December 2022

 

To My Friends and Previous Co-Workers

 

Merry Christmas!

​

Sorry if this letter is a little overdue due but time flies when you’re having fun! I am sure you have all heard by now that I left the City earlier this year.

​

In fact, I am not sure what you heard? Several people contacted me and told me something that I have not heard before and very different from what really happened.

​

On February 9th, 2022 I sent an email to management and effectively gave my 2-week notice along with a second option to resign later in the year. Management was so surprised and ecstatic that they took option one and instructed me to pack my bags and leave that day! Overall, it was a mutual agreement! (Thank you A.B.!)

​

So regardless of what you may have heard or think, I did in fact resign and I did in fact leave on my terms. Second best to starting the job, October 2nd, 2006 it was one of the happiest days and best decisions I have ever made in my life! THANK YOU GOD!

​

I am not sending this letter as a group email. I am sending it to the people that were my co-workers and many who I consider friends. It will take me a few days to send this letter to all the people I have in mind. If I missed someone directly, I apologize and please feel free to share this email with anyone I worked with and had a good working relationship with. Which honestly, overall was the majority of the people within THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT/ DSD. (even you G.O.)

​

I do want to sincerely say “Thank you!!” to the City of XXXXX for hiring me and giving me the chance. Although many people have come and gone, I will always be grateful to G. O. for the introduction, C. A. for hiring and training me, J. H. for dealing with me, J. C. mentor and daily ballbuster and Detective J. M. for always having my six!

​

There are many other people that just spent time with me, shared their personal business experience with me and I would consider all of you teachers or mentors in one way or another. Overall, you were the greatest group of people that I had the pleasure to work with in my life. It was an honor to work with all of you! Thank you!!

​

I also want to give a BIG Shoutout to the Teamsters and A. M. If it was not for the Teamsters, I would have been fired several times over for all the wrong reasons! As a former Teamsters Shop Steward, I would encourage ALL Employees to be paying members and respect The Contract and enjoy the pay, benefits and representation that comes with being a Teamster! You just never know when someone tries to set you up for failure!

​

I do want to go back to October 2nd, 2006 which was the first day that I started with The City. When I walked into THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT on my first day, I said to myself “Wow! these are the smartest people in construction and I will never be this smart”. It took me less than 30 days to realize just how wrong I was. My first three weeks of training gave me the indicator of what was yet to come.

​

I started off as a Building Inspector, in the field and I performed almost every type of structural building inspection imaginable. I got to experience and learn new things that otherwise I would have never have had the opportunity to experience even if I had worked for a billion-dollar global construction company. Hence, I am blessed and grateful for these experiences.

​

After five years on the job, I was more or less forced into the position as a Building Inspector/ Code Officer dealing with code cases. I had a new found respect for my co-workers on the West side of the building and the un-appreciated B.S. we dealt with on a daily basis. (Good luck to all you Code Officers!)

​

In a short time, I realized this was a blessing and I was on my way to wreaking havoc onto the unlicensed activity and related construction fraud that takes place every day within The City, County and has become a serious Statewide problem.

​

If you somewhat know me on a personal level you would know this had become a personal calling in my life. Working with P.D. was an honor and a privilege that I will always cherish. I am proud of my record in assisting P.D. and being documented as the Building Inspector/ Code Officer of record on over 150 arrest and N.T.A’s (notice to appear).

​

Now I cannot answer for the prosecutors that dropped the ball as I did my job well! The best part was that P.D. and the Detectives I worked with backed me up more times than some B.O.’s and people in management.

​

People that do not hold Professional State Licenses would have you think that they know better and can tell the licensed person/employee what to do and how to do it. Like they did it before themselves and have knowledgy. NOT!

​

Masula’s Dictionary: “knowledgy” the knowledge with the expertise knowing how to do something right! And no, you do not learn this in college and your diploma does not qualify!

​

Hence some of the best compliments I ever received: was being told that I was a “rogue building inspector” (Thank you B.K.!) pissing off the B.O. several times (Sorry J.T.) and having a commissioner pissed at me for “arresting my constituent, my voter as an unlicensed person, and your job is to educate the public” which I thought we did. (Sorry City Hall, job well done!) and do not blame me for having to co-operate with the O.I.G. to protect myself, my name and my licenses!

​

Overall, my 15 years was an adventure of a lifetime and I would not trade it for any other career. Since February, I packed my trucks and moved out of South Florida and I have never been happier! I moved to what I call “Redneckville” but be careful and do not say that word out loud because it might be considered racist, (which is B.S.!) and will get you into trouble. I brought my first official Confederate Flag! and The Daytona Race Track is not too far away. I listen to more country music than ever and I went to my first rodeo. But I can never drink as much beer as some of the guys! (M.R. I think you hold the record) and (V.B.) Thank you! for sharing that “red solo cup” and weekend rum stories.

​

If you have not heard, I have been with a wonderful woman for over 5 years now (a new record for me) and we have a beautiful daughter together who at this point is almost as mature as me. She makes me laugh everyday which is truly the best medicine in life.

​

Since I moved on, I started my own business which was my goal and have my sights fixed: Focus - Positive - Forward! Sometimes I had to remind myself of this daily just to keep going in xxxx.

​

Although my job title may have been as a “Building Inspector” I think I filled the role and then some. Hence the adventure! In many ways I am still doing a similar type of work. I do not want to make this letter about marketing my new company. However, if some of you feel you need help in doing your job, please feel free to contact me as I am always available to assist you.

​

NEWSFLASH:   As a State Licensed Building Inspector it is our fiduciary responsibility to the licenses we hold and the industry we represent to protect the public and properties by investigating and addressing any unlicensed activity and/ or related construction fraud.  

​

I do personally and firmly believe that all of the Licensed Professional/ Licensed Contractors Statewide expect this from their Building Inspectors as well as their local Building Departments. So do your job, and I will continue to do mine as well!

​

I must have read this once or twice before. Maybe I will write a new book on this subject one day and share my experiences. Just as an fyi… since this never gets discussed much within most Building Departments in South Florida or continuing education classes. Hence, my theory… by design! South Florida… were liberals roam…

 

In closing, again to all my Friends and Co-Workers it was truly an honor and pleasure to work with each and every one of you! Good times, bad times overall it was the best of times! I will cherish the memories and experiences the rest of my life.

​

If you would like to stay in contact with me, please reply with your personal email address or feel free to contact me at 813-278-1873.

​

GOD willing, I do my best to keep healthy and active however none of us are getting any younger. We have all lost family, loved ones, close friends and co-workers. There are several people I am deeply saddened and disappointed not to have been able to see, give you a hand shake or hug and say “Thank you!! for everything! God Bless you and your families!”

​

MERRY CHRISTMAS!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

​

Best wishes for health, happiness and prosperity into 2023 for ALL!

 

Sincerely,

Bobby Masula