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Hello Members,
I hope you are enjoying the start of summer and are keeping cool!
We are excited for our upcoming fall events and are hopeful you will able to join us! On September 3 we are having our Annual Clambake at Penfield Pavilion and on September 15 we have our sold out annual Golf Tournament-we still have availability to join us for dinner and volunteers!
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
“ 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. ”
Upcoming Events - Register Now!
Thurs. July 10: Young Professionals Happy Hour
Closet and Storage Concepts, Norwalk | 5pm-7pm
Members and Industry Professionals age 45 and under are invited to join the Young Professionals Committee for happy hour networking with beer, wine, and a pizza truck!
Thurs. July 17: Professional Women in Building Council July Meeting
Studio Northeast, Bridgeport | 4:30pm-6pm
Wear comfortable clothes and join us for an empowering self-defense class designed specifically for women. No prior experience necessary — all fitness levels are welcome.
Fri. August 1: Deadline to Place Directory Ads & Fill Out Listing Form
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 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.
*Golf has sold out - email hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com to be added to the waitlist.
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.
Sept. 15 | Tashua Knolls Golf Course, Trumbull
Put your name center stage at our biggest event of the year - sponsorships are still available, or donate a raffle prize, attend our “Happy Hour” dinner, or volunteer on the course!
*Golf 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.
& Volunteer Registration
Volunteers are the backbone of our tournamentwe couldn’t do it without you! Volunteers can help with set-up in the morning and/or work on the course during the tournament Lunch is included, and voluntee and stay for the dinner
Join us for our “Happy Hour” dinner: network with
industry friends, participate in our raffle with awesome prizes, and then see who wins the awards! Dinner will again be inside, featuring open bar, passed apps, and pasta stations!
are
for every budget. This event sells out, so book your sponsorship today! We are also accepting raffle prize donations.
Are you age 45 or under? Join us for our next Happy Hour Networking Event!
$ 2 5 p e r p e r s o n Includes beer, wine, and a pizza truck! C L I C K C L I C K
HOSTED BY
T H U R S . J U L Y 1 0 5 - 7 p m
C L O S E T A N
S T O R A G E C O N C E P T S 3 5 6 E l y A v e n u e N o r w a l k C T 0 6 8 5 4
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.
Annual Meeting
HBRA Kicks Off Summer at 2025 Annual Meeting & June GMM
The HBRA welcomed its largest crowd of the year on June 4th for the 2025 Annual Meeting and June General Membership Meeting, hosted by Elite VIP Partner, Ring’s End, at their Darien lumberyard location.
Members and guests enjoyed a beautiful summer evening with delicious pizza from Colony Pizza Hot Oil Rig, a Pig Roast from Hoodoo Brown BBQ, and drinks from Raise the Bar.
Top industry vendors—including Andersen, Azek, Benjamin Moore, Maibec, Marvin, Upstate Door, Velux, and Weyerhaeuser—were on hand to showcase their newest products and connect with attendees.
A highlight of the evening was the installation of the HBRA’s 2025–2026 Board of Directors. Rob Michaud of Michaud Development Group was sworn in for his second year as Board President, alongside Senior Vice President Brian Kurtz (Interstate+Lakeland Lumber), Vice President & Treasurer Chris Shea (Domus Constructors, LLC), and Board Secretary Karen Bradbury (Closet and Storage Concepts).
We appreciate everyone who attended and extend our sincere thanks to Angela Cullinan and the team at Ring’s End for their continued support and partnership.
Photos by Kirt Washington Photography
Tips and Tools
2025-2026 HBRA of Fairfield County Board of Directors
President: Rob Michaud
Senior Vice President: Brian Kurtz
Vice President & Treasurer: Chris Shea
Secretary: Karen Bradbury
Immediate Past President: John Hertz
Board Members:
Bepin Mgushi
Geoff Knapp
George Pusser
Kevin Polcer
Lisa Heldwhite
Stephanie Rapp
Tori McBrien
Life Directors:
Anthony DeRosa
Chris Steiner
Gary Fanali
Jerry Effren
Joanne Carroll
Kim DiMatteo
Michael Palumbo
Peter Fusaro
Peter Gaboriault
PWB Chair: Robin Carroll
Summer Vacation Savings!
