HISTORY IN THE MAKING SEE PAGE 5 youR NEW AMBASSADORS SEE PAGEs 7-9 5 IN '25 MEMBERSHIP DRIVE SEE PAGE 15
MISSION STATEMENT
If you are interested in serving on the Board and/or Becoming an Officer please contact GCBA at: 561-228-6137 or info@GCBAFlorida.com
GCBA 2025 Leadership List
GCBA President’s MessagE
Thank you,
Tuesday, January 28, 2025 Committee Recruitment Luncheon Wednesday, March 12, 2025 Hard Hat Happy Hour Thursday, April 24, 2025 GCBA Golf Tournament Wednesday, May 14, 2025 Meet The Builder Speed Networking Event Thursday, June 19, 2025 Summer Hard Hat Happy Hour July 24-25, 2025 Southeast Builders Conference Thursday, August 28, 2025 PRISM Awards Thursday, September 25, 2025 Casino Night Thursday, October 23, 2025 Hard Hat Happy Hour & Annual Meeting Thursday, December 4, 2025 Holiday Hard Hat Happy Hour * Events/Dates Subject to Change
Michele Mockenhaupt GCBA 2025 President
Embracing New Horizons: A Message from Michele Mockenhaupt, Incoming President of the Gold Coast Builders Association As I step into the role of President of the Gold Coast Builders Association (GCBA) for 2025, I am both honored and excited to lead this incredible organization into a new era of growth and achievement. The GCBA has long been a cornerstone of the home construction industry in Palm Beach and Broward Counties, and I am committed to building on the solid foundation laid by my predecessor, Michael Nunziata. Michael's tenure as President has been marked by significant accomplishments and unwavering dedication to our association. His leadership has set a high standard, and I am grateful for his tireless efforts and the support he has provided me over the past year. Thank you, Michael, for your service and for leaving the GCBA in such a strong position. However, I will reach and exceed your accomplishments. That is my pledge! As we look ahead to 2025, I am filled with a sense of purpose and determination. Our industry faces numerous challenges, but with challenges come opportunities for innovation and growth. My vision for the GCBA is one of proactive engagement, where every member feels empowered to contribute to our collective success. One of my primary goals is to continue expanding our membership. The strength of our association lies in its diversity and the wealth of knowledge and experience our members bring. I challenge each of you to reach out to your peers and colleagues, encouraging them to join our ranks. Together, we can create a more robust and dynamic association that truly represents the breadth of our industry. In addition to growing our membership, I am committed to enhancing the value of GCBA membership. We will continue to offer top-notch educational programs, networking events, and industry forums that provide our members with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed. I encourage all members to take full advantage of these opportunities and to actively participate in our events. And, to make positive suggestions for our future. Advocacy will remain a cornerstone of our efforts. We will continue to engage with policymakers at the local, state, and national levels to ensure that the interests of our industry are represented and protected. It is what we do. Our advocacy work is crucial in shaping a regulatory environment that supports sustainable growth and development. I urge all members to stay informed and involved in our advocacy initiatives. I am particularly proud to lead an all-female Executive Board, a first for the GCBA, the Florida Home Builders Association, and the National Association of Home Builders. This milestone is a testament to the progress we have made in promoting leaders to ever higher challenging leadership roles. I am confident that our leadership team will bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table, driving our association forward. As we embark on this new chapter, I ask for your support and active involvement. The success of the GCBA depends on the collective efforts of its members. It’s not a tired phrase. It is how we will get things done and, as I mentioned above, it is how we will break Michael’s record of achievement. That’s just how I get things done! Let us work together to achieve new heights and to ensure the long-term success of our industry. In closing, I want to express my deepest gratitude to all who have supported me and the GCBA. I am excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead. Let us embrace the challenges and work together for the overall good of the Gold Coast Builders Association and the communities we serve.
