ROOFING
CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH COLUMBIA 53 Years of Industry Service
Inside this issue: EVP Report
1-2
Incoming EVP Message
3
RGC Updates
4
REF Report
5&8
Apprentice Photos
9-11
Calendar of Events
12
O T N O
P
Summer 2011 ~ 22nd Edition
“Engineering Value” EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Closing Comments from a retiring guy Executive Vice President Brian Hofler
Well… "The time has come," the Walrus said, "To talk of many things: Of shoes--and ships--and sealing-wax--Of cabbages--and kings--And why the sea is boiling hot--And whether pigs have wings…"
It’s my last opportunity to offer comments that may contain humour, perhaps a few words of wisdom and hopefully inspire readers in some meaningful way. Any foolishness should be equated with withdrawal on my part from a job that has been the best, from working for an organization that is the best, and from having the opportunity to mingle with the members of a unique and vibrant industry that has its share of crisis and accomplishment as well as a cast of characters that I will truly miss. Last October my job description was revised to incorporate transitional roles that required me to play that of confidant, advisor and mentor as well as spiritual guide (well perhaps that is slightly exaggerated), roles I had not anticipated when joining RCABC in 1995. Nevertheless, I considered this an opportunity to broaden my experience and treat this as a “case study in transition planning” before I hit the road this August. In contrast to previous tests of my managerial skills, I approached this new task methodically with the understanding that I should not succumb to the assumption that simply clearing out my desk would be considered a measurement of success. Essentially my new job was to assist my understudy to take over the starring role, a task that every actor accepts as necessary but is hesitant to help implement (call it the “from my cold dead hands” syndrome). In preparation for Ivan’s arrival, I developed an excel type of table with headings that listed the various competencies and
experience that I considered necessary for any individual considering the job as RCABC EVP. Once complete, I sat back, observed, intervened where necessary, provided advice when asked, had long philosophical, personal, and businesslike discussions, some humorous and some serious – and checked the boxes as my successor demonstrated proficiency at each goal In contrast, when I was hired, I remember Klaus asking me how old I was and when I told him he remarked that “you will be able to give 15 to 20 years to the association (all with a bit of a German accent and twinkle in his eye)”. That was the extent of planning for a replacement at the time, which considering the outcome, and in retrospect because this is truly an objective observation, may be looked upon as being
“The time has come," the Walrus said, “To talk of many things: Of shoes--and ships--and sealingwax--Of cabbages--and kings--And why the sea is boiling hot--And whether pigs have wings…"
reasonable (smile, laugh, or cry as emotion dictates). Regardless, it is definitely a stretch from the way in which business approaches the issue of recruitment and retention today. Demographics dictate that the days of “finding” the next “so and so” for “such and such” a time, has changed dramatically and businessmen (including roofing contractors) need to be more creative in their approach to transition and succession planning. I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to thank the current President, Tony Caputo and the members of the Board of Directors, not only for their support during this transition year, but for their commitment and professionalism during all the years that I have worked for RCABC. Every (Continued on page 2)
PAGE 2—SUMMER—2011 (Continued from page 1)
President and every Board Member has contributed to the success of this association. In my experience, they have always acted in the best interests of the roofing community which at times may have been in direct conflict with the wellbeing of their own companies. Without doubt, it is due to the guidance of a volunteer Board (both past and present), their collective memory and their attention to detail, as well as their dedication to the vision of RCABC, that has made my job both challenging and rewarding. I especially wish to thank every staff member for their contribution to the day to day running of this complex organization. Their spirit, in spite of the fact that my tenure experienced many of the issues and challenges that each of us face in our live-work-lives (in other words I am not in a position to “cast the first stone”), has ensured that RCABC continues to be one of the most respected names in the construction industry. Staff support has been a constant and for that I am truly grateful. As well, and in view of the fact that Jim Watson is already on his way to building his own brand (expect to see him on the RCI Board soon), I want to acknowledge the unique working relationship that he and I shared at RCABC. It has been an honour to work with Jim, an individual considered an expert in the roofing industry, respected by his peers across the country. I also want to thank Ivan van Spronsen who, as your new Executive Vice President, has had to endure working in a space the size of a phone booth (despite my offer to move out of this office) while at the same time accept his new role with all the seriousness, consideration and good humour needed to manage the affairs of the RCABC Group of Companies. It’s definitely not easy to move from the roof to the office particularly when the office is not a roofing company, but an association of roofing contractors. Assuming the role of EVP requires confidence and tact, qualities that Ivan has in abundance, qualities which he exhibits on a daily basis. I am confident that under Ivan’s leadership, RCABC will continue to grow, every contractor will be well served, and the
