Growing Our Strength Through Member Recruitment, Retention, and Involvement
Recruiting new members to your local association is an activity recognized and rewarded through the Spike Club. Those who participate are called Spikes, and they are among the most valued members of the association.
Member-to-member recruitment and retention efforts are the largest source of growth for the federation. Spikes bring grassroots growth and stability. These efforts lend to the development of the general membership and our leadership pipeline, keeping the face of the federation true to that of our industry and the scope of interests we represent.
Spikes are the membership leaders of our federation, building the voice, power and influence on every level, in every state.
“In this era of excessive regulations and inflated costs, the strength of our membership drives our influence. I think I can speak for every member when I say how proud we are to be more than 140,000 members strong. Thank you, Spikes, for what — and who — you bring to the association.”
— Jerry Howard, Chief Executive Officer National Association of Home Builders
“Being an active member of my local builders association gives me an edge over my competition and a forum to meet builders from my area. Each meeting held by the association is an opportunity to spend quality time with the builders, and being present at those events is one of the greatest benefits of membership."
— Christian P. Finke, Associate Member since 2002
Builders FirstSource, South Texas Division
Greater San Antonio Builders Association
Spike Club Q & A
What are the benefits of becoming a Spike?
The real benefits are intangible: You are recognized for your contributions to the association and regarded as an accomplished and connected member. Additionally, Spikes receive:
A coveted invitation to the biggest party of the year, the Spike Party at the International Builders' Show®*
Increased visibility, recognition and networking opportunities at industry events
Unique and valuable lapel pins for each level of achievement
Additional VIP treatment throughout the year
* Eligibility postcards are sent only to eligible Spikes who have at least six credits and one new member recruitment credit between Nov. 1 of the previous year and Oct. 31 of the current year. For example, if a Spike who otherwise meets the attendance criteria recruits a new member in December 2012, this will satisfy the new member recruitment criteria and s/he will be eligible to attend the 2013 Spike Party. As always, the recruitment credit may be composed of one full credit received when a new Builder or Associate member is recruited or two ½ credits received when Affiliate or Council members are recruited.
How do I become a Spike?
Before becoming a Spike, you are a Spike candidate. That means you have earned between one and five credits. Once you earn your sixth credit, you become an official NAHB Spike!* Spike credits are earned by recruiting and retaining NAHB and Council members.
To retain your status as a Spike you must earn a minimum of one new Spike credit (new or retention) each year until you reach a total of 25 credits, at which point you are elevated to Life Spike status.
* Providing you have earned those six credits within two consecutive membership years.
How do I earn Spike credits?
Members earn one credit for each new member they sponsor. When that member renews after his or her first year of membership, the sponsoring member automatically gets one renewal credit. Every year the member renews thereafter, the sponsoring member will receive a ½ renewal credit.
Spikes receive a ½ credit for recruitment and a ½ credit for the renewal of Affiliate members.
Will I earn Spike credits for recruiting and retaining members into a Council?
Yes, when a new Council membership is activated the recruiter earns a ½ credit, and when that member renews his or her council membership, the sponsor earns ¼ retention credit.
What are the Spike Club levels?
Spike Candidate
Blue Spike
Life Spike
Green Spike
Red Spike
1-5 Credits
6 Credits
25 Credits
50 Credits
100 Credits
Royal Spike
Super Spike
Statesman
Grand Spike
All-Time Big Spike
150 Credits
200 Credits
500 Credits
1000 Credits
1500+ Credits
How do I earn double Spike credits?
State and local home builders associations can host organized membership drives or campaigns during May, when National Membership Day is held, and they can apply for a double Spike Credit month in addition to May through NAHB. Learn more about earning Double Spike Credits.
How can I get tickets to the IBS Spike Party?
You must be a Spike in good standing as of October (having at least six credits) and you must have earned at least one new member credit during the previous 12 months. The new member credit can be one full credit earned when a new Builder or Associate member is recruited, or two ½ credits when Affiliate or Council members are recruited.
Spike Rolodex
Every day, you do business with dozens of home building-related companies that are prospective NAHB members. Use this helpful list to create a customized "prospect Rolodex" of 101 potential new member recuits. Update the list as your business contacts expand and as your prospects become NAHB members. Check your list against the association roster to identify non-members, then ask those prospects to join NAHB. The more you recruit, the higher you will move up the Spike Club ladder. Click here for your Prospect Rolodex.
During events such as the International Builders’ Show and all NAHB Board of Directors meetings, the colored ribbons on your name badge will show off your Spike status as a proud accomplishment among your peers. Your local association may also have these ribbons at their industry events.
See photos of Statesmen, Grand Spikes and All-Time Big Spikes. Thanks to all Spikes for their loyalty and hard work!
Sign up for The Membership Minute and receive 60 seconds of food for thought on the business of membership. To opt in, email membership@nahb.org
For more information on earning credits and achieving Spike status, contact your local home builders association or NAHB's Spike Club Manager at 800-368-5242 x8337.
For more information about this item, please contact Gabrielle Alahouzos at 800-368-5242 x8351 or via email at galahouzos@nahb.org.
“In this era of excessive regulations and inflated costs, the strength of our membership drives our influence. I think I can speak for every member when I say how proud we are to be more than 140,000 members strong. Thank you, Spikes, for what
“Being an active member of my local builders association gives me an edge over my competition and a forum to meet builders from my area. Each meeting held by the association is an opportunity to spend quality time with the builders, and being present at those events is one of the greatest benefits of membership."
