The Energy Efficient New Homes Program, which offers energy efficiency rebates to builders of eligible new single-family and multi-family projects, is continuing in 2023.
The Energy Efficient New Homes (EENH) Program provides energy efficiency rebates to builders of eligible new residential construction projects that exceed State of California Title 24 Energy Efficiency Standards and are equipped with qualifying energy-efficient natural gas appliances and controller devices.
Only production and custom single-family homes and low-rise and high-rise multi-family projects built in the SoCalGas service territory and served by SoCalGas may be eligible.
Cash rebates are offered for qualifying energy-efficient natural gas appliances. For some appliances higher rebates are available for more efficient models. Cash bonuses are also offered to single-family or multi-family projects which qualify for specific third-party certifications and government programs.
Our representatives are ready to assist builders with enrolling projects to help construct green homes and improve their bottom lines. Call 866-563-2637 or email to: NewHomes@socalgas.com
Program details including rebate amounts, project requirements, terms and conditions, project worksheets and the application form are available online at www.socalgas.com/eenh
We are the leading advocate for thousands of building industry leaders who are committed to a better future for California by building communities, creating jobs, and ensuring housing opportunities for everyone.
WHO WE ARE WHAT WE DO
Our members include the smallest to the largest home builders, developers, contractors, suppliers and skilled labor representing over 1 million employees and 10 billion in annual revenues, making us one of the largest building industry associations in the United States.
Celebrate BIASC's 100th Centennial Celebrate BIASC's 100th Centennial with us all year long in 2023. with us all year long in 2023.
Thank you for your continued support for BIASC. As a valued member, you not only tap into a valuable network of industry leaders and experts, but you also help support educational, advocacy, and community programs that help us all grow and succeed. This magazine edition will highlight our valued members and pay tribute to our past members over the last 100 years.
As we commensurate our 100th anniversary, we are excited to announce the formation of the Building Industry Association of Southern California’s Hall of Legends, which will serve as a lasting tribute to the hardworking men and women in our industry who have made significant contributions to Southern California. The first inaugural class will be honored and recognized at special events, including an awards ceremony at our Regional Centennial Gala in November.
With this new Legends program, BIASC will help preserve the legacy of our industry pioneers and inspire future generations. We look forward to celebrating their achievements and commemorating their efforts for years to come.
This is an exciting time for BIASC. Take advantage of the chance to honor your peers with a nomination today! Together, we can ensure that their hard work and dedication are remembered and celebrated, not just today but for future generations. For more information, please visit biasc.org/legends or email kdistefano@biasc.org.
Pundits and ponderers are predicting right and left about what 2023 holds for the homebuilding industry, but one thing above all is absolutely certain: Whatever 2023 may bring, we’re already a third of the way through it! So far, it seems like whatever degree of recession we are experiencing was built at Lockheed’s Skunk Works, since it’s so stealthy. That’s not to say there are no signs of tougher going and there won’t be bumps in the road ahead. Heck, there are always bumps.
Bumps, in fact, are why many of our 900 member companies joined BIASC in the first place: It provides a kind of “bump insurance.” Membership can help companies make new contacts that lead to new contracts that can cushion a recession’s impact. Membership can open the doors to learning opportunities that help companies prepare for downturns and exploit upturns. And membership, as John Robinson of West Coast Drywall & Painting says later in this issue, helps you stand out and get the attention of your customers.
There’s a well-known motivational quote (that some long-time BIA members attribute to former Orange County Chapter president Don Moe) that says, “The world is run by those who show up.” That goes for BIA membership too. Not only is BIASC run by those folks in the industry who show up and take on responsibilities, but it best rewards those same folks. You’ll find out all about how to make the most out of your BIASC membership in this issue’s Inside Edition, which delves into all the ways you can make your membership work better for you.
When your company joined BIASC, it not only gained access to all our chapters, it also gave all your employees
Craig Foster Chief Operating Officer/ Executive Vice President
the opportunity to become more active and involved in their industry, since membership benefits extend to member companies’ employees. That not only can help make them better, more satisfied employees, but can also make BIASC a more powerful advocate for our industry. BIASC is strong with its 900 member companies, but it is exponentially stronger when those companies’ employees – all 25,000 of them! – are engaged. Here’s a simple thing you can do right now to build BIASC engagement in your company: Share the link to this edition of Southern California Builder with your employees.
As I noted at the outset, 2023 is rushing by us, and suddenly Building Industry Show is just six months away - so be sure to mark your calendar for October 25-26. We will be in San Diego for (and this is a big claim) the biggest, best BIS ever, because we’re teaming with BIA San Diego, so the show now will cover all of Southern California. This year’s BIS party will be BIASC’s megaCentennial Celebration with dinner, guest speakers and of course a rock n roll show. It’s going to be big – so big that we booked the flight deck of the U.S.S. Midway aircraft carrier for the occasion!
That will be followed by BIASC’s first-ever Regional Installation Gala in San Juan Capistrano where the BIASC Governing Board and the Chapter Boards will join together at one event to be sworn in as we continue celebrating our 100th anniversary and recognize our 2023 Class of Legends... Expect the Unexpected at this milestone event you will not want to miss.
Thanks for your membership – be sure to make the most of it!
Giraffe Sponsor - $4,500 - Limit 1 With Special Tour
2-Hour tour for 6 of The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens, includes giraffe feeding
6 Tickets to attend the VIP Reception with Special Guest Speakers
Dinner at Mitch's on El Paseo with the Governing Board
Invitation to speak for 5 minutes at the Governing Board meeting prior to reception
Acknowledgement in the next issue of Southern California Builder Digital Magazine
Company logo on marketing materials and event signage
Elephant Sponsor - $2,750
4 Tickets to attend the VIP Reception with Special Guest Speakers
Dinner at Mitch's on El Paseo with the Governing Board
Invitation to speak for 2 minutes at the Governing Board meeting prior to reception
Acknowledgement in the next issue of Southern California Builder Digital Magazine
Company logo on marketing materials and event signage
Zebra Sponsor - $1,500
4 Tickets to attend the VIP Reception with Special Guest Speakers
Acknowledgement in the next issue of Southern California Builder Digital Magazine Company logo on marketing materials and event signage
Meerkat Sponsor - $750
2 Tickets to attend the VIP Reception with Special Guest Speakers
Acknowledgement in the next issue of Southern California Builder Digital Magazine Company name on marketing materials and event signage
For more information, contact Laura Barber, lbarber@biasc.org.
Save-the-Date for an unbelievable evening to celebrate and thank our out-going Chapter Presidents and Chairman and welcome our new Chairman, Chapter Presidents, and board members. We will be inducting our first class of BIASC Legends as we celebrate our 100 Year Anniversary under the stars in San Juan Capistrano. More details Coming Soon. S A V E - T H E - D A T E
Save-the-Date for an unbelievable evening to celebrate and thank our out-going Chapter Presidents and Chairman and welcome our new Chairman, Chapter Presidents, and board members. We will be inducting our first class of BIASC Legends as we celebrate our 100 Year Anniversary under the stars in San Juan Capistrano. More details Coming Soon.
S A V E - T H E - D A T E
Register, Sponsor Register, Sponsor & Exhibit today & Exhibit today for our most exciting show yet as for our most exciting show yet as we celebrate our 100th Anniversary we celebrate our 100th Anniversary as an association! as an association!
BUILDING INDUSTRY SHOW HIGHLIGHT
MEET OUR EXHIBITORS AT THE 2023 BUILDING INDUSTRY SHOW
On April 20, 2023, BIASC leadership, members and elected officials gathered to attend A Special Evening with Industry Leaders at the historic Richard Nixon Presidential Library. The first half of the evening’s program featured networking and a housing and economic update by Scott Wild, Senior Vice President of John Burns Real Estate Consulting. The second half of the program featured a panel of BIASC Leadership, including Randall Lewis (The Lewis Group of Companies), Michael Battaglia (New Home Co.), and Greg McWilliams (Five Point) moderated by Jay Prag. This panel of industry experts highlighted the importance of building relationships within BIASC community, and with elected representatives at both the state and local levels of government. The key component to advocacy in the building industry is housing policy.
“For those BIA members in the first five years or early in their career, I recommend engagement at the BIA committees which provide great opportunity to network and access industry leaders.”
“How do builders/developers help increase housing production? We need to continue to work with BIA to support
elected officials that value housing and also build coalitions that support housing. BIA is the best hope to solve the housing crisis.”
“We continue to have state legislation proposed that undermines local cities ability to meet their RHNA requirements. We need bold leadership that opposes legislation that will lead to a de facto moratorium.”
