Trus Joist expert Val DeNoia honored by the American Institute of Architects

January 27, 2022 in Meet Our People - #woodproducts

When architects in the New Jersey area have a question about a Trus Joist® product, they know exactly who to call: Engineered Wood Products territory manager Val DeNoia.

“I’m always available,” Val says. “If someone calls me in a panic because they have an urgent problem, I’m ready to offer a solution and the calm, rational support they’re looking for. I think that’s what makes me a particularly valuable resource for them.”

Architects who work with Val appreciate his work so much, in fact, they recognized him with the 2021 American Institute of Architects Resident of the Year Award for Jersey Shore.

The annual award is granted to non-architects who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the profession of architecture. Candidates are sponsored by members of AIA New Jersey, and it’s a prestigious honor from the leading professional membership association for licensed architects. Founded in 1857, the AIA offers services and benefits to architects while raising awareness about the role of architecture in American society.

“Receiving this award reinforced my belief that our daily work as territory managers matters to a lot of people,” Val says. “There’s a real impact felt from our efforts.”

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Val holding the AIA Resident of the Year award. “When I do an AIA seminar, my focus is on providing helpful information,” he says. “Being a valuable resource is what leads to sales. Every time I talk to someone, my goal is to make a connection and hopefully get involved in the projects they’re working on. I cherish those relationships. I have a spreadsheet of thousands of architects and others I’ve worked with over the years: 2,103 architects, 748 engineers, 807 code officials and 1,407 builders.”

 

RECOGNIZING A REPUTATION FOR TOP-NOTCH SUPPORT

In Val’s line of work, it pays to have an encyclopedic knowledge of our engineered wood products. It also doesn’t hurt to be the kind of person people trust to be completely honest.

“The people I work with know I have their best interests in mind,” Val says. “Even if somebody makes a mistake, like an incorrect assembly causing a product failure, I don’t point fingers. I say, ‘Let’s move forward, here’s how we can fix it.’ My work isn’t always about making a sale; it’s about being as helpful as I can be and building relationships.”

Architects, builders, engineers and other customers count on Val to keep them informed about new product releases, how to best make use of our products, and how current building codes might affect their projects. That includes educational seminars on engineered wood products that Val develops and presents to the AIA.

“I’m able to meet their needs because I have so much support behind me,” Val says. “I might be the person speaking directly to the customer, but I have engineering, sales, marketing and other departments in the background giving me everything I need to serve our customers. They’re the reason I got this award.”

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Val gives a presentation at the Pratt Institute in New York City a while back. "I've been presenting there about 10 years, and it's one of my favorite presentations. The audience includes architecture and engineering students and faculty, and I'm able to encourage students to think about interning and starting a career with Weyerhaeuser. I've had some success convincing them to intern, both externally and internally!"

 

HIGH PRAISE FROM INDUSTRY PEERS

The dealer representatives, government officials, managers and architects who work with Val praise him in equal measure. Seven of them wrote glowing letters of recommendation to the AIA to nominate Val for the award, raving about his professionalism, consistency and dedication to his work.

John Delesandro, supervisor of enforcement for the state of New Jersey, wrote that Val has done “an outstanding job” as a trainer for the Division of Codes & Standards’ continuing education program.

“Of particular note is Val’s work with our department to create a training class for our officials in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy to educate them on the special requirements for coastal construction and rebuilding,” John wrote in Val’s nomination letter. “That effort facilitated a brisk response on the part of the building departments to meet the critical rebuilding needs of our residents.”

Norm Hall, territory manager for Simpson Strong-Tie Co., has worked with Val for more than 15 years and also collaborated with him on the hurricane recovery presentation.

“Together, we have resolved hundreds of complicated engineered solutions along with the proper connections to keep them together,” Norm wrote. “I value Val as a trusted advisor to his clients and me. Our business relationship has developed into a true friendship. I often say that one can measure their success by how many of their clients become their friends, and Val has developed many friends over the years.”

For Val, seeing these testimonials from his peers and friends was particularly meaningful.

“I’m blown away by the recognition I’ve received, both through the award and from people I respect immensely,” he says.