PHOTOS REVEAL WHY GCBA IS FIRST IN NATION! SEE PAGES 12–13
GCBA PROUD! FIRST IN NATION! MEET 2025 PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS SEE PAGES 6–7 TORNADO DISASTER RESPONSE TEAM SEE PAGES 9–10
MISSION STATEMENT
Holiday Luncheon Thursday, December 5, 2024 Installation of 2025 Officers Thursday, January 9,2025 FREE COFFEE & CONVERSATION Virtual Event online Via Zoom First Friday of Every Month Please visit the GCBA website for more information.
GCBA 2024 UPCOMING EVENTS
Michael Nunziata GCBA 2024 President
GCBA 2024 Leadership List
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 President’s MessagE OCTOBER 2024
VOTE FOR... HOMES! With election season upon us, it is crucial for those of us in the homebuilding industry to reflect on and recognize the impact local, state, and national policies have on our work and industry. The homes we build and the jobs we create do not exist in a vacuum — they depend on an environment where pro-housing policies can flourish. In the upcoming elections, it's vital that we support candidates who understand the importance of new housing and are willing to champion policies that enable our industry to thrive. We are undoubtedly in the midst of a housing crisis — one driven not by a market collapse like the last one, but by chronic underproduction of homes and skyrocketing costs. A combination of factors, including overly strict land development regulations, inherently flawed approval procedures, excessive red tape, and rising costs, have hampered the production of homes by those in our industry. This underproduction of new homes has led to stubbornly high pricing, boxing millions of Americans out of homeownership. For the Gold Coast Builders Association and the broader industry, this isn’t just an economic issue—it’s a community issue. Homeownership is a cornerstone of the American Dream, and our work is essential in making that dream a reality for families across the region. When local governments support policies that promote growth and the production of new homes, everyone wins. We get to build, families get homes, and communities grow stronger. On the other hand, when candidates support policies or simply vote in a manner to stifle development, we all feel the consequences. Construction slows, affordability suffers, and economic growth stalls. Voting for candidates who prioritize housing is more than a business interest — it's a commitment to building a stronger, more sustainable community. As members of the GCBA, we have a vested interest in ensuring that the candidates elected into office understand the importance of our industry. Your vote is your voice, and it's crucial that we elect leaders who are committed to supporting policies that will enable us to keep building homes, generating jobs, and contributing to our local economies. This election, make sure to vote for “homes” — vote for the candidates who will work with us, not against us, to continue building the communities of tomorrow. Your vote can safeguard your business and the future of homeownership in our communities. And if you're passionate about being a voice for our industry, I encourage you to consider joining our Government Affairs or Political Action Committees in 2025. Together, we can advocate for the policies and candidates that will allow our industry — and the communities we serve — to thrive. Every vote counts, and collectively, we can help shape a future where housing remains a top priority. To join our Government Affairs or Political Action Committee, contact the GCBA Office at (561) 378-6137.
Executive OFFICERS PRESIDENT Michael Nunziata 13th Floor Homes 1ST VP Michelle Mockenhaupt D.R. Horton Homes ASSOCIATE VP Rick Baxter LocaliQ/USA TODAY Network 2nd Assoc. VP Anthony Macaluso Integrity Development Group VP FINANCE Beth Rappaport, CAM, CMCA Campbell Property Management IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Frank R. Coppola III Coppola Brothers LLC Board of Directors Builder REPRESENTATIVES Scott Hughes, CSCI LLC Matt Ellish, Ellish Builders Stefanie Mogull, 13th Floor Homes Anna Meyers, Lennar Homes ASSOCIATE REPRESENTATIVES Lauryn Calvert, LocaliQ, USA Today Network Chelsea Swanson, Nations Roof
Best,
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 2024 NEW & RENEWING MEMBERS
Navigating the Permit Process in Florida Construction
Obtaining the necessary permits is a critical step in any construction project. However, the process can be complex and time-consuming. Here are some tips to help navigate the permit process in Florida effectively: Understand the Requirements Each locality in Florida has its own set of building codes and permit requirements. Familiarize yourself with the specific requirements for your project location. This includes knowing what types of permits are needed and the documentation required for each. Prepare Thorough Documentation Prepare all necessary documentation in advance. This typically includes site plans, construction drawings, and any relevant engineering reports. Ensure that your documents are accurate and complete to avoid delays in the approval process. Engage with Local Authorities Establish a good relationship with local permitting authorities. Regular communication with these officials can help expedite the process and address any issues promptly. Attending public meetings and staying informed about changes in regulations can also be beneficial. Use Online Resources Many localities offer online portals for permit applications and tracking. Utilize these resources to streamline the process and stay updated on the status of your permits. Online systems often provide faster processing times and easier access to necessary information. Hire a Permit Expediter For large or complex projects, consider hiring a permit expediter. These professionals specialize in navigating the permit process and can help ensure that your application is complete and submitted correctly, saving you time and reducing the risk of errors. By understanding the requirements, preparing thorough documentation, engaging with local authorities, using online resources, and considering professional assistance, you can navigate the permit process more efficiently and keep your project on track.
