Building Connections is a monthly digital magazine produced and published by the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Fairfield County. Inside you will find the latest association news, legislative updates, upcoming events, and featured articles about the industry.
Front Cover: Designed by Peggy Rubens-Duhl, AIA of Fresh Architect, LLC
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Andersen is proud to support the Home Builders and Remodelers Assn. of Fairfield County and its members.
EXECUTIVE WELCOME LETTER
Hello Members,
I hope you are enjoying the start of spring!
We are very excited for our upcoming events, and hope you are as well. On May 7, we will be having our annual member mixer at Elicit Brewery in Fairfield, and on June 4th we will have our annual meeting at Ring's End in Darien. I hope to see you there!
For those of you who don’t know, we have recently launched a new Young Professionals Recruitment Program. For nonmembers aged 45 years and under, their first year dues is now only $75! Please let nonmembers you know of this great deal!
As you may have already seen, we rolled out a new website. This website is designed to market you and your business! In conjunction with that, we have been doing a social media push to promote your businesses on our new website. We are always looking for new content- If you are interested in a spotlight or want to write an article, please let me know.
Be sure to keep our online membership directory in mind whenever you are looking for a business: www.buildfairfieldcounty.com/directory. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can do anything for you or your business: kerry@buildfairfieldcounty.com.
Kind Regards,
Kerry Brunn Executive Officer
Home Builders & Remodelers Association of
Fairfield County
MISSION
“ The mission of the HBRA is to help promote, protect & improve the building industry in Fairfield County. Our association is dedicated to promoting, strengthening, and informing our local home building market and those who work within it to ensure that we areindependently and collectively - a viable economic engine of growth now and in the future. ”
Join the HBRA of Fairfield County for our May General Membership Meeting and annual
Mixer. Enjoy local craft beer and an appetizer spread, and network with the HBRA board of directors, committee members, and the businesses who make up the HBRA of Fairfield County.
2025 OFFICERS
Immediate Past President John Hertz Hertz Construction Inc.
President: Rob Michaud Michaud Development Group
Senior VP: Brian Kurtz Interstate + Lakeland Lumber
VP & Treasurer: Chris Shea Domus Constructors, LLC
Lisa Heldwhite Breakwater Renovation & Design, LLC
Geoff Knapp Tooher-Ferraris Insurance Group
Robin Carroll Karp Associates
Tori McBrien McBrien Interiors
Bepin Mgushi Fixitup Building and Remodeling
Kevin Polcer Polcer Home, LLC
George Pusser Cornerstone Contracting
Stephanie Rapp Stephanie Rapp Interiors, LLC.
LIFE DIRECTORS
Joanne Carroll JMC Resources
Anthony DeRosa DeRosa Builders
Kim DiMatteo Cross Insurance
Jerry Effren
The Greyrock Companies
Gary Fanali City Carting
Peter Fusaro Preferred Builders
Michael Palumbo
ERI Building & Design
Peter Gaboriault
Bear Paw Builders
Chris Steiner Steiner, Inc.
MEMBER MIXER SPONSORSHIPS
Weds. May 7 | 6p-9p | Elicit
Brewing Co. Ffld. th
Bar Bites Sponsor - $1300
Delicious apps to feed the hungry crowd!
Premium signage at the food table
Opportunity to speak at the event
Logo on all marketing materials
Logo on event banner
Scavenger Hunt Square - attendees have to find you during the event!
10 extra drink tickets to hand out
5 attendees
Featured & tagged in Instagram story
Full page spotlight on your company in Building Connections E-Magazine
Imperial Sponsor - $1000
Premium table display!
Table to display literature and other marketing materials (prime placement)
Opportunity to speak at the event
Logo on all marketing materials
Logo on event banner
Scavenger Hunt Square - attendees have to find you during the event!
10 extra drink tickets to hand out
3 attendees
Featured & tagged in Instagram story
Craft Beer Sponsor - $1200
Premium signage on the bar
Opportunity to speak at the event
Your logo on cups used at the bar
Logo on all marketing materials
Logo on event banner
Scavenger Hunt Square - attendees have to find you during the event!
10 extra drink tickets to hand out 4 attendees
Featured & tagged in Instagram story
Full page spotlight on your company in Building Connections E-Magazine
Top Hop Sponsor - $500
Table Display
Logo on all marketing materials
Logo on event banner
Scavenger Hunt Square
5 extra drink tickets to hand out
2 attendees
Event Sponsor - $250
Logo on all marketing materials
Logo on event banner
1 attendee
5 extra drink tickets to hand out
Membership Raffle Sponsor - $365
Signage at the event
1 attendee
Draw the winning raffle ticket & announce the winner!
