Ask Me Anything: Your Questions About ICC Membership, Industry Trends and More

Live from the Chapter Leadership Academy at the 2026 ICC Leadership Week + Hearings in Hartford, Connecticut, our very own Steve Jones, Vice President, ICC Membership Development, joined us on ICC’s online member community to answer member-submitted questions.   

From insights on industry trends, mentorship, code violations and more, here’s a recap of his answers.   

Editor’s Note: Some of the questions and answers have been edited for length. View the original “Ask Me Anything” post in “Talkin’ Shop” in the online member community, here (to log in, use your existing MyICC username and password).  

Q&A With Steve Jones 

What trends do you see reshaping building safety in the next few years? 

Jones: Data centers, adaptive reuse of Class A office space into multiple family dwelling units and continued advances in material sciences. 

If you could change one thing about the ICC what would it be and why? 

Jones: This seems very similar to multiple nominating committee questions that I’ve had to answer over the years! All policies, procedures and actions need to be evaluated on a regular basis to ensure relevance. Other than that, having been on both sides of the curtains, board and staff….it is amazing how much staff can do with the resources they have! This is the best job ever! 

What advice would you give someone with aspirations of becoming board president? 

Jones: I would say to get a good mentor with board experience and make sure to listen, learn and act.  

What was the best part of serving on the Board of Directors? 

Jones: Becoming Past President! It was a wonderful ride and the best time of my life. I met new friends from around the world. 

What is your favorite ICC event and why? 

Jones: This one [Leadership Week + Hearings in Hartford], of course! Seriously, ICC service has allowed me to travel multiple times. I’ve been to places and have seen things that I otherwise would have never been able to without being involved with the organization. 

Where would you direct someone interested in getting into the industry, but who doesn’t know where to start or what they might want to do? 

Jones: You can reach out to your local code official for a start. Check out what the licensing requirements are and find a local code chapter to connect with. 

You’re known for posting photos of code violations. What type of code violation do you see most often? Or, which one surprised you more than any other? 

Jones: Traditionally, blocked exits, broken exit signs or alarms seem to be the trend. However, I have a group of wonderful framing violations! Somewhere in my collection I have a photo of a partial demo where the contractor removed every stud on the side of a house and left the entire second floor supported by one lonely stud in the middle of the wall. He couldn’t understand why I red-flagged it! 

What is a good first step for someone starting a second career in building safety? 

Jones: Requirements differ per state. Check with your local licensing organization to see what is required. Most states require certification as well as field experience. Also, go visit your local code official to get information. 

Did you have a mentor early in your career? 

Jones: I’ve had several mentors over the years. First was Bill Howard who taught my first code class…he told me that I needed to quit my job and become an inspector. Then Gary Lewis was one of my first bosses who had me sign up for committee service. Then Henry Green set me on the path to the ICC Board of Directors. 

What is your favorite place growing up and how did this shape your career? 

Jones: I was fortunate to end up working for the town I grew up in. Best opportunity ever!

What are some essential tools for success in our industry right now? 

Jones: AI will continue to be a huge factor in what we do so being tech savvy helps.  

What was your first job in construction, and do you still apply lessons you learned there? 

Jones: As a child I was a laborer for my Uncle who worked as a builder. Some big lessons learned from that experience are: never step on the sharp side of nails and saw blades hurt… 

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