RENEWING MEMBErs Associates Nations Roof, Chelsea Swanson BBQGUYS, Cole Wheeler Closet Factory, Jeanne Hessen Ridgeway Plumbing Inc, Greg Kozan Red Line Electrical Services, LLC, Kelly Hynes On The Wall A/V / Handyman Services, Josh Cougler Builders <5 Million Gross Revenue Ecclestone Signature Homes, Llwyd Ecclestone Rothrock Construction, Don Rothrock Builders >5 Million Gross Revenue Drywall Builders Ent,. Steven Campbell Mattamy Homes, Matthew Berkis Kolter Homes, Lauren Anderson Hinterland Group, Daniel Duke
LEGAL ROUNDUP
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!
NEW MEMBERS ASSOCIATES APEX Group USA LLC, David Stephens dstephens@apexgroup-us.com 954-702-3886 Bent Creek Logistics, LLC, James Sullivan jsullivan@bentcreeklogistics.com 954-292-9050 Lume by Masick, Albert Serino info@lumebymasick.com 561-704-0770 ASSOCIATE / PWB COUNCIL Coppola Brothers LLC, Linda Garvey l.garvey@coppolabrothersllc.com 908-391-8809 BUILDER >5 MILLION GROSS REVENUE C.E. Gleeson Constructors, Charles Gleeson III cegleeson3@gleesonconstructors.com 561-621-7900 RTG Construction INC, Jeff Wooster jean@rtgconstruction.com 561-742-8839
A FIRST IN THE NATION FOR GCBA!
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 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 ASSOCIATE REPRESENTATIVES Rick Baxter, Local iQ, PBPost Tony Macaluso, Integrity Development Group
Yes…the lead in this article is buried several paragraphs below. That is because you need a little history – some facts before making our announcement. The Gold Coast Builders Association has achieved a remarkable achievement. Please, read on… Consider the facts. There are more than 700 home builder associations under the National Association of Home Builders leadership umbrella. The 700 plus members represent more than 140,000 builders and other professionals. This national federation of home builders actually construct some 80% of ALL the home built in the United States each year on a consistent basis. These statistics represent hundreds of millions of dollars in the home building industry that not only supports our nation’s economy at large but is a major factor in the economic health of local communities like those within the Gold Coast Builders Association’s geographic area. Yet, with all of the statistics and all of the activities noted above, there has NOT been a single home builders association in the 82 year history of the National Association of Home Builders, NOT a single Florida home builder association in the 77 year history of the Florida Home Builders Association; and NOT a leadership team in the 70 year history of the Gold Coast Builders Association to achieve what is a first at the local, state, and national level for home builder associations locally, statewide, and nationally. With the selection of our 2025 President and Executive Team, your GCBA is now the FIRST in the nation to have an all-female President and leadership roster. Marking a milestone for the Gold Coast Builders Association, the professional association representing northern Broward and all of Palm Beach County, is pleased to introduce the association’s first ever slate of women as Executive Officers on the Board of Directors. “This is a strong testimonial to the role women in our industry have taken here in the Gold Coast Region,” said Michael Nunziata, President, Gold Coast Builders Association. “We have long seen the dynamics at work as our organization knows no gender gap and is honored to have our new Executive Board for 2025 serve as an inspiration for women, not only in the home building industry here in Florida but across the entire nation,” added Nunziata. The 2025 President of the Gold Coast Builders Association, Michele Mockenhaupt, DR Horton, is proud to head the organization into new achievements in the upcoming year. “The fact that we have an all-female team of leaders is great. We have long advocated for the women in our organization, both Builders and Associates, to become more active in helping to not only determine the future of the home building industry but to actually take a hands-on approach to making the GCBA one of the most dynamic home builder associations in Florida with a goal of being among the best in the nation by serving our Members and helping to expand the dream of home ownership.” The all-female slate of Gold Coast Builders Association leaders has also drawn praise from the Florida