Lori Wellman, CKD, CGR, CAPS, Immediate Past President
Ryan Trausch, Secretary
Bob Bryant, Treasurer
Michaela Schwarten, Executive Vice President
Directors
Jeremy Bishoff
Dave Chapin
Megan Dreyer
Matt Firestone
Andrew Hartman
Dave Lakin
Jeff Pankoke
Blake Pittack
Scott Schneider
Maria Semerad
Brett Sundberg
Tim Zeng
Remodelers Council
Jason Willet
Past Presidents
Jim Christo
Steve Fulton
Ward Fred Hoppe
Justin Johnson
Bo Jones
Matt Kinning
Mike Kinning
President’s Message
Beau Daffer, HBAL President
It’s hard to believe we are on the back half of summer and the start of school is only weeks away. Hopefully we can all find ways to enjoy what is left before all the normal routines start up again.
I want to take a minute to encourage everyone to really put forth a strong effort to recruit new members. Most recognize HBAL for the Parade of Homes or our golf tournaments. What many don't know is everything HBAL does to help our industry. Take a minute to find someone who is not a member and educate them on how we work to make the building community better. Many people have no way of knowing what all goes on unless we tell them.
Dan Klein, Sr.
Mike May
Herb Reese
Roger Reynolds
Mike Rezac
Denny Van Horn
HBAL Staff
Michaela Schwarten, Jennie Korth, Laure Husmann
Speaking of golf tournaments, the Remodelers Council Golf Tournament is August 16 at Holmes Golf Course. This tournament raises funds to provide scholarships for students in the homebuilding industry. There are plenty of opportunities to participate at this event even if you aren't a golfer. Give the HBAL office a call if you want to learn more.
I will leave you with some words of encouragement:
“Commit yourself to instruction; listen carefully to words of knowledge.” Proverbs 23:12 Want an easy way to share information about HBAL? Click & share the link above for the new Membership Opportunities Guide for 2025!
Calendar of Events
HBAL & Foundation
Board of Directors Meetings
Aug. 1
Aug. 16
HBAL • 6100 S. 58th Street, Ste. C 10:30 a.m. & 11:45 a.m.
Remodelers Council Golf Tournament
Holmes Golf Course
10:00 a.m. Shotgun Start
See page 17 for more info.
Lunch & Learn: Forklift Safety
Aug. 21
Aug. 28
HBAL • 6100 S. 58th Street, Ste. C 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $10 for HBAL Members or $25 for Non-Members (includes lunch)
Remodelers Council Meeting
Residential Remodel
2316 Winding Ridge Road 11:30 a.m. (lunch to follow)
2024 HBAL Corporate Partners
Member News
Our sympathy to Dave & Katie Lakin, VirtuActive 3D Drafting & Design, on the death of Dave's dad, David Lakin, who passed away July 16, 2024.
Special Legislative Session
HBAL’s lobbyists are actively monitoring the special legislative session which began July 25. They are watching any bills which could impact housing and HBAL will inform members as more information becomes available. If you have any questions, please contact Michaela Schwarten at 402-423-4225 or michaela@hbal.org.
Recruiting new members is essential for the Association's growth, effectiveness and long-term viability, ultimately benefiting the entire home building industry.
Recruit new members to earn points. First person to 25 points wins $100. At the end of the drive, we will award cash prizes to the top three recruiters. You must accumulate at least 25 points to qualify.
1st Place - $600 | 2nd Place - $250 | 3rd Place - $100
Recruiting new members is vital for several reasons:
Strengthens the Association
Increases our Resources
Enhances Networking Opportunities
Promotes Knowledge Sharing
Sustains Long-Term Viability
HBAL provides numerous opportunities for members to build their business through networking events, educational seminars and charitable activities. If you're interested in getting more involved or know someone who would benefit from being a member of HBAL, view and share our Membership Opportunities Brochure.
MEET THE HBAL MEMBERSHIP CHAIR
Jereme Montgomery, Stephens & Smith Construction Co.
"Membership in HBAL is not only critical for revenue generation, but more importantly, it creates a sustainable organization that unifies the home building industry with a single voice, increasing the organization's impact and influence when advocating for policies, regulations and industry standards."
*Membership Chair is not eligable for prizes.