Upcoming Events - Register
May 1: Zoom: Tariffs 911 – The Rollercoaster Continues
Presented by Northeast, Join us for the next session in our Tariffs 911 series where we’ll hear how are general contractors feeling on the front lines as the ripple effects of the lumber tariffs continue.
Weds. May 7: GMM & Member Mixer
Elicit Brewing Co., Fairfield | 6pm-9pm
Food, local craft beer & wine, and table display opportunities!
Thurs. May 8: Developers Forum - in Stamford
The Lafayette Stamford | 6pm-9pm
The HBRA of CT’s Developer’s Forum is coming to Stamford!
Weds. June 4: GMM & Annual Meeting
Ring’s End Darien | 6pm-9pm
Join us to kick off summer with outdoor networking, food trucks, live demos, and raffle prizes!
Weds. Sept. 3: Annual Clambake at the Beach
Penfield Pavilion at Fairfield Beach | 6pm-9pm
Our annual clambake is back at Penfield Beach! Save the date and join us for a delicious lobster bake, drinks, and networking, plus table display opportunities!
Monday Sept. 15: Annual HBRA Golf Classic
Tashua Knolls Golf Course, Trumbull
Our biggest event of the year! Register for 9 hole golf* or our “Happy Hour” dinner or volunteer on course. Sponsorships are available for every budget! We are also accepting raffle prize donations. Plus, a portion of all proceeds from this event will go to support the HBRA’s Partnership with the Circle of Care. *The 18 hole tournament has sold out - email hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com to be added to the waitlist.
Have you gotten an email offering a list of IBS attendees, local builders/tradespeople, or similar?
Outside marketing companies have been emailing members offering lists with the contact info of IBS attendees, local builders or tradespeople, and even HBRA members for a fee.
These emails are a SCAM.
The HBRA will NEVER give out our member list to an outside company, and would certainly not allow them to charge for it.
While the marketing company may give out their own list of local builders claiming the information is from us, it is not our member list and we have no control over the information included or who they reach out to.
If you receive one of these emails, mark it as spam and delete.
YP Wine Tasting
Recap
MEMBER EVENTS
HBRA Members and industry guests ages 45 and under joined us April 10th at Bender in Norwalk for our Young Professionals Happy Hour Wine Tasting.
Francois Saudeau guided us through a fantastic wine tasting as we enjoyed networking, delicious apps, and a fun game of giant Jenga!
Thank you to Bender for hosting us!
Learn more here: https://benderplumbing.com/
The HBRA’s Young Professionals Committee is dedicated to fostering networking, growth and mentorship to our industry professionals that are 45 and under, with a special focus on networking, education, and mentorship.
If you are a current HBRA member age 45 or under, email hbra@buildfairfieldcounty. com to join!
Not currently a member? Industry professionals aged 45 and under, from companies that are not already a member or have not been a member in the past two years can join the HBRA of Fairfield County for their first year for just $75!
PLUS, they’ll get a $300 discount on the membership when they renew in years 2-4. Email hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com for information on how to join at the discounted rate!
*Normally $695 each year
Workforce Developement Recap
MEMBER EVENTS
On Saturdays in March, the HBRA of Fairfield County and "Pathways to Construction Trades" held four workshops for high school juniors and seniors to introduce students to careers in fields such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and more.
We welcomed 25 eager students ready to explore career opportunities after graduation. Representing Norwalk High School, Brien McMahon High School, and P-Tech, their enthusiasm set the tone for a truly successful event.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our guest speakers over the four sessions, who generously shared their expertise and inspired the next generation of skilled trades professionals:
•Jerry Peck, owner of Peck Electrical Contracting Services LLC in Monroe, offered invaluable insights into the life of an electrician and the realities of running a business.
•Tomas Fernandez Whitechurch, owner of Fairfield Integrated Systems in Greenwich, captivated the audience with an engaging presentation on the technical intricacies of the Audio-Visual industry.
•Geoff Knapp from Tooher-Ferraris Insurance Group led a discussion on job site safety and how maintaining a safe working environment impacts not only lives, but also the overall operations of a builder.
