South Dakota HBA Members Rally Behind State SkillsUSA Competitions

Members of the South Dakota Home Builders Association (SDHBA) played a key role in this year’s state SkillsUSA building competitions, supporting the events as judges and prize donors.

With a focus on the future of the local residential construction industry, eight members served as competition judges for the two-day event, held April 9-10 at Mitchell Technical College. For many, volunteering with SkillsUSA South Dakota is a full-circle moment.

“All of the judges at one point in their own lives were involved in SkillsUSA, and they feel very passionate about the importance of it,” said SDHBA Executive Officer Lane Shull. “I think the majority, if not all, of the judges want to be here because of their past experiences. They don’t bat an eye.”

SDHBA’s support has helped the program grow rapidly in recent years, from only a handful of students participating a few years ago to 50 in 2026. Shull said that SDHBA members donated more than $5,000 in prizes this year for winners across the four building competition categories.

“Keeping kids interested is vital to our industry and the future of our members’ businesses,” Shull said. “We want to do anything we can do to keep the kids educated and understand that this is really important to the future. Maybe even what comes out of it is future HBA leaders.”

Shull said they provided breakfast one morning for the SDHBA student chapter, and all participants received a goodie bag with a t-shirt and a tape measurer donated by a member. The SDHBA also hosted a door prize – a large tool set donated by a member – won by a high school sophomore who Shull said aspires to be a home builder.

“I think the members want to see more of that because the kids get excited about it,” she said. “We wanted to make this a head-turning event.”

The competition rotates to a different technical college in the area next year, but Shull still expects a strong turnout from members and students. She said many of this year’s judges have volunteered in the past and will likely continue. Her goal is to have even more volunteers, prize sponsors and support next year.

“The momentum going forward is ‘Now, what else?’ Let’s up the ante a bit more next year,” she said.

View photos from the event and watch a recap to learn more.