President's Message - Jul '24

(Olympic) Rings True?

It has been four years; it is July, so we are seeing the summer Olympics and the athletes becoming prominent media stories. If we take a moment, or in this case a newsletter, there are key lessons for us in the Metal Building Systems industry. As it takes a number of factors for an athlete (or a contractor/erector) to be elite, the following three ring true as ones that we can focus on as we strive to grow.

Training, Dedication and Hard Work:

Training is crucial as the construct for achieving excellence and precision in all respective fields. For athletes, we know of the early training camps and the years of rigorous physical and mental training. Their goal is to enhance performance, and the ability to compete at their highest level. Similarly, metal building system contractors and erectors rely on extensive training to master technical skills, understand complex designs, and ensure safety standards. The curriculum being written by the Metal Buildings Institute (MBI) with the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) will be the essential framework for our consistent development and success, providing structured knowledge and skills that empower us. In both cases, education, mentoring and practice not only refine abilities but also foster innovation and efficiency, leading to success and outstanding results in all our pursuits.

Dedication is the quality of being committed to a task or a purpose. With dedication, our goal is to produce high-quality results. It is not just about going through the motions; it is about investing yourself fully in what you do. Athletes spend years training and preparing for the Olympics. Their commitment, discipline, and relentless effort can inspire us to pursue our goals with dedication.

Hard work is about consistently giving our best, even when faced with challenges. Challenging work is the foundation of achievement, and it is what propels us forward, or upward. Dedication to the AC478 Accreditation program is the best way to qualify us, our work. An onsite jobsite assessment verifies that we are performing in line with our plans. This, along with annual internal audits and management reviews, assures owners we follow a comprehensive quality driven metal building assembly program.

When we combine hard work, dedication, and accreditation we create a powerful synergy. This effort we put in compounds over time, leading to tangible results that we will see as the fruits of (y)our labor.

Sportsmanship and Unity:

The Olympics bring together people from diverse backgrounds. The spirit of fair play, camaraderie, and celebrating each other's achievements teaches us about being part of a greater team.

You, we, are part of a cohesive unit, the metal building systems industry. When we work towards a unified goal, we become stronger than the sum of our individual abilities. This is the strategy – having buildings with specifications calling for AC472 manufactured and inspected buildings built by our own AC478 members.

As the 19 days of these summer Olympics run, there be the thrills of the victories, and agonies of the defeats, but remember to enjoy the pageantry as they are all the showcase of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The applause roaring in the stadiums, the medals around necks are the rewards of the winning athletes. It (Olympic) rings true, our buildings are the showcase of our industry. The certificate of occupancy or handing over the keys is a testament to our, to your dedication, hard work, resilience, to how we are safely reaching new heights together. 

Be Safe, Be Great,

Robert Tiffin

President, MBCEA

National Accounts Manager, SIlvercote