A New Job for Rusty

News release on the web site www.issfa.org -
"ISSFA Appoints Russ Lee Executive Director"

"ISSFA today named industry veteran, Russ Lee, executive director of the fabricator trade association. "

Since Rusty never brags on himself, I thought I should.

This new job is a culmination of 20 years of work, learning, struggle, and success. ISSFA stands for International Solid Surface Fabrication Association - a group founded to further the interests of Kitchen and Bath Countertop fabricators.

His job is to bring membership and interest back to ISSFA, which due to mismanagement had lost some of it's appeal to many of it's former members.
There's quite a story behind their reason for choosing him for this position.

For many years, Rusty built and installed countertops, and developed an extensive working knowledge and expertise in his field.

Most of you know that Rusty can build or repair anything. In his career he has worked his way thru most phases of home remodeling - painting, wallpaper, decks, porches, room addtions, storm windows, whole house remodeling, and finally - countertops.

He began in 1985 building countertops in our basement ( a highly flammable undertaking.) Over the next 10 years as he installed countertops, he also learned how to mix and manufacture the base material, and had a great eye for creating new colors.

Because he enjoys learning, and has an inquisitive mind he caught the attention of the owner of Solid Surface Magazine. Rusty's lifelong dream was to be a writer, and he began by offering to submit a humor article. It was well received, and he began to be assigned to do full article interviews. By 1997 his skills had developed to the point that he was invited to be the editor of Solid Surface Magazine, a position he held for 5 years.

During his time as editor he came in contact with hundreds of people all over the world. He interviewed manufacturers to learn about their products. He visited successful men who were willing to share their acumen with others. He constantly looked for ways to help countertop business owners learn how to increase their sales and customer satisfaction. He tested tools and products so that others could make informed decisions on their purchases.

During these trips, he also learned about professional photography, and most issues of the magazine contained pictures that he had taken.

His ability to write clearly about trends and products garnered the esteem of the shop owners, who felt that he was a trustworthy source for information. His honesty and personality created lasting friendships as well.

So, he is a man with plenty of 'street cred', and long term relationships that he will draw on to revitalize ISSFA.

As to what he is doing in the new job - right now it entails talking on the phone 10 hours a day, working on the computer for the other 14, a lot of traveling, and going without sleep as he juggles all his new responsibilities. Plus, he handles a lot of David's caretaking, vacuums, cooks, installed new countertops for me, and put up the Christmas lights without being asked. He's become a real life Superman.

It won't take long before everyone will be saying -"Why didn't we hire him years ago? He's fantastic!" Congratulations.