HBA Honors Late Builder by Creating Grants for Young Professionals

Derek Weiss was an ambitious business owner whose work brought bespoke and handcrafted millworks, cabinetry and furniture pieces to Detroit. The third-generation carpenter who worked at Home Dimensions Custom Carpentry in Holly, Mich., tragically passed away at the age of 39 in 2021.

In his honor, the Home Builders Association of Southeastern Michigan announced four $1,000 grants for HBA members to attend the 2025 NAHB International Builders’ Show (IBS), an event Weiss greatly benefited from in growing his business.

The grants were made by the 3 Rivers Community Foundation to four individuals aged 40 or younger, who are licensed remodelers or builders in Michigan and current members of the HBA.

The awardees are:

• Jacob Morris Beer of Nosan Signature Homes in Farmington Hills
• Hussein Mokahal of The LED Lion, Inc. in Dearborn Heights
• Gordon Russell III of Russell Building Company in St. Clair Shores
• Maxwell Zervos of Zervos Construction in Farmington