“We also continue to see CEQA weaponized to kill projects. We need CEQA modernization where there is pre-approval applied to the buildout for approved housing elements. We also need to set a shot clock for CEQA comments and approvals that should ends at 270 days!”
“BIA is the tip of the spear in advocacy to help our company and other BIA members with a variety of issues from enraging utilities to improving certainty in local cities planning and engineering departments.”
To help commensurate our 100-year centennial, we are proud to announce the Building Industry of Southern California’s inaugural Hall of Legends. BIASC’s Hall of Legends mission is to memorialize and pay tribute to the talented leaders of our industry.
Starting in 2023, BIASC will induct a Hall of Legends class on an annual basis based on nominations from the four chapters and councils. Inductees will be recognized through various outreach programs that include news and magazine features, video documentaries, events, and social media, including educational and youth programs around the Southern California region.
In addition to the annual recognition activities, an iconic Wall of Legends will be created to feature our legendary inductees at BIASC events throughout the year. In addition, award recipients will be announced mid-year and officially inducted in a special ceremony on an annual basis towards the end of each year.
Regional, Chapter & Councils will be asked to submit nominations for consideration based on the following criteria. Based on the Centennial Committee’s recommendation, the BIASC Governing Board will approve award determinations and announcements. The rules and standards are listed below:
Each nominee must meet most of the criteria guidelines below to qualify for induction.
• Displayed extraordinary leadership for BIASC and or the building industry.
• Longstanding and distinguished tenure with BIASC.
• Proven leadership within their company or the association.
• Innovation that advanced the association/their company or our industry.
• Contributions to a community, a region, statewide, or nationally.
Each Chapter will form its nomination committee based on the criteria noted above and will select up to 10 nominees for consideration, including an official written submittal of nomination. Special consideration will be made for nominees who have passed, and this will not count towards the 10 nominees.
The 2023 Hall of Legends class will be officially inducted at this year’s Centennial Installation Gala on November 10th, 2023. We are excited to celebrate this historical moment and look forward to installing our first inaugural Hall of Legends class.
Sincerely,
Dave Bartlett Wes Keusder Jeff Montejano Centennial Co-Chair Centennial Co-Chair CEO, BIASC BIASC Chairman
To learn more, please visit biasc.org/legends or email kdistefano@biasc.org
Ryan Combe, Director of Forward Planning for Lennar Homes’s Inland Empire Division and president of the San Bernardino County Chapter of BIA, is a powerful advocate for active involvement in BIA. Southern California Builder spoke with him about where his passion comes from.
Southern California Builder: Can you tell us how BIA membership tracked with your advancement in the homebuilding industry?
Ryan Combe: I graduated in 1997 from the University of California Riverside’s Anderson School of Management with an MBA, but I had no real work experience. I found an opportunity with Forecast Homes. It was my boot camp where they taught me about every aspect of the homebuilding industry, which also meant going to a lot of BIA meetings. A few years later, a great new career opportunity came up at Lennar Homes, I got even more involved in the Baldy View Chapter, which is now the San Bernardino County Chapter. I joined the membership and program committee initially about 10 years ago, and started to get much more involved with the chapter.
Carlos Rodriguez soon asked me if I would like to be a board member, as Lennar was surprisingly not represented on the board at that time. Carlos guided me into further leadership as I became Vice President of Membership, Vice President of Government Affairs, Vice President of Programs, and now I’m President of the Chapter. I put in a lot of time and effort and got a lot of inspiration from the awesome members of this Chapter and the larger BIA.
SCB: With all those committees, which did you enjoy the most and would recommend to others?
RC: It depends on the stage of your career. Early on for me, it was Programs. Programs are where you hang out and network, which is what many of our trade partners want to do, so being able to plan those events was fun, and seeing them come together was great. That’s how you become a board member –get involved in a committee. Membership and Programs go hand in hand, and are a great place to start, but in our San Bernardino County Chapter, there are so many other committees now that can appeal to everyone. Philanthropy, Workforce Education, Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Emerging Leaders and Government Affairs to name a few.
SCB: Did you get mentors from BIA that helped you with your career?
RC: Absolutely! Being around leaders like Jonathan Weldy, Phil Burum, Tim Roberts and Jim Perry is a blessing, and even in less frequent interactions, legends of the industry like Randall Lewis, Harry Crowell, and Jim Smirl have set great examples of leadership over the years. A lot of those big names with a lot of influence in our Chapter have not only given me solid advice on my career but also on the leadership of this Chapter. My passion for BIA was inspired by them, and especially by my fellow board members and all of the members that I see at events.
SCB: You mentioned your passion. Why are you so passionate about BIA?
RC: Everything we do in this industry stems from advocacy, relationships and networking, and BIA is the center for that. BIA is a network of people who help one another, being a great way to build relationships with trades, suppliers, consultants, and elected officials. I gain so much value out of it, with my career and with the success of Lennar, that involvement is such a nobrainer. I can’t imagine companies not giving their all and encouraging their leadership to be involved in an organization that has the industry at heart and helps to build these relationships.
I’m also very passionate about supporting other BIA members’ businesses. I often get random LinkedIn sales messages from someone I don’t know. My first question is, “Are you a BIA member?” If they will ask what BIA is, I’ll say, “Here’s a link. Get back to me after you’ve joined.” I want to say to them, “You’re in sales, you’re reaching out to builders and you don’t even know what BIA is? Come on! Do your homework!” I’m not going to let someone do an end-around. It’s like sneaking in the back door to a night club when everyone I care about is out front standing in line. If you’re not going to be a part of an organization that we put our time and effort into for the benefit of the entire industry, then I’m not going to do business with you.
Conversely, if I meet someone at a BIA event and then see they are interested in submitting a bid, I say, “Let’s reach out to this company and make sure they get included in our bid process.” I hear the same from other builders –many of them feel the same way and essentially require it, checking to see that everyone that they’re doing business with is a BIA member. I want to encourage that loyalty, and our fellow members deserve it.
SCB: What tips do you have for new members about getting started in BIA?
RC: As President of the San Bernardino County Chapter, I want to push to welcome new people. These events can be intimidating for a first-timer, so I’m making sure there are people prepared to meet you and welcome
you, maybe over a beer or a glass of wine at a social event, at a conference or a golf tournament – our goal is to welcome you. And my advice to the new member is to get involved by joining and working on some of the committees. You’ll grow and build good relationships by being more active. I know it can seem hard to manage your day job with involvement on a committee. Something to consider is delegating those roles to emerging leaders within your company and reaching out to a committee leader to see if there is an opportunity to help.
Even those lucky enough to have a great network and lots of business are still benefitting from BIA, and should support it. The advocacy efforts of BIA help builders, which correlates to them being able to keep building, which correlates obviously to us being able to give work to our trade partners, consultants, suppliers, lenders, and so on. Also, you hear of people thinking they’ll let their membership expire and that they’ll re-join when the economy picks up. I get it, costs are up and margins are down. However, I truly believe that this is the worst possible time for you to put the BIA aside, because it’s when we all rely on its advocacy the most.
SCB: After all your involvement, what’s your favorite BIA memory?
RC: My installation dinner this year was probably one of the greatest nights of my life. It gave me a chance to speak about something that I’m passionate about to a room of 200-plus people who I hoped to inspire. I know most of those people pretty darn well, and just seeing them there to support the BIA, and me personally was so humbling. It was very validating to see how tight those people are with one another, enjoying each other’s company, and it’s all because of BIA. Being able to speak to all of them, seeing all of them, with my family there, was a great moment for me. Looking down at my parents, my wife and my kids as I spoke and to get a chance to show my gratitude for their support was very emotional for me.
Besides that great night, another great BIA memory was helping to create an event and seeing it come to fruition. Coordinating the “Crafted” beer event, helping to choose the venue, and seeing it still going strong after seven years – that’s a highlight, too. And I also love the events at the Nixon Library, to meet political pundits like Karl Rove and other political leaders makes for a great event. I love getting that insight.
SCB: What are your goals as president of the San Bernardino County Chapter?
RC: Obviously, my first objective is to continue to advocate for the industry, followed closely by growing membership – those are my two passions. My new focus is on emerging leaders. I want to grow the farm system, to encourage the people who are new to this industry, to promote them and grow their skills and commitment to the industry. Workforce education and growing our labor base goes along with that, and we’re very excited about our new Junior Builders program
and our Builder Camp for 5th to 8th grade students, informing and educating them so they will move up to BITA when they’re in high school.
