How Winning an Associate Award Can Benefit You and Your Business

Associate members are vital to the home building industry, working alongside Builders to make the American dream a reality for millions of people.

These members' jobs range from construction suppliers to manufacturers and service providers, and their impact is felt throughout the industry.

Every year, NAHB honors its top two Associate members for their achievements and essential work in the field with two awards: Associate of the Year and Associate Advocate of BUILD-PAC.

Two previous winners of these awards share how their achievement helped them in their careers.

Achieving Recognition and Business Connections as Associate of the Year

The Associate of the Year award honors an Associate member who has made outstanding contributions to their local, state and national HBAs, and to the home building industry. 

“Winning the award felt like an amazing privilege and honor,” said Mike Farr, vice president of sales at Cascade Manufacturing, who won the award in 2018. “Because I was able to win the award, everyone knew who I was, especially NAHB leadership. It was the top award that I could have from my 30-plus years of being involved in the Federation.”

Farr says it helped his business, too: “Many doors opened for me personally at the national, state and local levels. I earned an additional degree of respect from my peers and business owners, which translated to more business and profitable opportunities.”

Promoting Education, Engagement and Advocacy as Associate Advocate of BUILD-PAC

BUILD-PAC is NAHB’s bipartisan political arm that helps to elect pro-housing and pro-business candidates to federal office.

The Associate Advocate of BUILD-PAC award recognizes an Associate member who has made diligent efforts on behalf of BUILD-PAC.

“This recognition meant so much to me because it reflects the advocacy work I am so passionate about,” said Diana Lucero, CGA, CGP, CAPS, senior vice president and construction lending specialist at Century Bank. Lucero earned the award in 2012. “Homebuilding doesn’t just happen on the job site. It also happens through education, engagement and advocacy.” 

“I encourage every member to take the time to nominate someone for the Associate Advocate of BUILD-PAC Award,” she added. “It’s an opportunity to recognize individuals who go above and beyond to champion for our industry and who understand that protecting housing starts with strong advocacy.”

Winners will be celebrated at the 2027 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas. Apply or nominate before applications close on Sept. 21.