Why Do Business With a Member?
NAHB’s flourishing membership of more than 140,000 Builders and Associates uplift the home building industry through advocating for the industry on Capitol Hill, educating the next generation and uniting to solve issues in their communities.
With so many commonalities, it’s no wonder so many members of the Federation turn to each other to do business.
“Giving back to the industry is of paramount importance to me, as I view it as an act of philanthropy,” said Mark Fournier, owner of the Sonrise Companies in Oklahoma. “Working with member Associates builds trust, camaraderie, and assures mutual respect for each other’s business. This bond with Associates has strengthened the referral network between us, too, as we all benefit from a constant stream of referrals.”
Fournier is well aware of the benefits of member-to-member networking and collaboration. He won the 2023 NAHB Builders Engaging Associate Members (BEAM) Award, which is given to a builder who embodies the motto “It’s good business to do business with a member.” The award is also meant to encourage Builder members to use goods and services offered by member companies.
“In 25 years of building my business, one of the keys to our tremendous success is our Associates,” said Fournier. “Our company has worked with many dozens of them for more than 15 years. If a Builder member is not working with Associate members, they are not displaying much wisdom or intelligence.”
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. 7.
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Latest Economic News
The share of new single-family homes built with individual wells and septic systems increased in 2025 compared to the previous year. According to NAHB’s analysis of the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC), approximately 10% of single-family homes started in 2025 were served by individual (private) wells, and 17% relied on individual septic systems.
In the third quarter of 2026, the NAHB Remodeling Market Index (RMI) posted a reading of 62, up one point compared to the previous quarter. The RMI has remained within a narrow band between 59 and 70 for the past four years.
Mortgage application activity declined as the 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose sharply. The Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Market Composite Index, a measure of total mortgage application volume, decreased 7.7% month-over-month in September on a seasonally adjusted basis. Compared to a year ago, total mortgage applications were lower by 35.4%.