How NAHB Has Helped Associate Members

This post has been updated.

NAHB’s Associate members constitute a large portion of the home building industry including subcontrators, manufacturers and accountants. Their tireless work is vital to the industry’s success and for the support of builders.

As part of NAHB’s ongoing Associate Member Appreciation Month, three Associate members shared why they joined NAHB, how NAHB has helped their business this year and their best tips for new members: 

• Jason Orvosh, president of The Tech Laboratory and Orvosh Builders
• Luellen Smith, founder and owner of Rhino Wine Cellars & Saunas
• Chris Van Pelt, owner of M&M Glass Company

Why did you decide to become an NAHB member (and when did you join)?

LS: My company joined to support the residential building industry. After the Great Recession in 2009, I re-joined NAHB because I wanted to connect with industry professionals and access resources that could help grow my business. NAHB’s commitment to advocacy, education and networking made it a great choice.

CVP: I joined our local HBA in Baton Rouge in 2003 and attended meetings, but it was eventually committee involvement that led me to learn more and more about 3-in-1 membership and ultimately be as involved as I am today. I realized that our organizations are essential to ensuring that the home building industry is viable and thriving.

JO: Our membership lapsed in the early 2000s, but I rejoined NAHB in pursuit of my Certified Green Professional certification.

How has NAHB helped your business?

LS: NAHB has provided invaluable support this year through up-to-date industry insights, educational webinars and networking opportunities that have helped me stay informed and connected in a rapidly evolving market.

CVP: NAHB has helped my business this year by keeping members abreast of critical issues that affect residential home builders. The issues that affect this industry change daily. NAHB also gives me the opportunity to save money on many of the products we use in our business and creates educational opportunities for me and my employees. Two incredible opportunities that NAHB provides me and my company are the ability to spend the day on Capitol Hill to speak directly with Louisiana representatives and our NAHB International Builders’ Show.

JO: The extensive network I have created over the years I’ve been attending NAHB is always my go-to, along with my 20 Club. They’re a great network to get advice from and to help others. I was at [NAHB’s Legislative Conference] this year and brought a large development print, and I had a good friend of mine review them with me in the Cap Club lounge. His background is in development in another state, but his advice was very helpful for me to gain confidence in a larger project.

Do you have any tips for newer members? How can they get the most out of their membership?

LS: I encourage new members to actively participate in NAHB events and join councils and committees to build industry relationships. Taking advantage of the educational resources and staying engaged with local Home Builder Associations is key to maximizing the benefits of membership.

CVP: Joining your local HBA is a great start, but getting involved, joining committees and attending events is an even better way to learn, network and help support our industry. We all have a voice, and together that voice is stronger. Get out there and get involved. You will grow as a person and a leader, your business will grow, and our industry will grow!

JO: Get involved! Come to the events, make some friends and join a 20 Club. It has challenged me professionally by joining the NAHB Young Professionals Committee. There are so many bright people in the same room. It is well worth the costs to come and be involved in the education, networking and support system NAHB and all levels of HBAs have.