Before SBCA “signed off” on 2022–2023 President Gene Frogale’s stellar leadership, he was already developing a new product to benefit component plants. Now, as he is working on an innovative insulated wall stud, the only evidence of his prior accomplishment, a large signed truss, hangs above his office door. [For all images, See PDF or View in Full Issue.] Yet Gene deserves special recognition not only for his SBCA work, but for his uncommon generosity to his community and his industry, all while building a great business.
Few know that Gene’s father, Bill, was a main developer of the pre-hung door, which propelled his business, Annandale Millwork, to leadership in the DC Metro market. And that he not only furthered his father’s fine legacy, but also, with his brother, Rob, went boldly beyond it. The Frogale brothers mounted a classic “Mr. Outside, Mr. Inside” partnership for over 30 years, very much in the mold of dual Hall-of-Famers Dave Chambers and Don Hershey. Gene was reaching out to and for customers while Rob was growing operations. Together they built a formidable component business in a most unconventional way.
Rarely did wall panels generate enough income for a supplier without trusses, but, in 1989, the Frogales jumped into the business anyway, thinking that panels couldn’t be much more demanding than their custom millwork forte. While they did figure out the business, when they were ready for trusses, they didn’t start from scratch. Instead, they bought an existing plant with a good foreman, and brought in a second-generation design expert, among other experienced people.
Having a complete package gave the Frogales the sales and the competitive horsepower needed to fuel a substantial 25-acre expansion alongside their panel building, creating a full-service building supply complex. And, as if that wasn’t enough to manage, Gene began his ascendance to the presidency of both SBCA and the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association.
When Gene took on these additional responsibilities, he was totally committed to their success, despite the pandemic, and despite the tough challenge of guiding SBCA through a complete change of staff. In addition, he traveled extensively to lead Open Quarterly Meetings, individual Chapter meetings, and other functions, determined to grow SBCA membership. One of his finest contributions was his relentless fundraising that resulted in the construction of a beautiful home that was provided, mortgage-free, to a wounded veteran. His industry devotion was capped by his $250,000 contribution to the SBCA Foundation, becoming a Charter Member.
After such momentous accomplishments, Gene has placed Annandale Millwork and Allied Systems in the capable hands of his brother and undertaken a completely new challenge. Two years ago, he was approached by Shawn Kelley, PE, Principal of Moment Engineering, with an invention that simplifies compliance with the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), a 2x6 with a core of closed-cell foam. Their patent-pending Insul-Stud™ eliminates thermal bridging within the wall cavity. With this invention, wall panel manufacturers will be able to forego the application of expensive exterior rigid foam insulation. In the process, they will be adding value to their panels without adding labor.
Now Gene is pursuing a potential game changer with the same zest and enthusiasm that propelled all his endeavors. And he certainly deserves the support of the entire industry that he has so generously supported.