Executive OFFICERS PRESIDENT Michele Mockenhaupt, DR Horton Homes 1ST VP Chelsea Swanson, Nations Roof 2ND VP Stefanie Mogull, 13th Floor Homes TREASURER Beth Rappaport, CAM, CMCA Campbell Property Management 1ST ASSOCIATE VP Lauryn Calvert, LocaliQ, PBPost/USA TODAY IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Michael Ninziata,13th Floor Homes Board of Directors Builder REPRESENTATIVES Anna Meyers, Lennar Homes Karl Albertson, Mattamy Corp Karly Mixon, Richard and Rice Construction Joshua Degler, Sawgrass Builders Teresa Hugo Tigert, Akel Homes ASSOCIATE REPRESENTATIVES Rick Baxter, Local iQ, PBPost Tony Macaluso, Integrity Development Group Suelen Barros, BAZE, LLC
The Gold Coast Builders Association (GCBA) Mission is to promote the home building, development and remodeling industry in Palm Beach and northern Broward Counties. To accomplish its Mission, GCBA provides exceptional service to our members through strategic planning, governmental affairs, education, sales and marketing, while fostering business relationships wherein our members work together to benefit one another and contribute to the success of our industry. Our members share their energy and passion to support our collective goal - providing our friends and families the best possible place to call home.
GCBA 2025 UPCOMING EVENTS*
Honoring the Achievement
This year’s GCBA Installation was not just special. It was exceptionally special. Rusty Payton, CEO, Florida Home Builders Associationmade a special trip to attend the GCBA Installation to recognize our place in history as having the first ever female leadership team. That accomplishment was not left unrecognized by the National Association of Home Builders. Below is the letter sent from the NAHB to incoming GCBA President Michele Mockenhaupt on not only this accomplishment but the role model out association is setting for women – especially young women – for entering into the home building industry. Read the letter carefully. It is powerful.
MEET THE GCBA AMBASSADORS
The Gold Coast Builders Association has officially launched the Ambassadors program. Two of our GCBA Ambassadors pinned on their special Ambassador badges and were in a high visibility spotlight during the 2025 Installation. The GCBA Ambassadors are unique. Only 12 Ambassadors will serve this year. Among their duties they will be meet and greet specialists at our events where they will make sure new Members are introduced to key decision makers they have requested to meet. This will require research and background to know the movers and shakers of our association. Ambassadors will become immersed in all aspects of the GCBA from the various Committees to knowing the duties and responsibilities of our entire Board and Executives. One day, one of more of the Ambassadors could become part of our new Board and Executive leadership team depending on two important factors: Desire and Fire. Desire to become involved in the GCBA. The Fire to help our organization grow and serve each and every Member. We have created a leadership incubator! The Ambassadors From time to time, we will feature the GCBA Ambassadors here in our newsletter and even have them as guests in the Builders Spotlight. Each GCBA Ambassador has been asked to complete a brief questionnaire so you can get to know each Ambassador. Meet Bonnie My name Bonnie Rae and I am the director of client relations for FirstChoice Professional Painting. This is going to be my fourth year growing with the company. Do you have any special hobbies or talents you would like to share with our Members? I am a regular at my shooting range, and I am considering the opportunity to become a part-time firearm instructor in 2025! The gun industry is primarily male-dominated, so having a female instructor opens the conversation to more women wanting to learn how to defend and protect themselves. I was just recently baptized this past June with Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale. My faith is extremely important to me. What is one thing our Members may find surprising about you? I’m a great shot! What is the best thing about your business that you like the most? The best thing about FirstChoice is the overall culture of the business and how we focus on professionalism, teamwork, and client experience. FirstChoice Professional Painting is a company of integrity. Describe some of your day-to-day business challenges. Our most frequent challenge is adjusting schedules to accommodate our clients who request last-minute services. What are some of the things you hope to achieve as a Member of the Gold Builders Association both for your business and for you personally. Personally and professionally, I am looking to build synergetic relationships with like-minded companies and serve the community. Are there areas of the GCBA you want to know more about? I'm interested in meeting and learning more about each member to understand how we can help each other grow in this industry. The GCBA Ambassador club is brand new. What makes it appealing to you? This ambassador role will allow me to bring fresh ideas to the association, grow my industry knowledge, and build business relationships. I look forward to warmly welcoming new members as they join, helping them navigate through events, and providing them with any information needed to get more