There’s no shortage of headlines these days. Between global tensions, political division and economic uncertainty, the news cycle can feel overwhelming. But while things may seem unsettled nationally and abroad, it’s encouraging to see a different story unfolding right here in Lincoln.
Locally, new home construction continues to move in a positive direction. Through May, single-family building permits are up 17% over last year. Even more notable, multi-family has jumped 47%, hitting 624 permits, the highest total since 2022. These numbers reflect continued confidence and investment in our community, despite the noise around us.
It’s a reminder that what we build; homes, neighborhoods and relationships; are what truly matter. HBAL members continue to show up, work hard and make a lasting impact, not just in our industry, but in the lives of the families we help house.
As always, I’m proud of the work being done by HBAL. In case you missed it, June was a busy month. Some highlights include:
• A successful golf tournament at Highlands Golf Course
• Meeting with City Councilmen Justin Carlson and Brodey Weber
• Meeting with LPS Interim Superintendent Dr. John Skretta
• Family Night planning committee meeting
• A farewell luncheon for City Building & Safety Director Chad Blahak
• Our June Board meeting
• Remodelers Council’s Picnic & "The Remodelers Race"
• A donation to the Lincoln Lighthouse from the Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation
HBAL Staff
Michaela Schwarten, Jennie Korth, Laure Husmann
From our jobsites to City Hall, HBAL members are leading by example, staying engaged and pushing forward with purpose. Let’s keep that momentum going. Have a safe and productive July and thank you for all you do to support HBAL.
Calendar of Events
Aug. 1
Fall Parade of Homes Deadline
HBAL & Foundation Board of Directors Meetings
Aug. 7
Aug. 15
Sept. 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 25 for more info.
HBAL Autumn Social Bierhaus Maisschäler
151 N. 8th Street 5:00 p.m. (6:30 p.m. call for nominations)
HBAL Family Night
Sept. 26
Pearson's Pumpkin Place 1357 N. 6th Road, Eagle 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
FEB 13- 15
Member
Our sympathy to Kurt & Jenny Ramaekers, Miracle Landscapes, Inc., and Jamie & Michelle Ramaekers, Nebraska Sod Co., on the death of Kurt's & Jamie's father, Paul, who passed away on June 6, 2025.
Foundation Presents Lincoln Lighthouse with $10,000 Donation
The Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation approved a $10,000 donation to Lincoln Lighthouse to support their TIPP Program which introduces young students to careers in construction and trade industries. Since the program began in 2022, they have served 93 unduplicated youth with 525 total participants in the program who have completed 1,006 hours of training and instruction.
Click Ad for Full Request for Proposals (RFP) and Eligibility Map
Project must be in shaded area
Grant funds may cover:
• Acquisition of site (if needed and approved),
• tearing down old and leveling the lot,
• running utilities,
• engineering and coderelated costs,
• and zoning or permit expenses.
Deadline for submissions: July 25th
About Nebraska Housing Resource:
Founded in 1998 by members of the HBAL, Nebraska Housing Resource is a nonprofit that partners with local builders to reduce the cost of low- to middle-income housing through low-interest builder loans and homebuyer down payment assistance among other programs. NHR’s funding comes from state and federal sources.
Build Your Future Workforce at the Governor’s Youth Summit
Thursday, August 14, 2025
Younes Conference Center North | 707 Talmadge St., Kearney, NE 68845
This landmark event will bring together high-potential students from across the state for a day designed to spark real-time career and educational connections.
The Impact
The Governor’s Youth Summit is not a traditional career fair—it’s a relational experience to match Nebraska’s most promising young talent and most influential industry leaders. Participating organizations will have the opportunity to offer:
• Internships & apprenticeships
• Part-time or full-time employment
• Scholarships or academic incentives
• Military, skilled trades, and STEM opportunities
These opportunities will be offered in real-time during the event, establishing immediate connections between students and employers/colleges.
Thank you for your commitment to Nebraska’s future. We hope to see you in Kearney this August!
How to Engage
Colleges and Businesses
1. Create or update your profile on CareerPathway.com.
Use code GovSummit2025 to unlock FREE Premium access through August 15, 2025. (How to Sign Up Overview).
2. Post your career/educational opportunities We’ll match students to these opportunities and facilitate their introduction to you.
3. Participate in the event by Registering Here Participation is limited. Sign up now while space is still available!
3. Discover opportunities in your area of interest.
4. Apply for opportunities you find on CareerPathway.com.
5. After a successful connection, you’ll be contacted by organizers for final details.
Parents, Mentors and Educators
1. Encourage students to sign up!
2. Spread the word!
Making the Most of Your Membership:
Promote your business in the Parade of Homes
The Parade of Homes is one of HBAL’s most visible and effective ways to connect with homebuyers. Whether you showcase a home or advertise in the guidebook, your business gains premium exposure to an engaged audience actively seeking housing solutions.
