Roland Temple is no stranger to an NFRC meeting room. Over the years he has led and served on many committees, subcommittees, and task groups. Recently, he became Chair of the Certification Policy Committee and is the Codes and Standards Manager for AZS Consulting Inc.  Insider talked with Roland to find out his plans for the CPC and his thoughts on the issues facing NFRC.

Q: How did you get your start in the fenestration industry?
I began working for VELUX-AMERICA in 1985 as the technical draftsman and service coordinator. As the requirements for thermal performance labeling became more of a compliance issue, VELUX recognized the need for industry involvement in the process. My job then became the codes and standards coordinator and VELUX was committed to the codes process.

Q: You’ve been involved with NFRC since the early days of the organization. What have been NFRC’s biggest challenges and successes in its history?
Over the years of my involvement I have seen NFRC, both staff and members, take on some big challenges. I would say that the biggest challenge I can remember was when NFRC was struggling with the organization’s identity, whether to remain under the auspices of a management company or become independent as a stand-alone entity.

As for the biggest success, I would have to say that the decision to “break away” from the controls of a management organization to the organization that NFRC has become would top the list. There have been many issues that NFRC has overcome in its history such as the development of the procedural and certification documents, labeling issues, simulation programs, and general public awareness of the NFRC label that have to be included on the list of successes.

Q: What are some of your proudest accomplishments during your years with NFRC?
I cannot claim any accomplishment at NFRC as a personal victory. Over the years, there have been so many others that worked with me, both staff and members, to accomplish the industry goals. When NFRC first began the process of testing and labeling fenestration products, windows were the only product in the process. As a representative of the skylight industry, my goal was to have skylights recognized as a fenestration product and added to the “mix.” Without the assistance and cooperation of the entire organization this goal could not and would not have been realized. 

Q: How has NFRC evolved over the years?
The evolution of NFRC has been exciting. The organization has grown from an idea drawn up on a napkin to what it is today. Today, the NFRC is a well organized, functional organization comprised of all aspects of the fenestration industry, public interest and government entities. The programs have evolved from windows “only” to the inclusion of skylights, TDDs, doors, applied film, and now proposed programs to include other attachments.

Q: How does the process of developing the Component Modeling Approach (CMA) compare to the development of previous programs in NFRC?
I would to have to say there is no comparison. The Component Modeling Approach (CMA) is a 180 degree swing from the “whole product” concept envisioned for all other NFRC programs and documents. The CMA activities may follow the “task group to committee” path like the other programs and documents but the concept of component modeling has been somewhat difficult to bring to closure. I say that with no disrespect or discouragement to the industry representatives or the respective working groups because I believe that CMA has its rightful place in the battery of NFRC programs.

Q: As the new Chair of the Certification Policy Committee, what’s your vision moving forward?
My vision, prayer, and hope is that we can unite all aspects of the fenestration industry within NFRC to work together to bring the CMA procedures to a final product, a product that will be beneficial to all members and participants of NFRC. Over the years we have seen other issues that have appeared to fracture our organization and the members but we have always been able to overcome the differences. As the Chair of CPC and an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors, I will do my best to be open minded, fair, impartial, and a good listener.

Q: From your perspective, what do you feel are the most important issues facing NFRC right now?
Although I have been absent from the NFRC arena for a period of time, I feel the most important issues for NFRC are the CMA programs and documents, inclusion of certified IG units, and the rating of attachments. All of these issues are vital to the success of NFRC over the next two years. These issues were on the table or conceptual when I left the NFRC family and I would like to see each brought to successful conclusion.

Q: Outside of NFRC, what are a few things that Insider readers might find interesting to know about you?
I am very active in my church, Bold Spring Baptist, and I have been on mission trips to Pass Christian, Mississippi, for the past two summers rebuilding homes for Katrina victims.

My wife and I operate a small farm raising Black Angus beef cattle. We had our first set of twins born this year.

I am a certified interior structural firefighter in South Carolina and the chief of the Callison Volunteer Fire Department.

NFRC appreciates the commitment of all of our volunteer members. The InnerView is one way we can highlight some of the extraordinary work our members have done. Is there anyone you’d like to know more about? Please let us know by sending a note to  membership@nfrc.org.