Why Do Business With a Member?
NAHB is home to more than 140,000 Builder and Associate members working together to strengthen the home building industry. The camaraderie between both groups is vital for the continued growth of the Federation.
“It’s an understanding that we’re all working towards the same goal and in the values NAHB has,” said Eugene Graf, founder and owner of EG Construction. “We find a lot of value in doing business with a member, and we recruit members we want to do business with and encourage the ones we do business with to become or stay members.”
Graf won the 2022 NAHB Builders Engaging Associate Members (BEAM) Award. The award is given to the builder or local entity that embodies the motto “It’s good business to do business with a member.” The award is also meant to encourage Builder members to use the goods and services offered by member companies.
“Membership isn’t something where you’re automatically going to get more business,” says Graf. “You get out what you put into it. But it’s automatically an icebreaker knowing you both belong to an organization that’s looking out for your best interests.”
“Associate members make up a huge portion of our membership, and if an Associate company is willing to belong to a Builder’s association, we should reciprocate and appreciate that through doing business with them,” Graf added. “I think everybody can gain value from each other as long as you’re in an environment where you’re willing to spread information freely.”
If you know a builder who deserves recognition for their efforts working with other NAHB members, please nominate them for the BEAM award. Applications are due by Oct. 6.
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Latest Economic News
Consumer credit growth accelerated in the third quarter of 2026, with both revolving and nonrevolving credit increasing at their fastest quarterly rates since 2022. Total outstanding consumer credit reached $5.22 trillion, continuing an upward trend that has strengthened over the past year.
Inflation remained elevated in October even as energy prices eased, raising expectations of another Fed rate hike. Shelter returned as the largest driver of headline inflation, accounting for over 30% of the monthly increase. Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy components, rose by 0.3% for the third consecutive month, suggesting broad-based price pressures across the economy.
Wage growth for residential building workers showed signs of a modest rebound in September 2026 following a sharp slowdown earlier in the year. According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nominal wage growth picked up from its June pace, although it remained relatively modest.