Message from the President Elect, Ron Pilla: SWRInstitute Experiences

I have been a member of the Sealant, Waterproofing, Restoration Institute (SWRInstitute) for more than 14 years now. The last five years, I have proudly and willingly served as a member of the Board of Directors. When I accepted the position, I was honored to be considered for a leadership position and thought long and hard if the sacrifice of time and energy from my business and personal life was going to be worth the commitment. My Valcourt partners and other SWRInstitute officers convinced me that the opportunity to serve has a much deeper meaning and value than anyone could see on the surface. So, I accepted the challenge.

During the past few of years, I have watched the last two presidents craft their agendas towards the industry’s needs. More importantly, I have watched the execution of these agendas and seen the SWRInstitute benefit from these initiatives.
Last year, I witnessed Jed Daniels focus on the theme of “2 –R Benefit” of Resources and Relationships.  Jed also spent quite a bit of time on assuring the technical content of our programs and on accountability with respect to the Strategic Plan  and operational committments.  Jed also focused on adding  structure to the committees,  specifically  alliance program. 

In 2011, Dan Cain concentrated on initiatives towards promoting the Institutes Validation Programs.   Dan chose this initiative because he sees the extended value in being more influential and capitalizing on the synergy of the SWRInstitute. After all, the institute attracts the best, the brightest and the most talented minds in the industry. Why not take advantage of it?

Both Dan and Jed did a great job in identifying what their focus area would be, and then executed their plan. This has given me great insight and motivation to craft my 2012 agenda in a more-comprehensive manner.

It is clear to me that our membership has many members that are knowledgeable and extremely competent in their area of expertise. They are great leaders in their companies and in their markets. I would like to see them become great leaders in our industry as well. The SWRInstitute needs these individuals to step up to a higher level and serve as one of our Board members.

I would like for this coming Winter  to be a time to look for the future leaders of the SWRInstitute. If this is an appeal to our members who are reading this column right now, I would encourage  you to consider this opportunity, and plan a discussion with me and other Board members and Past Presidents at the Naples Meeting in March. 
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I can honestly say after five years of my service to the Board, my business (as well as my personal life) has benefited in ways that I could never have known. The relationships and experiences opened my eyes to bigger and better things to me and my company. I would very much like to see others experience these wonderful things, so please consider joining us in Naples Beach in March prepared to have this conversation.

Ron Pilla
President Elect