Focusing on Issues that Affect Contractors and Customers
About AAF
Tracing the Evolution of the Aluminum Association of Florida as a Leading Industry Advocate
The Aluminum Association of Florida traces its origins to Pinellas County, born out of necessity after the St. Petersburg and Pinellas County Building Departments decided to stop issuing building permits. Ten men representing their respective companies met in May 1974 and decided to contribute $50 each towards hiring Edward O’Dell to do the necessary aluminum engineering. After it was complete and the men were back in business, they decided to form the Aluminum Association of Florida with Gerald Rehm as their first President.
Since its inception in 1974, the Association has evolved into a vital force in the industry, championing technical expertise and advocating for regulatory advancements.
From its Grassroots Beginnings in May 1974 the Aluminum Association of Florida has been driven by a commitment to industry excellence. After successfully navigating challenges and resuming operations, these founding members, under the leadership of Gerald Rehm, established the AAF to advocate for the aluminum sector’s interests.
Those Ten Founding Members Were:
- Jim Allen, Busch Mastercraft
- Jim “Whitney” Carson, C&B Awning
- John Coleman, West Coast Awning Company
- Ben Dowell, Dowell’s Aluminum, Inc.
- Dennis Henegar, Douglas Manufacturing
- Gerald Rehm, Screens Unlimited
- Grady Robinson, Jr., Crown Awning and Screening
- John Scherff, Suncraft Products
- Sid Silverstein, Gulf Aluminum Products, Inc.
- Paul Vevier, Seminole Awning & Screening, Inc.
Notably, the Association played a pivotal role in the creation of the Specialty Structure Contractor license category in the late 1980s, enabling contractors to operate statewide.
Recognizing the need for industry-specific regulations, the Association spearheaded wind tunnel research and presented findings to the Florida Building Commission, shaping the first version of the Florida Building Code in 2002.
In response to regulatory challenges in the early 2000s, the Association mobilized legal and legislative efforts, ultimately securing the passage of Senate Bill 404 in 2007, safeguarding the practice of “master file engineering” and preserving industry standards.
Past Presidents
- 1974-1975 - Gerald Rehm
- 1976 - John Coleman
- 1977-1978 - William Silverstein
- 1979-1982 - Dennis Henegar
- 1983 - Stanley McLain
- 1984-1985 - Dennis Henegar
- 1986 - Bill Shorrock
- 1987-1988 - Clarence Loflin
- 1989-1990 - Edward Bell
- 1991-1992 - David Miller
- 1993-1994 - Chuck Dekker
- 1995-1996 - John DeCosmo
- 1997-1999. - Scott Myers
- 2000 - Frank Storms
- 2001-2003 - John DeCosmo
- 2004-2005 - Scott Myers
- 2006-2007 - Mike Moberly
- 2008-2010 - Richard Moore
- 2010-2011 - Mike Sonsini
- 2012-2013 - David Johns
- 2014-2016 - Tom Dowd
- 2017-2018 - John Meyer
- 2019-2023 - Randy Davenport
- 2024-Current - Dennis Loughren
2024 Association Officers
President
Dennis Loughren, Affordable Screening
First Vice President
Randy Davenport, Hartshorn Custom Contracting
Second Vice President
John Meyer, Screenco Inc.
Treasurer
Dale Howerton, Branching Out Construction
Secretary
Richard Puls, Tampa Screens & Aluminum, Inc.
Executive Admin
Kelsey Leggett
Immediate Past President
Randy Davenport, Hartshorn Custom Contracting
Statute Lobbyist
Kari Herbrank
2024 Association Committees
Ethics Committee
John Meyers, Chair
Hospitality Committee
Nandy Trevino, Florida Fasteners Direct
Golf Committee
Gianina Ludwig, Chair
Membership Committee
John Nowokunski, Chair
Technical Committee
Eric Bahr, Chair
Hurricane Protection Committee
Mike Mobley, Chair
Fenestration Committee
Vacant
UMDA (AAF Suppliers)
Shawn Brown, Chair
Nominating Committee
Dennis Loughren, Eric Bahr, Joe Belcher, Al Beres, Gus Tarnowski
What Our Members are Saying
Our members are at the heart of everything we do, and their feedback speaks volumes. Here’s what some of our valued members have to say about their experience with the Aluminum Association of Florida.