The San Bernardino County Chapter will have a big focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, as will BIASC as a whole. We all can recognize that this is not a particularly diverse industry, yet we are selling to a very diverse market. How can we grow our business if we are not relating to our clientele? How can we hire the best and brightest if we’re not attracting them to the industry? It’s so important that I have appointed a Chapter Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the first time ever. And finally, philanthropy is important to me. Our builder community does a lot for the greater San Bernardino community. For example, Lennar Homes is now building a home in Fontana for a veteran hero and we and our industry partners are very excited to be a part of giving thanks to our veterans, who so richly deserve it.
Southern California Builder: As one of the Association’s most enthusiastic members, tell us about AnnMarie Quinn and the BIA.
AnnMarie Quinn: I have been a member of the BIA since I was first introduced to it 17 years ago and I am still continually active. I am passionate about the Association because it has helped me with building new and existing client relationships. My first job in the industry was in builder services at First American Title, where I was told to meet the builders by going to BIA meetings, events and getting involved in committees.
I walked in and said, “What can I do? I want to get involved.” The contacts and relationships just followed naturally from there. Later, when GeoTek hired me, one of my primary responsibilities was to stay involved in the BIA, by networking, building relationships and representing GeoTek. Building clientele base is a marathon created by relationships, not a sprint of sales pitches. People are not going to care what I’m offering if they don’t trust me and like me. The BIA has been the vehicle that allowed me to build that needed trust by showing up, getting involved, and being everywhere. Being such an active, enthusiastic member of the BIA lead to people coining me as “Miss BIA.”
AMQ: I have always been passionate about membership and have been on the Membership Committee for the entire 17 years that I’ve belonged to the BIA. I have lost track of how many new members I have recruited, but it’s enough to earn a “Spike,” the award from the National Association of Home Builders for member recruitment. I am also good at member retention, which I do by getting new members further involved. I helped start the Liaison Program which guides new members for their first six months in navigating the waters of the building industry to further value their
AnnMarie Quinn Regional VP of Client Development GeoTek, Inc.place within the industry. The BIA is the only association I have been able to immerse myself in and really get results that are mutually beneficial for GeoTek, and the building industry. I believe that Membership is the “heartbeat” of the association. The founder of GeoTek once told me, “Being successful is about being at the right place, at the right time, with the right people.” The BIA is the vehicle that allowed me to put into action his words.
SCB: Speaking of getting results, considering who you work for, here is a chance for you to tell BIASC’s members all about GeoTek.
AMQ: GeoTek is an engineering consulting firm that specializes in geotechnical engineering, environmental engineering, construction material testing and inspections. I like to explain to people that we are in the business of “safety.” If you are not on solid ground, then you cannot build a safe dwelling. This is especially true here in California with our earthquake faults and unstable slopes. Everything we do is about ensuring that buildings are safe so that occupants can be safe too.
SCB: In your line of work, you participate in other associations. What sets BIA apart?
AMQ: BIA members are in this industry to ensure that the dream of homeownership can come true! When you are part of the BIA, you are supporting the American Dream. Everyone wants a place to “call home.”
The primary purpose of the BIA is to advocate for our industry and for builders to fulfill the housing needs of the people. Your BIA membership supports all homebuilding and industry partners. The BIA stands in support of all of us. If the BIA was not here to advocate for our industry, then the builders are not building, GeoTek isn’t testing the soil, and the HVAC company isn’t putting in air conditioning.
Nobody is doing anything unless the builders are building. This makes it a mutual bond between us – and the BIA’s advocacy makes it all happen.
SCB: When you are talking to someone about membership, do they understand the importance of BIA’s advocacy efforts?
AMQ: Most do, and if they don’t, I have this example for them: If it wasn’t for the strength of the BIA during COVID, the industry might not have been deemed essential, thus requiring a shutdown. The BIA caught the attention of Sacramento, and suddenly, here we all were, still working! The BIA also sent out COVID updates to educate us on what we needed to do to have COVID-compliant and safe workplaces according to government regulations.
SCB: You mentioned retention. We are in a down market now and people are looking for ways to cut costs, so what is your message to them as they consider their BIA membership renewal?
AMQ: I can speak to this because I was hired with GeoTek during a down market. Down markets are when you need to
be active the most, reinforcing the relationships you have, while simultaneously building new ones. Times like these are when everyone should be a part of the BIA. Moments of weakened markets are the perfect opportunity for coming together to strengthen relationships that will lead to future successes when the economy recovers.
SCB: Aside from personal achievements, what have you gained from membership with the BIA?
AMQ: I have met wonderful, dear friends through the BIA. I have friends that I have come to admire and respect, and if we all stopped working in this industry, we would still be friends. These friends I have made through BIA are irreplaceable.
SCB: We have talked to a lot of people in these Southern California Builder Q&As, but never someone so passionate about BIA. You really are Miss BIA, aren’t you?
AMQ: There are many who are just as passionate as I am because this is an industry that is always doing something positive. The building industry in its entirety is wonderful.
Coach Foster here. I’ve got my chalkboard, my chalk and my playbook so you need to listen up and pay attention. The other team – competition, economic uncertainties, lack of visibility, limited marketing expenses, the whole gamut of brutes that stand between you and your goal line – is a tough bunch but you can utterly vanquish them if you stick with this BIA membership game plan!
First, Get off the sidelines! Never, ever, not even once has anyone scored from the bench. The game is played on the field, so you have to get in the game as a new member. When you joined BIASC, you joined all of its Chapters, too, so there’s no excuse. Making your BIA membership successful starts with attending events, and we offer events of all sorts at all times of day so don’t let your busy calendar be an excuse. No matter what your business is, not matter what your niche, your membership offers multiple opportunities every month for you to cross that line between being on the bench and being in the game.
Second, leave shyness on the bench! Sure, BIA events and even BIA committees can look big and intimidating so that first step forward can be tough. But BIA members are a friendly bunch that want to get to know you. They like doing business with other BIA members and they want your membership to be a key to your success. So put a smile on your face and start saying “Hi!” to people. Engage!
Third, join committees. Our committees are the path to advancing up the BIA ladder, and better still, they give you the opportunity to have like-minded people see how great you are at what you do. You’ll want to start with Chapterlevel committees, like Membership or Events, so identify the ones you’re most interested in, and in no time you will be working elbow to elbow with the folks who can refer you or use our products or services.
Craig Foster Chief Operating Officer/ Executive Vice President
Fourth, join a Council. A Council is like a little BIASC where there’s a diversity of members businesses but a single focus. Just find the Council that parallels your interests or business plan and join in – BIA has the Council on SAGE (formerly the 55+ Housing Council), the Customer Service Builders Council, the Greater Sales and Marketing Council, the Union Contractors Council, and the Safety Alliance.
Fifth, help make BIA financially strong. Buying tickets to all the many events you will be attending as an active BIA member is a great start, but to make the BIA All Star Team, you’ll want to be an event sponsor, too. If your budget is small, don’t worry because there are affordable sponsorship levels. And if you don’t even have two nickels to rub together, you can still be an All Star by encouraging other companies to be event sponsors.
Sixth, find a mentor. You might not be comfortable asking someone who is in senior management at a building company or in a position of leadership at a BIA chapter to be your mentor, but you can be comfortable asking them for advice and insights. It’s the same thing, after all. They will be eager to help and what follows will probably be the beginning of one of the most valuable relationships you will make as a BIA member. Contact our membership team for more details.
And finally, mingle and have some fun! Your BIA membership is like knowing the doorman at the most popular club in town – now you’re in! And it’s not just you; membership is for everyone who works for your company, too. So, look like a winner, think like a winner, and walk into the club – or to keep with the Coach Foster metaphor, step onto the field – and have a great time while making the most of your BIA membership.
Southern California Builder: Tell us about how long you have been involved in BIA.
Jennifer Johnson: Lennar has been a member of BIASC since 1996, but I am not speaking on Lennar’s behalf I am speaking about my personal experience and my road map with the BIA. For myself, I’ve been involved since I started in the industry in 1999 with VanDaele Homes and I’ve been a member of the BIASC Membership Committee for nine years. My membership involvement started with KB Homes, when Chris Haines encouraged me to get involved. Then I went to Standard Pacific, where Marty Langpap was instrumental in supporting my continued journey with membership. Then Standard Pacific merged with Ryland to become CalAtlantic, and then Lennar acquired CalAtlantic, and through it all I was encouraged and supported by Mark Torres and Geoff Smith to continue my involvement with the Membership Committee as well as now holding a position on the Board of Directors for the Riverside chapter as membership co-chair.
