Top Recruitment Tips to Help Your Membership Grow
Growing the membership of NAHB is critical to continually strengthen the home building industry. Member-to-member recruitment is the most effective method, and the Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake County in North Carolina has stood out for its impressive growth in 2024.
The HBA has been able to boost its group by 550 new members thanks to its attention to detail and personal touch in speaking to prospective members.
"It takes two or three touches to get through to someone," said Paul Kane, the HBA's executive vice president and CEO. "It’s rare to call a stranger and get them to commit to something on the [first attempt]. But it’s different when the person who’s making that call knows that person or has a relationship with that person. It’s not a cold call anymore. Especially when that person is a builder, remodeler or developer who is the business generator for the trade partners."
According to Kane, one of their most effective methods is asking current builder members for a list of vendors, sub-contracts, and material suppliers. After cross-checking for those who are not yet members, the team helps create a letter for those they do business with to send personally, explaining the importance of joining the HBA.
Kane believes that the messaging is key. Instead of giving a simple list of reasons to join, it’s important for members to share real examples of how the Federation has benefited their business and explain why they feel it’s important that those with whom they do business are members, too.
"We’re the voice of the home building community in Raleigh-Wake County North Carolina," said Kane. "In general, everyone comes to our association for different reasons. Some want to be part of our Parade of Homes, some want the networking, some are passionate about our advocacy and our top-notch government affairs team.
"But at the end of the day, everyone comes to the association to enhance their business. That is our sole mission: to make sure we are enhancing the business of every member who joins."
Members can view more membership recruitment tips, such as how to overcome common objections, and template letters, on nahb.org.
Additionally, learn more about Spikes and the Fall Recruitment Competition, sponsored by Signature Kitchen Suite, slated to finish on Nov. 30.
Latest from NAHBNow
Jul 17, 2025
Builder Confidence Edges Up in JulyBuilder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes was 33 in July, up one point from June, according to the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) released today. Builder sentiment has now been in negative territory for 15 consecutive months.
Jul 16, 2025
Inflation Picks Up as Tariffs Take HoldInflation rose to a four-month high in June as consumer prices began to reflect tariff policy.
Latest Economic News
Jul 17, 2025
Builder Confidence Edges Up in JulyBuilder confidence for future sales expectations received a slight boost in July with the extension of the 2017 tax cuts, but elevated interest rates and economic and policy uncertainty continue to act as headwinds for the housing sector.
Jul 16, 2025
Producer Prices for Metals and Equipment Show Large IncreasesResidential building material prices rose in June, driven primarily by higher construction machinery and equipment part prices. Metal commodities also experienced significant increases, following recently implemented tariffs on steel and aluminum. Meanwhile, price growth for services used in construction continues to outpace both domestic and imported goods.
Jul 16, 2025
Permits Fall in May 2025Housing permits continued a downhill trend for the fifth month in a row, pointing to a broader residential construction slowdown for 2025. This slowdown is attributed to factors like higher mortgage rates, tariff concerns, and challenges about future housing demand due to economic uncertainty.