Executive Order #1: Celebrating Women in Construction
The construction industry is evolving, and women are playing an increasingly vital role in shaping its future. From the jobsite to the boardroom, women in construction bring diverse perspectives, leadership and expertise that drive innovation and success. Yet, despite their growing presence, women still make up less than 10% of the construction workforce and only 3% of the trades. That’s why celebrating and supporting women in this field is more important than ever.
Women in construction have excelled in project management, engineering, skilled trades and leadership roles, proving that talent and dedication defines success, not gender. Their contributions improve jobsite efficiency, foster teamwork and help bridge the industry’s skilled labor gap. By encouraging more women to explore careers in construction, we will create a stronger, more diverse workforce which benefits everyone.
Dan Klein, Sr.
Mike May
Herb Reese
Roger Reynolds
Mike Rezac
Denny Van Horn
Lori Wellman
HBAL Staff
Michaela Schwarten, Jennie Korth, Laure Husmann
I always tell the story of a ‘Concrete 101’ program where I give 5th-grade students a bag of concrete, challenging them to create the strongest mix in the class. After participating in dozens of these programs, would you like to guess who wins most often? The girls. I’ve always said, ‘If we want better concrete, we need more women.’
Let’s celebrate the women who are breaking barriers, building communities and shaping the future of construction. Their work is not just about building homes, it’s about creating lasting change.
Calendar of Events
Mar. 3
Mar. 6
Soup 'r Chili Contest
Lincoln Firefighters Reception Hall
241 Victory Lane 6:00 p.m. • Admission: $15 per person 12 years & under are FREE
HOMEPAC, HBAL & Foundation Board of Directors Meetings
HBAL • 6100 S. 58th Street, Ste. C
10:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. & 11:45 a.m.
Mar. 7 Tour of Remodeled Homes Deadline
Remodelers Council Meeting
Fire Station 8
Mar. 12
Mar. 20
2760 S. 17th Street 11:30 a.m. • Cost: $20 per person
HBAL 101
HBAL • 6100 S. 58th Street, Ste. C 11:30 a.m. • Lunch is provided.
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, March 20 11:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE (lunch included)
HBAL Office | 6100 S. 58th Street, Ste. C RSVP by March 18 via info@hbal.org, 402-423-4225 or use this link.
Renovation, Repair and Painting Program
If you are a renovation firm, click here to learn how to fulfill your legal requirements to protect yourself, your employees, and your clients from the dangers of lead exposure.
As a contractor, you play a critical role in helping to prevent lead exposure. Ordinary renovation and maintenance activities can create toxic lead dust that can harm your customers, workers and even yourself.
Lead Paint Certification
Wednesday, May 14 (date subject to change)
HBAL Office | 6100 S. 58th St. Ste. C
Lead Paint Initial Course
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
This class is for anyone who has not taken the initial course before or who has let their certification lapse.
Cost: $275 per person (includes meal)
Lead Paint Refresher Course
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
This class is for anyone who has already taken the initial course and their certification renews after May 12, 2025.
Cost: $275 per person (includes meal)
Please email jennie@hbal.org if you have questions or to register.
Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation,
Thank you so much for your very generous donation to our Industrial Arts program! The money will be used to purchase tool pouches for our students. They are blessed by your support!
With gratitude,
Jennie Kobza Director of Advancement Pius X Foundation
HBAL Member Spotlight
Jenny Bombeck Showroom Consultant
Ferguson Enterprises Inc.
jennifer.bombeck@ferguson.com | 402-328-8589
Click here to view Jenny's full Member Spotlight.
Tell us about your family. My husband Derek and I have twin boys, and a dog named Duke.
What are you currently reading or listening to? I enjoy listening to Mr. Ballen's Medical Mysteries. What are you currently bingewatching? Anything on TLC
If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be? Runza
Favorite place you've traveled? Jamaica
What did you want to be when you grew up? I always wanted to be a teacher. I enjoy helping people.
Where are you from? Where did you go to school? I'm from Lincoln and went to Kansas State for college.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be? To be invincible
Who is someone who's made a big impact on your life? Why? My husband Derek. He brings calmness to my craziness.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? Dr. Phil because he has good advice.
What do you love the most about your job? I enjoy helping people and building relationships with customers.
What career advice do you live by? Who gave it to you?
To keep a positive attitude and to focus on one thing at a time. It's easy to get overwhelmed in my position and my mom always told me to stay positive and take one step at a time.
