Louisville, Ky., Nov. 13, 2025 — Pete Wilhelms, vice president of marketing and product development at Negwer Materials, an SFIA member, is the 2025 Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry (AWCI) Distinguished Service Award winner. Wilhelms received the award at AWCI’s Industry Leaders Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, in November.
“I’m honored to have all my peers recognize the work in this manner,” says Wilhelms. “I find it quite humbling at this point in my career.”
Featured image: Jeff Dreisewerd, AWCI president, presents the Distinguished Service Award to Pete Wilhelms of Negwer Materials. Photos courtesy of AWCI.
Wilhelms’ AWCI Leadership
Wilhelms began volunteering with AWCI soon after the 1995 AWCI Convention. The event introduced him to industry leaders nationwide and motivated him to support AWCI’s technical work.
He first served on the AWCI Codes and Technical Council. He then joined the Supplier and Manufacturer Committee and became its chair in 2009.
From 2010 to 2012, he served as the supplier representative on the AWCI board of directors.
Pete Wilhelms with his wife, Debbie, and their three daughters. Photos courtesy of AWCI.
Advancing the Mission of SFIA
In addition to his work with AWCI, Wilhelms also volunteers with the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA). He serves on the SFIA board of directors and participates on its compliance committee. His involvement deepened as new cold-formed steel (CFS) products entered the market. Some products shifted added liability to installing subcontractors.
“A few of us in the industry felt we needed an industry association that would include the whole industry, not just the manufacturers,” Wilhelms says. “That was partly why the SFIA was founded.”
“I have always stayed active because I want to make sure that suppliers and contractors voices are heard,” says Wilhelms.
Growing a Career at Negwer Materials
Wilhelms started at Negwer in high school, working part-time cleaning the warehouses.
“I liked the big equipment, and I was so close to home I could ride my bike there,” says Wilhelms.
The early 1980s brought a strong construction market in St. Louis, and he saw a chance to build a career. He took a full-time job after graduating from high school.
Today, Wilhelms leads teams in marketing, product management, purchasing and IT applications. He also supports outreach through the Foundation of the Wall and Ceiling Industry board, where he serves as president. The board invites students from local trade schools and colleges to attend BUILD: AWCI’s Convention + Expo.
“Peter understands the value of being involved in our industry,” says Scott Negwer, president and CEO of Negwer Materials. “Not for himself personally, but for business and the industry overall.”
Read the full AWCI feature article about Wilhelms.
Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry
AWCI represents 2,400+ companies and organizations from all 50 states and countries around the world in the acoustics systems, ceiling systems, drywall systems, exterior insulation and finishing systems, fireproofing, flooring systems, insulation and stucco contractors, suppliers and manufacturers and those in allied trades. Our mission is to provide services and undertake activities that enhance our members’ ability to operate a successful business.
For more information, visit awci.org
Additional Resources
- Negwer Materials Wins SFIA Award for Valley Park Fire Station 2 in Valley Park, Missouri
- SFIA Elects Leadership, Presents Awards and Strategy Insights at 2025 SFIA Annual Meeting
- Uniting an Industry Then and Now — SFIA’s 10-Year Anniversary