The Art of Builder and Associate Member Relationships

Building and remodeling homes is not a one-person job. It takes a network of people from all different backgrounds to provide the expertise, skills and hands-on work to make a project successful. Although Builders may be at the forefront of the charge, it's the Associate members who often complete the puzzle. Those working relationships allow all members in our Federation to provide high-quality, safe homes for people across the country.

The value Associates bring is not limited to the products or services they provide; it's also seen in their interest in contributing to the growth and success of home building. Former NAHB Builders Engaging Associate Members (BEAM) Award nominee and CEO of NEXT Construction Solutions Tonya Cromwell believes working with fellow members shows they care about more than just earning a dollar.

"Being a member tells me that they believe in a greater cause to better the industry as a whole and to enrich all of our lives together," she said. "As a Builder I know I can find these relationships from the Associates in our Federation."

These relationships create the strong bond within local and state association communities, as well as our national one.

Partnerships between members also benefit the projects they work on. Doing business with Associate members means you will have industry allies whose services reflect the attention and care they put into their membership.

President of Belmont Construction Corporation and fellow BEAM nominee Frank Belgiovine admires the professionalism of the members he works with.

"Associate members have a business ethic that exemplifies their high moral character. They will go out of their way to help us in any time of need," he said.

Belgiovine also realizes that the more these relationships happen, the better his business becomes. "I believe their level of service, products and pricing make us more competitive and they truly become a big asset to our business operations and success," he noted.

During Associate Member Appreciation Month, be sure to thank the members you rely on every day who contribute to not only your success, but the success of the industry.

As Cromwell put it, "Our Federation is here to build homes and change lives. It takes more than just Builders to accomplish this and by doing business with members, I know that we are on the same path to achieve those goals."

The NAHB BEAM Award is given to one builder or one local entity that best exemplifies the motto, "It's good business to do business with a member." Each local HBA is invited to submit one nominee for the award directly to NAHB.

The applications for the 2020 BEAM award are open through Sept. 25. Submit a nominee through the application on the awards portal. This year's award will be presented at the 2021 International Builders' Show.

Thank you to the sponsors of Associate Member Appreciation Month: 84 Lumber, Whirlpool Corporation and Dominion Energy.