President’s message Homes start here. The new BIAW tagline is more than just words for those of us who’ve spent our lives building homes. It’s our legacy. As BIAW members join with others in the construction industry to celebrate Careers in Construction Month, it’s a time for us to tell our story. It’s a chance for us to inspire others. And it’s an opportunity to help shape the future of our industry. Stirring a passion Building a home provides opportunities for a broad range of skilled tradespeople to come together and feed their love of working with their hands. Whether we’re general contractors or remodelers, roofers or carpenters, designers or painters, or one of the many other specialty tradespeople, we enjoy working hard on projects. It’s our passion. And finding a job that’s also my passion is what’s kept me in this business for more than 44 years. Tracy Doriot, BIAW Certified Builder President
Like many of you, I started my career by walking onto a jobsite and working hard. As I developed a reputation for my work, I soon realized it was time to branch out on my own. I certainly didn’t know everything, but sometimes it’s better not to know what you don’t know! Pathways to success While some may look at the hard work involved in home building and choose to go a different route, we know our work provides a pathway to owning your own business, being your own boss and ultimately living the life you choose. And it’s a pathway to success without a costly college degree and the debt that can come with that. NAHB reports that roughly 90% of residential construction company presidents/CEOs rose up from working in the trades. Substantial salaries abound But it’s not just the company presidents and executives who make a great living. Many skilled tradespeople across the board earn on average more than $65,000/year. According to the latest federal statistics for 2020, these jobs included carpenters, concrete finishers, drywall and ceiling tile installers, electricians, plumbers, insulation workers and more. The top 25% in these trades earned more than $90,000/year. Throughout the month of October, we’ll be sharing stories of opportunities in our industry to encourage the next generation to join our ranks. We’ll also be celebrating our Young Professionals and our Certified Builders. As families across our state and our nation continue their insatiable demand for new homes, it’s a great time to be in the building industry. Let’s work together to build our ranks and celebrate our careers in construction.
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