involved! How important, in your opinion, is it for Members to become more active in our association? “ You get out what you put in.” is a cliche saying, but it is sincere. The more active you are in the association, the more it will benefit you and your company. We are all here for the same purpose - to grow. Looking ahead to your future as part of the GCBA, what can we expect from you in the future? You can expect loyalty and dedication from me to help grow the organization. Meet Rachel My name is Rachel Harzewski, Mortgage Consultant HUNT Mortgage. I have been in the mortgage industry for over 10 years. Do you have any special hobbies or talents you would like to share with our Members? My hobbies are ballroom dancing and creating abstract artwork. What is one thing our Members may find surprising about you? I am a competitive ballroom dancer. What is the best thing about your business that you like the most? Making homeownership dreams a reality for clients and seeing them smile. Describe some of your day-to-day business challenges. Some of my day-to-day business challenges include navigating the complexities of matching clients with the right mortgage products, especially in the niche areas of jumbo loans and construction financing. Educating clients and partners about the flexibility and advantages of these unique loan programs is also a priority. Additionally, balancing time between networking with realtors and builders, providing exceptional customer service, and staying updated on changing market trends can be demanding but rewarding. What are some of the things you hope to achieve as a Member of the Gold Coast Builders Association both for your business and for you personally. For my business, I aim to build strong, mutually beneficial relationships with builders and industry professionals, showcasing how my unique mortgage solutions can support their clients and projects. I also want to contribute to the success of members by offering insights and resources that make financing options clear and accessible. On a personal level, I hope to grow my network, exchange knowledge with industry peers, and play an active role in advancing the building and development community. Being part of the GCBA provides an incredible platform to align my passion for helping others with opportunities to make a lasting impact in the industry. Are there area of the GCBA you want to know more about? I’m particularly interested in learning more about how the GCBA supports builders and developers with resources and advocacy, as well as any initiatives focused on innovation and sustainability in construction. The GCBA Ambassador club is brand new. What makes it appealing to you? The fact that its brand new and I believe I will assist in paving the way for professional women to connect and help our community together. How important, in your opinion, is it for Members to become more active in our association? In my opinion, it’s incredibly important for Members to take an active role in the association. Active involvement fosters stronger connections, builds trust among members, and creates opportunities for collaboration that can significantly benefit both individual businesses and the industry as a whole. When Members contribute their time and expertise, they not only enhance the value of the association but also gain access to knowledge, resources, and relationships that might not be available otherwise. Engaged participation helps ensure the association remains a thriving and influential force in our community. Looking ahead to your future as part of the GCBA, what can we expect from you in the future? Looking ahead, you can expect me to be an active and engaged Member of the GCBA, dedicated to contributing to its growth and success. I plan to build meaningful relationships with fellow Members, share valuable insights about innovative mortgage solutions, and support initiatives that benefit the association and the industry as a whole. Whether it’s participating in events, joining committees, or collaborating on projects, I’m committed to being a resource and a partner in helping our community thrive If you would like to become a GCBA Ambassador and you have the Desire and Fire to serve, contact office@GCBAFlorida.com to see if you qualify.
FREE LUNCH!
Ok. Who really could turn down a free lunch? But wait! There’s more! Actually, there’s a lot more. The Gold Coast Builders Association has onboarded 70 new Members in various categories over the last year. It is a positive step towards making the GCBA one of the powerhouse builders associations in South Florida with significant benefits for new and existing Members alike. And, we have only just begun (to borrow a song title from an ancient soft rock group the Carpenters). The Free Lunch is actually a cover for introducing our new Members, Committee Chairs, Ambassadors, Political Action Committee, and Government Affairs, Professional Women in Building, new Board of Directors, and staff to one another and each other. You are invited to attend and you may even find a Committee or Group that is perfect for your special interests. Come. Join. Us.
PAC Fans…Save the date: May 15th for the 2025 Build PAC, FHBA PAC, GOBA + TCBA + GCBA + BASF PAC event (THIS IS HUGE), in West Palm Beach. 4:00 p.m. Location will be announced prior to this major event.
