During its 100th Anniversary Opening Session and Awards Presentation Brunch at the AWCI Convention, held in conjunction with the CISCA Convention and INTEX Expo, the association named Jerry Smith of BakerTriangle as the president for the 2018-19 term. His wife was named first lady for the yearly term. 

BakerTriangle (formerly Baker Drywall) hired Smith as a helper in 1977 installing acoustical ceilings, 18 months later Jerry was promoted to foreman. By 1983, Smith moved into the office as an estimator trainee and a few years later became a project manager.

Opportunities opened up for a branch office in Virginia, and Smith was selected to lead that office. Eventually, the Texas economy made it possible for a new office to open in Austin and he found a new home in central Texas in 1995. Twenty-two years later, the Austin office has grown and become the go-to contractor for specialty commercial projects.

BakerTriangle Chairman said Smith “as a president and partner, his leadership of Austin has consistently produced good profits while becoming a major force in the Austin construction market. A father, grandfather and friend to many who lovingly call him ‘Uncle Jerry’, Jerry is a caring leader. He speaks his mind and generally tells it like it is, he has gained respect within the company and the industry as a leader in the Wall and Ceiling industry.”

The Awards Brunch also included futurist speaker Jack Uldrich. He discussed what’s "coming down the pike" globally and within the construction industry to help you forecast and prepare your business. The program included the opening address presented by AWCI President Ed Sellers, and presentations of AWCI’s awards.