Page 15 - A4 Journal 2018 R16

The Company

Frank Lesh

Frank was one of our first International Freemen, having been introduced to the Company by Mike Parrett in September
2006. He lives in Illinois and is as proud to be one of our members as we are to receive a contribution from him for this year’s
Journal. His topic is “The Built Environment”:

“In the building profession, we frequently use the term “the built environment”. One definition the term may refer to is the
surroundings humans have constructed in which to live. Those surroundings could mean not only the buildings we use for
housing, work and entertainment, but also the parks and transportation facilities that modern societies require. It’s
understood that buildings don’t just appear. We know that architects, engineers, construction workers and inspectors must
collaborate in order to achieve positive results prior to, during and post construction. Many of those disciplines have created
fraternal organizations in order to help their members achieve success. Two groups come to mind. The Worshipful
Company of Constructors and the American Society of Home Inspectors.
Both organizations have members who graciously give their time and efforts to create excellence in their respective
associations. I’m fortunate to have met Mike Parrett, one of the most dedicated professionals I’ve ever known.
The year was 2002 and members of the Great Lakes Chapter of the American Society of Home Inspectors wanted to see how
and why buildings in England withstand the test of time so well. I contacted a leading moisture meter manufacturer to ask if
they knew anyone in England who could help us. Without hesitation, they sent me Mike Parrett’s contact information.
Without knowing anything about us, Mike agreed to arrange an
inspection for our group of about 10 inspectors from the U.S. We met
at the Braintree railroad station where Mike used his personal car and
hired a taxi to drive us to the inspection.
Don Nelson, Matt Bezanson, Frank Lesh, Mike Parrett and Jim Lee are
shown in the picture on the left, exchanging knowledge on their trip.
Excessive dampness was the chief problem in the building we
inspected. But the extent of Mike’s investigation was to determine
not only the cause of the moisture, but from where exactly that
moisture came. He did this by examining the contents of the
efflorescence using I believe, calcium carbide. The expertise of his
forensic examination went far beyond what we in the ‘States do.
Small wonder why buildings last so much longer in Old Blighty than the Colonies.

More trips both ways across the Pond were made by Mike, Don Nelson and myself. The experiences we shared make me
believe that common values and the pursuit of knowledge bridge any distance. So in my opinion, I believe there should be a
much broader definition of the built environment. One that includes the personal relationships built between people in our
industry. That’s why the late Don Nelson and I became the first International Freeman. Thank you Worshipful Company of
Constructors for accepting us!”

Cheryl Moreton

Cheryl was admitted to the Company in July 2016 and was clothed as a Liveryman in May 2017. She is now
one of our hard-working stewards. She has chosen as her topic “From Stewardess to Steward” which is her
personal look at her working life. She writes:
“What a whirlwind it has been since I first discovered that eligibility to become a member of the Worshipful
Company of Constructors was open to anyone working in the construction industry, not just professionals
and experts, as I had first thought. I have had a varied career, fulfilling my childhood dream to fly as flight
crew, before planting my feet firmly on the ground in construction!
The then Master, Graeme Monteith, was very kind when he encouraged me to apply for membership and I have not looked
back since. My initial interview and freedom ceremony were a mixture of formality, strangeness but overwhelmingly of
fellowship and belonging.
Becoming a Freeman of the City of London was an occasion that I shall never forget, and a rare opportunity to share
something special with friends and family – to elaborate on the details of this would only serve to spoil the occasion for those
who have still to enjoy it. All I would say is that this is not to be missed and it opens the doors wide open to see and
experience things that I never imagined.

Autumn 2018 | The Journal of the Worshipful Company of Constructors | Page 15