Charlie Wallace, Longtime STL Leader, Retires
Date Posted: February 17, 2016
Posted In: News, People,
Charlie Wallace, who became well-known in St. Louis construction circles during his tenure as an association executive director here, has announced his upcoming retirement.
Wallace is retiring from the position of chief operating officer and vice president, of the Quality Service Contractors (QSC). The QSC functions as a self-supporting business unit of the Falls Church, VA-based Plumbing-Heating-Cooling-Contractors National Association.
An explanatory statement regarding QSC’s mission on its LinkIn Page reads, “…We are very proud that we are attracting membership from beyond our immediate industry. This is because we are fulfilling needs unavailable through other associations. We enhance both the industry, and our members’ reputations by originating and delivering timely and lively professional and educational training programs. In most cases, this instruction is available nowhere else. ”
Recognized for his willingness to help those in need and as a fierce advocate for industry issues, Wallace served in St. Louis as executive director of the Painting and Decorating Foundation (PDF) for almost 11 years from 1987 to 1997. A tall, bearded man, with a broad Oklahoma accent, he was known for his big heart, the twinkle in his eye, and his ever-present cowboy boots.
The HVAC market group said Wallace was instrumental in growing the QSC’s business coach program — something Wallace said he was proud of.
“It has helped market QSC and PHCC to prospective members and gives business owners and their employees the opportunity to learn the latest tips to make their businesses better,” he said.
Working with the service group became more than just a paycheck, he added.
“It has turned from being just a job into defining the passion I have for helping contractors and industry partners achieve their goals,” he said. “The value of QSC to me is that, over the years, I have developed life-long friendships with our members. That is something I will cherish forever.
Wallace will retire following the Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors’ March 17-19 meeting in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Charlie said he and his wife Mary, who he met when she was employed with the national Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA), which at the time they met was based in Falls Church, have plans for his retirement.
“First I am just going to take some me and Mary time and do some things we have had to put off because of work. We bought an RV and plan on traveling and seeing things we have missed while traveling for work. Fishing is on the agenda, as is wood working. Mary has a list of things for me to do.”