What’s one skill you’d like to develop or sharpen this year? To adapt better to change. Change is inevitable and I need to embrace it. Change can be scary but it's also a good thing.
What are your future goals and aspirations for your career? To continue to learn about new products and to stay on top of current trends and styles. I want to continue to build relationships and give the best experience to clients during the process of building or remodeling their homes.
How long have you been a member of HBAL? I have been a member for approximately 14 years.
How has your career benefited from being a member of HBAL? By building relationships and being more involved in the community.
To be considered for the next Member Spotlight, click here
Breaking Barriers: Celebrating Women in Construction Week – March
2-8, 2025
The construction industry has long been perceived as a male-dominated field, but women are making significant strides, shaping skylines and paving the way for future generations. They are project managers, engineers, tradeswomen and business owners—each with a unique journey and a shared passion for building the future. Join us as we highlight the voices of these trailblazing women, celebrate their contributions and explore how they are inspiring the next generation of women to pick up their tools and take their place in construction.
Women can absolutely have a career in construction! It may be intimidating, but if you set goals for yourself and are willing to put in the work you will succeed. Get involved with organizations right away and HBAL is a great starting point. They provide you with education and tools to connect with industry professionals.
- Kelli Fleek, True North Custom Homes, Inc.
You have to love what you do. Once you find a career you are passionate about, nothing should stand in your way. Stereotypes shouldn’t even be considered. And while “proving yourself” is inevitably part of the process, it should never be a driving force.
- Sara Olson, Olson Drafting & Design
The most report rewarding thing I have had in building for over 40 years is I love doing the plans and seeing them come to life. I also love working with my customers. I have had some great ones!
- Donna Youngquist, R&D Custom Homes
Construction is no longer a gender defined field. There are a lot of opportunities for women to succeed. The construction field is everchanging, which allows for personal growth as well as professional growth. If you’re willing to put in the work, you can see the rewards.
- Erin Magnussen, Reese Construction
There are several skills and qualities that are important to a successful career in construction...listening, creativity and communication. The trade skills you learn are important, but these skills will enhance your ability to work with everyone you encounter during the day.
- Pam Magner, Reynolds Design & Remodeling
Have confidence in yourself and be prepared for obstacles. Historically, the construction industry is seen as a “man’s world” and a woman entering the industry may face additional challenges. Anyone can learn the skills; however, the qualities to be successful in any industry are the same: integrity and commitment.
- Crystal Collins, Oak Electric
This is not the 1930’s! Women do everything these days and gender shouldn’t be a factor that holds anyone back from anything...it is most rewarding to have grown my business from literally nothing to the top of the local male-dominated industry. I have the respect of our vendors and have the best client return rate around for nearly three decades. This shows me that the knowledge, experience and values I have in my business, and have instilled in my employees of both male and female gender, have positively impacted our community.
- Kristin Hain, Land Escapes, Inc.
With a background in land development and now a career in construction, I get to drive my kids down streets I named after them and show them the homes Queenpin has built there.
- Christina Melgoza, Queenpin Builders
If possible, get involved in different areas of construction early on. You’ll quickly figure out what interests you the most and what aligns with your strengths. Having a strong network of people who are willing to offer guidance and support can make all the difference.
- Hayley Lane, Rezac Construction
I’ve heard men say they’ve worked with women that were better workers than the other guys on a site. Don’t think you have to out-perform physically, there are other ways to bring value to a team. Show up, be teachable, work hard and don’t expect special treatment.
- Megan McKay, Mod Wattage Electric
While being a woman in construction has presented its challenges, I’ve found my ability to connect with clients, especially wives who are often key decision-makers, has been a significant advantage.
- Maria Semerad, Synergy Homes, Inc.
I’ve never viewed this field of work as something only men can do. I appreciate the constant challenges, the daily problem solving and seeing the progress of thoughts and ideas, translated onto paper and then physically formed. Don’t be intimidated to enter a male dominated field.
- Marlene Stroup, Schwinn Homes
The most rewarding part of my career has been helping bring people's dreams and ideas to life! It’s very rewarding to stand back and look at something you helped create!
- Heidi Polacek, Lincoln Cabinet
Have the humility to listen and learn from those around you! I have been fortunate to be surrounded by great mentors and am continually learning, from subcontractors, fellow contractors and designers.