•Scott Hobbs, general contractor and owner of Hobbs Incorporated, delivered an inspiring presentation, sharing stunning photos of the incredible homes he’s built, giving the students a glimpse into the realities of world-class projects. He also walked them through the intricacies of blueprints for a large-scale construction project, making it a highly interactive session.
•Francisco Poou, owner of Cisco Heating & Cooling, shared his inspiring story of building a business from the ground up. Francisco made it hands-on by guiding students through electrical connections, sparking both curiosity and excitement for a career in the trades.
•Jason Cohen from Northeast and Zachary O’Connor from Viega LLC offered students a deeper understanding of the supplier and building materials side of the construction industry, and led the students in engaging team-building activities.
MEMBER EVENTS
•Rick's Plumbing provided a hands-on experience that left a lasting impression. Along with demonstrating key plumbing techniques, they generously gave students t-shirts, making them an instant favorite.
•Rick Taylor of HMTX Industries also captivated the students with a lesson on installing interlocking flooring. Many were amazed to learn about the scale and influence of HMTX, a global leader headquartered right in our own community. Who knew such an incredible company was in our backyard?
Plus at our final session, HBRA members were invited to join the students for lunch to meet the students and offer additional networking opportunities. A heartfelt thank you to Rich Cunningham of Ed's Garage Doors, Lisa Heldwhite and Fred Heldwhite of Breakwater Renovation & Design LLC, Peter Stofa of Peter Stofa & Co., and Robin Carroll of KARP Associates Inc. for their time and support.
A special thank you to HMTX Industries for graciously hosting us at their outstanding facility—your support made this event possible!
Learn more: https://hmtx.global/
And we extend a huge thank you to our generous sponsors for their financial support of this event:
•Bepin Mgushi from Fixitup Building and Remodeling
•Jody and David Neaderland from Sound Control Technologies
•Peter Stofa from Peter Stofa & Co.
We’re excited to continue supporting these talented students on their journey into the construction trades and beyond. The future of the industry is bright!
The next round of classes will be held later this year.
More info on this great program can be FOUND HERE – we need your help supporting the next generation of tradespeople!
Recap
Professional Women in Building Council members gathered April 17th at West Out East in Westport for our April meeting, “Connections in Full Bloom.”
Attendees stepped into a garden of possibilities as we welcomed Spring with blooms and bonding – a unique networking event where meaningful connections blossomed alongside beautiful bouquets. We built stunning floral arrangements to take home while mingling with fellow professionals.
Thank you to all who joined us to build something beautiful – together!
Thank you especially to our Host and Vase Sponsor, West Out East. Learn more here: https://www.westouteast.com/
AKDO Intertrade in Bridgeport hosted our April GMM on Wednesday, April 2nd. 140 members and industry guests enjoyed delicious tacos from the Bodega Taco Truck while touring AKDO’s beautiful showroom displays. To help attendees see all that AKDO has to offer we had a fun scavenger hunt – congratulations to our winner, Nick Sylvester from Superior Hearth Spas & Leisure!
Jim Perras, CEO of the HBRA of CT, and Bob Wiedenmann, Board Member of the HBRA of CT, also joined us to discuss government affairs and the work the State Association is doing at the capitol in Hartford.
Plus, we enjoyed live music from AKDO employee Mike Giammattei and his band, Studio G!
Thank you to AKDO for hosting this great event! Learn more here: https://akdo.com/
Photo Credit: Kirt Washington Photography
Sept. 15 | Tashua Knolls Golf Course, Trumbull
Register now for the 18* and 9 hole tournaments! We also have sponsorship opportunities available. Click below for more information.
*The 18-Hole Tournament has sold out - email hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com to be added to the waitlist.
A portion of all proceeds will go to support the HBRA’s Partnership with the Circle of Care. CLICK HERE to learn more.
All golfers receive on-course lunch and dinner. Join us for our biggest event of the year!
Golfers: 18 & 9 Hole Tournaments
18 Hole: 10am Shotgun Start - SOLD OUT
$1200 / foursome or $300 / golfer email hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com to be added to the waitlist
Network with industry friends, participate in our raffle with awesome prizes, and then see who wins the awards! This year dinner will be back inside, featuring open bar, passed apps, and pasta stations!
Sponsorships Available!
Opportunities are available for every budget. This event sells out, so book your sponsorship today! We are also accepting raffle prize donations.
