Have your business opportunities grown, stayed the same, or declined in 2011 compared to 2010? Our opportunities have declined.
Do you project that your business opportunities will grow, stay the same, or decline in 2012 compared to 2011? I believe it will be about the same or less.
How long do you think it will take to for our industry to legitimately “recover”? It will take as long as it takes to reverse what’s happening with fed, state, local higher taxes and regulations. Rebuilding confidence of consumers and small businesses will take time.
How would you describe current consumer attitudes? I would say I’ve never seen the amount of anger from people on this issue as I have now. As I reach out to people and try to engage them in conversation about what they think, regardless of their demographic, they have a huge lack of confidence and they’re angry with the federal government and their out of control spending, etc. It’s the first time I’ve ever seen people who haven’t been active, become active and try to make a change. We have to get it turned around with this coming election on all levels - state, regional, national local. People are seeing that the waste of money and lack of concern is uncalled for.
How important is a candidate’s environmental position to your voting decisions? I believe their environmental position has to be a reasonable one. I look back at my personal efforts since 1974, and I’ve been trying to build more energy efficient homes since then. In 70s & 80s we had a spark, “let’s do something about energy” it rose and fell. In 90s, there was a changing point, as an industry if we did not take a leadership position, then government would make it much more complicated. Positions out there are so radical and extreme or lack any position. The best thing they could do is take a path where they need to do things that are environmentally sensible and long lasting and education will be honest and truthful and not create animosity between parties. We need to do it in a way that makes sense and cents! People need to buy into it, can’t be too extreme.
Do you think environmental issues (energy and water conservation, air quality, natural resources, etc.) can be solved without government intervention? Not sure 100%, we can make great strides, but with a good leader (president) we could make more change.
Are you familiar with the new International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) requirements that will go into effect in 2012? No - not in detail because we build beyond and above codes...
How informed/involved are you/your company with code development and adoption? I’m not involved in any national committees for adoption. We have a code liaison person who we rely on for information.
Do you trust information about codes and regulations that originates with trade associations and/or industry groups to be accurate and unbiased? We always go right to source and local jurisdiction to find out current/future requirements. If there is a code issue, and liaison is on top of it, we may look for some help if there is a conflict.
If so, do you rely on local, state, regional, or national sources? Rely first on jurisdiction then regional and state
To what extent do you rely on the product manufacturers for information and guidance relating to code compliance? We aggressively seek out info from manufacturers in terms of information on warranty/durability/performance. Manufacturers could do a much better job in getting that information out. Some of their information is fairly difficult to flush out. Manufacturers could be stronger in taking a position on how detailed they can educate builders, architects and consumers. Manufacturer webinar would be a great opportunity for a manufacturer to get feedback.