- Megan Dreyer, Personal Touch Designs
2025 Construction Career Day
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Haymarket Park 403 Line Drive Circle Lot 19 (south parking lot) Hands-on
If your business is interested in
Join us for this familyfriendly event! (hint, hint: we have hot dogs & cinnamon rolls for the picky eaters)
Monday March 3 6:00 PM to 7:45 PM
Coloring contest for the kids!
Kids can color their house at the event and turn it in to staff. Entries will be posted on HBAL's social media pages for voting. Prizes will be awarded in the following categories: 0 to 6 years and 7 to 12 years.
Admission: $15 per person (12 years & under are FREE) If
Contest Entrant Info
Cost for a booth: FREE
Food preparation and booth set-up: 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Exhibitors (cooks) will:
• Prepare 3 gallons of chili or soup (in a roaster pan)
• Have their own meat thermometer
• Provide their own three-prong extension cords
• Have the option to decorate their booth (Please, do not attach anything to the walls or use materials that cannot be easily swept. Thank you!)
• Help with clean-up at the end of the night
HBAL will provide:
• 8 ft. table
• Chairs
• Bowls, spoons, napkins
• Electrical outlet
• Prizes
• Ladle
• Table Cover
Current Challengers
1. Cambria USA
2. Stephens & Smith
Construction Co.
3. West Gate Bank
4. Lincoln Federal
Savings Bank
5. Window Option Specialists
6. Zeng Countertops & Surfaces
7. Avid Realty
8. Mead Lumber
9. Hartland Homes
10. HBAL
11. OPEN
12. OPEN
Copyright Infringement in Building Plans
by Ben Swanson, Rembolt Ludtke LLP
A builder just finished construction using plans provided to him by the customer. Now, the builder is shocked to be reading a notice from an architecture firm claiming he violated its copyright in the building plans. But the customer said that he or she drew up the plans, so the builder is in the clear, right? It’s not that simple. Since Congress passed the Architectural Works Copyright Protection Act in 1990, copyright protection has extended to the design of a building “as embodied in any tangible medium of expression.” A tangible medium of expression includes the building itself as well as the architectural plans or drawings. The protection includes the “overall form as well as the arrangement and composition of spaces and elements in the design,” even if those elements are not individually protectible under copyright law. The copyright owner can choose between recovering statutory damages or all the profits the infringer earned due to the infringement. The statutory damages generally range anywhere from $750 to $30,000 for each instance of infringement (e.g. building a home, using floor plans to advertise, etc.). If the copyright owner proves that the infringement was willful, the maximum for each infringement is raised to $150,000.
And here is the kicker: a builder can be held liable for using copyrighted building designs even if you did not know, and had no reason to know, that the customer did not have authority to let you use them. Copyright infringement is based
on the theory of “strict liability,” meaning that the intent or knowledge of the user is irrelevant to the question of liability. Accordingly, federal courts have rejected the argument that an “innocent infringer” can escape liability on account of his or her reasonable belief that the materials were not protected by copyright. If an infringer can show that the infringement was innocent, the minimum for statutory damages is lowered to $200 per infringement, but the maximum remains at $30,000 and the copyright owner can still elect to receive the infringer’s profits instead. The penalty might be reduced, but the infringer will still be held liable, innocent or not.
Further, in the case of multiple infringing parties, federal copyright law allows copyright owners to choose who they want to go after, and neither federal nor Nebraska law clearly give the party found liable for copyright infringement the right to indemnification from the other infringers. This is true even if the ultimate
user was an innocent infringer and the other infringer was knowingly at fault. So, if a customer falsely states they are the owner of designs or plans, the copyright owner could choose to sue only the builder for copyright infringement and the law does not clearly give the builder the right to recover from the customer. The builder may be able to bring an action against the customer under state law for fraud or misrepresentation, but, even if successful, the builder still may not be able to recover the amount it had to pay to the copyright owner.
Knowing all this, what can builders do to protect themselves? The first step, is to require any customer provide legal documentation of their right to use the plans provided. This could look like a written license from the
architect or designer. Next, the builder can protect themselves by including an indemnification provision in their contract. Every builder’s contract with their customers should include an indemnification against copyright claims, in other words, the right to collect any builder losses or liabilities the builder incurred due to copyright infringement, from the client. Finally, builders can purchase insurance coverage that includes copyright infringement.