Showcase Your Work to Thousands
• Display your craftsmanship, design and innovation in homes toured by the public.
• Position yourself as a leader in the local home building industry.
Be Seen in the Official Guidebook
• Printed and online versions reach thousands of Parade-goers and home enthusiasts.
New
Mobile App = More Exposure
• Users can browse homes, get turn-by-turn directions and save favorites.
• In Spring 2026, a variety of in-app advertising options will be available to let you promote your business where it matters most.
Targeted, Engaged Audience
• Reach people while they’re thinking about building, buying or upgrading.
• Showcase your brand to both new homebuyers and industry insiders.
Multi-Platform Visibility
• Print + web + app = triple the exposure across multiple touchpoints.
• Flexible options for all budgets and business types.
Exclusive to HBAL
Members
• A benefit only available to HBAL members—use it to grow your brand and get ROI on your membership.
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
Dan Loeck, Loeck Designs
Dan grew up in Omaha and moved to Lincoln in 1980. He graduated from UNL in 1983 with a bachelors degree in Architecture and extensive course study in Construction Management. Dan started Loeck Designs Construction Company June 1, 1983 and is a 4th generation builder. Loeck Designs builds custom homes and does major remodeling projects. Dan joined HBAL in 1984 and has served on the Board of Directors many times. He has been a judge for the high school design competition at the Home Show for over 20 years and serves as Chair of the Santa Cop Project. *Membership Chair is not eligable for prizes.
CURRENT STANDINGS
DAN
Dan Loeck*
• Epic Building & Remodeling
• ABC Supply Co., Inc.
• Arctic Spas Omaha
• Bin There Dump That Lincoln
• Endicott Clay Products Co.
• Junk King Lincoln
JEREME
KEVIN
MATT
Get to Work!
Jereme Montgomery
• A1 Aerating
• CL Construction
Kevin Wolfe
• Salt Creek Homes Company
• Salt Creek Properties Group
Matt Kleinschmit
• Fritz + Lloyd Interiors
• White Oak Custom Contracting
• You will receive a virtual toolbox and one tool with your first new member.
• Each additional new member adds a tool to your toolbox.
• 6 new members will fill your toolbox.
Recruiter Recognition:
• $200 will be awarded to the person with the most new members they must fill their toolbox to qualify
• $50 to the first person to fill their toolbox
• All who fill their toolbox will be entered to win $100
The following members have earned their toolbox and first tool!
Dan Waters
• JH Carpentry & Renovations
Erin Magnussen
• Five & Co. Building & Design
Hayley Rezac
• EMO Flooring Inc.
Herb Reese
• Highlander Contracting Group, LLC
Jeff White
• All Pro Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.
John Crumrine
• Multi Pitch Builders, LLC
Josh Popp
• 2-10 Homebuyers Warranty
Rob Champoux
• EXIT Realty Professionals
Scott Lockard
• Eldon Construction, LLC
HBAL Member Spotlight
Joel Clark Commercial Project Manager
Zeng Countertops & Surfaces
joel@zenggranite.com | 402-417-2003
Click here to view Joel's full Member Spotlight.
Tell us about your family. My wife, Tori, and I have been married for 3 years now! Tori is the Clinical Manager at Nebraska Oral & Facial Surgery! We have two dogs: Zeus (Husky) and Pluto (Golden retriever). Tori and I like to travel anywhere from the mountains to the ocean…we love it all!
What are you currently reading or listening to? Luke Combs and also classic rock on 92.9. I enjoy all types of music!
Name a recent movie you watched that blew you away. King Richard
What are you currently bingewatching? The Sopranos
Best restaurant you've ever been to? Casa Bovina…the food was amazing!
If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be? Pho
Where are you from? Where did you go to school? Born and raised in Lincoln. I graduated from Lincoln East High School! If you could have a superpower, what would it be? To be able to swing from things like spiderman!
When you’re not working, how do you enjoy spending your time? I like to golf and spend time with friends and family!
Who is someone who's made a big impact on your life? Why? My boss, Tim. I started working for him at a young age and he has been a great mentor over the past 14 years!
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? Will Ferrell What do you love the most about your job? The family I work with everyday. I also love to educate customers about the materials we work with to help them pick the best product for their countertops!
What are your future goals and aspirations for your career? I want to keep growing within the stone industry! There is always something to learn as the industry is forever evolving!
