SBCA Leadership Spotlight: Joe Hikel

Joe Hikel is a Chapter Representative of the SBCA Board of Directors and has been involved in the association and the industry for over 40 years. In addition to his seat on the SBCA Board, Joe serves on SBCA’s Finance Committee and is a Trustee of the SBCA Foundation & Endowment. Joe has also previously served on SBCA’s Executive Committee, QC Committee, and as SBCA secretary and treasurer, followed by his term as SBCA President in 2011.

Made apparent by Joe’s tenure, he is very passionate about the industry and the association. Joe enjoys the lifelong friendships that have formed out of connecting and working with people who are striving towards the same goal. As a leader and member of SBCA and the SBCA Foundation, Joe’s goal is to build an endowment and culture for giving that is sustainable in perpetuity through the SBCA Foundation.  

With a start in this industry from the very beginning, Joe, his dad, and his stepmother started their company, Shelter Systems Limited, back in 1976, prior to the start of SBCA (formerly WTCA) in 1983. Joe’s dad was active in the association from the beginning, and Joe followed closely behind. Over the course of 48 years in business and over four decades of hard work, dedication, and passion within the association, Joe has deservingly been honored with several SBCA Industry Awards. In 2014, Joe was inducted into the SBCA Hall of Fame; in 2017, he received the Dwight Hikel Humanitarian Award; and in 2019, he received the SBCA Industry Leadership Award. All a testament to his commitment to this industry and SBCA.  

With decades of experience, Joe has done every job there is in a truss plant. He has learned to understand the ins and outs of every aspect of a truss plant and brings that knowledge and insight with him to his role as President of Shelter Systems in addition to his contributions to SBCA. In his role as President of Shelter, Joe helps to visualize and execute the strategy of their company. For Joe, he is most proud of the team of loyal coworkers he has had the opportunity to see grow and succeed in their business and in this industry. Joe earned his MBA from Loyola University in Maryland, which he earned while running the family business from 2002-2004. He actually tested into the program versus coming with an undergraduate degree; he was able to receive a waiver on the undergraduate requirements due to the amount of business leadership experience he already possessed by that time.  

In addition to his contributions to and participation with SBCA, he also holds board seats on the Sun Automation Corp Board, the Lutheran Social Ministries of Maryland Board, and the Baltimore Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America Board – Joe is also an Eagle Scout and former Scout Leader. Beyond his extensive commitments, work, and association life, Joe enjoys boating, cycling, sports cars, baseball, and hanging out with his grandkids. Joe can be reached at info@sbcacomponents.com.