Paul Morin, president of Tarkka Homes, Inc. has been selected by a panel of judges as the recipient of the thirteenth annual New Hampshire Construction Industry Ethics award. The award, which honors the "individual, business or organization that, through its words and deeds, best demonstrates a commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards in construction," was presented during the opening ceremonies of the New Hampshire State Home Show on March 6th at the Radisson Hotel Manchester (Center of New Hampshire). Governor Lynch assisted in the presentation.
A 1983 graduate of UNH, Morin's career in construction began in 1984 as a job supervisor for a local builder. In 1990, he was hired by Paul Dugas of Tarkka Associates, and became a partner in the business in 1994. The company was renamed Tarkka Homes the following year, and Morin took over sole ownership in 1997.
Morin has long been a leader in the homebuilding industry and a powerful example to many in the construction community, devoting countless hours to his profession while seeking no reward save for the satisfaction of improving the industry in New Hampshire. He is a two-time past president of the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of NH (HBRANH) and the Greater Manchester Home Builders Association (GMHBA), recipient of the HBRANH Builder Member of the Year award (2004) and GMHBA Builder of the Year award (2000, 2005), chairs the HBRANH legislative committee, has served the town of Weare as chair of the planning board since 2001, chaired its Open Space Plan Committee and CIP subcommittee, and been a representative for the Southern NH Planning Commission.
In addition to a plaque, the award carries with it a $1,000 donation to the recipient's charity of choice, which Morin has designated to go to the Morris Animal Foundation.
The N.H. Construction Industry Ethics award is underwritten by David Wood, a nationally recognized writer, publisher and marketing consultant.
Morin is also a student of the ever-changing industry, frequently attending and lecturing at study commissions, seminars, update reviews and continuing education forums.
His colleagues describe him as a strong believer in leading by example, using his knowledge, energy and appetite for the issues to encourage others to participate. Putting aside his personal beliefs, he is always mindful of leading a balanced discussion concerning the rights of the consumers and the obligations of the building community. Even in today's difficult economy, Morin displays an extraordinary selflessness.
Whether it be in his role on the planning board, where he works directly with applicants to encourage responsible development while managing the persistent influence of special interests, or his legislative work dealing with elected officials and state government, where he has earned the respect of legislators and public officials for his honesty and straight dealing, Morin sets a standard by which others are measured.
As a builder, Morin appreciates the need to communicate with customers, tradespeople and regulators and is a skilled advocate for his clients. "Paul gives customers what they bargained for," said a long-time subcontractor. "He's very sensitive to both subs and customers. And he treats his staff like gold."
"His word is his bond," said a client for whom Tarkka built a home. "He does what he says he will do."
One associate sums it up well. "Simply put, Paul is a tremendous asset to the industry. At all times, in all venues, and under all circumstances, he is a true professional who represents his industry with the greatest of skill, reason and balance. He's a tireless volunteer worthy of the highest recognition."
Wood specializes in construction industry marketing and writing. His newsletter, Words from Woody, has won 25 awards, including being a three-time recipient of the Construction Writers Association's prestigious T. Randolph Russell Award. In 2005, Wood was presented with the Silver Hard Hat, that organization's highest honor.
Wood said, "There are a large number of reputable and highly principled people that are part of our state's design and construction industry. I hope this award serves to encourage others to conduct themselves in a similar manner."
Previous recipients of the award have been William Clark, of Clark Masonry Construction, Milford; William Walker, of The MacMillin Company, Keene; Samuel Audley, of R.S. Audley, Inc., Bow; Levi Ladd, of L.K. Ladd, Inc., Concord; Jack McDevitt Jr., of McDevitt Trucks, Inc., Manchester; Tom Avallone, of Cobb Hill Construction, Concord; Jim Morrill, of Morrill Construction, North Haverhill; Mark & Rick Charbonneau, of Continental Paving, Londonderry; Leighton A. White of Leighton A. White Inc., Milford; Rich Lambert, of Procon, Inc., Hooksett; Tom Palazzi, of The Palazzi Corp., Hooksett, and Ron Severino, Severino Trucking, Candia.