It’s important for builders to stay proactive and stay informed about the legal aspects of the construction process. By taking these precautions, builders can reduce the risk of facing legal and financial consequences related to copyright infringement.
4936-3903-5159, v. 1
INTERIOR & RESIDENTIAL DESIGN CONTEST WINNERS
The Home Builders Association of Lincoln announced the winners of the Interior & Residential Design Contest at the 53rd annual Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show held at the Sandhills Global Event Center February 7-9. The two categories judged were Residential Drafting and Interior Design.
Winners of the Residential Drafting Contest:
• First Place, $200 – Malique Mensah, Lincoln North Star High School
• Second Place, $150 – Kyori Lauer, Lincoln East High School
• Third Place, $100 – Sophie Westburg, Lincoln East High School
Winners of the Interior Design Contest:
• First Place, $200 – Emma Shaeffer, Lincoln Southwest High School
• Second Place, $150 – Reese Miller, Lincoln Southeast High School
• Third Place, $100 – Kaya Wagener, Lincoln Southwest High School
Residential Drafting judges were Marlene Stroup, Schwinn Homes, LLC; Greg Smith, Davis Design; Aubrey Wassung, Davis Design; Dayna Hoch, Davis Design and Dan Loeck, Loeck Designs. Interior Design judges were Pam Magner, Reynolds Design & Remodeling; Megan Dreyer, Personal Touch Design; Kelli Fleek, True North Custom Homes and Heidi Polacek, Lincoln Cabinet. Chair of the annual contest is Pam Magner.
Remodelers Council:
January Board Report
The Remodelers Council held “Builders & Burritos” with the students at The Career Academy. There were 20 members and about 18 students in attendance. Students asked good questions, and it was a great opportunity to share about scholarships the Foundation awards and the Construction Career Day in April. They plan to host this event annually going forward and will expand it to include TCA's morning, mid- and afternoon sessions.
Membership Committee:
The following new members were approved:
• A1 Aerating, Bob Brolhorst Sponsor: Jereme Montgomery
• Arctic Spas Omaha, Chris Batliner Sponsor: Dan Loeck
• Endicott Clay Products Co., Larry Joe Sponsor: Dan Loeck
• Exit Realty, Terry Lindstrom Sponsor: Rob Champoux
• Five & Co. Building & Design, Whitney Korger Sponsor: Erin Magnussen
• Salt Creek Homes Company, Garrett Goldsberry Sponsor: Kevin Wolfe
• Salt Creek Properties Group, Neale Goldsberry Sponsor: Kevin Wolfe
Board Appointment:
Jordan Kreifels, Action Plumbing, Heating and Air, was appointed to fill the open position on the board which was created when Matt Firestone became the Remodelers Chair.
Lincoln on the Move (¼ cent sales tax):
At a recent City Council meeting, HBAL testified in favor of the ¼ cent sales tax for roads funding. The renewal of the tax will be on the April ballot if approved by the City Council. A freeze for impact fees was deemed necessary in order to not increase the cost of housing. There will be a campaign to support the ballot measure. HOMEPAC has approved a $2,500 contribution to the campaign.
Source of Income Petition:
There is a group collecting signatures to get a petition on the ballot to require landlords and bankers to consider all types of income (primarily section 8 vouchers) when determining qualification for leasing or purchasing a home.
Legislative Bill Review:
Our annual Legislative bill review was held on January 23. Bills at the top of our list include:
LB611 will update the state to the 2021 IECC. The bill has been introduced by the Urban Affairs committee. Position - Opposed.
LB441 provides for virtual inspections. It also keeps a permanent record of any inspection failure and requires providing a list of every contractor who worked on a project.
Position - Opposed.
LB415 Cleanup bill on the paid sick leave ballot initiative that passed last fall. The State Chamber is seeking additional Associations to sign in support of the bill. HBAL is adding their support.
LB458 Housing by Right bill. Key points:
• Requires permit applications to be approved/denied within 60 days or it is considered approved.
• Denied permits can be reviewed by district court. The city must provide clear and convincing evidence as to why they didn’t approve.
• Allows accessory dwelling units and duplexes on single-family lots without extra parking requirements.
Position – Support
Copyrighted Plans:
An article about copyrighted house plans for builders will be sent from Rembolt Ludtke for the next newsletter.
Note of Thanks:
Fred Hoppe thanked the Board for his honorary life membership.