It’s funny how I got involved in membership. I’d been attending events since 1999, but wasn’t a part of any committee. I was at KB Home and Chris Haines, a division president, asked for three volunteers. He didn’t say what it was for but promised the first three a gift card to a restaurant. I like restaurants so I was one of the first to volunteer, and we were told to take our phones with us to the Riverside BIA House and participate in a membership drive. I just fit in right away, and I never stopped – they’re my people.
SCB: It is interesting how your involvement continued through all those positions.
JJ: That’s the greatest part. The leadership of every builder that I’ve worked for has been very supportive of my involvement in the BIA, which speaks volumes to how important it is as an employee of a builder to represent our industry. What has been especially good is that even
as a person who was not in a high-level position when I originally got involved I was always encouraged to participate. BIA is really for anyone. I started attending events when I was a receptionist. I have had the luxury of having wonderful bosses who encouraged my involvement. They have a limited number of tickets for events, which are usually reserved for directors, VPs or division presidents. But it’s also important to include some of your support staff because those are the people who are the future of BIA, who need exposure to what we do so they can fall in love with the industry as I did.
SCB: It sounds like your BIA participation hasn’t just benefitted you, but also the companies you work for. Is that true?
JJ: Of course, 100%. As just one example, it exposed me to trades and consultants that I have great relationships with today – relationships that at times help our company to succeed on our projects and meet our objectives. And even when we can’t use their services, the wonderful thing is that I can put them in contact with people they can do business with. The builder presence is so important to trade and associate members, no matter what the economy looks like. As for me, participation gave me confidence in my career and helped me to believe that I could be someone influential in this industry.
SCB: When you convince someone to join BIA, what advice do you give them?
JJ: The biggest advice I can give is to attend as many events as they can, because the more events you attend, the more people will recognize you and reach out to you, so you can become part of the building industry family. It’s also important for new members to understand that it can take more than a year for them to realize a return on their investment. But as they attend more events over time, they will start to notice the positive difference BIA membership can make. Stick it out because it will pay off!
Southern California Builder: West Coast Drywall & Paint is a longtime BIASC member, but for those who don’t know you, please tell us about the company.
John Robinson: First, there are a lot of good drywallers and painters out there, so I don’t want to say we’re a ton more special than the others, but we do focus on one thing, and that’s relationships with our builders. West Coast has been around for about 37 years now, started by Mark Herbert, who was a painter, then in 2002 he added drywall and we became West Coast Drywall and Paint. Last year, we got up to 1,999 employees and I was thinking about hiring my son for a day so we’d get to 2,000. We serve Southern California from Ventura to Lancaster to Coachella all the way down to the border, with about 60% of our work in single family and 40% in multifamily homes.
One thing that’s unique about us is that in 2017 we became employee owned when Mark sold the company to us, and everyone in the company who works at least 1,000 hours a year is a shareholder. That means we are all invested in providing good customer service, and it’s helping us retain our skilled manpower.
SCB: How long have you been involved in BIASC?
JR: I started with West Coast in 2004 and they’d probably been involved in BIA for four or five years before that.
SCB: What do you do to maximize the benefit of your membership?
JR: Mark Herbert was very adamant about relationships, so he wanted us to go to all the BIA events in full force. We would show up with eight or nine people and would decorate our table to whatever the theme was for the event and even show up in costume, so we put on quite a bit into these shows. That’s still how we approach it today.
John Robinson West Coast Drywall & Paint
You have to have relationships to build repeat business and being visible is a way to start those relationships. Sponsorship is also important – we just sponsored Taco Tuesday and a golf tournament.
SCB: Which events give you the most value?
JR: It’s two-fold. I really like how the BIA team puts an emphasis on turn-out at all the events. We try to do the same – I make phone calls to my builders asking, “Are you coming tonight?” I try to get as many people there as possible because at the end of the day that’s why we’re there – to mingle with the builders. Then there’s BIS, which is probably the biggest bang for your buck because they all go. So, if there is only one event you can go to, I recommend BIS.
SCB: You’re getting a lot of value from BIA, so what advice would you give people who are considering joining?
JR: I would tell them to definitely join for one, and then to make take every opportunity to stand out. If it says that costumes are encouraged or says to decorate your table like Mardi Gras, then take the time to do that. It’s a conversationstarter and draws people over because they want to see who those crazy guys are. When you’re there, just talk to as many builders as you can, and build relationships with other subs because they can refer you, or you can learn about new bid opportunities.
Southern California Builder: Tell us a bit about C9 Balloons.
Rick Rodriguez: If you’ve been to BIS, we’re the crazy balloon company that built the giant 60-foot hanging spider at Pechanga and built the house out of balloons at Anaheim. Our products increase visibility which equals increased foot traffic for all of our clients. We have giant, inflatable spheres that say any message a client wants up 100 feet in the air in addition to the vibrant balloon decor that is very good for wayfinding. We also do other kinds of wayfinding, like bootleg lawn signs, signspinners – anything temporary that can be put out on a Saturday morning and taken down on a Sunday evening to build traffic.
SCB: How long have you been involved in BIA?
RR: We have been serving the building industry for over 25 years but were its best-kept secret because we were a subcontractor to probably every ad agency, event company and marketing company in the industry. About five years ago, we realized that we needed to come out from behind the shadows and join BIA and the GSMC (the Greater Sales and Marketing Council) and build our own visibility and relationships directly.
SCB: Has your involvement in GSMC been important to C9 Balloons?
RR: I joined the GSMC so I could make the connections directly with sales and marketing decision-makers, and about a year later I was nominated to sit on the GSMC board. That has been invaluable because it has made
it possible for me to sit with my clients, make decisions with them and work with them, developing very strong relationships with everyone from marketing coordinators to vice presidents of sales and marketing. It’s invaluable.
SCB: How has your membership in the bigger BIA organization benefitted you?
RR: I wish I had done it 25 years ago because it’s made a huge impact on our company. We’re a family-owned small business, so I don’t have a million-dollar marketing budget or 35 sales reps, so we have to work smarter, not harder. Joining the BIA lets me do exactly that, allowing us to be exposed on a higher level than we were before. We also sponsor our fair share of events in all four chapters so people will see our logo and our balloon décor.
SCB: What advice would you give to new members?
RR: You only get out of something what you put into it. I don’t know if everyone would have the same experience that we have, because we jumped in with both feet at BIASC and all its chapters. We are everywhere, to the point that some people must have thought I had a clone, but to get the benefit, you have to work it – and at BIA there’s no shortage of opportunities to interact with potential customers and partners. Be involved, volunteer, be visible. You can’t just sign up, go to a couple events a year and expect miracles because it doesn’t work that way. BIA provides so many opportunities, so you need to do all you can to maximize the benefits they afford.
Platinum - $5,000
8 Tickets to event with reserved seating for program & lunch Company logo on all marketing materials & email invitation Company logo listed on printed program & recognition at event
Gold - $2,750
4 Tickets to event with reserved seating for program & lunch Company logo on all marketing materials & email invitation Company logo listed on printed program & recognition at event
Swag - $2,500
3 Tickets to event with reserved seating for program & lunch Company logo on all marketing materials & email invitation Company logo listed on printed program & recognition at event
Silver - $1,750
2 Tickets to event with reserved seating for program & lunch Company logo on all marketing materials & email invitation Company logo listed on printed program & recognition at event
Bronze - $750
Reserved seating for program & lunch with any tickets purchased Company name on all marketing materials & email invitation Company name listed on printed program & recognition at event
OC Annual Bundle Sponsor
2 Tickets to event with reserved seating for program & lunch Company logo on all marketing materials & email invitation Company logo listed on printed program & recognition at event
For questions, please contact Laura Barber
Rebecca Jarvis is an Emmy-award winning journalist She is ABC News’ Chief Business, Technology & Economics Correspondent; the host and creator of The Dropout, a top rated podcast which chronicles the ise and fall of Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes; and the host and creator of the highly acclaimed No imits with Rebecca Jarvis podcast, which features game changing women. As Chief Business, Technology & conomics Correspondent, Jarvis reports for all ABC News programs including Good Morning America, World News Tonight with Davi d Muir, Nightline, 20/20, and This Week with George Stephanopoulos.
Emily Pilloton-Lam is the Founder and Executive Director of the nonprofit Girls Garage. A designer, builder, educator, and author, she has taught thousands of young girls and gender-expansive youth how to use power tools, weld, and build projects for their communities She has presented her work and ideas on the TED stage, The Colbert Report, CNN, and in the documentary film If You Build It. She is the author of 3 books about the power of community-based architecture. Emily is a Lecturer in the College of Environmental Design at the University of California, Berkeley, and lives with her family, human and canine, in Oakland, California.
