As we swing into a new year, I hope each of you can look back on 2025 as a year filled with wonderful times with family and friends, as well as productive business opportunities and accomplishments.
If you haven’t done so already, I strongly encourage you to take some time to review the 2025 AWCI and FMI Industry Trends Report (www.awci.org/reports-and-trends). This valuable resource was presented to the membership in November at AWCI’s Industry Leaders Conference. This marks the second year AWCI has compiled this report to give our members solid information on where construction trends in the wall and ceiling arena appear to be heading. It’s an essential tool to help you think about the market, anticipate changes, and plan effectively for the year ahead.
In this issue, you’ll find a member spotlight on Heartwood Building and owner Kim Galie. I’m particularly excited that Kim’s daughter, Victoria, who is in the third class of Emerging Leaders, is following in her mother’s footsteps in the business. I’m looking forward to reading more about Kim’s journey and hearing her perspective on the opportunities and challenges she sees ahead as a woman business leader in our industry.
In November, I had the opportunity to participate in AWCI’s Peer Safety Review of Valley Interior Systems in Nashville, led by several member-company safety professionals. Over a two-and-a-half-day period, one group conducted jobsite reviews and employee interviews focused on safety protocols and procedures. Simultaneously, another group spent time in the office reviewing safety documents and orientation processes and interviewing office staff to better understand the company’s overall safety practices.
It was impressive to see how passionate and engaged these safety professionals are, and how much time and effort they devote to helping members strengthen their safety programs. The goal of the AWCI Peer Safety Review is to provide honest, direct recommendations that can help improve safety performance and, ultimately, company culture. From what I witnessed, this is a very valuable program for any member company willing to open itself up to that kind of constructive feedback.
At the 2025 AWCI Industry Leaders Conference, I had the honor of presenting the AWCI Distinguished Service Award to my long-time colleague and friend Pete Wilhelms, vice president of marketing and product development at Negwer Materials Inc. This is well-deserved recognition for all he has done for the industry, his clients and the community. Pete, it is clear you will continue to make a positive impact in the years ahead.
As we move into 2026, I am encouraged by the strength, resilience and generosity I see across this association—from those contributing to research and trends, to those investing in safety and to those mentoring the next generation of leaders. I’m proud to be part of it and grateful to serve as your president.
I wish you all a safe, successful, and fulfilling year!
