Ronald Schwartz a Candidate for Southeast Region Institute Director 

Dear Southeast Region Members:

I came to Florida in 1970, recruited as a manager of a new division marketing doors, frames and hardware. Realizing I knew nothing about the South Florida construction market place, I looked for an organization that would afford me contacts. The first organization I joined was the Fort Lauderdale Chapter of CSI. Not only did I make contacts with specifying architects, I learned a tremendous amount about preparing specifications. The success that I enjoyed can be attributed to my participation in CSI. It allowed me to work with many prestigious architectural firms including three national presidents, Ross Spiegel, Sheldon Israel, and the late Richard Solomon. 

I was part of the group of Industry members that campaigned at the national convention for the equality of Industry members. When the Institute changed the By-laws to allow Industry members to serve as presidents, I became the first Industry president of the Fort Lauderdale Chapter. At the completion of my term, the Chapter presented me with the miniature gavel for my CSI pin. I was extremely proud of the fact that I had helped to shatter the glass ceiling for Industry members. It is encouraging that the Institute now plans to eliminate all membership classifications.

The first half of my business career was at the distributor level, attaining the position of vice-president of sales and marketing for a multi-location distributorship. The second half was at the manufacturing level serving in every sales management position from District, Territory, Region, Major Accounts, and National Sales Manager. I bring to the mix years of experience in sales, marketing, budgeting, and fiscal management. 

I now have the time, commitment, and desire to give back to the Institute that gave so much to me. I now ask YOU for the opportunity to serve.

Sincerely

Ronald J. Schwartz, CSI, CCPR