based generalRoofing's operating assets from Republic Financial Corp., Denver. The acquisition makes Tecta America the largest commercial roofing company in the U.S. with 23 divisions, 47 locations and more than 3,000 employees.
Tecta America acquired assets from the following generalRoofing subsidiaries: Anthony Roofing Ltd., Chicago; Blackmore & Buckner, Indianapolis; CEI Florida, Orlando; CEI West, Sacramento, Calif.; CEI West, Denver; CEI Texas, Dallas; Cyclone Roofing, Charlotte, N.C.; SAI Inc., Milwaukee; and Roofers Inc., Baltimore.
Tecta America will provide a program that integrates Tecta America's corporate strengths, such as strong management at local operating levels, safety and productivity programs, and increased marketing resources. In addition, the acquired units will offer Tecta America products, including TectaTracker, its online program, and TectaGreen, its multilayered "green" rooftop.
"During our extensive review of generalRoofing, we've gotten to know many of its employees," says Mark Santacrose, president and chief executive officer of Tecta America. "We've been extremely impressed by the character of the employees and their commitment to their customers, and we feel confident we are creating not only the nation's largest roofing company, but also the nation's most capable in terms of the quality of work and people."
Details
W. Douglas (Doug) Fields
Principal and senior vice president of Certified Roofing Systems & Contracting Corp., Bladensburg, Md.
What is the most unusual roofing project you've performed?
We replaced the roof system on the infamous Watergate office building in Washington, D.C.
Why did you become a roofing contractor?
I was fortunate enough to meet former NRCA Director Tom Spires 30 years ago. He had a vision for starting a company that would offer the highest quality workmanship and superior customer service. We became business partners and incorporated in 1982. Ours is a unique partnership based on trust and mutual respect that has allowed Certified Roofing Systems & Contracting to become a well-respected and successful company.
What was your first roofing experience?
As a teenager, I worked for a relative as a part-time roofing helper on weekends and during the summer. I learned a great deal at a young age about the roofing business, and it has served me well.
What do you consider your most rewarding experiences?
I enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps when I graduated from high school. During the next four years, I traveled the world, including Vietnam. The motivation, self-discipline and confidence I gained from those experiences put me years ahead of others in my age group when I rejoined the civilian work force.
What was your first job?
When I was young, I helped my dad install aluminum doors, windows and awnings. I wasn't much help, but it was great to spend time with the "old man."
What is your favorite vacation?
I prefer a vacation with a lot of activity. Golf, snorkeling or any new challenging adventure suits me best.
What do you consider a waste of time?
Long meetings. When leading a meeting, I prefer to keep it focused on the topics at hand.
What are your best and worst habits?
On the good side, I think I am organized and focus on the mission at hand. I enjoy dealing with the details and complexities of our business. On the bad side, it sometimes is easy to forget the hard work of our management team and the workmen in the field. To all of them I say, "Thank you."
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Business people who do not return telephone calls.
If you could invite any three people to dinner (dead or alive), whom would you invite and why?
President George W. Bush—Who among us, if suddenly faced with an overwhelming crisis such as Sept.11, would have been able to shoulder the responsibilities and burdens of leadership and perform his duty as well as Bush? It was a defining moment for the president and the presidency; Gen. Chesty Puller, U.S. Marine Corps—Puller was a Marine's Marine. He won the Navy Cross five times for heroics in combat. He is the epitome of what it means to be a Marine; Jack Welch, former General Electric chairman—It would be interesting to spend a couple of hours with this guy and talk about business.
What are the most challenging aspects of your job?
Finding and hiring skilled workers always is a challenge. A large part of the work force in our area is Spanish-speaking, and we have been delighted with those who have come to work for us. Our bilingual office staff is good at helping these folks do a job of which we all can be proud.
What is your roofing industry involvement?
I have served as director, treasurer, vice president and president of the Washington Area Roofing Contractors Association and continue to be an active member. I serve on NRCA's board of directors and also served as a director for the Associated Roofing Contractors of Maryland, as well as for a number of industry-related advisory boards and committees.
People would be surprised to know... I am an expert military weapons marksman. I have won a number of individual and team marksmanship awards on the local, state and regional level in the Expert and Master classifications in rifle and pistol competitions.
How to survive an active vacation
With the arrival of summer comes the planning of a relaxing and much-needed vacation. But this year, you don't want your vacation to consist simply of lying on a beach. You're looking for action and adventure—something that requires physical fitness. Although your ambitious goal has good intentions behind it, you need to be sure you are fit enough for the vacation you plan. Planning a vacation with activities you can't handle physically can ruin your good time.
Following are some tips to help you stay in touch with reality and still plan a fitness-focused vacation:
Source: Adapted from Make active trips work by planning as cited in First Draft, August issue.
BSF Diversified Products acquires Copper Sales
BSF Diversified Products LLC, parent organization for Firestone Building Products Co., Indianapolis, has acquired Copper Sales Inc., Anoka, Minn.
The acquisition consists of the entire Copper Sales business, including more than 500,000 square feet (46450 m²) of productions facilities in Anoka; Jackson, Miss.; Morrisville, Pa.; Warren, Mich.; and Pompano Beach, Fla. Firestone Building Products will offer a full metal roofing products line marketed as UNA-CLAD by Firestone, which will operate as a subsidiary of BSF Diversified Products. It will maintain its Anoka headquarters.
"We are gaining more than three decades of strategic business knowledge and technical expertise of architectural metal products that we will rely on to help aggressively build our market presence," says Michael Gorey, president of Firestone Building Products and chief executive officer of BSF Diversified Products. "We're looking forward to this new endeavor and working together with the Copper Sales team in this growing market."
"We are excited about the accelerated growth and expansion opportunities this acquisition offers," says Mike Wallace, president of Copper Sales. "The synergies between Copper Sales and Firestone Building Products will tremendously benefit our customers, vendors and employees. It is rare to find two companies that share such similar cultures and philosophies. Customer satisfaction and quality products are key priorities for both Copper Sales and Firestone Building Products, and we are proud to be associated with a company that is employee- and community-oriented and look forward to an exciting future."
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