President's Message: Mentors and Servant Leadership

Paying it Forward in Framing and in Life

When I think about the arc of my career, one constant has been the presence of mentors; people who saw something in me, invested their time, and guided me long before I had the perspective to understand the full impact of their influence.

For me, that story begins with Jalsa Urubshurow, Founder and CEO of NOMAD Framing. Jalsa has been my mentor for 27 years. From my earliest days in this business, he was a hold-no-punches kind of a leader who always let me know what needed to be done and why, always pushing me to grow and to become the leader I am today. Once we became business partners, he became the sounding board I could rely on when faced with big decisions. His perspective, built on decades of experience navigating headwinds and tailwinds alike, has often been the difference between making the right call upfront versus learning a painful lesson later. What makes Jalsa special as a mentor isn’t just his knowledge of framing or business—it’s his willingness to listen, to challenge me, and to help me see the bigger picture. He embodies what it means to invest in the next generation, not because he has to, but because he believes it’s the right thing to do. I am deeply fortunate to have had his counsel throughout my entire career, and I know without question that I would not be the leader I am today without his influence.

As my career progressed, I also found additional mentors through my work with the National Framers Council, people like Scott Stevens of Modu Tech and Kenny Shifflet of Ace Carpentry. Over time, these men became more than colleagues; they became trusted advisors and friends. That’s the beauty of this industry and the NFC in particular: there’s a network of professionals across the country you can pick up the phone and call. Whether it’s for advice, perspective, or just to vent, having those relationships is invaluable. And here’s the truth: every leader, regardless of experience, needs mentors. Not just one, but ideally a group of them. The collective wisdom they provide is priceless.

But mentorship is about more than guidance—it’s also leadership training in disguise.

For years, I didn’t realize that what Jalsa and others were really teaching me was how to lead by serving. That lesson clicked only recently, and it gave me a deeper appreciation for the philosophy of Servant Leadership.

Servant Leadership flips the traditional view of leadership on its head. Instead of seeing leadership as a position of power or authority, it emphasizes being a “servant first.” It means prioritizing the needs of your team, empowering others, fostering growth, and building community. It’s about empathy, stewardship, and creating an environment where people can thrive. The irony is that by putting others first, organizations become stronger and leaders become more effective.

That’s the legacy of mentorship: you learn, and then you pay it forward. Just as mentors invested in you, you now have the responsibility to invest in others. It’s no longer about what you gain, but about what you give – to your company, your community, and your industry.

Those of us who get involved in organizations like the National Framers Council understand this truth. We don’t show up to see what we can extract. We show up to give—our time, our ideas, our experience. And in doing so, we gain something far greater in return: lifelong friendships, peers who care about you as a person, and the satisfaction of knowing you are making an impact on an industry that has given us all so much. Together, we work to leave our industry just a little better than we found it.

So, if you don’t yet have a mentor, seek one out. And when you do, begin the journey of becoming one yourself. That is the true essence of servant leadership. It’s not about you. It’s about everyone else, and about building an industry and a community that thrive long after we’re gone.

Closing Out 2025

As we approach the end of 2025, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the NFC, our Committee members, NFC & SBCA Staff, and, in particular, our Steering Committee members for their dedication, hard work, and numerous accomplishments this year. Together, we have achieved many milestones, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the TEAM that made all of this happen.

Our Safety Committee has been working diligently on the next version of FrameSAFE, scheduled for release later this year. They also developed an array of new toolbox talks, including one addressing OSHA’s new heat standards, while leading the charge in promoting Safe & Sound Week and OSHA’s National Safety Stand-Down. These are just a few of their significant contributions.

Our Standards and Best Practices Committee has commenced the vital work of producing Version 1 of the National Framers Council’s Framing Best Practices and Tolerances document.

The Membership Committee has strengthened our community by welcoming vibrant and contributing professional framers to our Council, ensuring that new perspectives and energy continue to flow into our work.

The Events Committee successfully delivered our Annual Golf Outing, despite the rain; it was a success and another great showcase of our members and partners. They also hosted a well-attended regional dinner in Texas, and the Framer Summit at BCMC once again demonstrated the synergy between component manufacturers and framers, united by a shared vision and mission for our industry.

And our Marketing Committee deserves recognition for their outstanding efforts in amplifying our message. They have kept our members and partners engaged, celebrating both small wins and major milestones alike.

As we look toward 2026, we know the work ahead will require even more leaders to step forward. The NFC will soon hold its annual Steering Committee Planning Session to strategize on how best to drive impact for our industry. If you're interested in getting involved, I encourage you to join us. Come stand alongside the Servant Leaders of the National Framers Council—together, let’s give back to the industry that has given us purpose. 

Pedro Loureiro 
NFC President