ICC Members: The individuals behind codes and safety — Gary Rogers

Code professionals ensure building safety today, for a stronger tomorrow. As the individuals behind modern codes and standards, these professionals are responsible for ensuring the safety and compliance of codes and standards, shaping the safety of the world around us, and serve as the safety foundation for our buildings. They don’t just ensure that buildings are constructed to withstand the stress of everyday use, they are behind the security and stability of every building. They specialize in preventative measures to help communities weather unforeseen natural disasters and ensure that first responders have less to worry about and can do their jobs safely. Code professionals are an essential piece in the building and construction puzzle and are engaged in the building process from the initial building plan to the finished product.

The International Code Council is a member-focused association with over 64,000 members dedicated to developing model codes and standards used in the design, build and compliance process to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures. They protect the public through their commitment to building safety; enforce code compliance to empower and educate stakeholders across the built environment to embrace and integrate safety standards in their work; support economic development by making our buildings sturdier, and therefore longer lasting. Their knowledge, skills, and abilities impact every building, in every community.

The Code Council recognizes the importance of continuing to grow awareness of the important work that code professionals do and the impact they have, in the hopes of encouraging aspiring building safety professionals to join in on the building safety movement. In this exclusive feature for the Building Safety Journal, we asked Gary Rogers to share his experience in the industry, highlights of his professional career, and any insights or advice he has concerning the industry and the future of building safety.

Gary Rogers
Owner
GM Rogers Quality Management Services
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
International Code Council member for 25 years
Southern Nevada Chapter

BSJ: What was the path to your career — how and why did you pursue a profession in building safety?
Rogers: I started in construction to pay for college to become a teacher (high school). I found I didn’t like kids; so I went into construction full time: laborer, heavy equipment operator, surveyor, then into inspection; I started that career with Raytheon Services Nevada at the Nevada Test Site then Arrow Engineering, CTE Eng., Aztec Inspections, Black Mountain Engineering, Nevada State Public Works Board (temp), Clark County Building Department (temp). I went into my own business(es): GM Rogers & Sons Construction Services., QA/QC Consult. Services. Currently: GM Rogers Quality Management Services.

BSJ: What three things do you need to be successful in this industry and in your profession?
Rogers: My life-long dream was to become a Certified Building Official; I did, but as of yet my dream to work as such has not been realized.

BSJ: What role have mentors, advisors or your network played in your career?
Rogers: Dwight Burch, Larry O’Loughlin, Ron Lynn, Sam Palmer, Roger Glidden, PE.Chin Chen, PE Duaine Harris, PE, Cathy Conoyer, PE, Jesse Hymer, DE Call Thomas, Skyler Woods, Melissa Eaton, Ralph Eaton; Pedro Chavez. especially Gary Larson; all the above have helped me along the way in my career.

BSJ: What led you to become an ICC member?
Rogers: Recognized certifications — good around the world; I first started as an ICBO member; that encouragement came from Roger Glidden, PE; Ron Lynn, and Gary Larson; I upgraded to ICC (best decision I ever made) and never looked back.

BSJ: Are you involved in any ICC committees or councils? Do you have any ICC certifications?
Rogers: I am a former member of various ICC committees [ie. Sustainability, Special Inspection]; local chapter EDU Code Committee. I have many certs.: Master Code Professional, Master of Special Inspection, Certified Building Code Official, Energy Code Specialist, Combination Inspector, Plans Examiner.

BSJ: How long have you been in the industry?
Rogers: 30-plus years.

BSJ: What major changes have you seen?
Rogers: LEED Green Sustainability, energy efficiency,tilt-up concrete wall construction, welding, fire prevention, high rise, stadiums for sports, environmental changes, flood and erosion control, new and more diversified building products, transportation changes.

BSJ: What excites you about the future of your industry?
Rogers: AI, high tech, drones, robots, computer-controlled equipment, CAD, BIM, cloud; changes in measuring equipment. smartphones, tablets, changes in inspection gear.

BSJ: What is one piece of advice that you would give to those starting out in the industry?
Rogers: Look, listen, ask questions — a lot of questions. Read, study. Sets your sights on a goal and go after it.

BSJ: What do you see as most surprising about the work that you do?
Rogers: That I still enjoy it so much — seeing something built right — the satisfaction of the achievement and the accompanying feeling.

BSJ: What would you like to do next in your professional/personal life?
Rogers: Become a Building Official for someone/someplace who needs me and wants me to help them.

BSJ: What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time?
Rogers: G scale model railroader — Civil War diorama.

If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title would be?
Rogers: The Adventures of a Special Inspector

There’s a world of opportunity in being a member of the International Code Council. Membership provides the tools to get the most out of each workday: from discounts on essential International Codes and other publications to the best prices on top-quality training and ICC certification renewals, Code Council membership helps budgets go further. Exclusive member benefits include code advice from expert technical staff as well as access to member-exclusive news and articles at the Building Safety Journal news portal. Plus, only Code Council members vote in the ICC code development process. An online Career Center allows job postings and searches for new job opportunities — all at no additional charge.

The Code Council offers numerous councils, committees, and resources to help code professionals grow and network with colleagues. Six discipline-specific Membership Councils offer members a place to come together and be a more powerful force in shaping your association, your industry, your career, and your future. Code Development Committees are an instrumental part of the ICC code development process and are responsible for the review and evaluation of code change proposals submitted to the International Codes. Professional Development Committees serve to better align the ICC education programs and certification programs to ensure that quality training is available to meet the needs of all members, customers and certification holders. Finally, the Value of the Code Official toolkit helps members to heighten awareness of the importance of code officials to their communities and to highlight the code official’s role as a helpful advocate for community safety, health and welfare, and economic development.

To learn more about ICC membership, click here, or contact ICC Member Services by email or 888-ICC-SAFE (888-422-7233) ext. 33804.