President's Message: New Year, New Chapter

NFC Has Big Goals for 2025

Happy New Year! As I step into 2025 as the new president of the National Framers Council, I am filled with both excitement and a deep sense of responsibility. The NFC has been a cornerstone for collaboration, advocacy, and growth within the framing industry, and this year presents an incredible opportunity to expand our impact. 

As I reflect on my personal journey with NFC, I feel pride and gratitude for what we’ve accomplished together over the past decade. It’s remarkable to think that it’s been over ten years since NFC was founded, and I’m honored to serve as NFC’s president once again. My involvement with NFC started back in 2014, and since then, I have witnessed its transformation into a dynamic and influential organization. What started as a small group of dedicated professionals—led by visionaries like Kenny Shifflet, George Hull, and Scott Stevens—has grown into a thriving community of individuals united by a shared mission: to keep framers safe and ensure they can go home to their families at the end of the day.

As I reflect on my personal journey with NFC, I feel pride and gratitude for what we’ve accomplished together over the past decade. It’s remarkable to think that it’s been over ten years since NFC was founded, and I’m honored to serve as NFC’s president once again.

The need for a comprehensive safety and fall protection plan was clear, and these early leaders came together to address that need. Their mission was simple yet powerful: “Go home safely.” Their vision led to the development of FrameSAFE, a groundbreaking safety and fall protection plan that has helped protect framers across the country. While safety remains a cornerstone of NFC’s impact, our achievements go far beyond that. From earning recognition from regional OSHA offices to influencing national safety standards, NFC has become a driving force for innovation and excellence, setting a new benchmark for the industry.

The National Framers Council is thriving, and it’s time to embrace the next chapter in our evolution. While we’ve made great strides, there is still much more to achieve. In December 2024, the NFC Steering Committee held its Year-End Planning Meeting, where we reflected on the past year and made great plans for 2025 and beyond. As we look ahead, the NFC is committed to several key initiatives to ensure continued growth and success. Central to this effort is our focus on expanding our reach to include more professional framers, as well as vendors and manufacturers who align with our vision. We are focused on Safety, Education, and Community—which serve as the foundation of everything we do and will continue to guide our efforts moving forward.

Safety has been, and will remain, our top priority. The very foundation of the NFC was built on the commitment to ensure the safety of framers, and we will not lose sight of that. We’ve made great strides in developing FrameSAFE, but we recognize the need to continually adapt to the industry as it evolves. With the introduction of new regulations and emerging safety concerns, such as heat stress, we’re committed to staying ahead of the curve and providing our members with the tools they need to stay safe. By providing updated tools, resources, and training, we aim to empower our members to navigate these challenges and maintain the highest standards of safety on every jobsite.

Education is important. As the industry continues to evolve, it’s critical that our members have access to the latest knowledge, tools, and resources. Whether it’s understanding new safety standards, adopting best practices, or exploring emerging products and technologies, NFC is committed to providing educational opportunities that empower our members to stay informed and ahead of the curve. Our goal is to ensure that NFC remains a trusted and forward-thinking resource for valuable industry knowledge, equipping framers with the insights they need to succeed.

Community is at the heart of the National Framers Council. From the very beginning, NFC was founded on the belief that professionals in the framing industry could come together to support one another and make a meaningful impact on the safety and success of our trade. Today, that sense of community is stronger than ever, and we remain committed to fostering an environment of collaboration and mutual support. As we look to grow our membership, we’re focused on bringing in like-minded professionals who share our commitment to safety, education, and community. Together, we can continue to advance the industry, develop cutting-edge techniques, and ensure that every framer can thrive in a safer, more connected community.

Before I wrap up, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our Past President, Chris Breedlove, for his exceptional leadership over the last four years. Chris’s hard work, passion, and unwavering dedication have played a pivotal role in shaping the National Framers Council into the thriving organization it is today. His efforts have laid a solid foundation for our success as we embark on the journey ahead in 2025. Thank you, Chris, for your remarkable contributions—you have truly set the stage for continued growth and impact.

I also want to acknowledge the incredible members of our Steering Committee and the vital roles they play in leading key initiatives this year. Jacob Knott as Treasurer, and Chris Tatge as our SBCA Liaison. Additionally, we have Tim Aspinwall heading the Marketing Subcommittee, Ryan Hikel leading the Events Subcommittee, Geris Kraus chairing the Standards Subcommittee, Gil Capelini spearheading the Membership Subcommittee, and Jared Swope overseeing the Products Subcommittee. Don Groom rounds out this outstanding group as an At-Large Steering Committee member. Together, this team is committed to driving NFC’s mission forward, ensuring we achieve our ambitious goals.

As your president, my vision for NFC in 2025 is to continue building on these initiatives and make NFC an even more dynamic and impactful organization. We are excited for what this year has in store for the National Framers Council. Thank you all for your continued support and dedication to this incredible community. 

PEDRO LOUREIRO 
NFC President