It is a simple 5-word sentence. Google defines this to mean that your beliefs, even though they shape your perspective and actions, do not define your entire identity. You are, in fact, a separate entity with the capacity to observe, question, and potentially change your beliefs over time. I’ve always enjoyed political discussions, and for those that don’t – let me offer a few tips and parlor tricks to aid your dinner table debates. My first suggestion is to try to narrow the topic to a single (voter) issue. When one person is waving the flag for their team, ask them what is the single most important issue to them. There are lots of single-issue voters, and it’s easier to have a spirited conversation over one topic than to fight the wind. Focus on one windmill instead. My second suggestion is if the conversation is a polarizing issue see if the person across from you is COMPLETELY all the way on one side of the issue. Most likely they are not, and then you can focus on the grey area that may be common. If you both can agree the issue isn’t black and white, but grey, then the conversation becomes much more interesting, and fun as you debate the forty shades of grey. If they are unwilling to admit a grey area exists, then change the conversation to something easier, like religion. My last suggestion is if the conversation is getting heated, to focus on the facts of the matter and separate what they are saying from the emotions behind what may or may not be facts. See if they are sharing their own opinion and not repeating a pundit’s. Mark Twain once said, “In religion and politics people’s beliefs and convictions are in almost every case gotten at second-hand, and without examination, from authorities who have not themselves examined the questions at issue but have taken them at second-hand from other non-examiners, whose opinions about them were not worth a brass farthing.” Social media likes to whip-up people’s emotions, but the best antidote to that is to have a face-to-face conversation over facts, not the merits of an emotional response. Personally, I love finding out what people actually THINK. All the above are just a few tools you can use, and, believe me there are many more. Just remember, the best teacher is practice because repetition is the mother of all skills. Having political conversations for the uninitiated is just like any exercise that hasn’t been done in a while. You will have sore muscles when you’ll experience “L'esprit de l'escalier” (a phrase coined in the 18th century by Denis Diderot that means, in literal translation, staircase wit. It denotes those missed opportunities for a dazzling riposte, a charming bit of repartee, that occur too late — only, as it were, on the staircase as one is departing). But with practice you will get better. The real challenge in all of this, however, isn’t winning a debate, it is making sure YOU, dear reader, aren’t the one who can’t separate yourself from your beliefs. Observing, questioning, and potentially changing your beliefs over time is fine and, in fact, makes it relatively easy to see when someone else is wrapped up in their own team’s flag so tightly that they can’t even talk to or about the other team. I encourage you to talk about politics more. Learn how to do it. It’s important. It’s fun and it is fulfilling. To quote Mahatma Gandhi, "Be the change you want to see in the world". Who knows, over time, you might even change some of your own beliefs in the process.
YOU ARE NOT YOUR BELIEFS.
Frank R. Coppola, III Coppola Brothers LLC
Our sincerest thanks to ALL of our Sponsors and the 200 attendees for making the 2025 GCBA Installation of Officers and Board of Directors an event for the record books! Check our website for the 2025 Installation Photo Gallery.
Swearing in the Board and Executives 2025
Record Attendance for 2025 Installation!
A wise person once said that “records are meant to be broken”. If that is the case, next year’s 2026 Installation of Offices and Board of Directors has some tall shoes to fill but rest assured that next year’s incoming president is already planning the extravaganza! More than 200 people including GCBA Members, guests, and VIPs, packed Prezzo Italian Restaurant & Bar in Boca Raton to near standing room only for the Annual Installation. Attendees reported making great contacts and even put in motion a few business deals that were perfect to start the year off on the right foot. However, the real star attraction of the event was the installation of incoming GCBA President Michele Mockenhaupt, DR Horton Homes and an all female Executive Board consisting of First Vice President Chelsea Swanson, Nations Roof; Second Vice President, Stefanie Mogull, 13th Floor Homes; Treasurer Beth Rappaport, CAM, CMCA Campbell Property Management; First Associate Vice President Lauryn Calvert, LocaliQ, PBPost/USA TODAY; and Immediate Past President Michael Ninziata,13th Floor Homes. The remainder of the 2025 Board of Directors for the GCBA include: Builder REPRESENTATIVES Anna Meyers, Lennar Homes Karl Albertson, Mattamy Corp Karly Mixon, Richard and Rice Construction Josh Degler, Sawgrass Builders Teresa Hugo Tigert, Akel Homes ASSOCIATE REPRESENTATIVES Rick Baxter, Local iQ/USA TODAY Network Tony Macaluso, Integrity Development Group Suelen Barros, BAZE, LLC Our special thanks to the 40 Sponsors who contributed a record breaking amount of funds to the GCBA for the honor of showing support for the new President and her Executives. Our Sponsors included Hammer Sponsors LocaliQ, USBank, CSCI, and DR Horton Homes. Other Sponsors in alphabetical order, included: 13th Floor Homes 84 Lumber A&L Quality Enterprise LLC ABC DRYWALL CORP Advanced Drywall Installation All American Shutters and Glass Arte in Pietra Atlantic Flooring Big Plumbing Corp BUILDERS FIRSTSOURCE Builders Specialty Contractors Cable Wizard Campbell Property Management Chelle Construction CSCI, LLC Distinctive Kitchens & Bath LLC Dixie Landscape Professional Shell Builders Foundation Building Materials Heritage Carpet & Tile, LLC Installed Building Products Interior Logic Group Karibe Mechanical Service Leola Construction Masterbrand Cabinets MOEN National Stuccoworks Nations Roof ODC Construction PGT Industries Prime Shell Inc Royal Fence & Equip Corp RunBrook S & J Plastering Specialty Inspectors LLC Strada Services Structural Building Components Sunshine Window Manufacturing UMI Stone - United Materials Westlake Royal Roofing Solutions
Relationships are built on GCBA connections
A Wonderful Night for Installation 2025
5 iN '25 MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
NEW AND IMPROVED!
