“Driven by integrity, grounded in experience, and always building toward better.”
With nearly four decades of experience in the building materials and construction industry, Don Pilz stands at the intersection of technical innovation and real-world application. A visionary in the field of fire protection, sound attenuation, and water management in exterior wall assemblies, Don has cultivated a career that bridges fieldwork, R&D, and strategic leadership. His journey from tradesman to technical director exemplifies his deep commitment to advancing the construction industry through practical solutions, rigorous testing, and relentless curiosity.
Don began his career as a drywall/lather, gaining foundational insight into the construction process from the ground up. Those early years taught him the importance of materials that not only meet design intent but also withstand the demands of the jobsite. Over 18 years of field experience grounded Don in the realities of installation, safety, code compliance, and performance—all of which would later inform his work in research, development, and technical service.
In 2005, Don transitioned into consulting as a Building Envelope Consultant at Aquatech Consultancy, Inc. There, he applied his field knowledge to assess and advise on the performance of wall systems across a range of building types. His keen eye for vulnerabilities in design and construction led to practical recommendations that enhanced durability and efficiency. This period sharpened Don’s analytical skills and positioned him for leadership roles in innovation and technical development.
In 2008, Don took on the role of Research & Development Product Manager at CEMCO, a leading manufacturer of steel framing and metal lath products. Over the next 17 years, he became a driving force behind the company’s most impactful product innovations. From the FAS Track and HOTROD Compressible Firestopping to the 093X Fire Rated Control Joint, Fire Gasket, Fire Rip, Smoke and Sound Stop, M-Slide Expansion Joint, and Fire Bead, Don developed solutions that not only met stringent codes but also made installation safer and more efficient. His approach always married field experience with technical rigor—ensuring that products passed third-party testing, and passed the tradesman’s expectations.
Don’s passion for product integrity extends beyond his company. He is an active member of several industry-standard task groups, including the ASTM committees on stucco and fire-rated wall assemblies, the UL STP UL-1479 Task Group, and the International Firestop Council. His influence on product certification, testing protocols, and industry standards is evident in both his technical contributions and in the respect he commands among peers. These affiliations keep Don at the forefront of code development and ensure that his work always meets or exceeds evolving regulatory requirements.
Beyond product development, Don’s leadership includes strategic oversight of third-party testing and certification for fire and sound-rated wall systems. His ability to translate technical findings into actionable improvements makes him a critical asset in value engineering, risk mitigation, and innovation management. His thoroughness in vetting and validating products ensures that what goes into the wall is just as trustworthy as what it keeps out—fire, water, and sound.
A prolific innovator, Don holds over 50 U.S. patents and a dozen international patents for fire-resistant and water-managed construction components. His patented designs have helped redefine how contractors approach firestop with deflection and drift, joint movement, and designed stucco accessories to prevent water intrusion. More than just inventive, these systems have real-world impact—improving occupant safety, speeding up installation, lowering total installed costs, all while reducing contractor liability. Don’s inventiveness is driven not by novelty, but by the need to solve real challenges with elegance and practicality.
Don has also been a regular contributor to Walls and Ceilings Magazine and Construction Dimensions, where he’s authored articles on earthquake resilience, fire resistance, sound wall performance, and installation efficiency. These publications reflect not only his technical knowledge but also his gift for clear communication. Whether writing for engineers, inspectors, or installers, Don’s insights demystify complex systems and offer actionable recommendations that elevate project outcomes.
In 2024, Don brought his extensive experience to the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry as Director of Technical Services. In this industry leadership role, he provides education, technical guidance, and advocacy for the broader construction community. His work ensures that evolving product innovation aligns with code, safety, and performance objectives while also considering constructability and value. As an advisor, he continues to shape the future of fire-rated assemblies and exterior systems across North America and beyond.
Today, Don is seeking board roles with companies that value deep domain expertise, especially in firestopping, stucco assemblies’ and construction materials. Whether advising emerging ConTech startups, mature manufacturers, or industry associations, Don brings a unique blend of field insight, technical authority, and strategic thinking. He is particularly interested in helping companies enter new markets, navigate code compliance, and develop next-generation solutions that meet tomorrow’s building needs.
Character:
Don is driven by a strong sense of responsibility to ensure building products perform as promised when it matters most. His integrity shines through in his thorough testing processes and his insistence on transparency with clients and stakeholders. He consistently operates with humility, reliability, and an unwavering commitment to safety and quality.
Knowledge:
With nearly 40 years in the construction industry, Don brings a rare combination of hands-on fieldwork, R&D innovation, and standards development expertise. His technical fluency spans material science, product development, code compliance, and construction performance. His publications and patents further demonstrate his deep understanding of the structural, acoustic, and fire-resistive properties of wall assemblies.
Strategic:
Don has a keen ability to see both the big picture and the smallest detail, allowing him to contribute meaningfully to organizational direction and innovation planning. He aligns product development efforts with evolving codes and market needs, always considering lifecycle performance and field viability. His presence on a board would add strategic foresight grounded in practical experience.
Communication:
Don is an educator at heart, often translating complex technical information into actionable insights for a broad audience. Whether in writing, speaking, or advising, he communicates with clarity and precision. His deep listening skills and collaborative nature make him a valuable voice in boardrooms, technical panels, and field teams alike.
