FROM THE TAILGATE
Sage advice from the trenches
By Ron Jones
Wearing the White Hats
Builders have not always enjoyed the best reputation in this country. They’re often cast as the bad guys-–-too quick to ride for the hills when the going gets rough, too slow to admit mistakes. In his classic tome on residential building, “HOUSE,” author Tracy Kidder explored the traditional “suspiciousness of clients about builders” that was common in the early history of America, and even quotes 19th century architect Andrew Jackson Downing who, in 1850, wrote, “there is a glaring want of truthfulness sometimes practiced in this country by ignorant builders that deserves condemnation at all times.”
Unfortunately, I regularly encounter evidence that our collective reputation and the common regard for our professional standards has not changed all that much. Twice in recent weeks-–-first, during a casual meeting over refreshments at a trade show, and then as a participant on a business related conference call-–-I listened as individuals from other sectors of the shelter and building industry remarked on the stubborn resistance to progress that seems so much a part of builders.
“It seems like they are opposed to everything,” summed up one acquaintance of mine, a veteran marketing professional. Others in the conversation murmured and nodded their assent, and, even though I was stung by the assertion, I had to quietly agree with them-–-at least in part. If you, like me, have made your living as a builder for most of your adult life, you can’t help but be embarrassed by the attitudes and behaviors some fellow builders display.
Worse, the trade associations, who position themselves as representing all of us, have earned the ridicule and scorn of virtually every other group in the public policy arena. In the world of code development and regulatory affairs, they have done us and our image more harm than good in the opinions of many, epitomizing self-interest politics and perpetuating the stereotypes of greed and dishonesty long associated with those in the building and development industry. It doesn’t have to be this way. All over this country, exemplary men and women are diligently delivering homes and other buildings to clients that are better built, safer, more durable, and more resource efficient than any ever constructed in the history of this country. Ironically, their work may be the last bastion of “made in America” as well.
It is time for us to assume a position of trust and a reputation for responsible actions if we are to take our rightful place in the future. It’s time for us all to wear the white hats again-–-to take pride in the work we do and the lives we impact.
07.2011
64
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76