West Tenn. HBA Celebrates Careers in Construction Month with Inspiring Events
The West Tennessee Home Builders Association (WTHBA) celebrated Careers in Construction Month in October with a series of engaging events focused on introducing young people and women to the skilled trades and rewarding careers in construction.
On Oct. 28, WTHBA hosted a The House That She Built book reading event at the Ida B. Wells Academy in Memphis. The event featured the inspiring children’s story that highlights the diverse career opportunities in the construction industry. Elementary students learned about 18 different trades involved in home building and were thrilled to interact with a real-life general contractor, NAHB Professional Women in Building (PWB) member Tammie Ross of Residence by Ross, a custom home builder in the Memphis area.
The students discovered that many of these jobs focus on STEAM — science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. Their enthusiasm was evident, especially for the excavator and general contractor roles. The girls even asked Ross to return to help build a Barbie home.
Ross then joined NAHB BuilderBooks publisher Patricia Potts at local station WMC TV 5 to discuss careers in construction with Gina Neely of Bluff City Life. They talked about the upcoming BuilderBooks release Breaking Ground, Breaking Glass Ceilings: A Guide to Finding Success in Male-Dominated Industries authored by Ross. Watch the segments here and here.
This new book, to be published in February 2025, aims to help women excel in their careers with a powerful blueprint for success. Ross shares essential strategies for developing a growth mindset, building resilience, and navigating challenges in male-dominated fields. It will be available to purchase at the 2025 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas, Feb. 25-27.
WTHBA concluded Careers in Construction Month with a Breaking Barriers Breakfast hosted by its PWB chapter. A panel of experts addressed the most pressing issues in the housing industry:
- Ashley Cash, Director of Housing and Community Development for the City of Memphis
- Tammie Ross, CEO and General Contractor of Residence by Ross
- Dr. Randel Price, Associate Dean of Engineering at Christian Brothers University
This event explored crucial topics such as the urgent need for housing, NAHB's initiatives to tackle industry challenges, and the significance of Christian Brothers University’s Construction Management degree program.
Latest from NAHBNow
Jul 22, 2025
State-Level Employment Data for JuneAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nationwide total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 147,000 in June following a gain of 144,000 jobs in May. Nonfarm payroll employment increased in 27 states in June compared to the previous month, while employment decreased in 23 states and the District of Columbia.
Jul 22, 2025
2026 IBS Sustainability & Green Building Scholarship Application Now OpenThe NAHB IBS Sustainability and Green Building Scholarship aims to provide emerging green builders exposure to the world of high-performance homes and help them jump-start their professional journey by attending the International Builders’ Show (IBS).
Latest Economic News
Jul 22, 2025
Top 10 Builder Market Share Across MetrosAn earlier post described how the top 10 builders in the country captured a record 44.7% of new single-family closings in 2024. BUILDER Magazine has now released additional data on the top ten builders within each of the 50 largest new home markets in the U.S., ranked by single-family permits.
Jul 21, 2025
Use of Private Water and Sewer Systems in New Single-Family HomesThe share of new single-family homes built with individual septic systems declined slightly in 2024 compared to the previous year, while the share of homes served by private wells remained steady.
Jul 21, 2025
Sales of Lower-Priced New Single-Family Homes Declined Over the Past Five YearsFrom 2020 to 2024, sales of lower-priced new homes declined significantly as the market moved toward higher-priced segments. Rising construction costs—driven by inflation, supply chain disruptions, and labor shortages—as well as higher regulatory costs, made it increasingly difficult for builders to construct affordable homes.