January 2013 Reporter

Reporter Volume 6, No. 1 • January, 2013

NORTH TEXAS HOMEBUILDERS ASSOCIATION

4410 Fairway Boulevard • Wichita Falls, TX 76308 • P: 940.692.2211 • F: 940.692.2214 www.nthba.com

General Membership Meeting January 17, 2013 • Kemp Center for the Arts • 1300 Lamar Guest Speaker will be Scott Norman, Executive Director for the Texas Association of Builders. Here’s your opportunity! If you have questions about what TAB does for you, make plans to attend.

Please RSVP to 692-2211 by January 11, 2013

From The President Steven Hinson

Happy New Year

What Slow Season? - Last month’s article was written around the theme of using the slowdown of the winter months to make sure your business is protected. This period canalso be a time when you take your business to the next level or shore up things that were holding you back.

Just like in any sport, the time, effort, and how well a team pays attention to the details before the season will most likely translate to how well a team will perform during the season.

The slow season is a good time to further your knowledge in all aspects of your business. Go to classes, read your TAB newsletter, and visit with your subs and suppliers to see what is hot in the market now. Utilize your supplier’s knowledge about their products and see if there is anything that they think you can do to increase your sales or decrease the headaches of callbacks. Not only should you be learning something new, but it’s also important to further the knowledge of your staff.

The slow season is a time to make sure you are getting the best bang for your buck. Check into everything you spend money on to see if you can save some cash.You shouldmake sure you are getting the service you want or need, because as many have found out the hard way and many will in the future, cheaper is Alan Hinson..................................................................................01 not always better. Make sure you look at both sides of the fence, cost Chuck Vergauwen..........................................................................01 effectiveness and quality of service.

Griselda Anzaldua...........................................................................01 Take some time to ensure that your website is correct and up to date.

Johnny McClane..............................................................................02 Could your website use a makeover to Lance Howard................................................................................ 10 keep up with this world that revolves around technology? Have you utilized John Ahearn.................................................................................... 11 social media? Facebook? Twitter? It Randy Schaffner............................................................................ 12 could be highly beneficial for you to increase your marketing budget.

Charles Barr.................................................................................18 Marketing is a tough venture to know Cindy David...............................................................................25 where to spend your money, but make sure Don Wright............................................................................27 your name is out in the public’s eye one way or another.

Bobby Rowland.................................................................30 Now is the time to implement all your new and Charles Vergauwen......................................................31 inventive ways to drum up more business. Slow times can be tough on your bottom line, but when business picks up, you will be ahead of the game.

Make your 2013 Great!

January Birthdays

Happy Birthday!

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Calendar of Events

NTHBA REPORTER MONTHLY ADVERTISING RATES

Happy New Year (Office Closed).............................Jan. 1, 2013

AD SIZE

Membership, Meeting & Education...........................Jan. 8, 2013 Committee Meeting........................................................10:00AM

FULL PAGE AD...................................................$300.00

Publications and Communications...........................Jan. 8, 2013 Committee Meeting........................................................11:00AM

QUARTER PAGE AD...........................................$75.00

Parade of Homes & Special Events ..........................Jan. 9, 2013 Committee Meeting........................................................10:00AM Budget & By-Laws Committee ...............................Jan. 15, 2013 Meeting.................................................................................9:15AM Board of Directors Meeting....................................Jan. 16, 2013 .............................................................................................11:00AM General Membership Meeting.................................Jan. 17, 2013 .............................................................................................11:30AM

RATE PER MONTH

HALF PAGE AD..................................................$150.00 3 1/2 X 3..................................................................$50.00 3 1/2 X 2 1/2............................................................$45.00 3 1/2 X 2.....................................................................40.00 3 1/2 X 1 3/4.............................................................$30.00 3 1/2 X 1..................................................................$20.00 1 3/4 X 1..................................................................$15.00

Always Remember to do Business with Association Members!

We always have room for more ads!

Please contact NTHBA 692-2211 to set up your ad.