You absolutely have to check out the menu at the Okeechobee Steak House. No we are not embarking on a culinary tour but the steaks could not be higher as a reward for however many of our Members bring in 5 new Members during Q1 of 2025 ending on March 31st. Sounds pretty simple. If you are a Member and you enlist 5 new Members to successfully complete an application for Membership as either a Builder or Associate our Board President Michele Mockenhaupt will treat you to dinner at the Okeechobee Steak House. Gimme a High Five The 5 in ’05 may be extended into Q2 based on our initial success but our reward will change so if you are hungry for awesome steak right now, we invite you to “Indulge in an extraordinary dining experience at Okeechobee Steakhouse, a culinary gem that has graced Palm Beach County for over 76 years” according to the eatery’s website.” We have already started an Excel Tracking sheet with the early leaders being Karly Mixon, who coincidentally is our 2025 Membership Chair and is in charge of the 5 in ’25 Membership Drive and Stefanie Mogull, 13thFloor Homes leading the scorecard for new recruits. Rumor has it that several high profile Builder Members have ordered their very own cache of steak sauce as they are now recruiting new Members. Nonetheless, the quarter is young and break out performances by hungry Members could lead to new names atop the New Q1 Member Leaderboard. Contact our GCBA office or Membership Chair Karly Mixon to get in on the 5 in ’05 Membership Drive. Okeechobee Steak House is on the GCBA for the winners!
For some, the terms “New and Improved” may be old and trite. When it comes to the Gold Coast Builders Association website, though, the terms are anything but clichéd. Kudos to our very own Chelsea Swanson, Nations Roof, Marketing Manager for taking on the GCBA website makeover and making it look awesome! If you have not seen the new and improved site yet, check out this link.
First impressions are lasting and certainly that is the case with the new site. Fresh color abounds. Navigation is a breeze. And the move between pages and topics is easy and simple. You will be seeing more news from our Members in the aptly called News tab and all Members are encouraged to submit your news for sharing on the site. Submit to office@gcbaflorida.com. The GCBA website is a work in process. If you have questions, input, or suggestions for the website, please contact office@gcbaflorida.com
Linda Garvey Coppola Brothers LLC
WE ARE GROWING!