Dunn is a two-time Emmy Award-winner and four-time nominee She is a Golden Globe-nominee, Critic’s Choice Award winner and Producer’s Guild of America award winner for her work on “The Dropout” limited series. She is the recipient of the 2021 Sigma Delta Chi Awards for excellence in journalism, the 2020 Edward R Murrow Award for “The Dropout” podcast, the 2020 iHeartRadio Podcast of The Year award, the winner of the 2019 Front Page Award for Radio: In-Depth Reporting, and a three-time recipient of the Edward R Murrow Award for Overall Excellence in Television and Radio. She holds a B.A from the University of Virginia.
Southern California Builder: Tell us a bit about your company.
Laer Pearce: We like to say, “If it’s regulated, we can communicate it.” We use our skills as communicators to build the local support that’s needed to navigate a new development through the CEQA process, or to get revisions made to a proposed regulation that will hurt the industry, or whatever else is needed to help homebuilders and developers succeed in California’s highly regulated environment.
SCB: How important has BIA membership been to your firm?
LP: It has been at the core of our growth strategy. In the early 1990s, when I was a new BIA member, the California gnatcatcher was proposed for listing as an endangered species. I saw that this posed an existential threat to the industry, so I worked with the Orange County Chapter to form an Environment Committee, which I chaired, and put out a monthly environmental newsletter, which I wrote. That directly led to a decade of work managing the industry’s successful campaigns against the state and federal listings of the bird, and then in support of the Natural Communities Conservation Plans that were the industry’s path forward through this and all subsequent species listing efforts. That gave Laer Pearce & Associates a high profile, which led to dozens of additional jobs helping new developments secure approvals and in support of the industry’s position on various regulatory or legislative proposals.
SCB: Has involvement in BIA’s committees been helpful to your business?
LP: Absolutely. As just one example, some of the people I worked with while serving on the BIASC Board as Communications Chair in the mid-2000s are still clients today or are still referring me to their business associates. That’s the best thing about BIA – the friendships and business relationships that grow out of BIA involvement are there for the long-term, bearing business and personal benefits not just for years, but for decades.
SCB: As someone who has been involved in advocacy for years, how would you characterize BIASC’s role in protecting the industry in Southern California?
LP: BIASC and its chapters are highly effective advocates. Whenever I’m working on an entitlement project, for example, I want to get a support letter and public hearing testimony from BIA because electeds throughout the region know and respect our Association. In the last few years, the Association’s promotion of digital advocacy and its educational outreach to the employees of its member companies have been game-changers. The challenges have never been greater, but thankfully BIA’s engagement has never been stronger or more effective.
SCB: What advice would you give to new members?
LP: Don’t underestimate what BIA membership can do for your company. Think big, make big commitments, and you will be rewarded.
Go to a business marketing seminar and you will be advised to build your business during down markets. Here are profiles of four new BIASC member companies that have a common thread: Everyone interviewed has a positive and optimistic outlook and believes that now is a great time to join BIASC.
Southern California Builder: What is GXG Energy and what does it provide homebuilders?
K. E. Maani: GXG Energy came to be out of a legacy problem with California’s electrification infrastructure that impacts homebuilders, among others. We are proud to offer the most advanced residential energy system in California, which provides a holistic approach to community energy based on power aggregation for single-family residential subdivisions, while alleviating pressure from grid assets during the tough afternoon and evening hours. We put up rooftop solar, then store all the output from the residences in an on-site centralized energy storage system in a closed-loop microgrid. When it’s needed, we convert it from DC to AC and deliver it to the homes. During peak hours, blackouts and times of voltage instability we are able to shift the resource to where’s its needed, delivering homeowners an optimized experience and best-in-class cost savings.
SCB: What first interested you in BIASC membership?
KEM: BIASC is a very exclusive club for high-achieving organizations, and we feel it’s a good place for us. It is, first of all, an excellent platform for us to learn about our target customers’ concerns, as we did recently when we found out that the electric utility in the Coachella Valley is not currently connecting new subdivisions to power. That is a problem our microgrids can solve. I learned very early in my life to be careful who I learn from, so we did a lot
K.E. Maani GXG Energyof research because we didn’t want to become entangled in too many associations, and all the people we talked to convinced us that BIASC was the right place for us. If you look, for example, at the recent Outlook 2023 event in Irvine, it was very inciteful and gave us excellent data – having a source of insight like that available to us was phenomenal.
The second part of the prong is how BIA can help us to advance the discussion about energy participation, which is required by law – and the law is changing. We want to help homebuilders to understand what the future holds for electrical supply and use. Under the new rulemaking that went into effect on April 14, the regulated utilities are no longer interested in paying you an exorbitant amount in energy credits from solar, so homebuilders and homebuyers alike in this new era need to learn how to become impactful energy participants in the game instead of just flipping the switch and finding out that the utility can’t cover them.
KEM: Everything we’ve discussed today requires a collaborative approach, and the only way to solve it is through platforms like BIA, so we can work together to tackle the issue and attain benefits for everyone. I would like to help BIA spread the word so its members get up to date on this issue so we can power the homes of the future, and we are therefore looking forward to being very active in the Association.
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Member Since 1937
At SoCalGas we live by three values: Do the Right Thing, Champion People and Shape the Future. These values permeate our company. They guide how we think and drive our actions. As one of America’s largest energy providers, our values are the lens through which we see every opportunity and challenge.
With our values providing a strong foundation, our mission statement presents an actionable framework of purpose and intent. At SoCalGas, we’re dedicated to leading the transition to a decarbonized energy system.
We believe every Californian deserves a clean, affordable, resilient energy future. SoCalGas is working to achieve that future through innovation, collaboration, and decarbonization.
Learn more about SoCalGas at socalgas.com.
Member Since 1957
Membership Statement: First American Title Homebuilder Services proudly continues our membership of 66 years with the BIASC. Our relationship with the BIASC has provided a unique opportunity for us to connect with industry professionals passionate about trends in the homebuilding industry.
Member
Bird - $99
- $114
T A B L E S
C Member Table of 10 Attendees
Early Bird - $990 Regular - $1,275
S P O N S O R S H
P r e s e n t i n g S p o n s o r - $ 2 3 9 9
I n c l u d e s : T a b l e o f 1 0 w / 2
b o t t l e s o f w i n e , C o m p a n y
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I n c l u d e s : 6 A t t e n d e e
T i c k e t s , C o m p a n y l o g o o n
e v e n t m a r k e t i n g a n d
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Early Bird - $1,199 Regular $1,484 WRITER f 10 (inc. 2 - $792 WRITER
f 10 (inc. 2
2 bottles of 025
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M e r l o t S p o n s o r - $ 9 9 9
I n c l u d e s : 4 A t t e n d e e
T i c k e t s , C o m p a n y l o g o o n
e v e n t m a r k e t i n g a n d
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C h a r d o n n a y S p o n s o r - $ 6 9 9
I n c l u d e s : 2 A t t e n d e e
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Southern California Builder: You have quite an interesting story. Tell us about yourself and Julie Laughton Design Build, which has completed over 1,000 remodels and custom homes in coastal Orange and Los Angeles counties.
Julie Laughton: I’m a female licensed general contractor, which makes me unusual and unique, but what sets me apart from everyone else is I do the architecture, I manage the five engineers, I am the interior designer, I am the space planner, I am the custom kitchen designer – certified and licensed in all this except architecture – and then I’m the project manager making all the submittals to the city, and when that’s done, I pull the permit as the contractor and run the job personally. There’s nobody under me making decisions; it’s just me. I have a lot of great helpers, but I’m running the job every day.
Most of our work is in coastal Orange County with some ground-up custom homes, but mostly remodels. I’m comfortable with the remodels because it’s harder, more complicated and that makes it more fun for me because it takes more creativity to get it done.
SCB: Your company is very successful and you are very busy, so why did you decide to join the Building Industry Association?
JL: The company is at an important point because I plan on growing it from $10 million to who knows? Maybe $100 million! I’ve spent the time and money to build the foundation, so now I’m ready to expand my existing business, and it’s very important to me that I make sure I’m not missing anything. Part of joining BIA is that I want people to know who I am, and membership will make it possible for me to tell my story to more people. But also, I’m a girl from Iowa who likes to follow the rules and BIA membership then is also about me wanting to make sure I do everything right. As I grow Julie Laughton Design Build,
I might have questions and I think that at BIA I will be able to find other people in the business I can talk to who know what I know and have their own perspective – so I’m excited about joining and want to learn more about everything BIA has to offer.
