Brian Hofler Retires from the BCICA

After nearly a decade of work with the BCICA, Brian Hofler—QAC enthusiast and previous association executive director—is ready to retire. “It’s time,” he says.

Bradley Budden, current executive director of the BCICA, says the association would not be where it is today without Brian’s leadership. “I would like to recognize his support, guidance, and the respect we all have for him,” he says.

 In 2015, Brian attended a meeting with lawyer Julian Kenney (deceased), the BCICA’s Chris Ishkanian, and representatives from BCIT to discuss development of a training plan for mechanical inspection and, later, to help develop the Quality Assurance Certification program. 

Ishakanian, former board member, says Brian’s legacy with BCICA will be his connection to the QAC program.  

“Over the years, Brian made presentations to engineers promoting the QAC program and took on various association management responsibilities, such as organizing meetings, taking minutes, and communicating with the membership,” he says. “Over time, his role became solely focused on the QAC program.”

While the BCICA was finalizing the rules and regulations of the QAC program, Brian’s years of experience managing the Roofing Contractors Association of BC’s Warranty Program were instrumental. He created the applicable forms, sequencing, and procedures for the execution of a project, and he was responsible for developing the inspector application process.

Brian hopes the QAC will eventually become a component of every mechanical insulation specification for public and private commercial structures in British Columbia. 

“I’d like to see the BCICA build on the QAC to ensure that mechanical insulation apprenticeships continue to receive the funding from government and industry. I also hope the BCICA recognizes the challenges of changing demographics and helps to mentor the next generation of mechanical insulation professionals.

In retirement, he will have no trouble filling his time by sailing on his boat, riding his old motorcycle, and visiting his grandchildren in Europe. 

“Brian should be appreciated for the multi-tasking we had him do when he started with BCICA,” Ishkanian says. “We appreciate his efforts in getting the program where it is today. The BCICA has a strong foundation to grow the program moving forward, thanks to his work on this program.”