If you have not noticed yet, your Gold Coast Builders Association is growing to serve our Members! You spoke and we listened. First and foremost, you can see the change in our website. The “wow it sure looks much better” is only surpassed by the expectation of how we will be using the site to keep all of our Members better informed, educated, and challenged in the upcoming year. We are limited only by the expectations of each and every one of you so keep the suggestions on improvement coming. This News To Build On is also changing. You can see where we were with our old newsletter circa January 2023 with this link. Pretty amazing changes right? Safe to say that while we had a newsletter, it was not of the same quality and content of our current newsletter. The old newsletter was a throw-back to newsletters that came in the mail or were delivered. We’ve now embraced the electronic age completely. Former GCBA President Frank Coppola gave the order to “go forth and improve the newsletter” and we took that very seriously by engaging a prose style of writing based on twenty-plus years of television journalism, creating mandatory “local” story counts, and engaging our readers. We have come a long ways in giving Members the news and information from the local, state and national home builders association perspectives. From just a smattering of local information to now ten or more local articles fill our current newsletter. The biggest change in our newsletter will be the frequency. Effective immediately, we are moving from a monthly publication to a quarterly newsletter. But don’t worry that doesn’t mean you will be receiving any less information about how to do business better or have updates from fellow Members or have spotlights on our new Members, event Sponsors, or new activities on the horizon. Moving to a quarterly News To Build On simply means we will become chunkier. Page counts will increase. News for you and topics of interest on the political side of activities will also increase. Our focus on new Members equates to reading more Member profiles on a quarterly basis. A quarterly production deadline simply means we will have more time to write content and deliver our very own news to you more efficiently from a team of true journalists. Essential news that can’t fit the deadlines of a quarterly newsletter (items that need immediate attention) will be shot out via E-Blast on a weekly basis. Look for the E-Blasts to be more detailed and contain a lot more graphics to capture your attention. While News To Build On focuses on Quarterly content, the Builders Spotlight Podcast will increase frequency. Every new and renewing GCBA Member has the opportunity to share news about their business on the podcast. We are planning on being VERY busy as we look forward to increasing our Membership. The headline to this article said We Are Growing! It’s a fact. We’ll see you back next Quarter here in an even more New and Improved News To Build On for updates on how each and everyone of our Members is making growth happen.
NAHB's PWB COUNCIL CELEBRATES 70 YEARS!
For those wishing to expand their exposure, the GCBA Builders Spotlight Podcast is a professionally produced podcast featuring news and topics of interest to all Builders and Associates. The GCBA Builders Spotlight Podcast is streamed on all available podcasting platforms to everyone in Palm Beach and Broward Counties and is available on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many more. Each episode is embedded in the GCBA website, e-blasted to every Member, distributed on social media, and featured via link in the News to Build On newsletter. Every Builders Spotlight Podcast is simul-streamed on The Florida Business News Forum Podcast, the Number One Rated Business Forum Podcast in Florida at no additional cost. The Florida Business News Forum Podcast is heard statewide and in 33 Countries and Territories.
AND AFTER
Happy Anniversary NAHB PWB!
BEFORE
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Professional Women in Building (PWB) Council celebrated 70 years on Friday, January 17th, 2025. To celebrate this accomplishment, they hosted one of their monthly “Shop Talks” to gather with member from across the country to talk, share stories and to truly celebrate women and this milestone. As many of you know by now, PWB is an organization dedicated to promoting, enhancing and supporting home building and women within that industry. The organization aims to provide education, professional development, and networking opportunities to help members acquire and develop leadership and business management skills.PWB wants women to know there is support and advocacy out there for them in this exciting and ever growing field of building which is primarily dominated by men. It is important to understand the history and how the NAHB’s PWB started and how it had evolved and has come to its current name: 1955: Originally chartered as the NAHB Women’s Auxiliary, the organization was created as a social avenue for the wives of homebuilders. 1989: The name was changed to Women’s Council to better reflect its evolving mission. 2009: The name was updated to Professional Women in Building Council (PWB)to emphasize the professional focus of the organization. Today, PWB is the fastest growing council within NAHB with 70 councils across the country currently. One of the NAHB’s PWB missions is to have a council in each of the 50 in the United States.Currently, they only have 14 states left to go to reach this goal. As the fastest growing council in the NAHB, their PWB goal was a 10% growth in membership for 2024 they ended the calendar year with a 19% growth rate! Don’t miss out on being part of this growth at GCBA, become a member!!!
