Keith Parker is a senior project manager with REI Engineers in Charleston, South Carolina. He is a consultant member of IIBEC specializing in the science of roofing, waterproofing, and exterior walls.
Wow! What IIBEC credentials don’t you have?
I don’t have the Registered Exterior Wall Observer credential (REWO®)—yet. It actually came out after I had achieved the REWC credential and is probably not something I will pursue, although it’s a highly coveted credential in our industry.
I have been fortunate to get a lot of help on the education side. I started with my RRO followed by my RRC credential. I found that waterproofing consulting was the most difficult and challenging to meet application requirements. Earlier in my career I was heavier on the roofing side.
I found that I am a pretty organized and also good at taking notes. I still have all my notes and journals from each preparation course or class that I have taken and refer to them often.
How and when did you get involved with IIBEC?
I became involved and a member of RCI (now IIBEC) in 2007. I worked for Roof Engineering Inc. (now REI Engineers) and the owner, Gary R. Cattel, F-IIBEC, PE, was very involved with RCI back then. He pushed internally for everyone to pursue education. I took Roof Tech I and II in San Antonio, Texas, in 2007. Back then, everything was in person. It was a big year for me as I first got involved with RCI and got into the certification process.
Currently, I’m vice president of the IIBEC Carolinas Chapter and will be moving up to be president at the end of the year. My chapter involvement got accelerated when I was elected as the chapter secretary two years ago. I have had the opportunity to serve on the IIBEC Emerging Professionals Committee and currently on the Codes and Standards Committee.
What do you do on a typical day on the job?
These days I do a lot more coordinating of projects. I perform internal project peer reviews and design reviews of other A/E firms. Much of my current work is focused heavily on contracts with the Army Corps of Engineers doing roof replacement designs wherever we have an Army Reserve Center.
Which building enclosure project has been the most memorable—for good reasons or bad?
I have had the opportunity to go to Puerto Rico to work on several Army Reserve projects and enjoyed the amount of time I was able to spend there. One of the buildings was previously a Navy SEALs training center with submarine dry dock on the Caribbean Sea. For me, the combination of projects, people, history, and experiencing the culture makes me appreciate those projects.
Have you had any mentors in the industry? What have they taught you?
I really enjoyed working alongside my father, Roger K. Parker Sr., RRC, RRO, CDT, for 14 years in the first part of my career. He retired in 2020 from being the REI Engineers’ Charleston branch manager. My Dad came from the contractor side of the industry and could often provide a different perspective. I have had the opportunity to work alongside others with experience from the contracting side, which provides a different perspective of the means and methods side versus where I come from.
One of the biggest things he taught me was always “back check and fact check.” Sometimes as consultants, we can choose to make definitive statements. His point is that we should be thoughtful in our word selection and confident in the perspective and information provided.
Other mentors for me include the leadership in REI Engineers, especially Scott M. Hinesley, F-IIBEC, RRC, PE, and David M. Madonia, RBEC, RRC, RWC, REWC, RRO, CCCA. Professionally, they have taught me a lot about leadership. For example, each of us have an opportunity to be leaders that is not specific to a role or title we are placed in but one we all have the opportunity to assume. Both have been mentoring me and guiding me about my future in the industry and REI. I am also surrounded by mentors at the Charleston Branch and thankful for their support and guidance.
What advice would you give today to someone starting out in the industry?
For students that attend BES and the IIBEC convention, I would tell them to meet anyone and everyone you can. What we do is not something you typically major in while you are in college, so I encourage students to ask a lot of questions. Most people enjoy passing on their knowledge and typically makes a person feel better in turn. There is no dumb question. The only way not to have a self-perceived dumb question is to get it answered. Finally, I would tell them to get involved with the local chapter and volunteer.
What benefit of IIBEC membership has been most valuable to you?
Three main benefits of IIBEC for me have been relationships, education, and credentials.
My involvement in IIBEC has strengthened my peer relationships. It has helped me be more comfortable in a noncompetitive setting. I find when you go to a chapter event or convention, you are all there for the same purpose. It is to share knowledge, promote the industry, develop relationships and to learn. It’s a combined goal. The imaginary walls between companies and people fade. Relationships created specifically during my time on the Carolinas Chapter Board have been invaluable, and I cannot say how appreciative I am of those.
What are some of your hobbies and interests?
Our projects with Army Corps of Engineers to Puerto Rico lit a traveling bug in me. So far, I have been to 45 of the 50 states. Last year I had the opportunity to travel to America Samoa.
I also enjoy playing golf, disc golf, and taking in live music here in the Charleston area and elsewhere. I love the dynamic and eclectic nature of random people enjoying music together.
What three traits define you?
You’re happiest when?
Professionally, I enjoy being on a roof early in the morning, the sun is rising, and there is still slight moisture on the roof (I did say “on” and not “in”—and no ponding water). I can take a photo and send a great picture to a friend knowing that I am enjoying where I am and what I do.
Top three professional life highlights?
What would you do for a career if you weren’t doing this?
I believe I would pursue a career in law. My original intent during college was following through with law school. I feel my organization and research skills would have been very helpful on that career path, too. With my experience now, I think construction litigation could be a good crossover path.
What would your last meal request be?
Heavy’s here in Charleston makes the most delicious fried chicken sandwich. I would say that or maybe their BLT with fries.
NFL or MLB?
I watch more NFL on TV but I would choose Major League Baseball because I have always dreamed of visiting every major league baseball park. My fantasy football league keeps me pretty in tune with the NFL.
My favorite team is the Atlanta Braves. Growing up in Charleston, they were the team we always watched on TV.
Favorite show (streaming, cable, or network TV)?
I have been watching a good bit of The King of Queens, recently.