MEMBER NEWS
MONROE, Conn., April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --
Yonah Group, led by Army veterans Michael Maniaci and Miles Kirwin, today announced the acquisition of the Pella Windows & Doors distributorship serving Connecticut and parts of New York (Pella CT-NY), marking a strategic investment in the region's home improvement market and reflecting a surge in veteran-led business acquisitions.
Michael Maniaci and Miles Kirwin, Owners of Pella CT-NY
Michael and Miles met in 2014 as students at the U.S. Army Ranger School. After leading soldiers in complex environments, both went on to build careers in the private sector—Michael as a building products investment banker at Credit Suisse and Raymond James, and Miles as a management consultant at Deloitte and Chief of Staff at a tech startup. Miles also continues to serve in the New York Army National Guard. They are part of a growing cohort of veterans using the "search fund" model to acquire and operate established businesses with long-term potential. The duo is also from the region: Miles grew up between Westchester and Litchfield Counties, and Michael is a West Point graduate.
"We've spent our careers leading teams in high-stress environments. Now we're channeling that experience into building a customer-first, locally-owned business," said Miles Kirwin, Co-Owner of Pella CT-NY.
"This is more than a business—it's a platform to create great jobs, serve the community, and deliver industry leading products from the top window and door brand in the U.S.," said Michael Maniaci, Co-Owner of Pella CT-NY. "We're investing in talent, technology, and training to make Pella CT-NY the top choice in the market."
Pella CT-NY serves homeowners, builders and architects across Connecticut and New York's Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess Counties with high-quality window and door solutions. Its expert team delivers end-to-end service—from consultation to installation —backed by some of the strongest warranties in the industry. The business is well positioned to benefit from strong renovation demand, aging housing stock and increased suburban investment. The acquisition marks a successful transition for longtime owner-operator Desmond Rea, who spent decades growing Pella CT-NY into a leading Pella distributorship.
"After many years of building this business with an incredible team, it was important to find the right successors— people with integrity, grit, and a long-term vision," said Rea. "From the moment I met Michael and Miles, I knew they were the right fit to lead Pella CT-NY into its next chapter."
Pella Corporation, founded in 1925, is one of the nation's most respected window and door manufacturers. The CT-NY branch will continue to operate independently as an exclusive distributor, supported by Pella's national resources and product innovation.
Whiteford, Taylor, & Preston LLP acted as legal counsel to Yonah Group. Braunstein Turkish LLP acted as legal counsel to DHD Windows and Doors, and Brad Dostal of Benchmark Business Group acted as M&A advisor.
Get Ready for Summer Vacation!
SUMMER IS AROUND THE CORNER! USE THESE DISCOUNTS TO SAVE ON TRAVEL AND ENTERTAINMENT DURING SUMMER BREAK AND ALL YEAR LONG!
T h e m e P a r k s T h e m e P a r k s
HBRA members can get discounted tickets
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O V I E , T H E A T R E & O V I E , T H E A T R E & N C E R T T I C K E T S N C E R T T I C K E T S day got you stuck inside? Save on day got you stuck inside? Save on s to Broadway and NYC shows, concert s to Broadway and NYC shows, concert s, plus movie tickets at AMC Theatres, s, plus movie tickets at AMC Theatres, l Cinemas, Showcase Cinemas, l Cinemas, Showcase Cinemas, mark, & more! mark, & more!
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NEW MEMBERS
Arena Development | Joseph Schinella
Find out more HERE
Audio Command Systems | Richard Hollander
Find out more HERE
Brianna Scott Interiors | Brianna Untener
Find out more HERE
Builder Lead Marketing | Mary Anglade
Find out more HERE
Dushi Marble and Granite | Kristian Dushi
Find out more HERE
Green Circle Architectural Salvage | Greg Stanton
Find out more HERE
McWilliam-Autore Interiors | Heather McWilliam
Find out more HERE
New England Propane | Dennis Nemchek
Find out more HERE
NJA Interiors| Naika Andre
Find out more HERE
NEW MEMBERS
Playroom Projects| Marci Gordon
Find out more HERE
R. Piro Electric | Robert Piro
Find out more HERE
R. Piro Electric | Monika Piro
Find out more HERE
Regal Real Estate | Brian A. Clarke Jr.
Riverside Design and Build, LLC | Michele Rudolph, AIA
Find out more HERE
Aging in Place | Home Solutions CT | Eric Lee
Find out more HERE
SALES SHEET
GO BEYOND.
A subflooring panel with a built-in barrier for jobsite durability.
