ICC Members: The individuals behind codes and safety — Gerardo Jimenez

Code professionals ensure building safety today, for a stronger tomorrow. As the individuals behind modern codes and standards, these professionals are responsible for ensuring the safety and compliance of codes and standards, shaping the safety of the world around us, and serve as the safety foundation for our buildings. They don’t just ensure that buildings are constructed to withstand the stress of everyday use, they are behind the security and stability of every building. They specialize in preventative measures to help communities weather unforeseen natural disasters and ensure that first responders have less to worry about and can do their jobs safely. Code professionals are an essential piece in the building and construction puzzle and are engaged in the building process from the initial building plan to the finished product.

The International Code Council is a member-focused association with over 64,000 members dedicated to developing model codes and standards used in the design, build and compliance process to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures. They protect the public through their commitment to building safety; enforce code compliance to empower and educate stakeholders across the built environment to embrace and integrate safety standards in their work; support economic development by making our buildings sturdier, and therefore longer lasting. Their knowledge, skills, and abilities impact every building, in every community.

The Code Council recognizes the importance of continuing to grow awareness of the important work that code professionals do and the impact they have, in the hopes of encouraging aspiring building safety professionals to join in on the building safety movement. In this exclusive feature for the Building Safety Journal, we asked Gerardo Jimenez to share his experience in the industry, highlights of his professional career, and any insights or advice he has concerning the industry and the future of building safety.

Gerardo Jimenez
QA HUD/FBH Inspector
ICC-NTA
Nappannee, Indiana, United States
International Code Council member for 10 years

BSJ: What was the path to your career — how and why did you pursue a profession in building safety?
Jimenez: Safety is inherently ingrained in building and construction trades and practices, in and out of the office, therefore, it is a must to keep updated of field procedures and improve upon them.

BSJ: What three things do you need to be successful in this industry and in your profession?
Jimenez: Be Assertive. Be Knowledgeable. Always be Friendly and Professional.

BSJ: What role have mentors, advisors or your network played in your career?
Jimenez: A lot. Having worked closely with construction and building inspectors, on the federal, state and city levels, in different site scenarios and different parts of my career in architecture and construction fields, it became for me a natural transition to look at things done in a whole different perspective.

BSJ: What led you to become an ICC member?
Jimenez: During your career, you become aware of many groups, associations and organizations. Many offer good advice and bits of advice, but you always have to go with the leader of the industry in order to be more informed, tooled and successful.

BSJ: Are you involved in any ICC committees or councils? Do you have any ICC certifications?
Jimenez: I am not involved with any ICC committees at the moment. I do have the following ICC Certifications: B1, B2, B5, P1, P2, P5, 14, 21, 64, and 75.

BSJ: How long have you been in the industry?
Jimenez: 20 years

BSJ: What major changes have you seen?
Jimenez: Code changes and industry practices. The evolution of ADA requirements and implementation. Safety measures as technology evolve and are integrated in the workplace.

BSJ: What excites you about the future of your industry?
Jimenez: An industry that is always up for the challenge to adapt and reinvent itself and thrive as technology, cultural, politics and socio-economic elements shift constantly and suddenly throughout the years.

BSJ: What is one piece of advice that you would give to those starting out in the industry?
Jimenez: Be informed, read code, get educated, learn related trades. Work/ volunteer in any related industry. Become an associate and participate in groups and events. Go to trade shows.

BSJ: What do you see as most surprising about the work that you do?
Jimenez: People’s reaction is priceless when told that what they have been doing for a long time can be done differently; many times they are trained to do it one way but do not realize that procedures learned can be seen and built in different ways and still comply.

BSJ: What would you like to do next in your professional/personal life?
Jimenez: Continue inspecting, designing, traveling and looking into buying a big chunk of land to have my own farm and tiny house community.

BSJ: What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time?
Jimenez: Arts, design and crafts. Being mobile, enjoying life in the city and elsewhere.

If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title would be?
Jimenez: Two of my favorites: “Zen and the art of taking out the trash.” “There’s No Wrong Way To Do It, Just Not This Way!”

There’s a world of opportunity in being a member of the International Code Council. Membership provides the tools to get the most out of each workday: from discounts on essential International Codes and other publications to the best prices on top-quality training and ICC certification renewals, Code Council membership helps budgets go further. Exclusive member benefits include code advice from expert technical staff as well as access to member-exclusive news and articles at the Building Safety Journal news portal. Plus, only Code Council members vote in the ICC code development process. An online Career Center allows job postings and searches for new job opportunities — all at no additional charge.

The Code Council offers numerous councils, committees, and resources to help code professionals grow and network with colleagues. Six discipline-specific Membership Councils offer members a place to come together and be a more powerful force in shaping your association, your industry, your career, and your future. Code Development Committees are an instrumental part of the ICC code development process and are responsible for the review and evaluation of code change proposals submitted to the International Codes. Professional Development Committees serve to better align the ICC education programs and certification programs to ensure that quality training is available to meet the needs of all members, customers and certification holders. Finally, the Value of the Code Official toolkit helps members to heighten awareness of the importance of code officials to their communities and to highlight the code official’s role as a helpful advocate for community safety, health and welfare, and economic development.

To learn more about ICC membership, click here, or contact ICC Member Services by email or 888-ICC-SAFE (888-422-7233) ext. 33804.