Paul Evans, CGA, CGP, CAPS Honored as CGA March Designee of the Month
Presented by DuPont
The Dallas BA Education Committee is proud to announce the March Designee of the Month, Certified Graduate Associate Paul Evans.
As a native Texan with over 40 years in the construction industry, Paul is a well known trusted expert. Beginning at an early age he worked at his father and uncle’s cabinet shop after school and on the weekends. Since then he has worked his way up to become the National VP of millwork for BMC, a title he has proudly had for le last 25 years. His role encompasses many levels of success, including holding general contractor licenses in 17 states. Paul is an approved voting member of the International Code Council as well as a Professional Engineer in Texas and Louisiana and an author of more than 100 published articles and three books. His latest book, Life’s Lost Art, is currently in book stores nationwide.
One of Paul’s true passions is providing customer service to help others. He achieves this in many ways, as reflected in his desire to share his knowledge with others. Paul has been an instructor for the NAHB University Housing for over 15 years and is one of a handful of “Master Instructors.” This has helped him to earn the distinguished award of “Educator of the Year” in 2015 by the National Home Builders Association and the 2012 “National Speaker of the Year” by Toastmasters. The AIA, BMC, NAHB and several national builders have approved him as an accredited instructor. He often lends his training talent to the Dallas Builders Association, where he makes learning fun and interactive.
When he is not out traveling the world to help the betterment of the industry, Paul enjoys several unique hobbies. He owns and operates a fully sustainable farm, a project that puts a twinkle in his eye when he speaks about it. Paul is also a Licensed Professional Race Car Driver and has completed over 100 races and even won the SCCA National Championship.
1) Do you have any advice for someone new starting out? Network, network and network. Then listen, listen and listen. Find a mentor. That has helped me the most. Over 40 years I have had three great mentors, and I still call them and ask them questions today.
2) How do you market your certification? Mainly through our own internal company to promote the need for them to separate you from other employees.
3) What does your certification add to your business? It shows a sense of respect, pride and professionalism for your business and your industry.
4) How do your customers respond to your certification? They always ask what they are and what they mean to the industry and then how this makes you different from all the rest.
5) Why did you select this certification? I think this more than anything shows our builder customers that having a CGA matters. It shows that you support and understand them and their needs every day.
6) Do you volunteer or have civic duties? I have four charities that I personally support with my time and with my dollars: LLS, Catholic Charities of Dallas, Homes for Hope and Salvation Army.
7) What do you like most about the industry? No doubt in my mind, it is the camaraderie and the relationships. I do business with friends and not just customers. Sure, there are trials and tribulations out there. But if you can be friendly about it to one another that makes getting through the issue much easier. People say that all the time and I truly believe that this is all a relationship business and I hope for the health of the business it stays that way.
8) Favorite hobbies? Cars, cars and cars. Show cars, race cars, any and all types of cars.
9) What is something unique that people don’t know? I rode across America on a bicycle. Both directions. In 1976 north and south and in 1977 east and west.
10) Is there anything else you’d like to let people know? I truly love what I do. People may think it is crazy, but I truly don’t know of any better job for me than helping people get what they need for their project. How can helping people not be fun?
Associate members who wish to set themselves apart from their peers often go for their Certified Graduate Associate (CGA) designation. The CGA curriculum helps these professionals gain a better understanding of the industry they serve from the best source possible: builders and remodelers with years of field experience. The CGA designation affirms your level of industry knowledge and your commitment to your professionalism in the building industry.
To learn how you can become a Certified Professional, contact Sheena Beaver, Education Director at sheena.beaver@dallasbuilders.com.
Designee of the Month is brought to you by:
