Wow, Construction Career Day breaks attendance record!
328 students from Lincoln Public Schools and the surrounding areas attended our annual Construction Career Day, a true testament to what teamwork can accomplish. Unfortunately, I couldn’t be there this year due to a broken ankle, but I’m incredibly grateful for how everyone stepped up to the plate with short notice to ensure a successful event.
A huge thank you to Ben Klein with LL Countertops, the HBAL staff, Michaela, Jennie and Laure and all the dedicated volunteers who worked together to make the day a success. It’s moments like these that remind me how strong we are when we collaborate and support one another.
Of course, this event wouldn’t have been possible without the commitment of our industry contractors who set up booths and provided hands-on activities for the students. Your willingness to engage and inspire the next generation of builders is what makes Construction Career Day so impactful. It truly takes a team, and I’m proud of what we accomplished together.
Dan Klein, Sr.
Herb Reese
Roger Reynolds
Mike Rezac
Denny Van Horn
Lori Wellman
HBAL Staff
Michaela Schwarten, Jennie Korth, Laure Husmann
Teamwork doesn’t stop there. The Spring Parade of Homes is coming up May 11-18, featuring 33 homes. Let’s continue supporting each other by visiting these homes and celebrating the craftsmanship and dedication of our fellow members.
Lastly, don’t forget—every vote counts. The City of Lincoln General Election is on May 6. Together, through HOMEPAC, we’re backing candidates who support housing and our industry: Tom Beckius, Stan Parker, Jerry Shoecraft, Sandra Washington and Bennie Shobe. Let’s show the strength of our collective voice at the polls.
When we work together, there’s nothing we can’t achieve!
Calendar of Events
HBAL & Foundation Board of Directors Meetings
May 8
HBAL • 6100 S. 58th Street, Ste. C 10:30 a.m. & 11:45 a.m.
May 11-18 Spring Parade of Homes
Remodelers Council Meeting
May 13
HBAL • 6100 S. 58th Street, Ste. C 11:30 a.m. • Cost: $15 per person
June 6
Lead Paint Classes Canceled
The lead paint certification classes scheduled for Wednesday, May 14 have been canceled due to lack of interest. Watch your Lincoln Business Builder for other upcoming education opportunities.
Parade of Homes Trademark & Use of Logo
The Parade of Homes™ is trademarked by the Home Builders Association of Lincoln (HBAL) and the use of the name and logo is only allowed with HBAL’s permission.
PARADE of Homes
GUIDELINES FOR USING PARADE OF HOMES AND THE OFFICIAL LOGO:
• Contact HBAL at info@hbal.org to request permission and, if desired, receive the current logo file.
• When using Parade of Homes, you must also reference the Homes Builders Association of Lincoln (ie. HBAL's Parade of Homes).
• When using the Parade of Homes logo, the HBAL logo must be included.
• HBAL must be tagged on all posts using Parade of Homes and/or the logo.
• Use of Parade of Homes or its logo is limited to builders, real estate agents/listing companies or advertisers participating in the Parade of Homes.
• Do not alter the logo in any way.
• Do not use Parade of Homes or its logo in a way that suggests endorsement, sponsorship or affiliation with HBAL unless explicitly authorized to do so.
We love it when our members promote our events! Here are a few ways you can promote the Parade of Homes!
• Comment, like and share the content posted on HBAL’s social media pages including links to the official Parade of Homes guidebook, mobile app and promotional video.
• Tag HBAL in your social media content promoting the Parade of Homes.
Joining any of HBAL’s committees allows you to get to know people in a meaningful, low-pressure way. That shared experience builds trust and rapport, which are the foundations of strong business relationships. It gives you a chance to demonstrate your strengths—whether it's leadership, organization, creativity or communication. Each person on the committee has their own circle of contacts and by working closely with them, you're essentially tapping into their broader network. A casual conversation can easily turn into, “I should introduce you to so-and-so.” When you work alongside people consistently, connections form organically. You share ideas, solve problems together, maybe even grab coffee after a meeting. It’s a more authentic way to build professional bonds.
If you are interested in joining a committee, please contact the HBAL office at info@hbal.org or 402-423-4225.
Home & Garden Show The Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show is held every year in February. Planning for this event occurs throughout the year. Committee members do not meet regularly, but serve as a resource when needed.
Parade of Homes Held every spring and fall, the Parade of Homes is a great opportunity for builders to show off their work. Committee members assist in planning, deliver Parade Guidebooks to area businesses, distribute directional signs, etc.
Careers in Construction
This group focuses on educating young adults on the career opportunities available to them in residential construction. Committee members start meeting in December to plan the Construction Career Day.
HOMEPAC Membership in HBAL gives you a voice in government on the state and local levels through HOMEPAC. Financial contributions ensure support for candidates who understand the true importance of housing in Lincoln.
HBAL Golf, Remodelers Council Golf & Sporting Clay Shoot
Proceeds from these events go to the Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation. The Foundation contributes to community service projects focused on housing, provides scholarships for students pursuing a career related to the building industry and provides funding for other industry related educational programs. Each of these events has its own committee and planning begins 2-3 months prior to the event. Committee members meet once or twice a year, help secure prizes/ sponsorships and assist on the day of the event.
Soup 'r Chili Contest Contestants enjoy getting to know each other while preparing their chili during the day. During the event, members sample the amazing recipes. Planning begins in December. Committee members meet once or twice a year, help secure prizes/sponsorships and assist on the day of the event.
HBAL Family Night This family-friendly event provides an opportunity for HBAL members to network while also spending time with their family. Committee members meet once or twice a year, help secure sponsorships and assist on the day of the event.
Santa Cop HBAL members and their families make wooden toys which are distributed to children by Lincoln police officers during the holidays. Committee members meet once or twice a year, determine the project to be built/assembled, secure materials and assist on the day of the event.
HBAL Mailbox
Our Pius X Building Construction & Machine Woodworking classes are so grateful for your willingness to help us in the purchase of tools and tool pouches with your generous donation of $750. This allows our students to see the importance
Thank you so much for your donation of $5,000 to support the Unity Builders Breakfast and the Women Build 2025 Event. We are so grateful for this gift and know that the individuals we help will be grateful too. Habitat helps provide affordable housing, repair homes that are unsafe, and rebuild the community. Your contribution will help with homeownership, repairs and supplies that are needed to complete these projects. Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln has been building and repairing homes in Lancaster County for 32 years. More than 200 families now have safe, affordable housing thanks to donors like you. Families that have lived in substandard or cost prohibitive conditions now enjoy the pride and security of homeownership. Their children do better in school and their long-term financial security is enhanced. You are making a real difference in this community. Thanks again! Shay Homeyer CEO/Executive Director
Habitat for Humanity
of being properly equipped so that their tasks can be effectively accomplished as they gain confidence working on the site or in the shop.
By exposing our students to the construction industry, we hope to give them a desire to use His gifts to provide others a path to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Renewing all things in Christ, may God bless you richly!
With deep appreciation, Mark Masur Instructor Building Construction
Thank you so much for the President’s Scholarship. This scholarship will help me fund my education as I begin college next year to become an architect. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Damien Johnson
HBAL Member Spotlight
Kathy Wright Multi-Media Advertising Consultant
Broadcast
House Media
kathy@broadcasthouse.com | 402-890-2941
Click here to view Kathy's full Member Spotlight.
Tell us about your family. I've been married to my husband and best friend, Bill, for 36 years.
What would be the theme song of your life right now? "I'm Still Standing" by Elton John...LOL!
What are you currently reading/listening to? I listen to a lot of talk/sports radio. Favorite place you've traveled? Ixtapa, Mexico
What did you want to be when you grew up? Teacher
Where are you from? Where did you go to school? Albion, NE - Albion High School
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? I started out my career as a music teacher.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be? Reading minds.
Who is someone who's made a big impact on your life? My parents. They taught me work ethic and helped me understand that life is not always fair. You have to work hard and overcome. If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be and why? The President of the United States. It would be interesting to see the inner workings and meet world leaders.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? Elon Musk to hear about all the things he is working on and see how his brain works.
What do you love the most about your job? Finding solutions for my clients that help their businesses grow and thrive. What experiences and past roles have led you to where you are today? Being a retail manager for 15 years, moving to the Journal Star for 15 more years and now being a part of Broadcast House Media for the past 9 years. All of these roles have really been about customer/client service.
What career advice do you live by? "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take," The Great One, Wayne Gretzky.
How long have you been a member of HBAL? Broadcast House/NRG Media has been a member since 1975.
How has your career benefited from being a member of HBAL? I have been able to help many of the members with marketing plans to grow their businesses.
What is your favorite HBAL event and why? Tour of Remodeled Homes. I'm always looking for new ideas.
To be considered for the next Member Spotlight, click here.
2025 Construction Career Day
Tribute toYouth
April 8, 2025 • Country Club of Lincoln
Click to view more photos from the event!
On Tuesday, April 8, the Home Builders Association of Lincoln honored local youth who participated in the High School Interior Design and Residential CAD Contest as well as Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation scholarship winners. Students in attendance from SCC-Milford were also recognized.
The guest speaker for the evening was Amanda Woodward, Industrial Technology Teacher at North Star High School. According to her LPS profile, Amanda's "guiding light is to empower students with accurate information about the in-demand, high paying, mentally stimulating, skilled trade jobs they may consider pursuing after high school."
President's Scholarship Winners
Karter Gabriel
Karter attends Lincoln Christian High School and will be attending Southeast Community College majoring in HVAC. Karter hopes to complete his journeyman’s license in the next 5 years and begin working for an HVAC Company. Karter is active with wrestling, golf, theater, marching band, works with the maintenance supervisor at Lincoln Christian and at Auto Zone. He is interested in pursuing a career in construction because he enjoys working with his hands and wants to stay active. Karter credits the maintenance supervisor at Lincoln Christian for his interest in construction. He learned not only how to do many construction related tasks, but also that he could have fun while doing them.
Amy, Damien & Justin Johnson
Damien Johnson
Damien attends Pius X High School and will be attending the University of Nebraska Lincoln majoring in architecture. Damien hopes to find a job at an architecture firm working on residential projects. Damien is active in National Honor Society, track, choir, band, theater and Boy Scouts. He has worked at Raising Canes, UNL events and Capital Lawn Care and enjoys volunteering. Damien’s interest in construction started at a young age when he would accompany his father, Justin to jobsite tours. Justin would explain the different stages in the construction process and show him details before drywall was hung. Damien also joined his father to help with the HBAL Santa Cop projects where he was able to help build the toys, knowing he was making a difference. Damien says he has always heard if you get a job you love doing, you won’t work a day in your life, which is why he has chosen a career in architecture.
Billie, Karter & Kyle Gabriel
Kent Krueger
Kent attends College View Academy and plans to continue his education at Union Adventist University. After graduating, he aims to apply his college experience and knowledge to help grow the family business. Kent is active in basketball, soccer, and campus ministries, makes and sells cutting boards, and installs flooring and tile. Kent has always enjoyed making and building things, from lamps to cutting boards and other projects. He has worked for his father at Rainwood Interiors since he was in 8th grade. There he discovered a love for working with his hands and has enjoyed learning the tile trade. He finds great satisfaction in completing jobs.
Scholarship Winners
Isaac Brox
Isaac attends Pius X High School and plans to attend Southeast Community College majoring in HVAC. After graduating, Isaac hopes to find a job with an HVAC company on their service team. Isaac is active with Pius X soccer, Hawks FC soccer and participates in the annual Catholic service camp.
PHOTO NOT PROVIDED
Deacon Valenta
Deacon attends Lincoln Christian High School and plans to attend Southeast Community College majoring in Plumbing and HVAC. After graduation, Deacon hopes to build a successful career as he enjoys working hands-on jobs and using his problemsolving skills to tackle complex challenges. He is active in basketball, works at Dairy Queen and detassels in the summer.
The Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation awards scholarships to seniors from southeast Nebraska high schools who will be attending an accredited college, university or technical college and majoring in one of the construction fields. Applications are due March 1 of each year and can be found online at www.hbal.org.
