Name: Thomas B. Battles

Date of Birth, Place: December 20, 1932, Chicago, Illinois

High School: Loyola Academy, Chicago

College: University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, Bachelor of Architecture, 1956

Family: Wife- Jo Ann, four sons, four grandchildren. Hobbies: Skiing, tennis, photography

First position in Concrete Industry: Portland Cement Association, 1961

Some other companies of employment over the years: Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, Architects; Holabird and Root, Architects; Anderson & Battles, Architects; Prestressed Concrete Institute (1971-’72); Martin Concrete Engineering Company; Ambeton Corp.; Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute(1987-present).

Most significant mentor early in career: George Tsuruoka, an architect and my boss at PCA who convinced me that architects could succeed in other fields beyond the practice of architecture – even marketing.

Greatest project: The design and construction of our first home. Toughest project: The same. Architects are never satisfied.

Most significant improvement to precast in the past 20 years: The proliferation of the PCI Plant Certification Program, particularly when it became mandatory for all PCI Producer Members. Innovation can only succeed through quality.

Upcoming challenges for the Industry: The continuing expansion of the market for our products and systems through aggressive marketing, particularly in the single-family housing segment, where even a modest penetration could eventually double our industry's sales volume. Technological innovation will help us capitalize on this and additional opportunities as they arise.

Advice to those new to the Industry: Become involved in PCI committee activities as early as possible to expand your awareness of the scope of this industry and the quality of the individuals who are involved on a national and international bases. Don't let yourself get "pigeon-holed," but remain flexible, and constantly seek new and different ways to contribute to this dynamic industry.

Additional Comments: As I look back on my 45 years in the construction industry and prepare for my retirement at the end of 2002, I can't think of any more satisfying way to have concluded my Career than my last 14 years at PCI. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to make a small contribution to this extraordinary industry, and to be closely associated with the caliber of people that have helped bring it and PCI to its present stature. It has been a remarkable opportunity for me, and a privilege I will always cherish.