SIP and EPS. Odds are many of you are not familiar with some of the abbreviations and acronyms used in the home building industry. However, SIP and EPS are items one of our GCBA Members says could hold the key to solving the affordable housing puzzle in Florida. Structural Insulated Panels, galvanized or stainless steel panels – the SIP…and EPS or Expanded Polystyrene which is both an insulation material and a rigid construction material are at the heart of what Archetype Homes has to offer other Builders and consumers alike. The GCBA Builders Spotlight Podcast turned the spotlight on Archetype Homes for some in depth information in one of our latest episodes. The Art of the Home - Erik Scheuermann and Archetype Homes is in the GCBA Builders Spotlight! - Gold Coast Builders Association | GCBA Archetype Homes is one of our newer GCBA Members. All new and renewing Members have the opportunity to be featured here in our GCBA News to Build on Newsletter and have a guest seat awaiting on the Builders Spotlight Podcast. Contact your GCBA Executive Sam Yates to schedule your newsletter mentions and podcast appearances office@GCBAFlorida.com
Archetype Homes, LLC prides itself on delivering quality, expertise, and a personalized approach to design and construction. Founded and led by Erik D. Scheuermann, CPBD, with 34 years industry experience and fourth-generation builder with extensive design training who carries forward a legacy of excellence. Erik’s wife and Co-owner Valeriya V. Scheuermann brings 18 years of experience in design and construction to Archetype Homes, LLC. With a keen eye for aesthetics and a steadfast work ethic, she is dedicated to creating beautiful and functional spaces. Valeriya's expertise ensures that every project reflects a harmonious blend of innovative design and practical solutions. Archetype Homes merges the reliability of traditional values and craftsmanship with creativity and modern techniques, while ensuring every project meets our standards. Archetype Homes and its associates are well-equipped to handle both custom turn-key residential and light commercial projects as well as consulting services for large commercial with a focus on meticulous design, engineering, and construction utilizing light gauge galvanized steel and structural insulated panel technologies. Our expertise in Florida building codes is a significant advantage, ensuring that projects adhere to local regulations and standards. Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are an outstanding choice for single, multi-family and commercial construction due to their unique combination of sustainability, efficiency, and strength. These panels integrate advanced building technologies making them a preferred option for homeowners and builders focused on creating durable and environmentally conscious living spaces. Our structures are significantly more energy efficient, providing superior insulation, moisture control and thermal bridging reduction. The structural integrity of our shells provides more strength and durability which makes them ideal option for the areas prone to hurricanes and high winds, while structural strength allows for fewer load-bearing walls, enabling open and adaptable layouts. Our houses can be built faster and will save you a lot of money in the long term due to reduced energy usage and minimal maintenance & repair to the shell envelope. While designing and building with SIPs offer many advantages, they require precise designing & planning, skilled installers, and proper sealing to maximize their benefits. At Archetype Homes we believe that great homes are the result of strong partnerships. We are open to partnering with members of the Gold Coast Builders Association, including general contractors, interior designers, engineers, and other professionals. Collaboration is at the heart of successful projects, and we value the opportunity to work alongside skilled professionals to bring high-quality, innovative, strong and practical structures to life. Contact Information: Erik D. Scheuermann, CPBD Valeriya V. Scheuermann Valeriya@Archetype.Homes www.Archetype.Homes
Terminating a construction contract is a serious decision that requires careful consideration. Here are key factors to keep in mind: Review Contract Terms Before terminating a contract, thoroughly review its terms and conditions. Understand the grounds for termination and any notice requirements to ensure compliance with contractual obligations. Document Reasons for Termination Clearly document the reasons for contract termination. This documentation provides evidence in case of disputes and helps justify the decision if challenged. Seek Legal Advice Consult with a construction attorney before proceeding with contract termination. Legal counsel can provide guidance on the best course of action and help navigate any potential legal implications. By carefully considering these factors and seeking legal advice, you can handle construction contract terminations more effectively and minimize potential disputes.
Andy Wyman, Esq. founded Wyman Legal Solutions in Boca Raton, Florida, and holds a Martindale-Hubbell rating of “AV-Preeminent.” Learn more about Andy at Wyman Legal Solutions. For expert legal guidance and support in your construction projects, don't hesitate to call us at (561) 361-8700 to schedule a consultation and discover how Wyman Legal Solutions can help safeguard your business and ensure your project's success. Your peace of mind is just a phone call away!
Key Considerations for Construction Contract Termination
The ART OF THE HOME
LEGAL ROUNDUP
The latest edition of Building Women Magazine, available now to NAHB members, introduces 2024 Professional Women in Building (PWB) Chair Luellen Smith. The annual magazine features Smith’s mantra of "Building the Future with PWB" where she discusses prioritizing mentorship and growth including ramping up efforts for local council support and encouraging more women to engage in mentorship. It also spotlights how Smith’s early life on a farm helped her succeed in business, her dedication to volunteering, and how she built her career as an entrepreneur. Read the magazine and learn about the benefits of PWB member- ship at nahb.org/womeninbuilding.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently published a final rule revising its personal protective equipment (PPE) fit requirements for the construction industry. The revised standard will go into effect on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. The Department of Labor says the revision to the standard adds specific language requiring that employers provide PPE that “properly fits” construction industry workers, and the change aligns the construction industry standard with the standard already in place for general industry. DOL is concerned that improperly sized PPE may be ineffective in protecting workers.