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North Texas Home Builders Association 2012/2013 Officers & Directors

President Steven Hinson Dennis Company Homes

Vice President Barney Brock Lance Friday Homes

AssociateVice President Eric Nelson Guarantee Title Company

Immediate Past President Stan Mountain Stan Mountain Construction

Treasurer Martin Litteken, Jr. Cornerstone Engineering

Secretary Tim Sawyer Wilson Office Supply

Life Director Chuck Dennis Dennis Company Homes

State Director Jose Garcia Garnel Construction

Builder Director Randy Wachsman R.J. Wachsman Homes

Builder Director John Harmon Harmon & Holcomb Homes

Builder Director David Bedingfield David Bedingfield Homes

Builder Director Steven Klasse Klasse Homes

Associate Director Johnny McClane The Ember Shop

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Associate Director Larry Park First National Bank

Executive Vice President Teri Gibson Staff

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Commercial/Residential Sales, Service, Installation

The Original Since 1921 Inc.

Serving Wichita, Archer and Clay Counties

1920 Elmwood North Ave. t Wichita Falls, Texas 76308

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Maggie Johnson

jeant@archertitle.com

maggiej@archertitle.com

OVERHEAD DOOR COMPANY OF WICHITA FALLS 601 Central Freeway East Wichita Falls, Texas 76302

Phone (940) 767-7788 Fax (940) 687-3677

2801 Kell East

Phone (940) 692-5734

Wichita Falls

Fax (940) 692-0391

Texas 76308

Lane Landes, Owner

tco@wf.net

Meet Your Members Puroclean of Texoma - Coping with any kind of property loss can be devastating. It is an experience that affects families on both a material and emotional level with the loss of property as well as the loss of a sense of security and safety.

We understand that responding to property emergencies is more than restoring the damage. Behind every loss is a homeowner who needs consolation or a business owner who is struggling to minimize downtime.

Personalized Approach to Property Damage With nearly 20 years of experience in property mitigation and restoration, PuroClean of Texoma has earned a reputation as “The Paramedics of Property Damage.� We do more than clean up after a property disaster. In response to every emergency, we provide a combination of exceptional property mitigation services delivered with an equal degree of compassion. We help rescue homes. We put businesses back on their feet. We help you get back to your life.

We’re here when you need us, with over 270 offices nationwide. We are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide emergency mitigation services.Contact: Kennneth BurrossPhone: 940-782-5655.

Classic Builders, Inc. is a full service construction company, specializing in complete "turnkey" constructions. Services include; custom homes, residential developments, commercial constructions, apartments, storage, remodeling and real estate.

The company president and owner Mr. Gary Broyles founded Classic Builders in 1975.

Continued on pg 6

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Continued from page 5

Mr. Broyles is a licensed general contractor and real estate broker. His lifetime experience and with more than 200 custom homes built, Team Classic Builders has earned great recognition and customer satisfaction.

Classic Builders vision is to achieve the highest level of craftsmanship through quality and attention to details.

Team Classic Builders is pursuing 100% customer satisfaction, and we will embrace any opportunity to build your next "dream home"!

American National Bank

Mortgage Loans

Home Loans From Your Home Town Bank

anbhomeloan.com

397-2333

(940)

Commercial/Residential Plumbing, Builder Sales, Appliances, Lighting

Association Well on its Way for 2013 Mark your calendars.

The 2012/2013 Committees are already getting started on the New Year. The Parade of Homes & Special Events Committee has scheduled the Parade of Homes for June 1-9, 2013. Deadline for Parade entries have been set for February 28, 2013 to have your home committed to be in the Parade with a non-refundable deposit. The 2013 Show Case Home is being built by Immediate Past President Stan Mountain.

Please make sure you contact Stan if you have items you would like to donate for the Show Case Home or offer at a discounted rate. The Kick-Off lunch will be held May 31, 2013 at the Cherokee Room at the Student Center on the MSU Campus, Sponsored by Landmark Title Company.

The Membership, Meetings & Education Committee have started planning another family night which will be held April 11, 2013 at the Good Times Party Barn. We will be inviting our adopted 363rd Training Squadron instructors and their families to join us. Watch your emails and the Reporter for more details as they come available. Don’t forget to bring your business card to the January 17, 2013 General Membership Meeting to put in for the drawing to have your business featured on a power point presentation at the February General Membership Meeting.