ON TOP standards that form the central tenets that define RCABC’s success and sustainability, will not be compromised. As RCABC is re-invigorated by new leadership at many different levels, it is important to reflect on the fact that membership is the heart and soul of this association. As long as every member has confidence that the value of belonging to RCABC outweighs the cost, then RCABC will continue to be the true voice of professional roofing contractors throughout British Columbia. As for that competency matrix - during the past ten months it has served as a reflective tool, one I have reviewed and revised on several occasions, making changes, additions and deletions where necessary. It has been the yardstick by which I’ve measured transitional progress and it has helped me reassess some of my original assumptions about the qualities and qualifications required of the RCABC EVP. There is no doubt that the transitional plan that seemingly emerged in an ad hoc manner has produced worthwhile results for all involved in the process. The decision by the Board to support a protracted management transition period has proven to be an insightful investment in human resource development. As expected, my phone rings less frequently now and it is clear that staff as well as the membership is comfortable with the changes taking place. I view this as confirmation that the process that began almost a year ago is nearly complete. Most of the boxes have been checked and that part of my job, mentoring the new guy, has proven to be a satisfying experience. This is a good thing. This is what transitional planning is all about, and it is one more reason why RCABC will continue to increase its leadership role in all things roof, damp and waterproofing as well as in related work in the building envelope sector. In closing I sincerely wish RCABC, every member of the association, the staff and your new Executive Vice President Ivan van Spronsen, my best wishes and continued success for the future.
Michelle McKinnon leaving REF One of the RCABC Groups longest-serving employees is leaving us July 4th. Michelle has been our registrar since 1994, and has managed the apprenticeship of several thousand apprentices during her career here. She is leaving to take a position at the Construction Industry Training Organization, doing what she loves best, interacting with apprentices and employers to help workers achieve their goals and improve their lives. As an association and staff, we wish her all the best, and thank her for her dedication and service.
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SUMMER—2011—PAGE 3 ASSOCIATE EVP MESSAGE
Associate EVP Message In a few weeks, the "Associate" portion of my title will disappear, as Brian Hofler steps down and, quite literally, sails off into the sunset. As I have absorbed more and more of the role of EVP, I am humbled by the trust shown in me by my Incoming EVP peers in the industry and am excited and Ivan van Spronsen challenged by the road ahead. I have nothing but the utmost respect for the man whose monumental shoes I've been chosen to fill, but I will resist the urge to extol his legacy and accomplishments on behalf of our industry, at least until after he's gone. (He'll edit them out of this publication if I do so now!)
Marketing initiative If there was one overriding theme that dominated the discussion at the Strategic Planning session held in Arizona this spring, it would have to be marketing. Over 80% of the members present felt that focussing resources and energy towards an effective and detailed marketing initiative should be the first priority of the Strategic Plan. With this in mind, the Board and staff have met in a subsequent session, and the Marketing plan was approved at the Board meeting of June 16th. Some highlights of the thought process and plan include:
A recognition that we have a great story to tell- our member firms, our education and training, our association's technical expertise and our standards and database all combine to give great value to our clients. The simple goal is to ensure that our Guarantee is specified and held on more projects.
An evaluation of whether to use an outside marketing firm, or to perform the work in-house. After a thorough review of costs and resources, it was decided to initiate the project using our staff resources, with design input from our current creative team, lead by Design One Graphics group.
A thorough study of the various target groups of Owners, Architects and Consultants who are responsible for specifying roof systems will be undertaken. In each sector, we will identify key influencing factors, important value-added options and decision makers.
We will be instituting marketing and promotion strategies unique to each of the five major specifying groups. We receive many calls a day into our Technical Department,
and each of these is an opportunity to assist the caller with technical specification reviews, details, guide specs etc. These calls are a great way to promote the guarantee. We are developing contact management and follow-up systems that will assist us to initiate and maintain relationships with the key influencers within each specifying group.