SUMMER IS FINALLY HERE! 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 and deals at theme parks including Walt and deals at theme parks including Walt Disney World & Disneyland, Universal Studios, Disney World & Disneyland, Universal Studios, Six Flags, Busch Gardens, Hersheypark, Six Flags, Busch Gardens, Hersheypark, Legoland, Knott’s Berry Farm, & many more! Legoland, Knott’s Berry Farm, & many more! CLICK HERE! CLICK HERE!
HBRA members can get discounted tickets
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!
CLICK HERE! CLICK HERE!
H O T E L S & T R A V E L H O T E L S & T R A V E L
Save up to 60% OFF regular rates on hotels, Save up to 60% OFF regular rates on hotels, up to 20% on rental cars & flights, or up to 55% up to 20% on rental cars & flights, or up to 55% on travel packages at top destinations on travel packages at top destinations including Orlando, Miami, San Diego, and including Orlando, Miami, San Diego, and more! more!
CLICK HERE! CLICK HERE!
NEW MEMBERS
California Closets | Janet Freedman
Find out more HERE
California Closets | Cheryl Amodeo
Find out more HERE
California Closets | Stacie Russell
Find out more HERE
California Closets | Tanya Medvedieva
Find out more HERE
Chittenden Group | Sam Barber
Find out more HERE
Create It Better | Daniel Veira
Find out more HERE
Davinci Design Windows | Justin Scheitinger
Find out more HERE
Toll Brothers | Eric Altamura
Find out more HERE
NEW MEMBERS
Fairfield Promo, LLC | Ashley Dortch
Find out more HERE
Fairfield Promo, LLC | Jason Martin
Find out more HERE
Home Services by LBR | Michael Weiner
Find out more HERE
Lawley Insurance | Jobed Bijou
Find out more HERE
Lessard Design | Jodi Leigh
Find out more HERE
Main Street Welding | Joe Drotar
Find out more HERE
New Castle Building Products | Mike Sullivan
Find out more HERE
New Castle Building Products | Patrick Giancarli
Find out more HERE
NLongo Construction, LLC | Nick Longo
Find out more HERE
NEW MEMBERS
DSR Construction | Helio Rodrigues
Find out more HERE
Ashley Nicole Social Co, LLC | Ashley Czerniecki
Find out more HERE
California Closets | Janet Freedman
Find out more HERE
Design + Decor | Janine Vairo
Find out more HERE
DiMatteo Group Financial Services | Jessica DiMatteo
Find out more HERE
SALES SHEET
GO BEYOND.
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AdvanTech X-Factor Panels
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!
For a full list of all benefits
Supreme Court Limits Nationwide Injunctions
In a case that could have far-reaching consequences for NAHB members, the Supreme Court today issued a 6-3 ruling that would limit the use of nationwide universal injunctions. A universal injunction stops the defendant from taking an action against anyone, anywhere.
The case, known as Trump v. Casa, has been called the “birthright citizenship” case..Read More
Harvard Report Shows the Housing Affordability Crisis Worsening
The U.S. housing market continues to face uncertainty and record-high unaffordability as home prices and interest rates push sales to their lowest level in 30 years, according to The State of the Nation’s Housing 2025, a report published by the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS)..
Read More
Where Inspiration Surfaces
BROOKFIELD
NAHB Helps Advance Clean Water Act Legislative
Package
The House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee today advanced H.R. 3898, the PERMIT Act, a legislative package aimed at providing the necessary clarity and confidence needed under the Clean Water Act (CWA) permitting process.
The legislation respects environmental protections and provides pragmatic solutions to long-standing challenges faced by builders and developers under the Section 404 dredge and fill, and Section 402 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting programs..
” .Read More
Elevated Rates, Challenging Affordability Conditions Put a Damper on New Home Sales
AElevated interest rates and economic uncertainty sent more home buyers to the sidelines in May as housing affordability conditions remain challenging.