The Publications & Communications committee has tossed around the idea of producing a member’s directory and we have been working on an association Facebook page.

Continues on page 7

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1300 Hatton Road Wichita Falls, TX 76301 Phone: (940) 767-2506 Fax: (940) 761-5563 (888) 266-1387 www.ferguson.com

grizelda.anzaldua@ferguson.com

Griselda Anzaldua SHOWROOM CONSULTANT

Save the Date!

Please make plans to join us in Austin on Wednesday, February 20, 2013 for Rally Day! Rally Day is the best way for members to familiarize themselves withthe issues that face the residential construction industry and, more importantly, deliver our legislative agenda straight to the doorstep of our legislators. This is also a great way to build relationships with legislators and network with other members within the association. Rally Day is the perfect event for new members to attend and see firsthand what TAB does for them and their businesses as well as how your government relations team advocates on behalf of the home building industry at the Capitol.

As in years past, we will have an address from an elected official and a legislative update on the South Steps of the Capitol.This year, lunch will be on your own in between your Capitol visits. We will wrap up the day’s festivities and join us for a legislative reception at the historic Driskill Hotel.

Your support is needed to protect our entire industry, and TAB asks that you and your local association make the commitment to travel to Austin on Wednesday, February 20 for Rally Day 2013. We look forward to you being a part of this special—and effective—legislative event.

If you have any questions about Rally Day 2013, please feel free to contact AshleiLeck at (512) 476-6346.

Let’s get ready to Rally!

Long Name.

Big On Service.

1300 Tenth StrFFU t

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Applications for Scholarships are available on the web site so please encourage anyone you know who lives in Wichita, Archer and Clay counties who is planning to further their education in the construction business to submit an application. According to many reports the construction business has a shortage of workers. We need to begin rebuilding the building industry with skilled workers.

President Steven Hinson is adding a new political action committee to the association committees. If you have any interest in participating on this committee please call or email the NTHBA office and let us know.

We will be aiming to have this committee meeting in February prior to Rally Day at the State Capitol on February 20, 2013.

Please make sure you read the Reporter publication and emails to keep up with times and dates on events as well as learning who your members are and what is available for you.

Home builders association helps Operation Santa Claus

NTHBA Member since 1972

Martin Luther King Jr. Day January 21st

I have a dream...

North Texas Home Builder Association President Steven Hinson welcomed approximately 84 persons to the 2012 Christmas Party, held Thursday, Dec. 13, at the Elks Lodge on Seymour The gifts contributed to Operation Santa Highway.

Claus by members of the North Texas Home Builders Association.

Maj. Sam Ulmer, Commander of the 363rd Training Squadron at SAFB and his wife Heather along with Chief MSgt. Mark Gonzales and his wife Rosa were among those who attended.

Attendees brought unwrapped gifts for Operation Santa Claus. Kathy Bazil and Randal Reel of the Wichita Falls Fire Department accepted the toys on behalf of WFFD. The evening began with a social hour of shrimp cocktail, chips & salsa and festive dĂŠcor. For the dinner, everyone enjoyed steaks, baked potatoes with all the trimmings, salad, and cobbler. The food was prepared by members of the Elks Lodge.

Jay Hollis provided entertainment before the dinner and following the Chinese Christmas. Each attendee Continued on page 8

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Continued from page 7

was given a ticket upon arrival and the tickets were drawn for participation in the Chinese Christmas. Everyone has a great time as presents were picked, exchanged, and exchanged again by the lucky winners. Companies and individuals contributing gifts for the Chinese Christmas Gift Exchange included: Harmon & Holcomb Homes, Steve Lane Construction, Archer Title of Texas, Allred Thompson Mason Daugherty Insurance, Atmos Energy, Breegle Abbey Carpet & Floor, Ferguson Enterprise, Inc., First Bank, Guarantee Title Company, Jams - Masters of Home Makeovers, Landmark Title Company, Texoma Community Credit Union, Union Square Federal Credit Union, Wilson Office Supply and the 363rd Training Squadron SAFB .

Jackie Grace ended up with the “Mystery Gift� that turned out to be an ergonomically correct office chair from Wilson Office Supply.