AdvanTech X-Factor panels are the latest innovation from the subflooring brand builders have trusted for more than 20 years for the FLAT OUT BEST™ start to a quiet, stiff floor. AdvanTech X-Factor is a new class of premium subflooring with a fade-resistant, watershedding surface on a high-performance engineered wood panel. With a built-in protective top layer, it takes the moisture resistance teams expect from an AdvanTech panel to the next level and pairs well with AdvanTech™ subfloor adhesive for a Squeak-Free Guarantee™1
The built-in, water-shedding top layer provides a distinctively smooth, even, premium subfloor surface that is marker friendly and easy to clean.
AdvanTech X-Factor Panels
Interstate Lumber Rebrands as Interstate: A Bold New Look for a Century-Old Legacy
GREENWICH, CT — Interstate Lumber, a fourth-generation, family-owned business serving builders, architects, designers, and homeowners for over 100 years, is proud to unveil its new brand identity. Moving forward, the company will operate under the simplified name Interstate, accompanied by a modern logo and refreshed visual identity that reflect its ongoing evolution—while honoring its long-standing legacy.
Founded in 1922 as a small coal and lumber yard in Greenwich, Connecticut, Interstate has grown into a premier supplier of building materials, millwork, windows and doors, decking, moulding, and architectural hardware. At every stage of its growth, the company has remained dedicated to a single mission: empowering professionals and homeowners with top-quality products, expert guidance, and reliable support to bring their projects to life.
“Our rebrand to Interstate represents more than just a name change,” said Sheldon Kahan, President. “It reflects who we’ve always been—your partner in perfect™. We’re still family-owned. We’re still local. And we’re as committed as ever to helping our customers succeed. While our look is more modern, our purpose remains unchanged: to deliver the service, expertise, and relationships that have defined us for over 100 years—and to carry that legacy forward.”
While the branding is new, Interstate’s core values remain the same. The company has earned its reputation by being reliable, knowledgeable, and deeply rooted in the communities it serves. Whether you’re a contractor on a deadline, a designer sourcing custom solutions, or a homeowner beginning a renovation, the Interstate team is ready to support your vision—every step of the way.
What Sets Interstate Apart?
•Custom Solutions
From one-of-a-kind millwork to specialty moulding, Interstate delivers tailored products that meet exact design and performance requirements—ideal for high-end or unique projects.
•Design Centers
Interactive showrooms allow customers to explore materials firsthand, supported by experienced staff who help guide informed, confident decisions.
•Local Expertise
With in-depth knowledge of regional building codes, climate considerations, and architectural styles, Interstate ensures your materials align with both aesthetic and functional needs.
•A Trusted Team
Many team members have been with Interstate for decades, offering unparalleled continuity and service built on lasting relationships and deep product knowledge.
The updated name and visual identity—including a redesigned logo and refreshed branding—will launch this spring across all locations and digital platforms. While the look is new, customers can continue to expect the same trusted team and exceptional service that have defined Interstate since 1922. For more information, visit www.interstatelumber.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Houzz, and Pinterest.
Membership Discounts & Deals
Log in at www.nahb.org
Through agreements with more than 20 national companies, NAHB offers exclusive discounts on a variety of products and services that can benefit your business, employees and family. Members save big when they take advantage of these offers.
Steps to Access NAHB Discounts:
Please Note: Your nahb.org login is separate from your buildfairfieldcounty.com login.
If you do not have an NAHB account, select “Register” on the right side of the screen.
You will need the PIN you received when you first joined the HBRA – find yours by logging in to your account at buildfairfieldcounty.com, or contact the HBRA office and we would be happy to let you know!
After you log in, go to www.nahb.org/NAHB-Community/Member-Benefits/Savings Click on “Learn More” under the discount you want to use and follow the instructions.
See the NAHB "Member Savings Program at a Glance" handout for a full list of available discounts!
Steps to Access NPP Discounts:
Through the HBRA of Fairfield County’s partnership with NPP you can save on products for your business and employees. Membership is free. Visit www.mynpp.com/association/hbra-of-fairfieldcounty/
If you already have an account, select “Log In” at the top right to log in. If you do not currently have an NPP account, enter your information on the form on the right and follow the website prompts to create an account. Click on the discount you would like to sign up for and follow the instructions.
See the NPP handout for a full list of available discounts!