SCB: Well, a good way to start is to read this issue of Southern California Builder.
JL: Oh, good, then I’ll read it and learn everything I need to know.
SCB: Before we go, let’s talk a bit about what it was like to be a woman in your field when you first started.
JL: When I got out of college where I studied architecture, landscape architecture, mechanical engineering and interior design, my first job was in New York City with an architecture firm when I was 21. I was the only woman in the firm, so I had to do all the scut work – they sent me out to measure all these buildings and offices with all these contractors and trades on site. This was in the 80s so of course I was in heels and a skirt, and of course there was constant whistling, whooping and hollering, but it didn’t bother me because it was just the times, and because the men I worked with – and it was all men – were professional and I was learning the ropes of a business I loved.
In time, I started having to go to meetings with the big five developers in New York City with their architects and their contractors, and it was my job to do things like tell them they had to move walls around to get things to fit. It was weird because I was just 24 years old and I was dealing with 50-year-old serious men. They were crusty and tough, but for me it was fun because it was professional, I was learning so much, and I was earning their respect.
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Southern California Builder: As a new member, please introduce the BIASC community to Tax & Financial Group and the firm you can provide our industry.
Brandon Kepley: TFG is a boutique financial services firm that has been around since 1970. We work with business owners, helping them with business succession planning, personal retirement and estate planning, and even personal financial planning – all the long-term planning that is needed for them to achieve their vision for themselves and their business.
SCB: What brought about the decision to join BIA?
BK: I decided that I needed to create a niche for myself, and I wanted to be known as the financial advisor to the building industry because it’s such a great industry. The most successful building companies in the U.S. were here in Orange County, and being in Orange County ourselves, it looked like a good opportunity to join in and help them with the things that we do – for the builders and all the related businesses, the engineers, the architects, and the contracting companies, where we can add value. The firm encourages us to take on roles in associations, and since I like the building industry and grew up around construction, I saw the BIA as a great opportunity for us to provide a needed service to a strong and dynamic industry.
SCB: What are you looking forward to doing with BIA now that you’re a member?
Brandon Kepley Tax & Financial Group
BK: I love events and membership and look forward to being involved there. In fact, I was just talking to Zack Torres about getting involved with the Membership Committee in the Orange County Chapter. For now, I’m on Orange County’s NextGen Government Affairs Committee, and that has been an excellent entry point for me. I’m new there, but it’s already helping to get me involved and start putting some work into helping with what’s going on in the committee and the association. I like being involved, and I understand that the BIA can take some time to get to know and get to be known, so I’m looking forward to showing them my solid commitment level.
SCB: It looks like your approach would be good advice for anyone who is joining BIA.
BK: I learned early on through getting involved in extracurricular activities in college that you get out what you put in, so I’m ready to put in the work. That would be a good approach for any new member to follow.
SCB: How optimistic are you that BIA membership will provide value to TFG?
BK: I did my research, and this is a pretty well-thoughtout plan, so I’m very optimistic that it will work. And when it does, TFG will provide return as much value to the BIA as possible.
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While California may be a desirable place to develop, its land use laws are complex. At Miller Starr Regalia, we effectively guide our clients through the state’s intricate entitlement and environmental review processes — with creative solutions that secure defensible project approvals. Our land use attorneys understand the importance of building relationships and have the respect of agency staff and decision makers throughout California — a key advantage because politics often plays such a pivotal role in California land use.
Knowing the law is one thing. Knowing how to implement the law to obtain project approval is even better. See how our knowledge is your advantage at msrlegal.com
Keusder Homes is a third generation family owned and operated residential development company located in Costa Mesa, California. Keusder Homes evolved from the original company called Davies, Keusder & Brown which was in part founded in the 1930’s by W. Wilton Keusder.
W. Wilton Keusder was an early leader in the local home building industry and served in 1955 as one of the first chairmen of the Building Industry Association of Southern California. Wilton was succeeded by his son W. Wayne Keusder who also went on to serve as the chairman of BIA in 1997 and has since been succeeded by his son, Walter “Wes” Keusder.
Keusder Homes has made the American Dream possible for thousands of families over three generations. Since its founding in the 1930s, the company has been a vital force in Southern California real estate with a heritage of superior and timeless craftsmanship which is as alive today as ever.
Today, Keusder Homes continues its spirit and commitment to a long-standing tradition of construction excellence. The Keusder Homes’ management team approaches each new community with an enlightened concern for both the environment and aesthetics. Architectural detailing, innovative design, and overall livability all reflect the high standards that are the company’s trademark.
At Keusder Homes, we realize that you are not simply selecting a house—you’re selecting a home—a home where your children will grow, holidays will be celebrated, and life enjoyed. We take pride in designing and building your home so you can take pride in owning it.
Learn more about Keusder Homes at keusderhomes.com.
Activate Your Employees Now & They Can:
Receive exclusive discounts at Verizon, Staples, Expedia, and more through our savings program with National Purchasing Partner
Grow their network by attending members only networking events including Meet the Builder
Grow their network by attending members only networking events including Meet the Builder
Access the BIASC Membership Directory containing all 900 member companies and 4,800+ contacts
Join a specialty council such as GSMC, Council on SAGE, UCC, and more
Access the BIASC Membership Directory containing all 900 member companies and 4,800+ contacts
Receive exclusive discounts at Verizon, Staples, Expedia, and more through our savings program with National Purchasing Partner
Receive
Join a specialty council such as GSMC, Council on SAGE, UCC, and more
Receive email updates, advocacy alerts, event reminders, and chapter communications from all chapters
Grow their network by attending members only networking events including Meet the Builder
Help us strengthen our collective advocacy efforts, while also adding value and engaging each of your employees by registering them now!
Access the BIASC Membership Directory containing all 900 member companies and 4,800+ contacts
Join a specialty council such as GSMC, Council on SAGE, UCC, and more
Receive email updates, advocacy alerts, event reminders, and chapter
To add employees, please contact: Kaitlin Radcliff: KRadcliff@biasc.org or Lisa Meadows: LMeadows@biasc.org
• I have been in the industry for over 18 years.
• I got a workers permit when I was 15 years old and my first job was in a Convalescent Hospital as the Activities Chair.
• Before the home building industry, I was the Head Trainer for San Diego’s Semi Pro Football team for 9 years.
• I have also been a Doula for over two decades and have delivered many industry babies.
• When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two children, making music, golfing, and enjoying spa days.
• An interesting fact about me is that I have had 17 surgeries.
Email kradcliff@biasc.org with your guess. The first three winners will receive a special prize!
We at BIASC are incredibly thankful for our amazing board members! Not only do they work hard in their respective careers and dedicate their time to BIASC leadership, but they also find time to pursue and enjoy some impressive hobbies! We are in awe of their dedication and commitmentthey are truly rockstars! Thank you for all that you do.
Join
Builders:
• Tri Pointe Homes, 105 active employees
• Brookfield Residential, 85 active employees
• Toll Brothers, 85 active employees
Associates:
• Murow Development Consultants, 40 active employees
• BrightView, 34 active employees
• John Burns Research & Consulting, 33 active employees
As we all know, many things have changed over the last few years. However, one thing has remained, and that is BIASC’s dedication to our members. Our goal at BIASC is to continuously add value to your membership and increase the overall return on your investment. As we look forward, it is our priority to implement new benefits, events, and programs that will aid us in accomplishing this goal.
Our persistent advocacy efforts have allowed us to make great strides on behalf of the entire home building industry. These efforts have assisted in avoiding policies that would have had many negative implications on our members and their businesses. These important victories simply would not have been possible without the support of each of you, who have demonstrated an eagerness to respond to our calls to action in times of need.
The dedication we have to our members does not end with advocacy. We also remain committed to providing meaningful networking opportunities that allow members to expand and grow their businesses. To date in 2023, we have hosted over 35 events, and we are just getting started! While the majority of these events have been in-person, we continue to host a handful of events virtually to provide the flexibility that many of our members require to fit their busy schedule. Last month, we successfully hosted another round of our Virtual Meet the Builder events. These annual, virtual opportunities provide members from across the state access to network with key decision makers from builder companies such as Brookfield, Homes 4 Families, Lennar, Shea Homes, Toll Brothers, and many more!