Association of Home Builders. “Taking a leadership role in an industry that is as demanding as the home building industry is not a feat for the weak at heart,” said Rusty Payton, CEO/Chief Lobbyist, Florida Home Builders Association. “It requires hard work, devotion to our home building industry, and a continuous commitment to striving to help put roofs over the heads of Florida citizens. It is our overall mission as a home builders association and we are extremely proud of the women of the Gold Coast Builders Association for accepting this challenge while moving our industry forward,” concluded Payton. The new 2025 Gold Coast Builders Association President, Board of Directors, and Executive Board will officially be sworn into office on Thursday, January 9, 2025, in special ceremonies to be held in Boca Raton, Florida. Only a limited number of reservations to attend and Sponsorships to support the Installation of Officers and Board remain available. To secure your place in this historic event for the Gold Coast Builders Association, visit Installation of 2025 Officers - Event Registration today. The Gold Coast Builders Association 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, and sales and marketing, while fostering business relationships wherein our members work with other members. Through the GCBA, membership works collectively to ensure the continued success of our industry. It is our membership that cultivates the energy and passion to support our collective goal - providing our friends and families with the best possible place to call home. For more information about the Gold Coast Builders Association or to become a member you may visit www.gcbaflorida.com. You may also call (561) 228-6137 or e-mail info@gcbaflorida.com.
The official slate of Board of Directors and Executive Officers for the Gold Coast Builders Association includes:
A GODZILLA EVENT
“I have never seen destruction from an EF-3 tornado in person before, but the reaction to seeing it was the same as on 9/11,” said Frank R. Coppola, Immediate Past President, Gold Coast Builders Association. “What I saw in the Village of Wellington was like Godzilla had walked through the village, crushing cars like soda cans, stomping his feet on homes and barns, swinging his tail through – just knocking over trees like a scythe.” Coppola’s vivid visualization captured the surrealism and the disaster that hit communities in Palm Beach County and other areas of Florida as disastrous Hurricane Milton began to move, several hundred miles away on the west coast of Florida, from the Gulf of Mexico across the state’s shoreline on a march from west coast to east coast much like a rampaging monster. But the destruction in Palm Beach communities was anything but a scene from a movie set. The last time our former GCBA President had seen anything close to the tornado destruction generated by Milton was on 9/11 in 2001. Like 9/11 the tornadoes spawned by Milton caught its victims by surprise. The National Weather Service says at least 41 tornadoes were hurled from Hurricane Milton’s squall lines into unsuspecting neighborhoods that were, in many cases, far from the hurricane’s projected path. The tornadoes caused millions of dollars in damages and 17 deaths in Florida. Six of those deaths in neighborhoods to the north in Saint Lucie County. The devastation knew no city or county borders. And like many disasters, the destruction meant a spike in crime. “Another familiar sight in disasters is how hardship brings out the best of people and the worst of people. I’ve heard firsthand the stories of criminals coming out to take advantage of people. It’s one thing to read them on the news, but another to be in the field and hear the frustration of city employees lamenting how some crook came out to steal copper from the town community recreational fields. Homeowners relating how crooks were out in force posing as volunteers, only to be casing out the disaster sights looking for stuff to steal, said Coppola. No matter the hardships or crime, the shining light in the wake of the disaster was help that many organizations like our own GCBA brought to those in need. Our Team surveyed damaged areas; coordinated with local emergency management officials; and sought out government officials to let them know the Gold Coast Builders Association was lending a helping hand. The Florida Home Builders Association acquired over a thousand blue tarps and had them delivered across the state in less than a week. In distributing more than 600 of the tarps, Coppola said he personally witnessed how cooperative the people who worked within the government agencies throughout Palm Beach county were when it came to providing immediate help for their residents. “What can I do to help?” was a question I’ve was asked repeatedly,” said Coppola. “My response – always the same. “What CAN you do to help? Do that!”