Masonry Magazine October 2001 Page. 22
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22 MASONRY OCTOBER, 2001
Lack of Knowledgeable Representatives
As discussed, the masonry industry continues to elevate the knowledge level sales professionals, however, there is a need for joint calls by the product suppliers and mason contractors involving the appropriate allied industry representatives as needed. These calls need to be directed to the ultimate consumers, the project owners and developers as well as continuing efforts to communicate the features, advantages and benefits of masonry construction to their agents, the architects, engineers, specification writers and other design professionals. Key customers are in need of information and want it. Product producers and mason contractors need to invite each other to make joint calls on the key customers for the continued success of the mason industry.
DO WE NEED INSTALLER CERTIFICATIONS? OR WE DON'T NEED NO STINKING BADGES!
Or do we? Is our competition being licensed and certified? You bet! Visiting websites for license bureaus of various states shows that there are registered and/or certified air-conditioning, alarm, asbestos, building, electrical, general, gypsum drywall, landscape, mechanical, plumbing, pool, roofing, sheet metal, and solar contractors. In addition, various associations have developed their own certification programs. Examples are:
American Concrete Institute (ACI)
Tilt-Up Supervisor Certification
American Landscape Contractors of
America (ALCA) Certified Landscape
Professional
American Landscape Contractors of
America (ALCA) Certified Landscape
Technician
Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries (AWCI) Certification Programs
Blown-In Blanket Contractors Association (BIBCA) Certification Programs
Insulation Contractors Association of America (ICAA) Certified Building Insulation Contractors
International Certified Floor Covering Installers Association (ICFI)
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Insulation Contractor Certification
National Certified Pipe Welding Bureau (NCPWB)
National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions (NCQLP) Lighting Certification
Occupational Health and Safety Technologists Certification
Professional Painting and Decorating Contractor (PDCA) Certified Contractors
The Roof School (TRS) Contractor Certification Program
Some programs appear to be a reaction to improper system design or installation. The AWCI began one of its programs after numerous failures of exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS). Other programs are pro-active methods of elevating the quality of construction and minimizing call-backs, such as the quality management program adopted by the Air-Conditioning Contractors Association.
So the competition and other contractors are certified. Why should mason contractors and installers consider licensing or certification? Our customers and end-users depend on licensing, certifications, and registrations in their normal business affairs. Have you stopped in at an automobile service center recently? While, the most common certifications tend to be from the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), it seems like there are always training certificates for wheel alignment, emissions, brakes, body repairs, frame straightening, painting, diagnostics, etc.
When staying at a hotel, you will often see plaques from the American Hotel and Motel Association (AHMA) for:
Certified Hotel Administrator
Certified Lodging Manager
Certified Rooms Division Executive
Certified Food and Beverage Executive
Certified Hospitality Housekeeping Executive
Certified Engineering Operations Executive
Certified Hospitality Sales Professional
Certified Hospitality Technology Professional
Certified Hospitality Supervisor
Master Hotel Supplier
Certified Hospitality Educator
The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) has its own programs, including:
Certified Shopping Center Managers
Certified Marketing Directors
Certified Leasing Specialists