Rebecca, Kent & Kelly Krueger
Matt Firestone
Remodelers
Council Chairperson
Last month, more than 325 high school students flooded the parking lot at Haymarket Park to visit with local companies passionate in educating the next generation about careers in construction. Seeing the excitement on their faces while they competed against their friends in drilling/ hammering contests or rode a cherry picker 100 feet into the air was encouraging. There are some great prospects for the next generation of our workforce. Activities tested their precision, whether it was using a backhoe to pick up and move a small object, positioning a concrete chute to drop a ball into a bucket, or carefully maneuvering a hot stick over a curved path of copper tubing. If you know a high school student interested in the trades, encourage them to attend this event in 2026.
Our next Remodelers Council meeting will be one we can all learn from. Angenita PierreLouis (Lincoln Chamber of Commerce), Wendy Van (Open Window), and Michelle Zlomke (Cornhusker Bank) will be our panelists discussing the importance of networking and how to market yourself better. Knowing the importance of a strong network, you won't want to miss this meeting.
New Member
JH Carpentry & Renovations
Jamison Hollstien
Phone: 402-363-1708
Email: jhcarpreno@gmail.com
Web: www.jhcarpreno.com
Sponsor: Dan Waters, Decks Unlimited
We are a remodeling company specializing in deck construction, porch remodeling, patio roofs and general exterior construction and remodeling. We have been serving Lincoln and the surrounding areas since 2017 with quality construction and designs to enhance our clients' homes.
Sorry to See You Go!
If you see your company listed below, contact HBAL at 402-423-4225 to renew your membership TODAY!
A1 Cabinet & Granite
BluCor Construction Group CMG Mortgage Fisher/Moser Flooring, Inc.
Nebraska Golf Carts
Nebraska Spray Foam
U.S. Bank Zone Fence
Matt Kinning is a new affiliate member with RED Custom Homes. Phone: 402-499-8112.
Email: matt@red-customhomes.com.
Jason Cieslik is the new principal contact for J-Tech Construction & Solar. Email: office@jtechconst.com.
Josh Veskerna is the new principal contact for Veskerna Plumbing & Excavating.
Jordan Koster is a new affiliate member with Mead Lumber Company. Phone: 531-530-0480.
Email: jordan.koster@meadlumber.com
Randall Weedman, II is the new principal contact for Capital Concrete Co. Cellular: 402-601-0381.
James James, Jr. is the new principal contact for James Enterprise, Inc. Phone: 402-432-6740.
Dave Tranmer is the new principal contact for Jensen Well Co. Email: dtranmer@jensenwell.com.
Adam Criswell is the new principal contact for Sampson Residential Properties. Phone: 402-610-7483. Email: adam.criswell@sampsonconstruction.com.
Aaron Ruskamp is the new principal contact for Thrasher Foundation Repair. Phone: 800-827-0702.
Email: marketing@gothrasher.com.
Thanks for Renewing!
(Please allow 60 days for names to appear on this list.)
57 Years
• LL Countertops
52 Years
• Harley's Heating & A/C, Inc.
41 Years
• Hans Electric, Inc.
• Lincoln Glass, Inc.
37 Years
• Bill's Heating & Air Conditioning
• Carpetland
36 Years
• Campbell's Kitchen Cabinets, Inc.
28 Years
• Window Option Specialists
23 Years
• Nebraska Printing Center
• Union Title Company
22 Years
• LJS Media Group
19 Years
• Walton Construction, Inc.
18 Years
• Ironwood Builders, LLC
17 Years
• Black Label Outdoor
16 Years
• BAJCO Construction
• Judson Irrigation
• NP Dodge Real Estate
11 Years
• Schneider Custom Homes
8 Years
• Nebraska Realty
5 Years
• Gershman Mortgage
4 Years
• Heartland Red Construction, LLC
2 Years
• BDP Communications
93.7 The Ticket
• Carl Bohlmeyer Floor Sanding
• First National Bank of Omaha
• Tint Revolution
1 Year
• Cornerstone Industries, LLC
• Rybak Homes, Inc.
• Schoen's Roofing, LLC
• Visionary Custom Homes
• West Blue Realty
Remodeling Permits: Additions
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Rely on Yankee Hill to supply your project with the finest of materials.