Current Standings
Jereme Montgomery*
New Member Points: 38
+3 for attending HBAL 101: 3
Total Points: 41
Herb Reese
New Member Points: 3
+3 for attending HBAL 101: 3
Total Points: 6
Beau Daffer
New Member Points: 6
Total Points: 6
Dave Chapin
New Member Points: 5
Total Points: 5
Marlene Stroup
New Member Points: 5
Total Points: 5
Vance Stauffer
New Member Points: 5
Total Points: 5
Alan McGill
New Member Points: 3
Total Points: 3
Carla Waldbaum
New Member Points: 3
Total Points: 3
Andy Ponce
New Member Points: 3
Total Points: 3
Fred Hoppe
New Member Points: 3
Total Points: 3
Kenny German
New Member Points: 3
Total Points: 3
Mark Aksamit
New Member Points: 3 Total Points: 3
Mark Krings
New Member Points: 3 Total Points: 3
Ryan Maxson
New Member Points: 3
Total Points: 3
Victor Rybak
New Member Points: 3
Total Points: 3
Points are awarded as follows:
• 5 points for each returning member company who has not been a member of HBAL since 2021
• 3 points for any other new member company
• 3 points for any current HBAL member who attends an HBAL 101 luncheon (max. 3 points)
• 3 points for any HBAL member who refers a non-member who attends the HBAL 101 luncheon on October 24 (see page 11 for details)
Membership Drive ends November 30, 2024
2024 New Members
• Cornerstone Industries, LLC
• Deck It Pro
• Evergreen Development, Inc.
• Exchange Bank
• Four by Four Construction
• Gatlin Construction Specialties, LLC
• Heating & Cooling Supply Co.
• Home Guardian, LLC
• K and M Painting
• McHenry Haszard Law
• Nebraska Golf Carts
• Nebraska Spray Foam
• Pine Crest Homes
• Quality Sports Construction, LLC
• Queenpin Builders
• Rybak Homes, Inc.
• Savannah Homes
• Schoen's Roofing
• Simply Home Builders
• Steven Craze Carpentry (SCC)
• Superior Fence and Rail
• Truss Craft of Nebraska
• Visionary Custom Homes
• Wallaby Windows of Lincoln
• West Blue Realty
• Yard Boss
• Ybarra Development, LLC
Upcoming Lunch & Learn Events
All Lunch & Learns will be held at the HBAL Office, 6100 S. 58th Street, Ste. C.
Forklift Safety
presentation by Nebraska Safety Council
Wednesday, August 21 | 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $10 for HBAL Members or $25 for Non-Members (includes lunch)
RSVP by August 19 via info@hbal.org, 402-423-4225 or use this link.
Fall Protection
presentation by Nebraska Safety Council
Thursday, September 19 | 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $10 for HBAL Members or $25 for Non-Members (includes lunch)
RSVP by September 17 via info@hbal. org, 402-423-4225 or use this link.
HBAL 101
Join us for an informal presentation covering everything you need to know to make the most of your membership investment.
Thursday, October 24 | 11:30 a.m.
Cost: FREE (includes lunch)
RSVP by October 22 via info@hbal.org, 402-423-4225 or use this link
Attend HBAL 101 and earn 3 points toward the membership drive!
Nebraska Safety Council Public Training Offerings
Nebraska Safety Council offers a wide variety of public courses; from OSHA 30-Hr Construction training to Emotional Wellbeing at the Workplace, there are trainings applicable for all employers.
Refer to the list below for upcoming course offerings or click here for a complete list.
Tell us about your family. My husband and I live just north of Lincoln in Ceresco NE. We are 4th generation row crop farm operation with the 5th generation just starting in northern Lancaster County. We have two kids: Owen (18) who will attend SCC -Milford for Diesel Truck Technology in the fall and Ada (11) who is in middle school. When not busy on the farm or following the kids, you can catch us on a warm sunny beach or on a road trip in our Chevelle.
What would be the theme song of your life right now? "Growin' up and Gettin' Old" by Luke Combs...lots of adulting in 2024!
Favorite place you've traveled? Costa Rica: the combination of beaches, rain forest and volcanos has been my favorite. Where are you from? Where did you go to school? I am from Brainard which is a small town northwest of Lincoln. I was born and raised there, and my parents are still in the same house I grew up in. I was always an East Butler Tiger! I also attended SCCLincoln and graduated with an Associate of Applied Science - Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? I have driven in Figure-8 races and placed 2nd a couple of times - a LONG time ago!
