Pat Fricchione Awarded SA Walters Lifetime Achievement Award

Building Systems Councils
Published
Pat Award

Patrick (“Pat”) A. Fricchione Jr., General Partner and CEO of Simplex Homes, has been honored with the S.A. Walters Award.

Named after the man who became the first chairman of what is known today as the Building Systems Councils (BSC), the S.A. Walters Award is the highest honor the councils bestow. The award recognizes a lifetime of achievement in systems-built housing.

At Simplex Homes, a leading modular home manufacturer based in Scranton, Penn., Fricchione carries on the legacy established by his father and uncles, the founders of the company. Pat started on the shop floor and over the years has worked in nearly every division of Simplex Homes. His hands-on leadership and commitment to excellence have led to the company’s growth and success.

"We are attracting non-traditional modular customers who see our industry as supplying a superior building method that will take them from planning to revenue generation faster than any other method," Pat stated. "It's very satisfying to have emerged as a leader in this field."

Although Fricchione takes pride in the work his company does, his work goes beyond Simplex. He served as Chairman of the Building Systems Councils at NAHB in 2015 and as President of the Modular Building Systems Association. His leadership roles also include serving as the immediate past Chairman of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, President of the Scranton Half Marathon, a board member of The Women's Resource Center of Northeast PA, and an active member of the Marywood University Board of Trustees.

Pat is also a strong advocate for the trades and has collaborated with Johnson College by donating space for onsite training labs within Simplex's property. This initiative allows the expansion of its program availability, providing students with real-world experience during their education. Pat and his family have also supported Johnson College, offering financial pledges and a family-named scholarship to assist community members in participating in the college's HVAC program.

Not only has Pat made his own mark on the modular home manufacturing industry, he is affording the next generation of home builders the opportunity to do the same.

Subscribe to NAHBNow

Log in or create account to subscribe to notifications of new posts.

Log in to subscribe

Latest from NAHBNow

Membership
Oct 30, 2026
Chairman's Update: Apply Now to Serve on a Council or Committee

In his latest update, NAHB Chairman Bill Owens highlights the value of serving on a committee or council, and how members can apply.

Workforce Development
Oct 30, 2026
Four Ways HBAs Can Support Skilled Trades Education

Across the country, the Home Builders Institute works alongside home builders associations and their foundations to bring skilled trades education to more students and connect that education to opportunities in their communities.

View all

Latest Economic News

Economics
Oct 30, 2026
Housing’s Share of the Economy Falls Again as It Continues to Face Headwinds

Housing’s share of the economy was 15.7% in the third quarter of 2026, according to the latest estimates of GDP produced by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. This share is down from 15.8% in the second quarter and down from 16.0% a year ago. Residential construction, measured by residential fixed investment, fell for the sixth time over the past eight quarters.

Economics
Oct 29, 2026
PCE Inflation Accelerated in September

The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge accelerated in September after holding at 3.0% for three consecutive months, complicating the Fed’s path to its 2% target. Consumer spending continued to be pushed up by elevated energy prices rather than income growth, driving the personal saving rate to the lowest level in nearly four years.

Economics
Oct 29, 2026
U.S. Economy Accelerated in the Third Quarter of 2026

The U.S. economy grew at a faster pace in the third quarter of 2026, supported by stronger consumer spending, robust business investment, and increased government spending. However, residential investment remained a weak spot, highlighting the continued challenges facing the housing sector amid elevated borrowing costs.