Builder Confidence Levels Indicate Slow Start for Spring Housing Season
Growing economic uncertainty stemming from tariff concerns and elevated building material costs kept builder sentiment in negative territory in April, despite a modest bump in confidence likely due to a slight retreat in mortgage interest rates in recent weeks.
Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes was 40 in April, edging up one point from March, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) released today.Read More
Bipartisan House Bill Would Expand the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit
Reps. Darin LaHood (R-Ill.) and Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), along with 114 bipartisan cosponsors, have introduced NAHB-supported legislation that will improve the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and allow builders to increase production of badly needed affordable rental housing.
Read More
Trusted
Winning Builders
We’re proud to have partnered with Michaud Development on their stunning model home at Granite Woods—recently named the HOBI Award winner for Best Detached 55+ Community.
Looking for a partner who delivers exceptional products and expert support from start to finish? Contact us today.
Let’s build something great together.
Where Inspiration Surfaces
Remodeling Market Sentiment Down in the First Quarter
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) released its NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI) for the first quarter, posting a reading of 63, down five points compared to the previous quarter. While the reading of 63 is still in positive territory, this is only the second time since the first quarter of 2020 that the RMI has been as low as 63.
The NAHB/Westlake Royal RMI survey asks remodelers to rate five components of the remodeling market as “good,” “fair” or “poor.” .Read More
Millennial Buyers Prefer Better, Not Bigger Homes
As the housing industry celebrates New Homes Month in April, millennial buyers say they are willing to compromise when it comes to space. A National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) analysis found that millennial buyers prefer more square footage than other generations, but most would choose a smaller feature-rich home for the same purchase price.
Read More
Total Property Tax Collections Hit Record High in 2024
Property tax revenue collected by state and local governments reached a new high in 2024 and continued as the largest single contributor to state and local revenue.
Total tax revenue for state and local governments also reached a high after falling in 2023, driven by higher revenue across all sources. In 2024, tax revenue at the state/local level totaled $2.095 trillion, up 4.6% from $2.004 trillion in 2023.
According to the Census Bureau’s Quarterly Summary of State and Local Taxes, state and local property tax revenue totaled $797 billion, up 8.2% from the prior year and making up 38% of all state/local revenue. General sales tax revenue was up 1.2% to $587 billion (28% of the total) while individual income tax totaled $537.4 billion (25.6%), up 4.7% over the year. Corporate income tax totaled $174.5 billion (8.3%), up 0.2%.
.Read More
CONNECTICUT LIGHTING CENTERS
X Design Consultation including on-site walk-throughs and Recessed lighting layouts
X Large offering and inventory of integrated LED Recessed Lighting
X Indoor and Outdoor Lighting for all applications
X Door, Cabinet & Bath Hardware
X Motorized & Manual Window Shades
X Lutron Lighting Controls Standard Wallbox to HomeWorks
X Bath Ventilation Fans
X Builder programs
How Mortgage Rates Affect Housing Affordability
As housing affordability remains a critical challenge across the country, mortgage rates continue to play a central role in shaping home-buying power. Although mortgage rates stayed elevated throughout 2023 and early 2024, recent data shows a modest decline in mortgage rates. Even slight declines can have a significant impact on housing affordability, pricing more households back into the market.
“Read More
Slight Decline in Rates Helps New Home Sales to Edge Higher in February
A slight decline in mortgage rates and limited existing inventory helped new home sales to edge higher in February even as housing affordability challenges continue to act as a strong headwind on the market.
Read More
Be Unstoppable with Help from UPS®
The world moves fast – and your NAHB UPS® Savings Program has the tools you need to help your small business move even faster. We’re here to help you push envelopes and ride the edge of what’s possible. We’ll be right by your side with everything you need to keep blazing forward. Let UPS® help make your business unstoppable. Members enjoy the following savings every time you ship:
• 50% off Domestic Next Day / Deferred
• 30% off Ground Commercial / Residential
• 50% off International Exports & 40% off Imports
• Up to 50% off on additional services.
• Plus, UPS Smart Pickup® service is free.
Don’t Let Shipping Mishaps Slow You Down
A lot can go wrong in shipping – package loss, breakage, porch piracy theft. The good news is that you can mitigate the financial impact of some shipping mishaps with InsureShield® shipping coverage. Through your NAHB UPS® Savings Program, you have access to insurance that can help keep your business moving despite the everyday risks of shipping. All you have to do is enter the value of the goods in the declared value* field of your UPS® approved shipping system and you are on your way to better shipping experiences.
