Steve Goold of Cadreas and I spent 3 days talking to exhibitors and attendees at PCBC 2011.

Much different than PCBC 2010 where everyone seemed to be wondering what we should do, each of the professionals, manufacturers and service providers we spoke with at PCBC 2011 has been busy for the past year, creating their vision of what our industry will look like as we begin to renew.

A wide spread understanding seems to have been realized that we are all part of something new. As an industry, we are evolving; people are taking ownership; with that ownership, we are beginning to see pride.

Boise Cascade

They constantly innovate the best in Engineered Lumber Products. In most cases you don't see these products at completion of a project. Nevertheless, they are the structural components that allow our designers and engineers to achieve the open spaces, design elements and constructed building shapes we are able to appreciate at the end.

Boise Cascade @ PCBC 2011

These guys really care. When a lot of companies are not exhibiting they show up with  their top brass to provide support. Denny and Jim from Boise Cascade are pleased to show us samples of their Engineered Lumber Products Line.

Boral

This company manufacturers outdoor and exterior building finishes that work well together. They have stepped up to offer a complementary product line that starts on the ground with their Paving line, then works it’s way up the wall with their Cultured Stone products and onto the roof with their Monier Lifetile line.

Boral @ PCBC 2011

Wade Shepherd, Boral, Sr. Project Manager proudly displays a sample of their Roofing and Cultured Stone product line.

US Department of Energy

Energy Star & the Builders Challenge

It is in everyone’s best interest to build smarter. There was a lot of confusion at first but I think we are starting to see a more sustainable environment is achievable. There are many programs that help us to build better. I believe we are all better off when entities collaborate, share information and work together. One of the groups that begins to help us with the process of maintaining a higher standard is the Department of Energy with the “Building America”, “Building Technologies Program”.

The DOE and Energy Star have a lot of good information to share. Their representatives are very friendly and communicate that they want us to succeed. In a 1 to 5 minute conversation they can give you a place to start then provide some nice, visual and easy to understand print and digital materials. I know there is much more that we could all benefit from. I will further my conversation with them and share more with you.

Department of Energy @ PCBC 2011

A lovely, knowledgeable and kind Representative from the Department of Energy introduced me to their current Builder Challenge Program.

Echo Solar Systems

EchoFirst has developed an innovative way to leverage energy captured from the sun using a standard PV system. In addition to capturing light which is processed and converted into electricity, this system processes the unused “thermal energy” and produces Heat. This increased efficiency ultimately will save you more money.

Echo Solar System Interface Panel

Eldorado Stone

Known for the highest quality and the finest finishes, Handcrafted Fireplace Surrounds are the latest addition at Eldorado Stone. With over 35 years of creating and refining the art of stone veneer, Eldorado has now expanded their line to include a stunning collection of Surrounds, Hearths, Mantle Shelves and Accessories.

Eldorado Stone @ PCBC 2011

Jenny Rodi, Architectural / Builder Sales Rep. from Eldorado Stone enjoys a restful moment at one of the 3 beautiful fireplace surrounds that was on display at the show.

PCBC's "Home of Innovation"

PCBC helps us reinvent. This Innovation Home comes to life with great Product, Utility and Professional Service Companies.

PCBC @ PCBC 2011

Link to   PCBC 2011 Home of Innovation   to see more information on this home.
Richard Helton, PCBC, Director of Business Development stands before a list of companies that contributed to "The Home of Innovation" which was constructed and displayed on the show floor.

Great Companies including GE, Southern California Edison, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District, Crestron and builder, New Avenue Inc. all came together to create this feature exhibit.

Many new and innovative products and design features were introduced including:

GE stepped up to be the "Innovation Partner" for this special exhibit.

As a special note: I am very excited about the bigger companies that for the longest time did everything internally, were hard to reach and answered to no one. GE seems to be one of the companies that truly CARES. This has been a painful transition for companies big and small. It is really exciting to see that we are really beginning to transform.

Southern California Edison has some Great Programs in place to help people plan and build more efficiently including their “Savings by Design” program that we will be writing about soon.

GE Appliances, GE GeoSpring Water Heater and the GE Energy Solutions, “WattStation” were all installed at the Home of Innovation.

Crestron and Century Stereo @ PCBC 2011

Century Stereo installed the Crestron digitally controlled Home Automation System for the Home of Innovation. Here a rep shows Steve Goold the benefits that the system provides.

EchoFirst, Echo Solar @ PCBC 2011

Echo Representative stands in front of the Solar System Interface Panel that is on display at the PCBC 2011 Innovation Home.

Panasonic Ventilation Products,

Schlage "LINK"  lockset at PCBC 2011

Locksets don’t just lock and unlock doors anymore. David Scholar points to the high tech, easy to use, remote control and monitoring lockset by Schlage.