We are initiating a major rebranding of the RGC Guarantee. This was one of the ideas presented by our members at the Strategic Planning session in Phoenix. We have decided on the new name, and are developing the logo as we speak. We will be rolling out the rebrand later this summer, and see it as an excellent means for us to reconnect with clients, and to help our members in their own marketing and promotional endeavours. We will be careful to ensure that the rebrand carries along with it the RGC and RCABC connections, so as to avoid confusion in the marketplace. By reallocating staff, making some of the changes noted above, and becoming very "results oriented" when it comes to marketing the Guarantee, we are confident we can increase the specification of the Guarantee by a significant degree. In closing, I would like to add the following to the Marketing Initiative discussion. It is absolutely crucial to our efforts to have current information to help guide our marketing directions. It can be challenging, when not directly involved in the tendering of projects, to get good information as to which specifiers, architects and consultants are really supporting the Guarantee program. While RCABC has extensive data on all projects which have been issued the Guarantee, our information on non-RGC projects is much more limited. I would like to ask you, our Member firms for some assistance in this area, in order to help us focus our efforts on those who are not specifying the Guarantee consistently. The information we require would be any knowledge you may have as to architects, roof consultants, institutional buyers or engineering firms who do not typically carry the Guarantee. When you see a significant project which does not specify the Guarantee, particularly when RGC standards are referenced, please contact us as soon as possible in the tender period, and we will endeavour to contact and encourage them to do so. Email would be the preferred method, but a call to Rob Harris, Severin Wolf or myself is also acceptable. We would love to see the Guarantee on every major project in the Province, and will work very hard to market, promote, encourage and assist specifiers and owners to do so. Your assistance in providing this crucial information will be extraordinarily helpful. All the best for a DRY and hopefully profitable summer and fall!
PAGE 4—SUMMER—2011 TECHNICAL MANAGER’S MESSAGE
RGC UPDATES:
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New &/or Revised RGC Guarantee Standards D5.2
When panel clips with bearing plates are installed directly over insulation the compressive strength of the insulation must be a minimum of 138 kPa (20 psi) and the maximum thickness of the insulation shall not exceed as specified in the proprietary designed assembly. Drag load fastening must be designed to withstand the anticipated loading. Insulation bearing plates are not permitted for use in high snow load regions unless expressly accepted in writing under the seal of a structural engineer
The RGC Board of Directors, at its meeting of June 18, 2011 accepted the following materials and roofing systems for use in the RGC Guarantee Programs. Technical Manager Rob Harris
RGC Accepted Materials, As of June 18, 2011
Owens Corning Canada: Type IV Foamular Extruded Expanded Polystyrene insulations—accepted XPS insulation Firestone Building Products: UltraFlash Liquid Membrane Flashing and Ultraflash reinforcement fabric – modified bitumen liquid membrane flashing system Firestone Building Products: CladGard SA and CladGard MA – metal roofing underlayments
A1.5.3 Gypsum Boards on vertical surfaces must be RGC accepted overlay boards with fibreglass facers and silicone treated cores. On steel framed walls fibreglass faced silicone treated gypsum boards with a minimum thickness of 12mm (1/2”) or fibre-mat reinforced cement boards with a minimum thickness of 9.5mm (3/8”) that conform to ASTM C1325-04 are an acceptable vertical substrate to receive roofing. The installation of roof membrane to the surface must be as per the membrane manufacturer’s requirements for that substrate. A2.3
Cascade Roofing & Waterproofing Ltd.: New Tech Machinery Snap Loc metal Panel – metal panel system
Conduit, EMT, cable, and/or piping applied on the top of roof deck surfaces shall not be acceptable on new construction projects. If conduit is present on decks in re-roofing projects, the deck must be made smooth and even to the satisfaction of the accepted roof inspection firm. The upper layer of insulation must cover the conduit, EMT, cable, and/or piping.
Nelson Roofing Ltd: New Tech Machinery mechanical lock SS150 and SS100 metal panels – metal panel roof system Raven Roofing Ltd: New Tech Machinery; Snap Lock 2 675 panel, SS150 and SS100 panels, Quadro Snap Seam- FFQ100 panel – metal panel roof systems
INSULATION bearing plates
Tab 7.1.2 STR AS 1.5
Eave Protection: RGC accepted self adhered, rubberised asphalt sheet material (see tab 3.15) , #30 non-perforated asphalt saturated felt, or RGC accepted proprietary underlayments that meet or exceed the requirements for #30 non-perforated asphalt felt, CSA A123.3-05 (2010)
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SUMMER—2011—PAGE 5
TRAINING MANAGER’S MESSAGE
REF Report Something to be proud of! I am happy to report that the 2010/2011 training year will go down in history as being the year we achieved 100% utilization of our Roofing and Education & Training Manager Architectural Sheet Metal classes! The Shirley Caldwell ITA reports that the average utilization rate for the 2010/2011 year was 89%. So many forces outside of our control can happen to create empty seats; apprentices cancelling at the last minute or not showing up for class, employers pulling their apprentice from the class because that big job came through and he has to have his best guys on the job and other situations too numerous to mention. This year we had some of the same issues, but through the tenacity of our Registrar, and the willingness of apprentices to come in on very short notice all the available seats were filled! As of the end of March 2011 the ITA listed the number of registered Roofing Apprentices at 579 and the Architectural Sheet Metal Apprentices at 169. These numbers would not include the 64 roofing and 16 ASM apprentices that completed their level 3 training and would likely be certified by now.
