Several times in my career, I have created a monster and then cried for help.  Luckily, help always arrives.  When I started teaching code classes for architects, distributors, locksmiths, and others in New England (my home at the time), the volume of code questions eventually became overwhelming.  I also had my day job, writing specs and managing a team of specwriters.  I cried for help, and in 2009 I got the OK to create iDigHardware to give people a resource to answer their own questions.

A few years later I realized that the popularity of iDigHardware had created another monster, by giving thousands of people access to me – from all over the world!  I couldn’t continue to do my day job, and in 2012 I cried for help again.  A full-time position in code development, training, and support was established for me, and I gave up my day job writing specs.

Shortly after taking on my new role, I became much more involved with the code development efforts of the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA).  I consider this one of the most important parts of my job, as the BHMA Codes, Government, and Industry Affairs Committee (CGIA) has initiated and influenced dozens of changes to the codes and standards that affect the door and hardware industry.

A few years ago I cried for help again (I know – it has been a lot of crying).  With iDigHardware, my Decoded column and other articles, training, code development work…the list goes on an on, plus hundreds of code questions still coming my way, I was losing it.  Rumors about my imminent retirement began to circulate. 🙂

Two things happened.  1) I established a team of ACEs – Allegion Code Experts, who are responsible for answering the code questions for their local region.  If they can’t find the answer, they come to me for back-up.  2) Mark Kuhn agreed to help me out, in addition to doing his day job as an architectural consultant for our Midwest RSO.

You have probably seen some of Mark’s posts on iDigHardware, where he shares his experience and addresses code issues and hardware applications.  He also helps answer questions when I’m on the road, has conducted many code update sessions with me (and sometimes without me!), works with the members of our early career programs, participates in code development through BHMA, along with being a DHI instructor and a million other things.

I’m happy to announce that Mark has received the Fellow award from DHI, adding FDHI to the long list of certifications after his name.  I don’t know what kind of monster I will create next or how long it will take before the crying starts again, but I’m confident that Mark will be here to help.  Congratulations to Mark A. Kuhn, FDHI, AHC, EHC, CFDAI, DHT, DHC, CDT, CSI!

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