TALLAHASSEE — Bradenton builder Richard Reynolds loves rules and research.
His Bible: The Florida Building Code, which he also calls “the authority.”
His scholarly approach to the construction business has not only resulted in innovative methods adopted as changes to the state code, but also the national and international building codes.
His achievements were recognized this past week when he was named the 2009 Builder of the Year by the Florida Home Builders Association during a ceremony held in St. Petersburg in conjunction with the association’s Fall Leadership Conference.
The Builder of the Year award is the highest-ranking honor bestowed upon a builder in the 10,000-corporate member trade association. The award recognizes professional builders who have excelled in service to their industry, their association and their community.
Reynolds has retired as owner of R.G. Reynolds Homes Inc. after spending 28 years as a custom home builder and remodeler in Manatee County.
“We all suffer from diseases, and following the rules is one of my diseases,” the 71-year-old said. “From the beginning I realized that building codes are the rules that people have to play by to build houses.”
After developing cancer a few years ago, he decided to retire. Now, however, he researches how to make houses stronger and more water-resistant during hurricanes for the Institute for Business and Home Safety in Tampa.
“I’m playing and having fun,” Reynolds said. “When I come up with an idea, I work with it and explore it and usually what results will come back to benefit me and others.”
He recently completed a white paper on roof vents — how to make them stronger and last longer.
After research, he usually makes models to test out his theories. A little “show and tell,” as he describes it.
“I love it, it lets me bring the knowledge I’ve gained over years and share it with other people,” he said.
After Hurricane Charlie, he was the only builder who served on a Federal Emergency Management Agency assessment team to review home damage.
Alan Anderson, executive vice president of the Manatee-Sarasota Homebuilders Association, thinks Reynolds is the perfect choice for builder of the year.
“Richard has given so much to the local association over the years and has held every position with the organization locally,” he said. He’s also served on state and national committees.
“He’s well known throughout the country,” Anderson said. “He’s a technocrat, he knows the code inside and out and fights to make sure we are not overregulated.”
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