John Hinson, division president of Marek in Dallas, received the highest honor bestowed by the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry, the Pinnacle Award, during BUILD24: AWCI’s Convention + Expo this past March in Florida. The award is presented to an AWCI member who most merits the industry’s recognition for unselfish service to the association, the industry and his/her company.
Hinson was AWCI’s 2015–2016 president, and he has long been an active participant in the events and programs of AWCI, as evidenced by his involvement in various committees for many years (see sidebar). In addition, when AWCI introduced its Emerging Leaders Program in the fall of 2020 to attract and advise up-and-coming stars in the industry, Hinson was among the first to volunteer his time and knowledge to the program’s development.
Says Scott Casabona, a past AWCI president, “John has committed himself to mentoring the next generation of industry leaders. He has a genuine passion for helping the next generation.”
His dedication to the next generation was on full display when Hinson learned that 12 construction students from the University of Florida were invited to attend Build24 for a day. Just moments after winning AWCI’s prestigious award, Hinson made sure to personally welcome and offer encouraging words to the group.
“John really needs no introduction to anyone who has participated in AWCI for the past several years. He is always in attendance and does anything asked to promote our industry. He is a leader, educator, advocate and steward in all ways. He has served in various leadership roles and continues to this day,” says Shawn Burnum, an AWCI past president and one of many people who nominated Hinson.
Pinnacle Award nominees are evaluated not only on their support to AWCI; their involvement in the industry and with their local community is also considered.
In his nomination of Hinson, AWCI past president Mike Heering wrote, “John is active in his local area in many construction-related associations. He attended and was the networking sponsor for the 2020 AIA (American Institute of Architects) TEXO Economic Update held at Edison’s in Dallas.”
But he is also active within his community. Heering cites his work with the annual chili cook-off/poker tournament, Balfour Beatty Gold Classic, City of Coppell Police Facility Movement and the Coppell Family YMCA.
Hinson started at Marek in 1984, a drywall, acoustical ceiling/sound control and metal stud framing business that today has offices in Houston, Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, Harlingen (Texas) and Atlanta. Four years later he was transferred to the Dallas office and became the division president in 1989.
When at work, Hinson is known for his leadership and appreciation of teamwork.
Marek COO Mike Holland said that Hinson’s team is “perhaps one of the deepest leadership teams that we have, and I attribute that to his willingness to surround himself with people who were good and had opinions and independent thought, rather than him being the person who dictated what we did and why we did it.”
Hinson’s son Colton, who also works for Marek, acknowledges his father’s influence: “He never would have thought I would have chosen this career path, but why I am successful to an extent is the things that he has taught me, the small things about ‘give it your all,’ ‘don’t complain.’ Just do your work and strive for greatness.”
Learn more about the man who has earned the respect and admiration of his peers, and now has AWCI’s highest honor, by watching the AWCI Pinnacle Award video that was presented at the annual convention on awci.org/awards.