Sales of newly built single-family homes declined 13.7% in May, falling back to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 623,000, according to newly released data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau. .Read More
Sharp Drop in Multifamily Production Brings Overall Housing Starts Down
A sharp decline in multifamily production pushed overall housing starts down in May while singlefamily output was essentially flat due to economic and tariff uncertainty along with elevated interest rates.
Overall housing starts decreased 9.8% in May to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.26 million units, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau.
The May reading of 1.26 million starts is the number of housing units builders would begin if development kept this pace for the next 12 months. Within this overall number, single-family starts increased 0.4% to a 924,000 seasonally adjusted annual rate and are down 7.3% compared to May 2024. The multifamily sector, which includes apartment buildings and condos, decreased 29.7% to an annualized 332,000 pace..Read More
Presenting Sponsor - $2000
- Listed as presenting sponsor with logo on banner at event
- Listed as presenting sponsor with logo on all marketing materials
- 3 tickets to the event
- 1 minute to speak at the event
- Tagged in social media post
- Full page Ad in Building Connections EMagazine for September
Drink Sponsor - $1250
- Premium signage at the bar
- Logo on sponsor banner at event and all marketing materials
- 2 tickets to the event
- Tagged in social media post
- Full page Ad in Building Connections E-Magazine for September
Dinner Sponsor - $1500
- Premium signage at the food table
- Logo on cocktail napkins
- Logo on sponsor banner at event and all marketing materials
- 2 tickets to the event
- Tagged in social media post
- Full page Ad in Building Connections EMagazine for September
Table Display - $500
Set up a table display at the event!
- Table display space at event
- Logo on sponsor banner at event and all marketing materials
- Logo in Building Connections EMagazine for September
- Tagged in social media post
- 1 ticket to the event
Event Sponsor - $350
- Logo on sponsor banner at event and all marketing materials
- 1 ticket to the event
- Tagged in social media post
- Full page Ad in Building Connections E-Magazine for September
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
Practical Strategies for Aging-in-Place Remodels
Adults of all age groups are preparing to stay in their homes as long as they can. This aging-in-place (AIP) mentality is changing the way home buyers and renovators think.
Seventy-three percent of industry leaders say that requests for AIP features have significantly or somewhat increased in the last five years, and 56% of remodelers are involved in home modification work relating to AIP, according to the NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index. “Read More
Which Markets Have Seen the Greatest House Price Appreciation Since the Pandemic?
House price growth slowed in the first quarter of 2025, partly due to a decline in demand and an increase in supply. Persistently high mortgage rates and increased inventory combined to ease upward pressure on home prices. These factors signaled a cooling market, following rapid gains seen in previous years. 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
How PWB Members are Bridging the Skilled Labor Gap in Construction
NAHB’s Professional Women in Building (PWB) Council is working to bridge the skilled labor gap in construction through a new workforce development collaboration with SkillsUSA, a national education nonprofit.
The goal is to inspire and mentor the most talented individuals locally and build a robust construction workforce pipeline. SkillsUSA is the national organization for students in trade, industrial, technical and health occupations education.
Read More
New Study Reveals Significant Economic Impact of Housing Industry Labor Shortage
A landmark study released today from the Home Builders Institute (HBI), in collaboration with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), examines the economic impact of the skilled labor shortage for the singlefamily home building sector. The findings indicate that the skilled labor shortage’s impact on the residential construction industry is a multibilliondollar annual challenge that is responsible for the lost production of thousands of newly built homes.Read More
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KRISTEN SULLIVAN, GATEHOUSE PARTNERS
Mixed Conditions for Single-Family Construction, Apartment Boost in Smaller Metros
Single-family construction growth registered modest gains in small metro areas and declines in large metro counties while apartment growth is shifting to counties with lower population densities, according to the latest National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Home Building Geography Index (HGBI) for the first quarter of 2025 released today.
" Single-family housing construction moderated to start the year as economic expectations remain uncertain,” said NAHB Chairman Buddy Hughes, a home builder and developer from Lexington, N.C. “Meanwhile, multifamily output remained lackluster in high-density areas but registered strong growth in areas surrounding smaller metro centers.”
Read More
Innovative Options and Designs to Complement Your Home
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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
