Associate Members Share Their Top Networking, IBS Advice

Associate members are NAHB’s largest membership group whose work touches all parts of the residential construction industry including accounting, manufacturing, financial services and more. Members in this group come from many different backgrounds, have varying levels of experience, and range in age.

To help spread the wealth of knowledge members have to offer, we spoke with three Associate members about their best tips on how to network with peers virtually throughout the year, and how to network in-person at key events such as the International Builders’ Show:

• Lisa Bellman-Cortez, Loan officer at Cornerstone Home Lending
• Bill Capuccio, Northeast regional sales manager at Tamlyn
• Zeke Keel, Millwork specialist at Webb Concrete & Building Materials

These interviews have been edited for clarity and brevity.

1. When did you join NAHB?

LB-C: I joined NAHB in 2023 through my local HBA (home builders association). Some of the most valuable professional relationships and friendships I have today came from my involvement in the HBA and NAHB. It has also given me opportunities to serve and lead that I probably never would have had otherwise.

BC: I have been a member for over 20 years, and believe membership is important to help promote our industry.

ZK: I joined NAHB in 2008 and started to really see an impact when I applied and served on the board of our local Remodelers Council in 2011. After I built an internal network, I saw my sales approximately double the year I served as chair in 2016. 

2. What networking tips do you have for Associate members?

LB-C: Don’t lead with a sales pitch. Builders already know Associate members want to do business with them. Instead, find a way to become valuable to the organization and to the people in it. Volunteer for something; join a committee where you can contribute. If someone needs help, raise your hand. Then keep showing up. It’s also important to network with other Associate members, not just builders. They can be some of your greatest resources, referral partners and advocates.

BC: Get involved with your local, state and NAHB nationally by being part of committees and by building relationships with your peers and builder members.

ZK: Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and be patient. Long-term consistency is the key. Also, don’t be pushy when you are in a networking situation. Tell people what you do and then focus on building relationships. Ask questions and learn what is important to those around you; not just work, but family, church and other activities. Once you have established a relationship, the rest will fall into place.

3. What networking tips do you have for an Associate member attending the International Builders’ Show (IBS)?

LB-C: Don’t spend IBS only with the people you already know. Make a point of sitting next to someone new at a meeting or introducing yourself to someone you have not met. Introducing people to each other has worked well for me. If I meet someone and immediately think, "You need to know this person," I make the introduction. Becoming a connector is one of the best ways I know to build genuine relationships.

BC: Attend as many sessions as you find compelling. Make sure to mingle with other industry professionals who share common interests.

ZK: Make sure you are well stocked on business cards or have a digital contact. The real value will come from contact made after the show is over.

4. Any additional tips for a first-time IBS attendee?

LB-C: Don’t be intimidated. These are incredibly successful builders, business owners and industry leaders at IBS, but most people are very willing to talk and help when you introduce yourself. And when you come home, do something with the connections you made. Send an email. Connect on LinkedIn. Schedule a call. Get involved with your local association. IBS can introduce you to an enormous network, but what happens after IBS is what turns those introductions into relationships.

SK: Plan, plan, plan but be flexible. The convention center is massive and will take longer than you expect navigating between points.