Looking back on his 40-year career, he says there is nothing he would do differently. “I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to serve and support AWCI and its members and mission. As an industry, we provide essential building materials, services and the construction required for safe and sustainable buildings.”
T his year’s recipient of the AWCI’s Distinguished Service Award is Jay Watt, marketing director of National Gypsum Company. He’s as surprised as he is honored with the accolade.
“It is sweet but was totally unexpected. I thought someone from our company put my name in for the award but I was pleased to find out it was actually a contractor.”
The citation recognizes Watt for his exemplary service as a volunteer for decades with the association. From attending the annual AWCI Convention and Expo starting in the late 1980s, to serving on five AWCI committees for more than a decade in the early 2000s, Watt has continually made time and provided resources to help better the association and the industry.
Presented with the award last month at the AWCI 2024 Industry Leaders Conference in Hollywood, California, Watt says his time in AWCI has been rewarding.
“Engaging in the association, you have to learn the rules and bylaws and how things are orchestrated. For me, it has provided opportunities to meet and get to know the players in the industry. We (National Gypsum) are a significant provider when it comes to building materials but there are other key manufacturers…distributors and especially contractors. It has provided me and others an opportunity to grow.”
A number of highlights for Watt have come in his varied roles on the Foundation of Wall and Ceiling Industry’s (FWCI) board, which he has served on since July 2014 and was president from 2018 to 2020. Initially, the Foundation served primarily as a resource of information, education and research for the industry but with the development of AWCI CARES (Caring Action Relief in Emergency Situations), it’s philanthropic side has really emerged.
“It was very gratifying to see us taking care of our own people in need,” says Watt, who has served as the Foundation’s board liaison to the AWCI CARES executive committee. “It’s a great opportunity to give back.”
Another rewarding experience for Watt has come through his commitment to the association’s Supplier and Manufacturer Committee. Taking on various roles including chair from July 2018 through June 2019.
“You have to be involved and give of your time and talent to make it work. I believe that when members do that, they get more out of the efforts and the association benefits as well.”
Watt has been involved in the last 12 years of National Gypsum’s 30-year sponsorship of the AWCI Celebration Night Awards Dinner and Foundation Silent Auction, has also been on the association’s Strategic Planning Task Force for the 2021–2024 plan, which “helps guide AWCI forward.” Watt takes a strategic approach to things,” he believes the task force has yielded a lot of success to ensure that the AWCI is aligned with the evolving needs of the industry and its members.
The strategic plan focuses on…
- Advocating on national and local levels,
- Developing strategies to retain members and add new ones,
- Spearheading educational and training programs and resources to benefit members,
- Promoting green and sustainable building practices and materials, and
- Supporting innovation and new technology.
Watt also played a role on the search committee to find a new AWCI CEO when Steve Etkin retired. “Steve was here a long time and did such a great job, we had a little angst on trying to replace him.” Choosing Mike Stark, CAE, who took the reins in September 2019, was a “great choice. Along with a sound AWCI Board, Mike and his staff have done a great job of helping our association to evolve.”
Implementing the Emerging Leaders Program, which started in 2021, is a prime example of that evolution. It has been instrumental in helping to develop a new generation of leaders through training in new technology and other areas plus it has provided opportunities for peer recognition.
“It has been a great way to energize and engage young leaders and get them started in AWCI as each of us got started so they feel at home and understand the value of being a member.”
Watt’s advice to any young leaders in the industry is to start by embracing what you do. “If you are passionate about something and you love what you do, you won’t work a day in your life. I’ve had the opportunity of working many years with National Gypsum and the AWCI, and it has been a labor of love.”
With National Gypsum for 40 years, Watt came out of college, took a job at the company as a salesperson and rose through the ranks, taking on various managerial and director roles over that span. His experiences include involvement in the development of innovative products, such as the eXP line of fiberglass-faced gypsum board and DEXcell roof cover boards and his efforts at commercializing the PURPLE trademark and leading multiple award-winning advertising campaigns which have been instrumental in the company’s growth.
He has seen a lot of transition and change throughout his time with the industry. Watt says the biggest change he has seen in the industry over the past decade is the advancement in technology, particularly in process and product development. “It has greatly improved production efficiencies, quality control, safety and it has yielded many new innovative products.”
An increased focus on sustainability has also been noteworthy in recent years, he says, adding that more companies are adopting environmentally friendly materials and processes “to reduce the impact on our ecology.”
At the same time, the workforce is keeping pace with changing times, he observes. “Greater emphasis is on training and upskilling workers to handle new technologies and practices.”
His career ride will come to an end next year as he will be retiring from AWCI, FWCI and National Gypsum but not before taking part in the Build25: AWCI’s Convention + Expo in Charlotte, North Carolina, March 31–April 3, and finishing his time on the FWCI board. The conference happens in the year that National Gypsum, which is based in Charlotte, celebrates its 100th anniversary. “I’m very proud of that and very proud that Charlotte will be the host for our convention.”
Watt is leaving all options open after retirement. “My main priority is to take a few months off and catch up on the long list of my wife’s “honeydo’s.” I want to spend more time with my family, including two young grandchildren.”
But he hasn’t counted out taking on other work though. “I would like to give back in some way but I don’t know yet in what capacity. There are some wonderful organizations that I’d like to contribute some time to.”
Looking back on his 40-year career, he says there is nothing he would do differently. “National Gypsum has afforded me the opportunity to do work I truly enjoy, develop skills, advance and be surrounded by a team of people who I consider family. It’s certainly been a great ride.”
“I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve and support AWCI/FWCI and its members and mission. As an industry, we provide essential building materials, services and the construction required for safe and sustainable buildings. We’re not just creating spaces for people and businesses to thrive and communities to grow but for families to prosper as well, and I’m proud to be part of that legacy.”
Don Procter is a freelance writer in Ontario, Canada.
