Getting to know more about some of the member contractors of the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry may seem like the theme of this issue of AWCI’s Construction Dimensions. All three of our feature articles highlight AWCI members in some form or another, but there is something here for everyone, whether or not you are a member. (If you are not a member, why? Learn more at www.awci.org.)
Only AWCI member contractors are featured in our Spotlight articles, and this month brings you the folks at Horizon Interiors in Illinois. Turn to page 34 to learn about how (and why!) someone would start a brand-new specialty contracting company in 2020 during a pandemic. Turns out, Rudy Kadiric had the experience and the guts to give it a go, and in many ways, his timing could not have been better. Today, the company is thriving, working on and learning about various specialty ceiling systems and the requirements of myriad job sites.
Our feature on page 42 introduces you to Johnny Barnes, who became AWCI’s president July 1. Johnny recently moved from Texas to Florida to start a new contracting company with his daughter, but that is not going to prevent him from taking seriously his responsibilities as president. In fact, this personal move of his only proves that he practices what he preaches. Among his goals as president is to continue to serve as a mentor to younger generations, and encourage them to love the world of construction as much as he does.
Despite his active career and personal life, Johnny also makes time to attend career fairs to inspire young people to get excited about construction—and in the process often recruits new employees. His plan appears to be working well for both sides and all ages.
But you know that people like Johnny, people who can provide career trajectories for new recruits, are needed now more than ever in the construction industry. We have been hearing for a long time about how the retiring workers are not being replaced fast enough to meet the high demand for labor.
You also know that when it comes time for company owners to retire, there may or may not be a qualified successor. Succession planning is difficult. For the retiring owner, it can be emotional and difficult to give up the reins. For the new boss, employee acceptance might be an issue. In the article on page 24, AWCI member contractors tell us why it is important to have a succession plan, and the best approaches for meeting your goals. They also talk about the challenges that come with building toward a successful plan.
Enjoy!