How long have you been a member of HBAL? 4 years
What is your favorite HBAL event and why? Golf tournament! It’s a great networking event!
Any tips or advice for new HBAL members? Go to the events as much as possible and get to know other members!
To be considered for the next Member Spotlight, click here
HBAL is taking over Pearson’s Pumpkin Place for an exclusive evening of fall fun the whole family will love!
Each HBAL company can purchase up to 10 tickets at the discounted price of $10 each. Additional tickets are $30 each. Your ticket gets you access to all activities plus a cheeseburger meal with all the fixin’s.
So gather your crew, pack your fall flannel and let’s make it a night to remember!
Event Sponsors
Click Here to RSVP
RSVPs accepted through September 15
Pearson's Pumpkin Place 1357 N 6th Road Eagle, NE 68347 Friday, September 26 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
SPORTING CLAY SHOOT
FRI, OCT 17, 2025
OAK CREEK SPORTING CLUB
2890 W ROAD • BRAINARD, NE
Online Registration
Click the button above to register for a team, become a sponsor or volunteer.
Team (up to 5 shooters): $100 per shooter
4-person Cart*: $40
Sponsorships start at $100!
*Limited carts available. Carts must be reserved in advance and will be assigned on a first come, first serve basis.
All participating teams and sponsors must be HBAL members in good standing.
HBAL 101
Learn how to maximize your membership.
HBAL 101 offers a quick but comprehensive look at membership benefits, programs and events. We invite you to join us for an informal presentation covering everything you need to know to make the most of your membership investment.
Thursday, October 22 11:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE (lunch included)
HBAL Office | 6100 S. 58th Street, Ste. C RSVP by October 20 via info@hbal.org, 402-423-4225 or use this link
•
•
&
Click to see tournament results and view more photos!
Thank You
Contributors, Sponsors & Volunteers!
Lunch Sponsor
Nebraska Bank of Commerce
Beverage Sponsors
Edward’s Stone Cornhusker Bank
Range Ball Sponsor Union Bank & Trust
19th Hole Sponsor
Centurion Stone
Grill provided by Ready Mixed Concrete Co.
Volunteers
Sue Eaton
Judy Brethouwer
Jacob Dobson
Shawn Evans
Ryleigh Evans
Sheryl Homer
Derek Jundt
John Kundra
Jan Lamer
Amber Ramsey
Whitney Wittstruck
Golf Committee
Ron Fricke, Chairman
Sue Eaton
Sheryl Homer
Mark Krings
Kim Kumpula
Jennie Korth
First Flight
1st Place (59)
Dan Walker
Josh Schwarten
Troy Bugbee
John Bussey
2nd Place (61)
Tyler Fehringer
Cameron Rider
Matt Seem
Duane Smith
3rd Place (61)
Nate Burnett
Aksel Nelsen
Loren Laschanzky
Cory Shield
4th Place (62)
Tim Zeng
Joel Clark
Matt Warner
Dakota Deebs
Flight Winners
Second Flight
1st Place (63)
Jason Firestone
Dave Bell
Matt Morrison
Grant Weiland
2nd Place (64)
Duane Kumpula
Tommy Bada
Todd Jensen
Richard Sterup
3rd Place (64)
Cory Whitemore
James Hamlette
David Thibault
Jake Sorensen
4th Place (65)
Matt Kinning
Mike Kinning
Jeff Pankoke
Matt Enholm
Third Flight
1st Place (65)
Quinn Beecham
Daniel Siefhoff
Jeremy Pierce Colbi Ragon
2nd Place (66)
Doug Sullivan
Chris McCormack
Cruz Martinez
Nick Mohler
3rd Place (66)
Pat Dettmer
Beau Daffer
Corey Vandewege
Scott Nydahl
4th Place (67)
Cody Pope
Joe Hassler
Jordan Cartwright
Joel Wiley
Flag Prize Winners
Hole #1
Yankee Hill Brick & Tile Company closest to the pin, third shot
Ron Fricke
Mead Lumber Company longest putt made on the green
Kevin Dumler
Hole #2
The Window & Door Store longest putt made on the green
Matt Swanson
Hole #3
Zeng Countertops & Surfaces longest drive in the fairway
Tyler Fehringer
Ready Mixed Concrete Co. closest to the pin, 2nd shot
Shawn Roll
Hole #4
Frontier Bank closest to the pin, 1st shot
Jake Sorensen
Hole #5
E & A Consulting Group, Inc. closest to the pin, 2nd shot
Hayden Svendsen
Van Horn Custom Homes longest putt made on the green
Richard Sterup
Hole #6
Copple Insurance Agency, Inc. longest drive in the fairway
Lori Wellman
Stephens & Smith Construction Co. closest to the pin, any shot off the green
Cora Minert
Hole #7
Union Bank & Trust Co. longest putt made on the green
Roger Johnson
Hole #8
Neemann & Sons, Inc. closest to the pin, 1st shot
Chris McCormack
Window Option Specialists longest putt made on the green
Nate Burnett
Hole #9
Lincoln Federal Savings Bank longest drive in the fairway
Alex Rouse
Pella Products of Lincoln longest putt made on the green
Mike Longoria
Hole #10
Christensen Lumber Co. longest putt made on the green
Mike Bryant
West Gate Bank closest to the pin, 2nd shot
Colbi Ragon
Hole #11
Cambria USA longest drive in the fairway
Parker Koziol
Millard Lumber Inc. closest to the pin, 3rd shot
Tim Zeng
Hole #12
Bath & Kitchen Idea Center by Lincoln Winnelson, Inc.