Start covering your shipments today: savewithups.com/nahb
NAHB Invests $90K to Help State and Local HBA Advocacy Efforts
Home builders’ associations continue to advocate for prohousing policies to improve housing attainability across the country. To help HBAs overcome local and state barriers to residential construction, NAHB's State and Local Government Affairs Committee approved $90,000 in financial assistance for associations through the State and Local Issues Fund (SLIF). The committee approved the funds during NAHB’s 2025 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas.
Read More
Help Keep Everyone Safe on Jobsites with Free Videos from NAHB
NAHB has a library of dozens of jobsite safety videos that are free to anyone in the construction industry. Through a partnership with the JobSite Safety Institute and the National Housing Endowment, NAHB has been producing the Video Toolbox Talk series for years. There are informative videos on numerous safety topics such as fall prevention, ladder safety, electrical safety, mental health awareness, and more.
Read More
“Gatehouse Partners has been advertising with New England Home Connecticut since 2017, which has been instrumental in helping to get our brand in front of our target audience: homeowners, architects, and interior designers. Working with the New England Home Connecticut team feels closer to a supportive friendship than a business agreement. We highly recommend them (and their networking events) to everyone in the home industry!”
KRISTEN SULLIVAN, GATEHOUSE PARTNERS
Home Builders Tell Congress How Permitting Roadblocks Raise Housing Costs
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) told Congress today that federal permitting inefficiencies delay housing projects, raise construction costs and exacerbate the nation’s housing affordability crisis.
Testifying before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, NAHB Chairman Carl Harris, a custom home builder from Wichita, Kan., told lawmakers that “most land developers have been forced to step away from particular parcels of land due to the uncertainty of being able to obtain the necessary permits.”
On this issue, Harris noted that the Clean Water Act (CWA) stands out among the regulated community because it is unclear which parts of the land parcel may be considered “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) and therefore require a federal wetland permit. Read More
Innovative Options and Designs to Complement Your Home
Pella’s Impervia® windows and doors provide unmatched strength, energy efficiency and lasting durability with proven performance. There’s never a need for painting or refinishing because with our powder-coat finish, our windows and doors resist chipping, chalking and fading.
Rot and corrosion-free to naturally resist water and bugs.
Complement your home with Pella’s proprietary, low maintenance fiberglass that offers a sleek and timeless style. Our windows and patio doors have been tested to withstand some of the harshest conditions, including extreme heat and sub-zero cold, damaging UV rays and seacoast environments.
Pella. Perfectly Beautiful.
For more information, please contact Sabina Mortillaro 631-219-9258 or smortillaro@pellactny.com
RING’S END
Since 1902
Bethel | Branford | Danbury
Darien | Fairfield | Lewisboro | Madison New Milford | Newtown | Niantic North Stamford | Norwalk | Orange Stamford | Stratford | Trumbull Westport | Wethersfield | Wilton
JOIN THE RING’S END TEAM!
Do you have a positive attitude that contributes to a high company morale? Are you goal-oriented and self-motivated? Can you connect with our customers and build strong relationships? Are you an effective communicator? Do you present yourself professionally? If so, you may be a perfect candidate for a career at Ring’s End!
Ring’s End is a Connecticut-based lumber and building materials retailer serving Connecticut, South County, Rhode Island, and Southern Westchester County, New York. We are a thirdgeneration, family owned and operated business with a rich history dating back to 1902. With 20 retail locations, Ring’s End continues to expand and evolve as an industry leader.
The positions at Ring’s End are as diverse as the employees who hold them. Discover your passionjoin the Ring’s End team today!
Strategic Vision
To be the premier resource in the building supply industry.
Mission Statement
To provide the very best products, industry knowledge, customer service, and shopping experience. We do this by employing the best team in the industry, ensuring we maintain a diverse, evolved work environment that values cooperation and teamwork. We look for innovation and continuous improvement in everything we do.
Our Values
• Integrity
• Passion
• Pride
• Accountability
• Community
Work Environment & Commitment to Safety
• Total commitment to safety and teamwork
• Zero tolerance for any form of discrimination or harassment
• On-the-job training/certifications Compensation
• Weekly pay
• Direct deposit & electronic pay stubs (paperless)
• Competitive wages and overtime compensation
• Profit sharing
• Discretionary bonus program
Benefits
• Medical plans including HMO, POS, and HDHP (with HSA)
• Section 125 Flexible Spending Account & Dependent Care Accounts
• Employee Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
