About 25 years ago I attended my first general membership meeting at the invitation of our company President Clell Coleman. He then encouraged me to get involved with the Remodelers Council, which I still attend on a regular basis. What I have found through the years is that the HBA has been a faithful partner to me and to my company, always offering opportunities for me to better myself professionally and grow our business. The HBA has watched our back and worked daily to improve and protect the industry from unnecessary burdens.

Now I believe it is my time to give back to the organization that has served my industry so well this past quarter of a century plus. I am honored and pleased to be your new president. I pledge to you my full effort to support you as a member and to promote and defend the American Dream of Home Ownership.

Fully 15 percent of the U.S. economy relies on housing and nothing packs a bigger local economic impact than home building. Constructing 100 new homes creates more than 300 full-time jobs, $23.1 million in wage and business income and $8.9 million in federal, state and local tax revenue. A healthy housing industry means more jobs and a stronger economy.