longest putt made on the green
Patrick Lowe
Hole #13
Carpenter Masonry closest to the pin, 2nd shot
Matt Seem
REGA Engineering Group, Inc. longest putt made on the green
Chris Bailey
Hole #14
Reimers-Kaufman
Concrete Products Co. closest to the pin, 1st shot
Wade Samek
Hole #15
Pinnacle Bank closest to the pin, 2nd shot
Joe Tickle
Stonebrook Exterior longest putt made on the green
Christina Melgoza
Hole #16
Bobcat of Lincoln longest drive in the fairway
Stephanie Ponce
CKF - Consolidated Kitchens closest to the pin, 2nd shot
No eligible winner
Hole #17
Cattle Bank & Trust closest to the pin, 3rd shot
Loren Laschanzky
Hole #18
Bryant, Katt & Associates, P.C. closest to the pin, 2nd shot
Dalton Beck
Ferguson Bath, Kitchen and Lighting Gallery
longest putt made on the green
Scott Glock
June Board Report
Remodelers Council:
May’s meeting was a panel discussion on marketing yourself and your business. The annual picnic is June 18 at the HBAL office with a theme of the Remodelers Race.
Membership Committee:
The following new members were approved.
• Bin There Dump That Lincoln, Trent Laune
Sponsor: Dan Loeck
• CL Construction, Adam McLaughlin
Sponsor: Jereme Montgomery
• Driftwood Custom Homes, LLC, Jake Parker
Sponsor: Bob Benes
• EMO Flooring, Denise Fleeman
Sponsor: Hayley Lane
LTU Sidewalks:
Beau Daffer, Michaela Schwarten & Jereme Montgomery met with LTU staff Thomas Schafer, Liz Elliott, Bob Simmering and William Pate and discussed pre pour and post pour inspections for sidewalks. Building & Safety has stopped issuing certificate of occupancy if a post-pour inspection is not complete. LTU’s main concern is making sure the slope of the sidewalk is correct because of the Department of Justice requirements for meeting ADA compliance. The prepour inspection is optional, but it is recommended builders have both pre-pour and post-pour inspections completed. Both can be scheduled at the same time. HBAL will be setting up an educational meeting with LTU to better inform contractors of LTU’s requirements.
Legislative Update:
The Legislative Session ended last Monday. Any bills that were not advanced will come back in the next session which begins in January.
Advisory Committee for Transportation: The Advisory Committee for Transportation, who oversees the Lincoln on the Move funding, is looking for new members for the committee.
Lincoln Lighthouse:
HBAL received a request from Lincoln Lighthouse to support their TIPP program which introduces young students to careers in the construction and trades industries. Since the program officially started in October 2022, they have had 93 unduplicated youth with 525 total participations in the program, completing 1,006 hours of training and instruction and 483 volunteer hours completed by industry professionals with 470 meals served to youth. They requested a $10,000 donation to support their program. The Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation has approved a $5,000 donation and HBAL will match it with a $5,000 donation.
YOUR AD HERE!
This space is available for an ad and can be linked back to your website for just $54/issue. For more information, please contact Jennie at 402-423-4225 or jennie@hbal.org.
What a fantastic time we had at the Remodelers Council Picnic in June! The Remodelers Race was a highlight, bringing out everyone’s creative side and teamwork skills—with plenty of laughs along the way. It was great to see so many members come together for a time of fun, food and friendly competition.
Matt Firestone Remodelers Council Chairperson
The Remodelers Golf Tournament is August 15. Whether you're swinging for birdies or just along for the laughs, it’s always a great time. We’ll resume our monthly lunch meetings this fall. Stay tuned for dates and details!
