The Sanders Clan’s commitment to CSI

by Jennifer Wilson | April 29, 2016 12:17 pm

By Billy J. Mathis, CSI, CDT

Many of CSI’s ardent members feel they are truly committed to the ideals, goals, and philosophies of CSI; that, in some ways the Institute is like ‘our family.’ However, the Sanders Family goes above and beyond, and takes this literally.

The ‘Sanders Clan’—as the Little Rock Chapter (LRCSI) has affectionately dubbed them—is composed of three generations:

• the parents—Jan and Jerry Sanders;
• the kids—Michael L. Sanders and R. Michelle (Beard) Christen; and
• the grandkids—Rhiannon Beard (Michelle’s daughter), and Nicole Sanders (Michael’s daughter).

Additionally, Patty Sanders (Michael’s wife), and the Sanders’ 2000 employees and interns should also be included in the equation.

To put this into better perspective:

• Jerry Sanders, CSI, Member Emeritus, joined on October 1, 1981 (34 years);
• Jan Sanders, FCSI, Member Emeritus, CCPR, SEGD, joined CSI on March 1, 1983 (32 years);
• R. Michelle Christen, BBA, FCSI, CCCA, CCA, joined on April 1, 1990 (25 years); and
• Michael Sanders, BA, CSI, CCS, CCCA, joined on December 1, 1994 (21 years).

Together, they have 112 years of active membership in CSI. This does not include the time of their other founding partner Jim Sanders (no relation) or the dependents and employees that were involved in the past. CSI was formed in March 1948 and is only 67 years old. How can you put a price on this experience?

What it is about CSI that drives an entire family to become so heavily involved? I thought about it and decided to just ask some of the family members. The three questions posed were basic—why did you join CSI, why did you feel the need to follow the path that you did, and what did CSI offer you as an individual member and as a family?

Here are some of their answers.

Why did you join CSI?

Jerry
As a practicing architect, CSI was a familiar organization. Although not a member, I had utilized CSI standards in private practice for years. In 1975, as Arkansas’ first state architect, my job was to assist in establishing a viable state agency, develop procedures for the selection of design professionals that would be utilized by all agencies, develop design criteria and construction standards for all state work, and oversee the functions of the Arkansas state architect’s office.

It quickly became apparent that CSI provided the tools that were needed to assist in the work. When my wife asked me to attend a local CSI chapter meeting with her, I was pleased to do so. Finding a group of dedicated construction professionals, I joined immediately, began working with chapter leaders, and soon we were successful in establishing CSI organizational documents as standards in all State of Arkansas construction projects.

Jan
The answer to this question is uncomplicated. CSI is the only professional organization that serves all construction industry participants ably and equally. From developing standardized construction contract documents, organizing and facilitating functions that make project communication manageable, to providing the very best networking arena, CSI was simply doing its job, and at ‘bargain basement’ prices.

Michelle
It feels like I went to work shortly after I was born, acquiring my own typewriter when I was two years old. Later, the end of my school day was completed in my parent’s architectural firm. At age 13, I began working in an environmental graphic/business imagery firm as a bookkeeper. From that point on, CSI was an integral part of my world. My first CSI award was for non-member support services. It would be a number of years before I knew the true advantage of growing up with CSI. With a university degree in business administration-marketing, entering the construction field was a natural. I joined CSI because that is what you do!

Michael
After a position as pastor of a trailer mission church, I worked in the family businesses. My time was soon absorbed in the more technical aspects of working within the construction industry. Clearly, with a sister, mom, and dad encouraging me to explore the benefits of CSI membership, and being turned toward more ‘bookish’ endeavors, I knew that I could benefit educationally, and could hopefully contribute to the education initiatives of CSI. I easily identify my reason for joining CSI was education.

Why did you feel the need to follow the path that you did?

Jerry
Participation in a non-partisan construction organization provided an opportunity for my staff and other state employees to mix effortlessly with established participants in the construction industry. Arkansas’ State Architect, functioning as chair of LRCSI’s Telephone Committee, and regularly participating in the chapter’s educational, technical, and fundraising activities quickly confirmed the open door policy of the government agency.

Jan
CSI members are dynamic, personable, and helpful—always endeavoring to provide support for and to their peers. When one has the opportunity to walk with the best in their industry it creates a desire to ‘pay it forward.’ I simply followed a pathway that had been tread many times by my mentors, in hopes something I could do would make a difference in someone’s project, career, or life.

