BUILDING
CONNECTIONS
J. P. Delaney
-PHBO-BWFMMF)VOU*OTVSBODF
BOE8FBMUI.BOBHFNFOU
"GGJMJBUF.FNCFS
Don Wirtzberger
4JFSSB%FTJHOBOE$POTUSVDUJPO
3FHJTUFSFE3FNPEFMFS
Stan Logan
-PHBO-BWFMMF)VOU*OTVSBODF
BOE8FBMUI.BOBHFNFOU
'PSNFS"TTPDJBUF7JDF1SFTJEFOU
Don Wirtzberger, President of Sierra Design and Construction, recognized the value of the Registered Remodeler designation, leading him to join the BIA about 15 years ago. Since
that time, his company has grown to the point that he doesn’t
advertise, relying on referrals for about 90 percent of business.
“A lot of that business is a result of BIA connections,” he says.
In addition, his company’s worker’s comp is run through the
BIA. “We also get a dividend check through the AGC if our
claims are low,” he says. Other benefits of membership he considers important are accessibility to contracts and marketing
materials that have been reviewed by attorneys.
“I admit that during the first ten years, I was concentrating
on my business. I would participate in some of the outings and
Tabletop Night, but I really didn’t contribute until I was asked
to be on the board,” says Wirtzberger. He is now Chairman of
the Remodelers’ Council and has been asked to ascend the ladder for the presidency of the BIA. “I can see how everyone’s involvement helps the total well-being of the organization. Once
you become active, you find time to become more even more
active and to participate on a higher level,” he says.
22 MPVJTWJMMFCVJMEFStCJBMPVJTWJMMFDPN
Wirtzberger has encouraged many people to join the BIA
and makes it a point to work with subcontractors who are
members. He also has built many friendships and working relationships with other BIA members. He and Stan Logan, owner
of Logan Lavelle Hunt Insurance and Wealth Management,
are longtime friends and business associates through the BIA.
Logan, who joined the association in the 1970s, says, “When
I first got involved, it was more at the state level. It spawned
out of our workers’ comp program, which was a state program.
That transferred to the Louisville level. I went to more meetings and was sitting on committees, and before I knew it, I was
a three-term associate vice president. I have been the guy that’s
walked the walk all the way, from teaching classes to deciding
on the vision and direction of the organization. Now I’m the
guy they talk about and say, ‘We should get some young blood
in there’. I am a senior member now. And by the way, I’m excited about that.”
Reviewing the organization’s past and focusing on its present
position, he considers the BIA the voice of the building industry. “Every year the BIA becomes a stronger partner with Metro
Building Connections
Louisville Government. Now that a comprehensive development plan is being discussed, the BIA has a seat at that table.
Construction, in general, is looked at as an economic engine,”
says Logan.
He believes the BIA has done excellent work on the regulatory, advocacy and educational fronts but sees potential in
strengthening programs to make members more successful. “If
we can show every member at least one job they received because
of their affiliation, they will stay a member for life. It comes down
to bringing in more dollars and more jobs,” he adds.
Through Logan’s personal and business relationship with
Wirtzberger, he met J. P. Delaney, Wirtzberger’s son-in-law.
“J.P. had a natural knack for salesmanship and had started in
State Farm’s training program. I counseled him a little on that.
State Farm doesn’t handle business insurance. We began having conversations pertaining to his working with businesses,”
says Logan about Delaney’s joining Logan Lavelle Hunt in the
marketing department, and later assuming the role of account
executive.
Delaney had witnessed first-hand how the BIA had contributed to the growth of Logan Lavelle Hunt and Sierra Design
and Construction. His own membership offered the possibility
of gaining what he refers to as “priceless” relationships. But, for
him, joining the BIA also meant immersing himself in the association, not simply reaping the rewards of membership.
“I urge emerging professionals to become active
members on committees, not just join and show
up occasionally for events.
- J. P. Delaney
He sits on the Retention and Membership Committees and
chairs the Emerging Professionals Council. “People don’t realize that the Building Industry Association of Greater Louisville, with over 2,000 active members, is the second largest in
UIF6OJUFE4UBUFT5IF&NFSHJOH1SPGFTTJPOBMT$PVODJMJTPOF
of the fastest growing groups in the Louisville organization,
and I feel it is one of the most important because we’re the next
generation, the real leaders,” he says.
“I urge emerging professionals to become active members on
committees, not just join and show up occasionally for events.
It has taken me four years to get where I am in the BIA and
to receive many of the benefits. It wasn’t an overnight success
story, but it has all been worth it.”
EXPIRES NOVEMBER 30, 2016
PDUPCFS 23