Kaitlin Radcliff BIASC Director of Membership
Lisa Meadows BIASC Director of Membership Services
As a team, we are excited to continue collaborating to find innovative ways to serve our members. As you likely know, this October we will be hosting our annual Building Industry Show (BIS) in partnership with the BIA of San Diego! This will undoubtably provide our members with access to the most influential contacts within our network. In the near future, we will also be launching an app that will allow members to connect with each other on a level that was never before possible! Our bottom line is this: our members are our priority, and our passion to help members achieve their business goals is stronger than ever. The services of BIASC are more crucial now than ever to the success of our members and our industry, and that is something we do not take lightly.
Our members are the pulse of our association. Each year, members show their steadfast support of the BIA through membership renewal, advocacy support, event attendance, council participation, volunteering, and referrals. Without this continued support, we would not be able to maintain our collective voice throughout the region. We will continue to protect and grow our industry throughout Southern California, and your support is not only greatly appreciated, but imperative to our overall success. As we have seen many times throughout the last few years alone, great things can be achieved when we work together. In order to amplify our voice, we need as many industry leaders at the table with us as possible. If you have questions or would like to get more involved, please feel free to reach out to us directly at membership@biasc.org.
Thank you for your continued support! We are proud to work in close partnership with you!
Introducing the Builders for Better Communities Foundation (BBCF), a new charitable nonprofit that will serve to promote diversity, equity, and inclusiveness on behalf of the Building Industry Association of Southern California within the Southern California region.
Designated as a 501(c)(3), the Builders for Better Communities Foundation is a new charitable nonprofit that will serve to promote diversity, equity, and inclusiveness on behalf of the Building Industry Association of Southern California within the Southern California region.
Supporting AFFORDABLE HOUSING opportunities for U.S. Veterans and their families is a cornerstone of Builders for Better Communities Foundation (BBCF).
California’s housing crisis continues to have a significant impact on the most vulnerable, including our veterans. BBCF will advocate to improve the HOUSING AVAILABILITY and AFFORDABILITY for those veterans. Learn more at buildersforbettercommunities.org.
Born out of the Sacramento Regional Builders Exchange which was founded in 1901, the Construction Industry Education Foundation (CIEF) works to introduce and engage high school students and young adults to the rewarding careers available in the built environment. In 2022, CIEF will serve more than 4,000 students through our programs and award more than $100,000 in academic and summer program scholarships.
Our Mission
To empower students to pursue careers in the built environment.
Our Purpose
The Construction Industry Education Foundation develops construction, design, and trade professionals through educational endeavors, mentoring initiatives, and training activities.
Learn more by visiting https://www.cie.foundation/.
I
S e a r c h n o w !
2 C L I C K S
B u y e r s f i n d t h e i r d r e a m h o m e i n S o u t h e r n
D A T A
A C C U R A C Y
C r e a t e d b y a t r u s t e d n o n - p r o f i t a d v o c a t e a n d r e s o u r c e f o r o v e r 9 0 y e a r s w i t h i n t h e h o m e b u i l d i n g i n d u s t r y ,
D I R E C T
C O N T A C T
O u r p e r s o n a l r e l a t i o n s h i p s w i t h t h e b u i l d e r s a n d d e v e l o p e r s t h e m s e l v e s g u a r a n t e e n o t h i r d p a r t i e s
Since 1989, HomeAid Orange County has approached the crisis of homelessness with a unique and collaborative mindset. Our mission is to help people experiencing or at risk of homelessness build new lives through construction, community engagement, and education. Our unique model, rooted in in-kind donations of labor and materials from our homebuilding industry partners, saves a significant cost on each HomeAid-built housing project.
HomeAid Orange County is the founding affiliate of HomeAid.
Our Vision
To be a vital force in creating safe and dignified housing for people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Our Purpose
To improve or expand housing and resources for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and to advocate for housing as a human right.
What Drives Us
Inclusiveness: Every individual has worth and human dignity. Through a willingness to help our neighbors in times of need and to understand the unique stories behind each person we serve, inclusivity is one of our three core values.
Collaboration: We embrace working together as a community to achieve what we know is not possible alone. By coming together, we can do more to support the people we house and serve.
Integrity: Ensuring that everything we do is accomplished with a sense of responsibility, honesty, respect, confidence, and a commitment to stay consistently aligned with our mission.
Learn more about HomeAid Orange County by visiting https://www.homeaidoc.org.
-Define and limit your liabilty.
-Attract more buyers with peace-of-mind protection.
-Exclusive Customized State Warranties.
-Efficient claims handling process, including free mediation.
Contact me for a quote.
Lydia Toscano 800.247.1812 Ext. 2651 sales@rwcwarranty.com
The Donald Chaiken Building Industry Technology Academy (BITA) is a four-year high school construction training curriculum designed to build awareness of the various career options in construction and provide students the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to pursue a career in the building industry.
BITA provides a trained workforce to meet industry demand, offset worker retirement, and avoid labor shortages. BITA enhances the public perception of the building industry, its diverse career opportunities, and hardworking employees.
Learn more about BITA by visiting https://www.mychf.org/what-is-bita. Don’t forget to attend BIA Orange County Chapter’s Annual Wine Event benefiting BITA in fall 2023!
My father was BIA Orange County Board Member, President, and NAHB National Director.
My brother and I served as BIA Riverside Chapter Board Members, representing three generations of participation in the BIA. My father and mother (along with Ralph and Goldy Lewis) helped launch and teach classes in the NAHB “Resident Apartment Manager” RAM Certification program.
We have always valued our BIA membership very highly, especially for the rewarding and longstanding friendships in this most exciting industry, and will continue to do so into the future.
May 3
May 4 4
BIA Los Angeles/Ventura Chapter & GSMC Chili Cookoff
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Williams Ranch Product Tour
BIASC Leadership Reception in the Desert
Thursday, May 4 2023
The Living Desert in Palm Desert
May 8
May 1 7
BIA Orange County Chapter Golf Tournament
Monday, May 8, 2023
Cota de Caza Golf & Racquet Club
BIAOC and NextGen Model Home Tour
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Solis Park - Irvine
BIASC Hall of Fame Celebration
May 2 3
June 1
Tuesday, May 23, 2023 Foundation Room
Anaheim House of Blues
BIA San Bernardino County Chapter & BIA Riverside Chapter Joint Top Golf Event
Thursday, June 1, 2023
Top Golf in Ontario Members Only!
June 9
June 1 2
BIA Orange County Chapter Women in Leadership Conference
Friday, June 9, 2023
City National Grove of Anaheim
BIA Los Angeles / Ventura Chapter Golf Tournament
Monday, June 12, 2023 Moorpark Golf Club
BIASC Council on SAGE Breakfast
June 1 5
Thursday, June 15, 2023
To Be Announced
BIA Orange County Chapter Whiskey Tasting Event
June 1 5
Thursday, June 15, 2023
Dacor Kitchen Theater in Irvine
BIA OC & LAV Mechanics Lien Seminar
June 1 6
July 1 3
Friday, June 16, 2023
Virtual Event
BIA SBC & RIVERSIDE CHAPTERS
JOINT BBQ Networking Event
Thursday, July 13, 2023
To Be Announced
July 1 8
BIA Orange County Annual Baseball Night
Tuesday, July 18, 2023 Angels Stadium of Anaheim
July 2 0
BIAOC NextGen & BIASC Council on SAGE Happy Hour
Thursday, July 20, 2023
Hangar 24 in irvine
July 2 1
BIA San Bernardino County Chapter Advanced Mechanics Lien Webinar
Friday, July 21, 2023
Online Seminar
July 2 6 BIA Riverside Chapter Government Affairs Luncheon
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
To Be Announced
August 9 BIASC Greater Sales & Marketing Council Summer Social
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
To Be Announced
August 1 1 Southern California Water Conference
Friday, August 11, 2023
DoubleTree in Ontario
August 1 7
August
2 3
August 3 0
September 8
September 2 1
September 2 8
BIA Riverside County Chapter Annual Wine Event
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Wilson Creek Winery Members Only!
