The Metal Construction Hall of Fame was initiated five years ago, and in that time we’ve inducted 24 honorees who represent the breadth of the industry. Even as we honored these individuals, we understood that there were deserving members of the metal construction industry that we were missing.
They either weren’t being nominated, or their tenure was so far in the past, that we couldn’t fairly assess them. Our judges often worried that even with the information they had in front of them, they just didn’t have the depth of knowledge necessary. After all, our industry is a broad one that encompasses metal components as well as metal building systems. Our members are manufacturers and contractors and designers. Even with a judging panel with deep knowledge of the industry, we couldn’t fill those gaps.
This year, with the help of our partners at the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA), Metal Construction Association
(MCA) and the Metal Building Contractors & Erectors Association
(MBCEA), we have identified an inaugural class of founders. This group would be in addition to a normal nominating process. For simplicity, we are calling these two groups founders and honorees, but in truth they are all honorees, and they all meet the criteria for inclusion that we established at the beginning of this program.
Those criteria are:
Longevity: Honorees must have been actively involved in the industry for at least 15 years.
Unique Contribution: The creation or development of a specific aspect or segment of business that has advanced the industry.
Body of Work: The depth and breadth of contribution to the industry throughout a career.
Legacy: The honoree’s contribution must have had a long-lasting impact on the industry.
Integrity: Honorees must exhibit the highest ethical and professional standards in all aspects of business.
The honorees for 2016 are:
- Jack A. Berridge, Berridge Manufacturing Co.
- Dave Evers, BlueScope Builders North America
- A.R. Ginn, MBCI
- Jerry Iselin, Metal Roof Specialties Inc.
- Gary T. Smith, Thomas Phoenix International Inc.
The founders are:
- Bill Croucher, PE, Fabral Inc.
- T.K. Frahm, Butler Manufacturing Co.
- Jack Hatcher, Varco Pruden Buildings
- Wilbur B. Larkin, Butler Manufacturing
- Sam W. Milnark, Modern Trade Communications Inc.
- Johnie Schulte, Schulte Building Systems Inc.
- Thad Strickland, TN Construction
- Larry A. Swaney, PreCoat Metals
In coming years, we will add up to three founders at a time. With this addition, we have created what we consider a more complete and full Hall of Fame. That said, there are still people worthy of consideration and I look forward to seeing the nominees next year.
I wanted to offer a special thanks to our judges for this year.
- Mike Reynolds, president, MBCEA
- Brad Curtis, chair, MBMA
- Dale Nelson, chair, MCA
- John Paul Lawrence, president, Modern Trade Communications
For a complete list of honorees and to find out more about the Metal Construction Hall of Fame, please go to www.metalconstructionnews.com/metal-construction-hall-of-fame.aspx