Standing in front of the Christmas tree and all the gifts for Operation Santa Claus brought by association members are NTHBA President Steven Hinson, center, with Kathy Bazil and Randal Reel, representing the Wichita Falls Fire Department and Operation Santa Claus.

The North Texas Home Builders Association would like to Thank everyone who took part in the 2012 Christmas Party, attendees, members who donated door prizes and the Membership, Meetings & Education Committee for all the hard work involved in putting on such an even. THANK YOU!!

"The Value of NAHB: Self Branding as a Benefit"

"If you don't know what you bring to the table, you'll never get a seat there." - Unknown 2525 Kell Blvd., Suite 100 Wichita Falls, TX 76308 940.763.2100 (main line) 940.763.2101 (fax)

Justin Davis

You, Inc... How others see you is the difference between being in the crowd and being that bright light everyone can see. Our association has many members but think for a moment; how many actually stand out and by standing out I'm not talking about self-promotion. I'm speaking about your personal brand of professionalism. Whether you are self-employed or are employed by someone else you are the focal point to any business opportunities that may be generated.

Think about these questions: 1. What makes you unique?

2. How are you perceived?

3. Do others "see" you in a crowd?

Continued on page 9

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Congratulations Martin Litteken Jr. on the arrival of your grandson Jack Litteken, 7lbs 13oz to Brad and Megan Litteken on December 17, 2012!!!

What a Christmas Blessing!

THE

EmberShop

JOHNNY McCLANE

Fireplaces by Xtrordinair

Stone Age

Vanguard

4101 McNiel Avenue Wichita Falls, TX 76308

Monessen Mendota Town & Country Isokern

Majestic

Wood Burning & Gas Wood & Cast Stone Mantels Outdoor Kitchens

Golden Blount

Serving Texas & Oklahoma since 1971

Service and Installation

www.TheEmberShop.com

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“Masters in Home Makeovers� � "D@TSHETK )QNM 7NNC $NNQR � %KDF@MS +HSBGDM "@SG #@AHMDSR � $HRSHMBS #KNRDSR � 'NQFDNTR %MDQFX %EEHBHDMS 7HMCNVR � %WPTHRHSD FQ@MHSD -@QAKD /OSHNMR � "D@TSHETK -@MTE@BSTQDC 3SNMD "QHBJ

1204 28th Street Wichita Falls

(940) 691-4212

(940) 766-3291

!RGKDX@MMD #HQBKD k 7HBGHS@ &@KKR Debra Clements Mortgage Consultant Mortgage Wells Fargo Home Mortgage 2301 KELL BLVD. WICHITA FALLS, TX 76308 MAC T9904-010 2IÂżFH 'HEUD . &OHPHQWV#ZHOOVIDUJR FRP

Commercial Services

3301 Kell Blvd., Wichita Falls, TX 76308

John Thompson Mike Sharp Mark Miller

Treat others the way you want them to treat you.

Remember to do business with association members.

Continued from page 8

There are ways of branding yourself as a professional and there are ways of self-promoting. Self-promotion is the number one turn off switch for most people, including association members. Self-promotion can be as blatant as a person that doesn't stop talking about themselves or a subtle as constantly handing out business cards. (Note: The value of a business card is not how many you hand out but by how many you are asked for.) The key to sales opportunities has never been with the look of your company polo shirt or the golf ball with your company logo. It's what you do past all the fluff that matters, your brand, who you are. Just as important; what you bring to the table. The association has many benefits if you look closely but one of the more useful, as it pertains to your brand, is making contact with fellow members through You, Inc. The following self-branding vehicles that you could utilize are amazing, in my opinion, if you utilize them correctly; 1. Speaking at a general membership 2. Writing an article for your HBA publication Continued on page 10

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Continued from page 9

3. Writing a blog that is relevant to our industry and/or association 4. Social media such as LinkedIn or Facebook that have groups or pages that have other HBA members participating.

The ideas for each are simple and worth repeating; provide information that is relevant to the association and/or industry without selling. For instance, speaking at a general membership meeting could mean talking about the importance of the event/initiative or asking pertinent questions of a speaker. In both cases you should always identify yourself and your company but then let the conversation focus on the topic at hand.

