Featured image caption: “Cold-formed steel (CFS) framing has a big role to play in the future of construction,” says Eric Larson, SFIA’s newly elected president. Photo courtesy of CEMCO.
Eric Larson, vice president of sales and marketing at CEMCO, has been elected president of the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA). Officially starting his two-year term after the 2025 SFIA Annual Meeting, Larson brings 39 years of experience — and a deep passion for cold-formed steel (CFS) framing.
Larson’s journey into the world of steel framing began with a foundation poured in cement — literally. “My father was in cement production, and I spent three summers working in cement plants while in college,” he recalls. “I was always drawn to construction products.”
After graduating from Long Beach State University with a degree in marketing, Larson launched his career with United States Gypsum Co., where he was introduced to the steel framing business. One of his early assignments — an aerospace project in Tucson, Arizona — sparked a passion that would guide the rest of his professional life.
Over 30 Years in Steel Framing
In 1993, when USG exited the steel framing business, Larson joined CEMCO, a leading CFS manufacturer and longtime SFIA member. Over the years, he has held a wide range of positions, from regional sales manager to director of business development. Since 2018, he has served as vice president of sales and marketing.
“I’ve touched just about every part of the business,” he says.
Larson now brings that experience to his leadership role at SFIA. “There’s been a lot of good work done long before I got here,” Larson says. “My goal is to build on that momentum — to grow the Association and, more importantly, grow opportunities for steel framing across the construction industry.”
Next Steps for SFIA: Teach More, Tell More
Larson assumes the SFIA presidency at a time of rapid change — and challenge — for steel framing design and construction. As the construction industry confronts a persistent labor shortage, Larson sees opportunity for innovation and evolution on the part of industry players and their products.
“Labor is a huge issue,” Larson says. “Everyone in construction is feeling it. But necessity drives progress. I believe labor shortages will spur innovation — in prefabrication, in job site efficiency and even in manufacturing.”
Larson sees SFIA playing a key role in meeting these challenges.
“We need to attract younger people to this industry,” he says. “That means better education, more outreach and telling the story of steel in a compelling way. We have to communicate what makes this industry a great place to build a career — not just for contractors, but also for engineers, architects and manufacturers.”
“We have manufacturers, contractors, design professionals and suppliers,” says Larson about SFIA. “It’s a wide range of perspectives — but that’s what makes us strong.”
Shaping the Narrative: Why Steel Matters More Than Ever
One of Larson’s biggest priorities as SFIA president is amplifying steel framing’s sustainability message.
“We have a great story to tell,” he says. “Steel doesn’t burn. It doesn’t rot. It doesn’t attract vermin. And it’s the most recycled material on the planet.”
Larson notes that steel production has made major gains in efficiency and environmental performance in recent decades. He sees SFIA as a powerful platform for reinforcing that message across the design and construction ecosystems.
“Sustainability isn’t just about recycled content anymore — it’s about lifecycle performance, fire resilience and indoor air quality,” he says. “Steel framing has answers to all those concerns. It’s up to us to make sure the market knows that.”
Recent wildfires in California have only strengthened Larson’s commitment to this message. “Steel doesn’t contribute to the emissions of a structure fire,” Larson points out. “That’s huge — especially for regions facing climate-driven risks.”
Building Together, Winning Together
Larson is also quick to emphasize that the strength of SFIA lies in its diverse and collaborative membership.
“We’re a big tent,” he says. “We have manufacturers, contractors, design professionals and suppliers. It’s a wide range of perspectives — but that’s what makes us strong.”
His aim is to continue fostering an inclusive and solutions-oriented culture within SFIA. “My approach is not just to grow SFIA for its own sake,” he says, “but to bring all the players together so we can grow the pie for everyone. If we work together to advance cold-formed steel framing, we all win.”
“Construction isn’t easy. Steel framing isn’t easy. But that’s what makes it rewarding,” says Larson.
The Challenge—and Reward—of Steel Framing
When he’s not driving strategy at CEMCO or leading SFIA, Larson finds inspiration in an unlikely place for a Southern California resident: He’s a lifelong Oakland A’s fan. As a devotee of the game, Larson sees a metaphor in the daily challenges of baseball.
“It’s not an easy game,” he says. “Even the best players have to bear down and dig deep every day. I think there’s a parallel there with our industry. Construction isn’t easy. Steel framing isn’t easy. But that’s what makes it rewarding.”
Larson also holds a law degree — an achievement he downplays but acknowledges as a valuable tool in his business career.
“It’s helped me in every role I’ve held,” he says.
A Clear Path Forward for SFIA
As Larson begins his term as SFIA president, he does so with a clear sense of purpose and a vision rooted in collaboration, innovation and education.
“There’s real momentum right now,” he says. “With the evolution of standards, new technologies and increasing demand for resilient, sustainable structures, cold-formed steel framing has a big role to play in the future of construction. I’m proud to be part of helping shape that future.”
Steel Framing Industry Association
The Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) provides its members with exclusive access to technical cold-formed steel (CFS) framing services, including the SFIA Steel Framing Learning Portal. SFIA member services include access to market data, market analysis, technical design guides, architectural services, environmental product declarations, CFS certification, the SFIA Awards and more.
Additional Resources
- The SFIA 2025 Industry Project Awards Competition Opens for Entry Submissions (Deadline June 27)
- SFIA Elects Leadership, Presents Awards and Strategy Insights at 2025 SFIA Annual Meeting
- SFIA Unveils 9 Winners of the 2024 Industry Project Awards