2011 ACE IT Class This year we held the class in May with participants from three school districts; Surrey, Langley and New Westminster. In total we had 12 secondary students and 4 regular apprentices in the class. This is the first year we mixed the class and it seemed to work very well. We had classes from Monday to Thursday over five weeks. This allowed more time for participants to work on assignments and study. Over all, this format worked very well so we will be doing the same for the May, 2012 class. Work placements were found for all of the ACE IT students. Thank you to the member companies that have taken on these apprentices for summer employment. Without you this program would not be the success that it is! (More Education news continued on page 8)
Lower Lower Mainland Mainland Tournament Tournament 2011 2011
Northview Northview
Golf Golf & & Country Country Club Club
PAGE 8—SUMMER—2011
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(Education news continued from page 5)
Thank you Members for providing work placements for all of the 2011 ACE-it students.
Full Time Roofing Instructor Hired! Hailing from Victoria, Simone Ballard was a valued employee of Parker Johnston Industries Ltd. Simone, a past apprentice of RCABC, is a certified journeyperson in the Roofing trade. She is currently taking her Provincial Instructor Diploma Program through Vancouver Community College. Simone has instructed several apprenticeship classes for RCABC in the past and has done extensive safety training. Please welcome Simone Ballard to the RCABC staff!
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SUMMER—2011—PAGE 9
Accelerated Credit Enrollment in Industry Training & Level 1 Apprenticeship Class 2011 Instructor, David Rice— Level 1 Apprenticeship Students in alphabetical order: Zachary Emmott, Michael McClaskey, Dylan Solecki, Rogerio Vieira ACE-it! Students in alphabetical order: Nathan Bartlett, Dylan Deck, Tyson Jackson, Earl Kennedy, Cody Kitzul, Evan McKeown, Peter McRae, Darion Mincic, Byron Rahman, Andrew Saari, Matthew Samms
Congratulations Level 3: Architectural Sheet Metal
Instructor, Connor Hofler—Level 3 ASM Students in alphabetical order: Aaron Andrews, Mark Bearman, Bryan Bernardo, Douglas Coleman, Alex Duff, Adam Gajowiak, Tyler Gilks, Scott Harnden, Randy Hauser, Yibao (Sam) He, Daniel Kernaghan, Christopher Plourde, Derek Smith, Matthew Stoesz, Neil Taylor, Karl Volkmann,
PAGE 10—SUMMER—2011
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Congratulations Level 3:
Instructor, John Scott—Level 3 Roof, Damp & Waterproofing Students in alphabetical order: Cole Aeichele, Curtis Bown, Robert Cary, Daniel Fankhauser, Andrew Flett, Cody Fretz, Seton Froese, Troy Hutchings, Randy Kuhne, Ryan Lacasse, Kevin Moser, Leo Paquette, Danny Rheault, Ernesto Vargas, Thomas Vandale, Sean Vernon, Derek Westcott
Instructor, David Rice—Level 3 Roof, Damp & Waterproofing Students in alphabetical order: Kelvin Devadas, Robert Fisher, Aaron Glover, Maxim Gordon, Christopher Gueulette, Jarrod Johnston, Craig Leitner, Shane Maloney, Tiffany McLain, Richard McRoberts, David Perry, Mario Santurbano, Neil Schulz, Ryan Schutt, Michael Tomashiro, David Vanden Top
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SUMMER—2011—PAGE 11
Roofing, Damp & Waterproofing
Instructor, David Rice. Level 3 Roof, Damp & Waterproofing Students in alphabetical order: Taylor Andress, Roderick Andrew, Blair Bulwer, Kristeen Cullen, Justin Dowd, Jeremy Driegen, Jacob Gallichan, David Gardiner, Allan Henderson, Mark Hrabcak, Leagh Hunt, Ryan Jarl, Rodger Norman, Shale Ollenberger, Tyler Soltys, Fernando Verde