You could talk about a product that is relevant to home sales or could bring value to another associate member.

But stay focused on the benefits of the product, do not sell. It's very tempting to sell, I know, but if you can master the knowledge of the difference between the two you will be on another level of sales. Same thoughts should be applied when writing either an article for a newsletter or your own blog. Who you are and represent (in your signature of article), then stay on topic. One of the best places to self-brand is social media, and in particular, LinkedIn. Starting a discussion or joining in and contributing to a discussion is a great way to self-brand but do not sell. Selling is posting links to your business, self-branding is sharing your thoughts that, if interesting and timely, could lead others to view your profile and they will then learn about who you work for. Do you understand the difference? Nobody wants to be sold but everybody will gravitate towards something that interests them. Remember what I wrote earlier? "The value of a business card is not how many you hand out but by how many you are asked for." The same theory applies in all self-branding efforts. As a member of NAHB, and the multiple local and state HBAs that make up our Federation, You, Inc. could thrive if you don't sell. You could never get the same opportunity to showcase your knowledge in such an effective and efficient manner without HBA membership. To do so on your own would take years and even then you would constantly need to start over.

Your HBA membership gives you the opportunity to shine, stand out, and differentiate. This is almost impossible to do on your own. How much is your yearly membership cost again? Or should I ask, how much are you gaining from your HBA investment?

Submitted by: Michael Kurpiel, CGA, CGP 10

Please email your comments about the Reporter to nthba.teri@gmail.com to be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a $30.00 gift card to Texas Roadhouse.

Drawing will be held at the January General Membership Meeting.

BEST ELECTRIC COMPANY

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DON WRIGHT - President Cell: (940) 636-5641 2606 GRANT STREET WICHITA FALLS, TX 76309 Tel: (940) 696-2758 fax: (940) 691-3757

Let Us Check Your Shorts

MEMBER FDIC

2949 Southwest Parkway Wichita Falls, TX 76308

940.692.2500 940.692.2506 Fax

Officers Enjoy the 363rd Squadron Christmas Party

Maj. Sam Ulmer welcomes Stan Mountain & Shelia Hammonds.

Tim & Sherri Sawyer, Barney Brock, Stan Mountain, & Shelia Hammonds enjoy the party.

A human Christmas tree decorating contest was one of several games and contests guests participated in where prizes were awarded.

Maj. Sam Ulmer, Stan Mountain, & Shelia Hammonds in the Christmas spirit.

Always Remember to do Business with Association Members!

BRYAN WAGGONER 3907 Kell BoulevarG ‡ WLFKLWD )DOOV ‡ Texas 76308 (940) 691-3641 Continued on pg 12 )D[ ‡

E-Mail bryanl@waggonercarpetone.com

2801 Midwestern Parkway, Suite 200 Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 SKRQH ‡ ID[ ZZZ IVWEQN FRP

CHRI6 ‡ DOCKMA1 ‡ COMPANY

Martin Litteken, Jr., P.E.

2071 FM 171 Wichita Falls, Texas 76305 Phone & Fax (940) 767-9710 Cell (940) 704-3471 Jerry Fillmon, Owner/Manager

2406 Kell Boulevard Wichita Falls, Texas 76309-5326 Phone: (940) 322-6450 Fax: (940) 723-6006

LANDMARK

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Fencing

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TITLE COMPANY Your title needs handled promptly (XUHND &LUOFH ‡ :LFKLWD )DOOV 7;

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WINDOWS, DOORS

Continued from page 6

AND MORE!

522 Beverly Drive Wichita Falls, Texas 76309

723-1436

Always Remember to do Business with Association Members!

703 E. Scott Wichita Falls, TX 76308

BRYAN WAGGONER 3907 Kell BoulevarE t WJDIJUB 'BMMT t Texas 76308

Justin Bailey

Vice President/Lending

justinb@snbt.net

ACME BRICK COMPANY (940) 691-9679 office (940) 691-2560 office (940) 691-9678 fax hnewton@acmebrick.com

Harold Newton Branch Manager

6701 Seymour Hwy. Wichita Falls, TX 76310

Happy New Year!