BIA Orange County Chapter Crafts & Cars
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
To Be Announced
BIA Los Angeles / Ventura Baseball Night - Dodgers vs. D-Backs
Wednesday, August 30, 2023 Dodgers Stadium
BIA Orange County Chapter Softball Tournament
Friday, September 8, 2023
Irvine Great Park
BIASC Council on SAGE Breakfast
Thursday, September 21, 2023
To Be Announced
BIA Orange County Chapter BITA Fundraiser Wine Event
Thursday, September 28, 2023
To Be Announced
SoCal MAME Awards & SAGE Awards
September 3 0
Saturday, September 30, 2023
Westin Anaheim
October
2 0
October
2 5
October
2 6
BIA San Bernardino County Chapter Mechanics Lien Webinar
Friday, October 20, 2023
Online Seminar
BIASC & BIASD Anniversary Celebration on USS Midway
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
USS Midway
BIASC & BIA San Diego 2023 Building Industry Show
October 26, 2023
Marriott Marquis San Diego
November 1 0
BIASC Centennial Regional Installation Gala
November 10, 2023
San Juan Capistrano
November 1 5
BIASC Greater Sales & Marketing Council Women's Leadership Breakfast
November 15, 2023
To Be Announced
November 1 7
BIA San Bernardino County Chapter Advanced Mechanics Lien Webinar
November 17, 2023
Online Seminar
BIASC Team Anniversaries This Month:
Building Industry Association of Southern California
Vice President of Events and Human Resources
23 Years
Building Industry Association of Southern California Director of Environmental Affairs and Principal Technical Director
17 Years
Building Industry Association of Southern California
Orange County Chapter Vice President
6 Years
FEBRUARY 7 - APRIL 4, 2023
"20/20 Plumbing & Heating Inc.
Adams Streeter Civil Engineers
Advanced Drainage Systems
Albert A. Webb Associates
APA - The Engineered Wood Association
Arizona Tile
BASF Corporation
BSB Design
Cell-Crete Corp
CementPro LLC
Century West Concrete
Chapman, Glucksman, Dean, Roeb & Barger
Citadel Roofing and Solar
Collins TruWood Siding | Trim
Comstock Homes
Conceptual Design & Planning Company
Connor, Fletcher & Hedenkamp LLP
Constellation HomeBuilder Systems
Converse Consultants
Corman Leigh
Cornerstone Real Estate Consulting, Inc.
Cosentino Los Angeles
Creative Mines
Crowd Theory Consulting
D33 Design & Planning Inc.
David Neault Associates, Inc.
Davis Development Company, Inc.
Delta Q Inc.
Development & Public Finance LLC
Elite Earthworks & Engineering Inc.
Enterprise Fleet Management of Southern California
Eriksson Tile & Stone, Inc.
Farley Interlocking Paving Stones
Fiber Care Baths Inc
FivePoint
Fuscoe Engineering, Inc.
GE Appliances - Apache Jct
Generations Escrow
GeoTek, Inc.
Go-Staff, Inc.
Gothic Landscape
Grandway Residential
Great Western Home Loans
H.J. Fotinos, Inc.
Habitat for Humanity of Orange County
Hardwood Creations dba HCI
Harris & Sloan
Heitec
Highland Fairview
Hillmann Consulting LLC
HomeTeam Pest Defense
Incompli
Infinity Energy Construction
Interior Logic Group
Irwin Partners Architects
Jamboree Housing Corporation
JES Engineering Contractors
K. Hovnanian Homes
Kana Pipeline, Inc.
KB Home Knitter Partners International
Kovach Marketing
FEBRUARY 7 - APRIL 4, 2023
Land Development Consultants
Landsea Homes
Larry Jacinto Construction, Inc.
Latham & Watkins LLP
Lee & Stires, Inc
Leighton and Associates, Inc.
Leonard's Services
Lewis Management Corp.
Lorber Greenfield & Polito LLP
Manhattan Millworks, Inc.
Marlo Naber Public Affairs, Inc.
McCarthy Companies
Meritage Homes of California
Moen, Inc.
MS International, Inc.
MVM Environmental
New West Designs, Inc.
Newmeyer & Dillion LLP
NileBuilt of Southern California
Optimum Group, LLC
Orange County Business Council
p11 creative, Inc.
Pacific Communities Builder, Inc.
Pacific Ventures Management LLC
Pillar Building Group LLC
Prendiville Insurance Agency
Prime Association Services
Pro Coat, Inc.
Proactive Engineering Consulting West
Quality Built, LLC
Rancho Mission Viejo
RCA Associates, LLC
RCS-CM LLC
Reliable Wholesale Lumber, Inc.
Rosenheim & Associates, Inc.
Santa Fe Water Systems
Saxon Engineering Services, Inc.
Seabreeze Management Company
Shea Homes
Sikand Engineering Associates
Silverwood Development Phase 1 LLC
Silverwood Landscape
Site Maintenance Services Inc.
Southern California Gas Co
Southwest Gas
Suzanne's Catering
T&B Planning Inc
T.M. Cobb Co.
TM Grady Builders Inc.
Trammell Crow Residential
TRI Pointe Homes
Triomphe Design
TruTeam of California
United Paving Co
United Production Framing
Valued Engineering, Inc.
VintageGroup
VISIONSCAPE
WD Land
West Coast Drywall & Paint
Womble Investments
X Engineering & Consulting, Inc.
Zonda
Marissa Feliciano 2023 BIASC Council on SAGE President
I am honored to serve as the President of the Council on SAGE and to represent our organization as we continue to advance our mission of promoting the development, design, and construction of senior housing. Our focus on providing cuttingedge information and education, as well as fostering key networking opportunities for professionals in this industry, has never been more important than it is today.
As many of you are aware, the senior housing industry is part of what is known as the longevity economy. With Americans living longer than ever before, the demand for senior housing options is only going to continue to increase. This is a market that has already grown to $7.1 trillion and makes up 46 percent of the U.S. economy, according to Oxford Economics. As baby boomers continue to age, the market is expected to reach more than $13.5 trillion by 2032. The U.S. Census Bureau has projected that by 2030, there will be approximately 71.5 million Americans over the age of 65. This represents nearly 20 percent of the entire projected U.S. population in 2030.
As we move forward, it is critical that we continue to work together as an industry to address the needs of this growing population. Our Council is committed to doing just that, by promoting the development of age-qualified multifamily housing, assisted living, and memory care facilities, among other senior housing options. We believe that by doing so, we can help to ensure that seniors are able to live in safe, comfortable, and supportive environments that promote their health and well-being.
One of the key ways that we are working to advance our mission is by providing access to the latest information and education on trends and best practices in senior housing. Our Council hosts regular conferences, seminars, and workshops that bring together experts from across the industry to share their insights and knowledge. These events are a great opportunity for professionals to learn from one another and to build meaningful relationships that can help to drive the industry forward.
In addition to our focus on education and networking, we are also committed to promoting innovation and creativity in the development of senior housing options. This includes working with architects, designers, and other professionals to ensure that senior housing is not only functional and practical but also aesthetically pleasing and comfortable. We believe that by taking a holistic approach to the development of senior housing, we can help to ensure that seniors are able to enjoy their golden years in a way that is both fulfilling and enjoyable.
In closing, I want to thank all of you for your commitment to the senior housing industry and for your dedication to improving the lives of seniors across the country. Together, we can help to create a brighter future for this growing population, and I look forward to working with all of you in the years to come.
Let’s debunk some myths about Council on SAGE! It is not meant for ‘seniors’ or ‘older industry professionals.’ You might be wondering “What is Council on SAGE then?” SAGE is an acronym for Shaping Advancements in Generational Environments. The BIASC Council on SAGE is a community of experienced professionals with expertise in all aspects of the 55+ Housing Market. SAGE members highlight industry trends and provide guidance to businesses and organizations seeking to succeed in the Age Qualified market. No matter what age you may be, you will gain valuable insight and knowledge about the industry, market trends, and innovative product design.
A popular event hosted by Council on SAGE is called “State of the Market: Senior Housing.” This event features a panel of senior housing experts that cover a variety of different topics relating to the 55+ Housing Market. It is a great opportunity for people of all ages to attend and learn about this section of homebuilding.
What are you waiting for? Reach out to Council on SAGE President Marissa Feliciano at mfeliciano@jamboreehousing. com or visit councilonsage.com for more information on how you can get involved!
NextGen had a very busy and successful 1st quarter. We kicked off the year with a Happy Hour event in Newport Beach that had an incredible turn out. In February Landsea Homes hosted a site tour of their Petra Avelina project located in San Juan Capistrano. There were 40+ attendings and the group was walked through the vertical construction with an emphasis on post tension foundations and framing. In March New Home’s Michael Battaglia was the featured Evening Buzz guest. Michael shared his experience with the group and his hopes for the future.
For the 2nd quarter we are going to have our first government affairs event where we will focus on advocacy training. We will host a happy hour specifically dedicated for donations to HomeAids Diaper Drive. We have a combined site tour with BIAOC planned and a mixer with Emerging Leaders from the Inland Empire.
We are looking forward to the next quarter and continue growing our footprint within Orange County.
