Kevin Kartak becomes 41st BIAW Hall of Fame inductee
January 3, 2024
At the 2023 BIAW Fall Board Meeting Nov. 6-8 at Suncadia Resort, BIAW honored Kevin Kartak of AAA Kartak Glass & Closet as the 41st inductee into the BIAW Hall of Fame.
Kartak is a master craftsman who grew up in the glass business his father started in 1956 to serve the residential construction industry. He was named to lead the company starting in 1985 and later expanded into designer closets and commercial storefronts and glazing.
As the company prospered and grew, it survived recessions and other growing pains eventually expanding to 97 workers operating out of four Puget Sound manufacturing facilities sending quality products, glaziers and craftsmen techs to jobsites throughout the region.
Significant industry contributions
A member of three local associations dating back over 30 years, with more than 2,700 Spike credits, Kartak has made significant contributions to the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS), the Skagit/Island Counties Builders Association (SICBA) and the Master Builders Association of Pierce County.
He was MBAKS’ Spike Rookie of the Year in 2002, then served on their board of directors from 2004-2015. Known for being both a great speaker and an inspiring leader, he chaired the MBAKS REX awards in 2006 and 2009, served as MC in 2015 then continued on as awards announcer at every other awards event from 2010 through 2017.
He also served on the membership councils for both SICBA and Master Builders Pierce for many years. He became a BIAW state director in 2004 and served in that capacity through 2019, stepping up to senior officer in 2013 and 2014.
For his leadership and guidance, he’s won numerous awards at the state and local level, including BIAW’s Associate of the Year in 2014.
Generous supporter and steady leader
He’s not only known for his steady leadership and expertise in recruiting new members, but he’s also a prolific sponsor and generous supporter who uses his time and money to advance our industry and numerous community organizations.
More than just a supporter, he’s often a leader in these endeavors, including serving as MBAKS’ Rampathon captain, outreach leader to the Echo Glen Juvenile Detention Facility and Good News Club leader and teacher at Kingswood Elementary. Kartak also plants at least two trees for every new jobsite his customers call him to—and in 2021, his company planted nearly 20,000 trees in honor of AAA Kartak’s 65th year of business.
In his numerous years of service, Kartak always had a ready smile, a hearty laugh, and contagious positivity. His warm greeting helps people feel welcome.
He is always ready to help a member and encourages many to engage. Many Spikes became successful recruiters thanks to his coaching.
A passionate legislative and policy advocate, dedicated membership ambassador, shrewd and generous businessman and strong local, state and national leader, Kevin Kartak is the perfect addition to the BIAW Hall of Fame. Congratulations, Kevin!
* This article was originally published in the November/December 2023 issue of Building Insight magazine.