BSA-Member Spotlight

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Working to improve public health and safety throughout Vermont —

An ICC Professional Chapter since March 2009

ICC Building Safety Association of Vermont

Rob Pickett

For our first “spotlight” it seemed appropriate to focus on one of the key individuals that was involved with the founding of BSA-VT as well as the association’s first President, Rob Pickett.

[Ryan] So, Rob, tell us, as one of the Charter Members of the association, how did the idea to form an ICC chapter in Vermont develop?

[Rob] My first sojourn into VT code activity was an inquiry as to the status of code adoption in Vermont relative to log homes.  My inquiry landed on the desk of Mark Tebbets of ICC, who had been working with Vermont on code issues.  He asked if I would be interested in helping to organize a meeting to discuss codes and the potential for an ICC chapter in Vermont. 

[Ryan] When was that?

[Rob] The effort began  in June of 2007 when a group met at the Home Builders office in Williston.

[Ryan] VT has few building codes that effect  single-family dwelling construction, so what do you hope to see  as to development of codes for residential construction?

[Rob] Throughout my career, I have been involved with building codes, beginning with the Uniform Building Code (UBC) when I entered the industry in Colorado.  Since its adoption from the CABO edition, I have been a supporter of the IRC (International Residential Code for One- & Two-Family Dwellings) as a minimum standard for design and construction.  I am an advocate for the use of building systems (log, modular, panelized, etc.) that are designed and engineered to the IRC before assembling the structures and components.  It is also an excellent reference where no other guidance is applicable.  I would support the adoption statewide of the IRC, but then there are the challenges of code administration and enforcement. 

[Ryan] Without an adopted single-family dwelling building code, how would you see the IRC working in Vermont?

 [Rob] In alliance with the Vermont Home Builders Association, I believe that we may be able to raise the bar for homebuilding and remodeling state wide.  Perhaps BSA-VT can develop a 3^rd-party inspection service that builders can bring in to verify code compliance.  Perhaps the cost of this service could be borne by insurance and finance interests by realizing lower risks due to higher quality construction.  It has been shown through energy and green building programs that verifications are correlated to reduced customer service calls. 

[Ryan] Excellent ideas! You have seen the chapter grow from an idea to a recognized chapter, the only recognized ICC chapter, in the entire state. Looking back, what do you see as the biggest  challenge or challenges?

[Rob] Vermont is blessed with talented people who care.  The challenge was/is to get them all involved in BSA-VT and working toward a common goal.

[Ryan] During your two years as president, what do you feel were your greatest accomplishments?

[Rob] I’d like to take credit for doubling the membership, but it is really a credit to our leadership team that we pulled off our education programs.  Those programs drew in new members and will continue to be the backbone of our member benefits.  I must also credit the tremendous support I received from the ICC family — Dottie Harris and Bruce Johnson in particular.  Dottie has been instrumental in bringing ICC’s CEO and several Board members to our meetings and giving our members an opportunity to get to know them face-to-face.

In this new feature, we will focus on an individual member. Particularly, why they are interested in our association and the benefits they find within. Also, there is an opportunity to learn a little something about each member, as they share with the association what motivates them in their profession, and their love of Vermont.

[Ryan] As current 1^st past president, hopefully you are able to take a bit of a breather. In your current role,  that of providing valuable guidance to the current   president, what would be one key piece of advice?

[Rob] Delegate.  We have a Board of Directors that is interested in building the association, but we are all busy in our regular full-time roles.  It is easy to say, “Oh, I’ll just take care of it,” but that causes burn out. If several folks participate, each has a smaller time commitment, allowing our President to provide the oversight to achieve his/her goals. 

[Ryan] Since moving into your new Board position as Past President of BSA-VT, what have you been spending your time on?

[Rob] Past President means I’m not making all of the calls, but there is still plenty of involvement!  I enjoy that, but it is nice to have more time for my business.  This Fall, I have been participating on behalf of the Log Homes Council of NAHB in several codes and standards events.  I was honored to be elected chair of the ICC IS-LOG Committee  for the second time as we update ICC400-2007 Standard on the Design and Construction of Log Structures per the 5-year standards development cycle.  Also this Fall, I enjoyed my first anniversary representing Epoch Homes, a modular home producer in Pembroke, NH.  And I continue to serve on the Steering Committee of Build Green NH, a Council of the Home Builders & Remodelers of NH.

[Ryan] Rob, thank you for sharing with our membership a little about your ideas, goals and involvement with BSA-VT. If you would like to share with our membership, what do you enjoy about living and working in Vermont ?

[Rob] My career in the log home industry has given me the opportunity to see much of our country.  I was able to live and work in some amazing locations around the U.S. – Denver, CO to the 61^st floor of the Empire State Building was quite a change!  Then a stop in Fredericksburg, VA, to Hamilton, MT, to Hartland, VT, to Columbia, SC and back to Hartland.  I recall driving our family from South Carolina to Vermont for a visit with friends; when we crossed the MA-VT border on I-91, one of us said “We’re almost home”.  Vermont is a great place to raise a family, and I feel fortunate to call it home.

Rob Pickett is a Charter Member and the 1st President of ICC BSA-VT. He Continues to actively serve on the Board of Directors in the position of Past President as well as being continuously involved with the various committees. Rob continues to advance and share his knowledge in the construction industry through his business interests and serving with associated organizations.

RobPickett &Associates, LLC

Technical Services for the Building System Industry

P.O. Box 490, Hartland, VT 05048

Phone & Fax:  802-436-1325, Cell: 802-738-9230

www.robpickettandassoc.com

CGP -- NAHB Certified Green Professional

QSA #021 -- Log Homes Council Log Grading Program,  Quality Supervisory Agent, www.loghomes.org

District Sales Manager, Epoch Homes

Fine Custom Modular Homes

Cell: 603-856-1909 Epoch Direct: 877-463-7624  107 Sheep Davis Road (Route 106), Pembroke, NH 03275 Email:  epochdsmvt@gmail.com   www.epochhomes.com