Young Professionals Recruitment Program Helps Fuel Membership Growth

Since launching at the beginning of 2024, NAHB’s Young Professionals Recruitment Program has continually helped attract even more industry pros into joining the Federation. The pilot program was implemented at 14 different home builders associations (HBAs) across the country to offer discounted membership prices for new young professionals (member ages 45 or younger).

New members who participate in the program pay just $75 in their first year, which includes all the benefits of membership at the local HBA, state HBA and NAHB. They'll also save $300 in each of their next three years of membership.

“We had a lot of people who had thought about signing up before but hadn’t pulled the trigger,” said Heidi Howery, membership engagement specialist for the Metropolitan Builders Association (MBA) of Greater Milwaukee in Waukesha, Wis.

So far this year, the MBA has gained more than 50 Associate and Builder Young Professional members.

“The $75 rate was much more manageable for them,” said Howery. “Most of the companies that we have joining have been in business for under five years.”

The Flathead Building Association (FBA) in Kalispell, Mont., started offering the new program to its members in May and has already gained 70 members.

“It’s been really exciting for us,” said Mark Freidline, executive officer for the FBA.

Freidline’s team has used word of mouth to get prospective members in the door and has prioritized making members see the value in their membership once they sign up.

New members earn $500 worth of advertising for their business in the town’s local newspaper as well as several other member discounts.

Learn more about the YP Recruitment Program and follow the NAHB’s YP Facebook page.

Participating HBAs include:

• Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Boston
• Building Contractors Association of Southwestern Idaho
• Flathead Building Association
• Fredericksburg Area Home Builders Association
• Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Fairfield County
• Home Builders Association of Northern Michigan
• Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire
• Home Builders Association of the Upper Peninsula
• Home Builders Association of the Marion and Polk Counties
• Lakeshore Home Builders Association
• Metropolitan Builders Association of Greater Milwaukee
• North Idaho Building Contractors Association 
• Salt Lake Builders Association
• Topeka Area Building Association