NAHB's Senior Officers will host a series of Virtual Townhall Meetings on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025. The meetings are an important opportunity for members and HBA leadership to provide feedback to NAHB leadership on emerging issues in their local communities. These conversations will help shape the agendas for the leadership meetings at the 2025 International Builders’ Show. Register for the townhall meeting in your region.
In a widely anticipated move, the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) reduced the short-term federal funds rate by an additional 25 basis points at the conclusion of its December meeting. This reduces the top target rate to 4.5%. However, the Fed’s newly published forward-looking projections also noted a reduction in the number of federal funds rate cuts expected in 2025, from four in its last projection to just two 25 basis point reductions. For home builders and other residential construction market stakeholders, the new projections suggest an improved economic growth environment, one in which there is a smaller amount of monetary policy easing, leading to higher than previously expected interest rates for acquisition, development and construction (AD&C) loans. Thus, more economic growth but higher interest rates.
Visit the Jobsite Safety Zone at IBS
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The IBS Jobsite Safety Zone is back and bigger than ever for the 2025 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas, Feb. 25-27. Due to an overwhelming response from 2024 exhibitors, the Safety Zone has expanded its area and exhibitors by 50% in 2025. The Jobsite Safety Zone will be in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Beyond the great products, there will be live demonstrations every day from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Job-Site Safety Institute Training Pavilion. Learn how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED), how to navigate an OSHA inspection and how to properly administer Narcan. Register for the show at BuildersShow.com.
Property Tax Revenues Exceed $200 Billion in Q3 2024
New PPE Rule from OSHA
Ongoing lean levels of single- family existing home inventory helped to boost single-family production last month, while overall production fell because of a double-digit percentage drop in multifamily output. Overall housing starts decreased 1.8% in November to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.29 million units, according to a report from HUD and the U.S. Census Bureau. The November reading of 1.29 million starts is the number of housing units builders would begin if development kept this pace for the next 12 months. Within this overall number, single-family starts increased 6.4% to a 1.01 million seasonally adjusted annual rate. On a year-to-date basis, single-family construction is up 7.2%. The multifamily sector, which includes apartment buildings and condos, decreased 23.2% to an annualized 278,000 pace. On a regional and year-to-date basis, combined single-family and multifamily starts are 7.3% higher in the Northeast, 2.4% lower in the Midwest, 5.8% lower in the South and 5.9% lower in the West. Overall permits increased 6.1% to a 1.51 million unit annualized rate in November. Single-family permits increased 0.1% to a 972,000 unit rate and are up 8.0% on a year-to-date basis. Multifamily permits increased 19.0% to an annualized 533,000 pace. Looking at regional data on a year-to-date basis, permits are 3.2% higher in the North- east, 4.8% higher in the Midwest, 2.5% lower in the South and 7.0% lower in the West. The number of single-family units under construction is down 6.3% from a year ago, declining to 637,000. The number of multifamily units under construction is down 20.5% from a year ago, to 797,000 units.
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Single-Family Starts Up, Multifamily Down in November
State & local tax revenue from property taxes paid reached $203.9 billion in the third quarter of 2024 (seasonally adjusted), according to the Census Bureau’s quarterly summary of state & local tax revenue. This marks a 2.8% increase from the revised $198.3 billion in the second quarter of 2024 and also marks the first quarter where property tax revenue topped $200 billion for state & local governments. YTD, total state & local tax revenue was $1.56 trillion. This was 5.4% higher than the $1.48 trillion through the first three quarters of 2023. The 2.8% quarterly increase in the property tax revenue was up from the previous quarter of 2.6%. Property tax revenues have grown at an average rate of 0.87% from 2009 to 2024. This quarter marks the fourth consecutive quarter of above average growth.
Fed Signals Possibility of Fewer Rate Cuts in 2025