Don’t
November Meeting
Tour of Lincoln Fire & Rescue Station 8
Meet at L's Kitchen
2785 S. 17th Street
Parking is available in L's Kitchen's lot or on Burr Street.
Wednesday, March 12 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $20 per person
Includes your choice of the Quiche of the Day, Carbonara Pasta or the Chef's Special
Please let us know if you have dietary restrictions. No-shows will be billed.
Please RSVP by March 5 to info@hbal.org or call 402-423-4225.
It’s hard to believe we are into the third month of the new year. I hope the Home & Garden Show was successful for all our member exhibitors and that your leads convert to great customers.
The Remodelers Council changed things up a little in February with a social at Venue Lounge. As much as we all like the business side of being part of HBAL and the Remodelers Council, it is nice to have an opportunity to chat in a more relaxed setting and get to know our fellow members. Thanks to everyone who came to the happy hour. I hope it becomes an annual event.
As we all know too well, construction projects sometimes have delays and schedule changes. But in the end, the work gets done and everyone is excited to see the completed project. After a few delays and some rework, Lincoln Fire & Rescue Station #8 at 17th and Van Dorn Streets is finally complete, and the firefighters have moved into their new home. Join us for lunch and a tour of the new station on March 12 at 11:30 a.m.
Keep an eye out for additional updates on upcoming Remodelers Council meetings. We have some great speakers lined up throughout the year, and a few more opportunities for more social gatherings where we can have a little fun while taking care of business.
I look forward to seeing you at the Station 8 tour or one of the other upcoming events. Cheers, Matt
It's never too cold for Happy Hour! The Remodelers Council swapped their regular meeting for a social event at Venue Lounge last month. The event provided a relaxed and engaging atmosphere for networking, socializing and learning more about our members which was great for those new to the Remodelers Council. With over 20 members in attendance, it was a great success!
Residential Building Permits
Whether you are training a new employee or you need a refresher, the City of Lincoln's Building and Safety Department provides guidelines for obtaining a residential building permit for a new single family home or townhome on their website. Below is a synopsis of the information.
Step 1: Review requirements and prepare documentation
1. New residential contractors must create a Citizen Access account, and then contact Building and Safety at 402-441-7521 to have your company's license connected to your Citizen Access account.
2. Complete the required application(s)
• Energy Code CertificationREScheck energy codes
• Curb Cut and Sidewalk Permit
• Impact Determination Form
• Water Supply Form
• Sewer Tap Permit
3. An INOI permit is required for erosion and sediment control of individual lots (mostly residential) that are part of a larger development (subdivision).
4. Additional forms may be required if you are in floodplain or demolition project (Floodplain | Demolition)
5. Make sure you have a valid address. If you are unsure, you can check the County Assessor’s website
6. Have your plans ready to submit as a PDF file (must be less than 60 MB).
Step 2: Submit your application
Once you have the required documentation, fill out and submit your permit application here.
Step 3: Make your payment
A deposit of $100 is required when you submit your permit. You will be invoiced for the remaining balance of the permit fee.
Step 4: Application Review
Building and Safety will review your application for accuracy and notify you if revisions are required.
Step
5: Schedule an inspection
The permit must be in an issued status before inspections can be scheduled. Inspections can be scheduled through Citizen Access, the 24 hour Inspection Line (402-441-5999) or SelecTxt (888-405-9508). Have your permit number, date for inspection and special instructions available. Visit the Inspections page or call 402-441-7521 to speak with a Permit Assistant if you have questions.
Failure to submit satisfactory information or violating the above statements is sufficient grounds to void a permit that is already issued or to refuse issuance of a permit. Non-compliance with the codes may result in a reinspection fee.
Directory Changes
New address for Architectural Glassarts is 15505 A Street, Roca, NE 68430.
New address for Doors Plus, LLC is 420 W A Street, Lincoln, NE 68522.
April Buffum, Nebraska Realty, is no longer an affiliate member.
New address for Gatlin Construction is P.O. Box 528, Walton, NE 68461.
Sorry to See You Go!
If you see your company listed below, contact HBAL at 402-423-4225 to renew your membership TODAY!
ACRE Realty Group
Garage Force
GRNE Solar
Kroger Irrigation & Fence
Mid-Alliance Insurance Associates
NextHome Integrity
Directory Update Letters will be arriving soon!
Don’t forget to return it to HBAL with any changes you’ve had in the last year!
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