Instructor, David Rice. Level 3 Roof, Damp & Waterproofing Students in alphabetical order: Darcy Blodgett, Matthew Buckley, Allan Crowfoot, Corey Gehlen, Adam Grant, Jason Hainse, James Harry, Rolyn Hinguillo, Justin Knutson, Colin Mullett, Matthew Nore, Charles Radke, Jesse Rhyno, Michael Visscher, Charles Vorra, Neshan Wagstaffe
RCABC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SEPT
Roy Dennis Roofing Nelson Roofing & Sheet Metal Laing Roofing Western Roofing (Master Roofers) Admiral Roofing Chilliwack Roofing Flynn Canada Carlisle SynTec Systems Canada Soprema Convoy Supply
STAFF ADMINISTRATION: Executive Vice President: Brian Hofler, M.Ed.: executivevp@rcabc.org Associate EVP: Ivan van Spronsen, TQ: ivan@rcabc.org Executive Assistant/Events: Barbara Porth: bporth@rcabc.org Controller: Johanna Küker, CGA: johanna@rcabc.org Bookkeeper: Patrick Opong: popong@rcabc.org Receptionist/Administrative Assistant: Peggy Millar: pmillar@rcabc.org Publications Design Coordinator: Adele LaRiviere adele@rcabc.org TECHNICAL & GUARANTEES: Technical Manager: Rob Harris, IP, RRO: rharris@rcabc.org Technical Advisor: Severin Wolf, ME: swolf@rcabc.org Guarantee Administrator: Karen Esbensen: guarantees@rcabc.org EDUCATION & TRAINING: Education & Training Manager: Shirley Caldwell, TQ, PID: scaldwell@rcabc.org Registrar: registrar@rcabc.org Instructor: David Rice, IP, PID, RRO: instructor1@rcabc.org Instructor: Connor Höfler, BA, TQ: asm@rcabc.org Instructor: Simone Ballard, IP instructor3@rcabc.org RISK MANAGEMENT: Risk & Safety Management Supervisor: Roger Sové, CSC, PID,IP: roger@rcabc.org 9734 - 201st Street Langley, BC V1M 3E8 604-882-9734 www.rcabc.org
NO MEETINGS
5 15 15 16 16 22
CLOSED LABOUR DAY Membership/RGC Inspection RCABC Executive Committee RCABC/RGC Board of Directors Regional Golf Tourney Technical Committee
OCT
DIRECTORS: Ray Dennis, PRC Lyle Nelson Ross Laing Colin Rasmussen Alex Goldie Howard Schlamb John Silva Leonard Coughlin Jamie Mantle Ali Nanji
JULY & AUGUST
3 10 17 27 27 28
Entertainment Committee Mon CLOSED THANKSGIVING RCAIC Board of Directors Mon RCABC Executive/Audit Committee Thurs RCABC Nominating Committee Thurs RCABC/RGC Board of Directors Fri
NOV
Tony Caputo, Eby & Sons Construction Laurence Matzek, Bollman Roofing Bruce Taylor, Alpha-Duron Roofing Eldon Donald, Coast Hudson
4-5 8 11
RGC Accepted Inspectors Course Fri-Sat 8:00 am Risk Management Committee Tues 10:00 am CLOSED REMEMBRANCE DAY
1 2 3 3 3
RCABC Executive Committee RCABC/RGC Board of Directors Annual General Meeting Awards Lunch RRR Reception & Dinner
DEC
PRESIDENT: VICE PRESIDENT: SEC/TREASURER: PAST PRESIDENT:
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
26-Jan 2
Thurs 12:00 pm Thurs 3:00 pm Fri 7:00 am Victoria 12:30 pm Thurs 10:00 am
RiverRock RiverRock RiverRock RiverRock RiverRock
9:00 am 10:00 am 3:00 pm 5:00 pm 9:00 am
3 pm 8 am 9 am 12 pm 5:30 pm
CLOSED CHRISTMAS BREAK
RCABC Comings & Goings: Simone Ballard, joins the RCABC Education Foundation as Roof, Damp & Waterproofing Instructor
Severin Wolf, joins the RCABC Guarantee Corp. in the newly named Technical Advisor position
Patrick Opong joins the Administrative department in the newly created Bookkeeper position
Adele LaRiviere, current Receptionist / Administrative Assistant moves to the new Publications Design Coordinator position three days a week
Peggy Millar, joins the Administrative department as Receptionist three days a week
Michelle McKinnon, after 17 years she becomes Industry Training Specialist for CITO, and the search begins for a new Registrar in REF