Timberlake Cabinetry.

We will be following up with more in-depth info piece on what makes this home special. If you want to know more sign up for our RSS feed.

Trex

The largest manufacturer in the world of composite wood products shows they know what they are doing. Always a leader, Trex displays decking, railing, lighting products and furniture pieces at the show. Their Transcend product is the strongest in the industry with a 25- year limited fade and stain warranty.

Trex @ PCBC 2011

A Lovely Trex Products Representative shows off a variety of Trex Products.

I am embarrassed to say that I went away without getting her name. If you want to claim the moment let us know and I will add your name to the caption.

Vecchio

Imagine Tuscany in your back yard, it’s about the vertical landscape. Here is a place you can find “real” fruit bearing Olive, Citrus, Fig and Pomegranates.If you feel like nuts, they have Almonds. For a true work of art, look at the “Vecchio Gold” specimen trees. These majestic one of a kind trees, (up to 200 years old) are waiting to be part of your story. Vecchio brought in trees, teamed up with Eldorado Stone and others to create a beautiful outdoor display area at the back corner of the convention center.

Vecchio @ PCBC 2011

Paul McCauley, Director of Sales and Operations at Vecchio is a real gentleman and is passionate about the product that he represents. Paul showed me images from their tree stock on his IPhone like you would show photos of your kids.

Velux

Still known for their great skylight products, Velux now offers the same great product quality and innovation in their Solar Hot Water heating Products. This product has been perfected to function efficiently in all climate zones all over the world.

Velux @ PCBC 2011

Jim O’Shea spoke with Steve Goold from Cadreas.  There was a lot to talk about in that the product and system that Velux offers has advanced to become state of the art.

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

I did not think you could make Home Warranties glamorous until I met Patricia Raymer, Risk Management Specialist, 2-10 Home Warranties. I always see them at the shows. I will admit that I do not know much about their program other than, they are always there. What more could you ask for from a Home Buyers Warranty program.

The Gold Nugget Awards

I have yet to mentioned my favorite part of PCBC: “The Gold Nugget Awards”

A HUGE thank you to Lisa Parrish and Shane Parrish, Peter Mayer, Tim Sullivan and the Parrish girls for making this the show of shows. Why do I say that, well, because I can’t figure out how, but even during this ho-hum, glum recessionary period they keep making it more and more exciting.

I spoke to Lisa after the show, during the conversation she repeated the same word a number of times directed towards different topics. The word is “CARE”. They really care! This was not intended to be part of a theme but it does in a sense sum it up.

Wow what a show!

The Architects, Engineers, Builders and Developers keep showing us what it is to go beyond what most people think is possible. I saw some of the most beautiful Architectural Creations I have ever seen. There were Certified LEED Gold and LEED Platinum and GreenPoint Rated projects. There were projects that took 10 and 12 years to achieve. There was the introduction of  ”The New Kids on the Block”, young builders who will eventually be taking things to a whole new level, again.

Cadreas.com will be following up with a lot of exciting content over the next few months connecting the Gold Nugget Award participants and their projects.

My take-away from the show.

PCBC 2011 was not business as usual. Most people commented that it was not as big or robust as it used to be. I was told that attendance was similar to 2010 but the Educational Forums attendance was way up J. I am so impressed with the people and the products that I saw. Most everyone is open to learning and wants to innovate. Green things and sustainability are becoming part of the process. Some are taking it to very high levels; others have a long way to go but I think everyone knows that competing in the new market is not going to be the same.

I am the first to state  things did not really change for the better, yet (if anything they seemed to be getting worse). We are not inventing and morphing as fast as technology (thank goodness) but technology and young bright minds are helping to steer a good course.

At the beginning of the recession I said that for many reasons, this downturn will be for the good. It seems  there is less greed and more good. From the small to the giant companies, we have all been forced to reinvent or move onto something else. It seems  everyone is trying to invent, taking their offerings to a whole new level.

Miscellaneous Snapshots

Steve Loves Whirlpool, a Sponsor of the Gold Nugget Awards and Bank of America, a Sponsor of HomeAid America.

Live music at a BART station

Some of the Talent at the Show. Steve Goold of Cadreas with Peter Templeton, Principal, Templeton Planning Group

Contemplation

Do you think she is a good mascot for a builders show?

To sum it up, PCBC was not business as usual. We all need to thank the companies that have been re-inventing and made the effort to exhibit at the show. We also need to thank the people who made PCBC their itinerary June 21 through June 24. Without all of you there would be no show. I like to believe that we all really CARE.

David A. Scholar

Founder & COO, Cadreas.com