H. Dale Contant, president of Atlanta Design & Build, spent four exciting days at the 2016 National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) Spring Business Meeting April 6-9 in Austin, Texas. The meeting offered inspiring keynote speakers, top-notch educational opportunities, and ample possibilities for networking with his remodeling peers from across the nation. The meeting started out with an inspiring speech by current Chairman of the Board, Judy Mozen, in which NARI was described as having a “can do” attitude. She used the World War II promotion of Rosie the Riveter to exemplify that attitude. Dale was impressed by the energy generated by the attendees who are putting forth great effort to move the association and the remodeling industry forward. Atlanta Design & Build strives to reflect the forward motion of the industry and took a moment on a jobsite to strike their “we can do it” pose. Check out the picture on our about page.
The culmination of the meeting was the installation of the NARI national officers. Dale was installed as 2016-2017 National President of NARI at the Spring Business Meeting in April. “I’m honored to serve in the capacity of president for our organization,” said Dale in his acceptance speech. “I’m excited about our strategic initiatives and theopportunity to move NARI forward as the premier association for remodeling professionals.” 
Dale stated that his vision for this year is to continue to make big advancements and to raise the professionalism of the remodeling industry, both for NARI members and for consumers. He desires that NARI be seen as a safe and trusted source for homeowners. “In order to grow, an organization must change,” said Dale. “We can only do this by working together.” He referred to Thomas Edison as someone whose determination of success was focused on new ideas and new initiatives. “Edison always looked at the present and imagined how to make the future better,” said Dale. “Isn’t that what we’re trying to do here?” Watch an excerpt of Dale’s speech here as he talks about his vision for the future of NARI.
Dale also quoted one of Edison’s maxims, “There is no substitute for hard work.” Dale confessed that being active in NARI can sometimes take away from family time, and there is a lot of catching up to do at work once members return home. With this in mind, Dale thanked his wife, Keely for her constant support. “She’s put up with so much of me being away from my family,” Dale said. “She is my rock, my compass, and my best friend.” Thunderous applause followed this acknowledgement.
Dale completed his speech by handing out luggage tags with the NARI logo. He challenged everyone present to put the tags on their bags and make the journey with him this year.
We will be keeping you informed about Dale’s journey as NARI national president this year. He will have many opportunities to learn and to speak on your behalf about remodeling issues that may impact you as a consumer in the broader scope. Stay tuned!
pictured at the top left to right: Fred Ulreich, CEO; Judy Mozen, CR, GCP; Dale Contant, MCR, CRPM, UDCP; Tom Miller, CR, CKBR; David Pekel, MCR, UDCP, CAPS; Robert Kirsic, CKBR