As always, thank you for being part of the Remodelers Council. Your involvement strengthens our network, our industry and our community.
New Remodelers Council Members
Trent Laune Bin There Dump That
Denise Fleeman
EMO Flooring, Inc.
Remodelers Council Picnic featuring “The Remodelers Race”
The Remodelers Council annual summer picnic came with a competitive twist!
Tap here to watch the recap video!
or here for more photos
Any Brick You Use Can Last for Hundreds of Years. So Be Particular.
YANKEE
HILL BRICK manufactures the highest quality FBX brick in a color palette ranging from the traditional reds and buffs to the innovative pinks, maroons, and lavenders.
Standard and custom color ranges, sizes, and shapes are our specialty. Brick murals and ornamentation are brought to a new level of sophistication at Yankee Hill Brick.
Rely on Yankee Hill to supply your project with the finest of materials.
Face brick
Paving brick
Thin brick veneer
Pool Coping
Keystones
Stone
Brick mural & ornamentation
Crushed landscape brick
3705 S. Coddington Lincoln, NE 68522 (402) 477-6663
Welcome New Members
Bin There Dump That
Trent Laune
2242 Silver Street, Ste. 2, Ashland, NE 68003
Phone: 402-226-8768
Cell: 402-679-1986
Email: trent.l@bintheredumpthat.com
Web:
bintheredumpthat.com/lincoln-dumpster-rentals
Sponsor: Dan Loeck, Loeck Designs
At Bin There Dump That Lincoln, we pride ourselves on providing top-notch dumpster rental services that are both reliable and affordable. Our bins are designed to fit into tight spaces, making them perfect for residential and commercial projects alike. With prompt delivery, professional service, and a variety of sizes to choose from, we ensure your waste disposal needs are met with ease and convenience. Discover the difference with Bin There Dump That Lincoln!
EMO Flooring has been serving Lincoln and the surrounding areas since 2001. We are a one-stop shop for all wood, carpet, tile and luxury vinyl flooring. EMO Flooring can also provide and install tile for showers, backsplashes and fireplaces. We offer complimentary in-home estimates and can provide if needed installation for all flooring materials we sell.
CL Construction
Adam McLaughlin
2700 Fletcher Ave., Lincoln, NE 68504
Phone: 402-440-2212
Email: adamm@clnebraska.com
Web: clnebraska.com
Sponsor: Jereme Montgomery, Stephens & Smith Construction Co.
Founded in 2009, CL Construction is a family-owned contractor based in Southeast Nebraska, serving the Midwest with reliable, high quality agricultural and commercial construction services. With in-house capabilities across millwright, concrete, demolition, paving, welding and fabrication, design and logistics, we offer complete solutions—from design-build, renovations, maintenance and emergency repairs.
Driftwood Custom Homes, LLC
Jake Parker
Lincoln, NE 68502
Phone: 402-310-2758
Email: jake@driftwoodcustomhomes.com
Sponsor: Bob Benes, Aspen Builders, Inc.
Driftwood Custom Homes has experience in drafting, designing and project managing over the past 13 years. With our custom floor plans we incorporate functional, cost-effectiveness and innovation while meeting your family’s unique needs. Home construction is too expensive and time consuming to start with a bad foundation, or poor design. When it’s time to design your next home, trust the professionals at Driftwood Custom Homes.
35 Years
• CS Kitchen & Bath Studio
• Hoppe Development 34 Years
• Signs Now 30 Years
• Lincoln Housing Authority 29 Years
• R&D Custom Homes 27 Years
• Don Johnson Homes II, Inc. 26 Years
• Al's Johns
Years
• Seal-Rite Insulation, Inc.
• Sierra Builders 24 Years
• Capitol Heating & A/C, Inc. 20 Years
• Civil Design Group 19 Years
• Sticks & Stones Hardscapes, Inc. 17 Years
• Timber Ridge Homes 12 Years
• Sound & Security Innovations
• Vantage Pointe Homes, Inc.
Spelts Schultz Components is now Central States Components Systems. Brett Kmiecik is the new principal contact. Cell: 402-443-7800. Email: bkmiecik@cscomponents.com. Address: 5631 S. 48th Street, Ste. 290, Lincoln, NE 68516.
Chelsie Kindall is the new principal contact for Kitchen Tune-Up Lincoln/Grand Island. Phone: 402-366-9765. Email: ckindall@kitchentuneup.com.
Brett Walton is the new principal contact for Champ Roofing & Exteriors.