Michelle
Choosing to carve out a career in the construction industry, CSI offered me an easy way to continue my education. I have thoroughly enjoyed my professional journey with my peers in the construction industry.

Michael
My love for learning, and for teaching, was a natural match for becoming immersed in CSI’s educational programs. While I grew, so did CSI’s need for instructors. With a lot of fear, I accepted that first LRCSI assignment to teach one class. For years thereafter, from one class to an entire course of study, my greatest joy is to hear that the students have had success. If they fail, I cannot help but go back to review where I can improve to not let them down next time.

What did CSI offer you as an individual member and as a family?

Jerry
It supplied a common platform for professional development to the differing interests of each individual.

Jan
Independence has its value, but when you are new to a business, the business is new to you, and what you are doing is totally new to the market, sales training and sales skills become extremely valuable. Networking at CSI became not just a focus, but a life jacket. My chapter offered a rich venue filled with professionals including product representatives. Not only could I learn about building products, observe sales techniques, and share information about my business, but the product representatives also knew their territory and how to infuse themselves into the marketplace. Although I had complete confidence in what I was doing, I had no confidence at all that I could do what they were doing. The chapter members’ genuine interest in showing the way was evident. CSI offered me a place to go, a place to grow, and a place to know. It also offered a place to contribute.

Interestingly, I couldn’t afford the membership fee at first and it made no difference. I was accepted anyway. My husband, Jerry, actually joined before I did. Then, in 1983, I became a CSI member. My daughter, Michelle, was next to join, and my son, Michael, joined in 1996. CSI’s student affiliates played an important role in introducing these two to CSI membership and service. CSI provides a common bond of service to our industry, and has allowed the four of us to share a plethora of great family moments with our CSI friends.

Michelle
CSI offered me the ability to grow as an individual member, and to enjoy seeing my mom, dad, and brother achieve similar goals. It has been my pleasure to serve as a member of the Institute Board of Directors, but, by far, being elevated to Fellow status in 2008—four years after my mother was invested—stands out as my most cherished CSI moment.

Michael
Through CSI’s certification program, I became a CCS and CCCA, and then assisted my sister and mom in earning CCCA and CCPR certifications. Enjoying similar activities, mutual friends and common goals with your family is gratifying.

Little Rock Chapter

At the Chapter level, the Sanders have accounted for multiple chapter officers and have either served or chaired most of the various chapter committees. At the Region level, they have again accounted for multiple region officers as well as served as members or chairs of several committees. At the Institute level, they have served as directors and chaired multiple committees. While the full impact of their membership may never be known, the association would be much poorer without their involvement.

As members of the Little Rock Chapter, a family member has been awarded:

• Albert R. Hibbs Award (highest chapter award) three times;
• Betty C. Hays Mentorship Medal (implemented in 2005 as the second-highest chapter award) two times;
• Leo J. Hiegel President’s Award a total of 12 times; and
• 14 other awards, including the establishment and awarding of the Michael L. Sanders Educator’s Award.

At the Region level, they have received nine awards including one Robert V. Bishop Award to Michelle (highest region award).

At the Institute level, Jan and Michelle have been honored as Fellows. The J. Norman Hunter Award (CSI’s highest education award) was awarded to Michael and the Robert P. Brousseau Award to Michelle. From 1989 to 2015, a member of the Sanders Family has served as an officer or board member on the Chapter, Region, or Institute level. During the same time frame, there were only three years where a Sanders family member was not actively involved as either a chair or member.

As chapter president (and soon, Gulf States director), I depend on Jan, Michael, and Michelle regularly for advice on issues facing the chapter, new ideas, or solutions for chapter issues and problems. I also depend on them to be my sounding board for ideas to help the chapter grow. Without their guidance, ‘corporate memories,’ and experience, I would have likely traveled down unsuccessful paths. Personally, I know my level of involvement would not have been as great had they not shown me how involvement benefitted me personally as well as professionally. They showed me the level of commitment every member should have and were examples of why all good leaders always lead by example.

As CSI moves forward and brings new and younger members, I know the entire Sanders Clan will be there for advice and guidance. I can only hope that sometime in the future I might be considered a source of advice and guidance. If this occurs, it will be because of the example the Sanders have set.

Billy J. Mathis, CSI, CDT, is an administrative assistant for architecture at Taggart Architects. He has been a member of CSI since 1998, and is the recipient of countless CSI awards in addition to being the Little Rock Chapter President. Mathis can be reached via e-mail at BJMathis@taggarch.com[1].

Source URL: https://www.constructionspecifier.com/the-sanders-clans-commitment-to-csi/

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