b"THE OFFICIAL NFBA MAGAZINEINSIDE THE FRMEJAKE KIRTSEach Issue of Frame Builder Magazine will feature an article by National Frame Builder Magazine Editor, Rachel Pinkus, giving an inside, personal look at the lives of one of the many volunteer members that dedicate their time and treasure to NFBA and the post-frame industry.BY Rachel PinkusINSIDE THE FRAMENational Frame Builder EditorJ ake Kirts was born inby side with the men that are the backbone Columbus, IN and livedof post frame construction. Says Jake.there until he was five yearsJake and his wife, Megan, are celebrating their 15-year old.My dad went in with aanniversary this fall.They have two sons, Thatcher (12) business partner to purchaseand Callum (11).They keep us busy with their various our company Blitz Builderssports and after-school activities.in the late 80s, which brought my family to Shelbyville, KY.In his spare time, Jake also coaches his son Callum's soccer My dad later bought out theteam, which has been a rewarding challenge to grow in a partner and Blitz Builders hasnew sport beyond his tennis background.been a family run business ever JAKE KRITS since. The NFBA has been an invaluable resource for both my EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENTBLITZ BUILDERS INC familys company and me personally.My dads longstanding PH: (800) 628-1324Mychildhoodisfilledinvolvement on the NFBA board, including his tenure as WWW.BLITZBUILDERS.COMwith memories of Saturday JAKE.KIRTS@BLITZBUILDERS.COMmornings in the office withpresident, has provided us with a unique perspective on my dad as he drank coffee and completed paper andthe industry. Through his service, we've had the privilege pencil scheduling and accounting work. Jake took upof learning from some of the brightest minds in post frame tennis in elementary school and ended up winning a fewconstruction and Im honored to have joined the NFBA state tournaments which opened the door to nationalboard this year, serving on the Membership Committee. tournaments on the weekends throughout middle schoolThis exposure has allowed us to stay at the forefront of and high school.As a teen, I taught tennis lessons andindustry trends and best practices.By interacting with interned at the business in the summers. says Jake. Heother NFBA members and sharing insights, weve been able attended the University of Louisville for 3 years on a tennisto identify emerging opportunities and navigate challenges scholarship and later transferred to Bellarmine Universitymore effectively in our own market. says Jake.to play tennis and complete his degree in Psychology. Participating in NFBA isn't just about individual gain; I always had an interest in post frame construction fromit's about building connections and supporting the my days as an intern and from hearing my parents talkoverall growth of the industry.NFBA has benefited us by about the daily workings, challenges, and rewards of theproviding a platform for continuous learning, networking, post frame industry. Towards the end of college, I made theand contributing to the industry's collective knowledge. decision, along with my parents, to pursue a career at BlitzIm a believer in the power of collaboration and know after I graduated.I spent my first couple years learning thethat by working together, we can elevate the post frame construction side of our business hands on as a memberconstruction industry as a whole.of one of the crews.I have some really fond memories of that time and the connections I made with the guys I spent so much time traveling and building with.Many of them are still with Blitz today.Im very grateful for having the opportunity to learn the daily dynamics hands on and side 28 / FRAME BUILDER - NOV2023"