When you’re not working, how do you enjoy spending your time? Honestly, being with my family and good friends. Whether it's sitting on the patio with a cold one, going out to eat or just being together, there is nothing better.
Who is someone who's made a big impact on your life? Why? I had three aunts who went against the grain. Carolyn was the first female beat cop in Omaha. My Aunt Susan was a Lincoln Police officer. My Aunt Linda was a Nebraska State Trooper. They never let anyone tell them what they should do. My grandparents encouraged and supported them even when it wasn't the popular option. To this day, even though all have retired, they are all very strong women who have raised families and didn't let anyone get in their way.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? Matthew McConaughey - he is not afraid to fight for what is right. He chooses family over being famous. Any tips or advice for new HBAL members? I would encourage you to reach out to another member who is not in your current network and learn more about what they do and vice versa. You may find out you have similar projects, interests or connections and promote both of your businesses as well.
To be considered for the next Member Spotlight, click here
Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation
The Foundation has contributed more than $368,000 to various community service projects since 2010.
Annual Foundation Projects
• Scholarships
• Santa Cop
• High School Interior / Residential Design Contests
• $165,331
Community Support Projects
• Local High School Construction Programs
• Habitat for Humanity
• Local Non-Profits
• Member Causes & Projects
• Disaster Relief
• $203,049
Total $368,380
The Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation's mission is to support the educational and charitable activities of HBAL. Since 2010, the Foundation has distributed over $368,000 to various community service projects related to the homebuilding industry. You can find more information about the Foundation on www.HBAL.org.
By participating in these events, you are supporting the Foundation!
Carts must be reserved in advance! There is limited availability, so be sure to mark on your registration form if you would like a cart.
The proceeds from this event will go to the Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation. Its mission is to support the educational and charitable activities of the Home Builders Association of Lincoln. The Foundation strives to support the community by contributing to community service projects focused on housing, as well as providing scholarships for students pursuing a career related to the building industry, and providing funding for other industry related educational and research programs. Gifts are tax deductible to this 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Publication of the Remodelers Council of Lincoln August 2024 • Vol. 27, No. 8
August Meeting
Jason Willet Remodelers Council Chairperson
I’ve never heard anyone working in remodeling say they enjoy monotonous and easy-going work. What I do hear is people got into our industry because they love a challenge and the day-by-day work is never the same. There's no better feeling than going on a final walkthrough and seeing the client's excitement over what your team, or you, did to improve their home. That’s the challenge and reward that drives us as remodelers. We intrude and disrupt people’s home life. We arrive early in the morning, make lots of noise, make a mess and sometimes run into unforeseen issues. But if we do our jobs right, the customers will see our hard work and reward us by showing us their joy and showing off our craftsmanship to family and friends. Join us for the Remodelers Council Meetings for the rest of the year and get to know people like you who enjoy the challenge and joy of our industry. On August 28, we'll be touring a major remodeling project in The Ridge. For our October meeting, we'll hear from fellow HBAL members who are focused on recruiting the next generation. In November, we'll be touring the Trabert Hall Renovation which is home to the CenterPointe Campus of Health & Wellbeing.
Whole House Remodel in The Ridge Subdivision 2316 Winding Ridge Road
Almost everything in this Ridge neighborhood home was changed! This complicated remodel included restructuring the interior, moving stairs and load-bearing walls and new footings in the basement.
Wednesday, August 28 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $10 for lunch
Please let us know if you have dietary restrictions. No-shows will be billed.
Please RSVP by August 23 to info@hbal.org or call 402-423-4225.
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Directory Changes
Megan Dreyer is the new principal member for Personal Touch Designs. 3520 Village Drive, Ste. 500, Lincoln, NE 68516. Phone: 402-525-9778. Email: dreyermegan@gmail.com.
Arlyn Copley is the new principal member for CS Kitchen & Bath Studio. Email: arlyn@cskitchenandbath.com.
New email for AAA Rents is omahainfo@aaarentsevents.com.
New email for Merritt Concrete is jstarr@whiteheadoil.com.
Allie Packard is the new principal member at Thrasher Foundation Repair. Email: allie.packard@gothrasher.com.