. Can you volunteer to help a buddy deliver 100 tarps at 7:00 a.m. on a Sunday morning? (Thank you Ken Harris) Can you donate a pallet of water to a community relief effort? (Thank you Lowe’s Home Improvement) Can you help get the word out regarding a Go-Fund-Me for a homeowner in need? (Thank you Michele Kamine), Can you create flyers warning storm victims how not to be a victim a second time after the storm? (Thank you FHBA staff!). When you look around the communities served by the Gold Coast Builders Association, you will immediately see it isn’t too late to have the best in you and our business come through. Recovery from a storm takes a long time, and it takes many hands to make light work. Let a hand and do what you can. Be one of the heroes in this story that helps defeat the monster in this real-life story. It’s not a movie. Do what you can to help. You and your family may be the next victims of a disaster. It’s good to know that the Gold Coast Builders Association is going to be there to help. If you would like to be part of our disaster relief team, contact the GCBA office today at (561) 228-6137.
Alek Pavlovics, Doug Doran, Damien Savestano, Adriana Dassa, Dennis Meroney, Frank Coppola, Kate Nordstrom, Daniel Moynihan, Dale Skipworth, Ayshia Butts, and Randy Peterson
Hard Hat Happy Hour October 24, 2024
Reach out to these GCBA Members via their email and let us know you made a valuable contact with each individual to learn more about their business and share with these Members in the spotlight how you can help grow their (and your) bottom line. For more information about the Gold Coast Builders Association or to become a member you may visit www.gcbaflorida.com. You may also call (561) 228-6137or e-mail info@gcbaflorida.com.
See Someone You Recognize?
“I joined in August and have found new business contacts and networking to be fantastic,” – Bonnie Rae, Director of Customer Relations, FirstChoice Professional Painting, Inc., info@firstchoicepropainting.com.
See if you can find the people quoted!
“This Hard Hat Happy Hour was my first since joining the GCBA. I was greeted at the door and introduced to people I wanted to know. Bottom line, I’ll be attending more events for sure,” – Al Serino, Owner, Lume by Masick, info@lumebymasick.com
“GCBA is one of the best networking groups I’ve ever met. Friendly people with lots of contacts. I love GCBA!” – Charlie Barley, ODC Construction, cbarley@odcbuilds.com
PODCAST POWER
The Gold Coast Builders Association’s Builders Spotlight Podcast is fast becoming a Podcast Powerhouse in the world of local home builder associations podcasts. Testimony to that fact is the growing number of experts within our industry and experts hoping to inform or share their news with our Members. When Hurricane Milton appeared to be making a beeline towards Tampa Bay, the Deputy Director of the National Hurricane Center, Jamie Rhome, shared the Hurricane Center’s fears of a catastrophic event that was one of the reasons many in the path of Milton safely moved to higher ground to avoid what could have been a deadly storm surge. Our GCBA podcast was shared with other home builder associations throughout Florida to get the word out on the warnings from the Hurricane Center. Our special episode was also shared with the National Association of Home Builders. With politics and the 2024 Presidential Election on the minds of many Members, what are the political ramifications of the pending election on our home building industry? To get a candid answer, we turned to the President and CEO of the National Housing Endowment, Mark Pursell. We learned some very insightful things that you will simply have to listen to our special interview to find out more. A major takeaway though is that the National Housing Endowment is hard at work in our neighborhoods nationwide…including those right in our own backyards. A special guest, along with Pursell, was Treasure Coast Builders Association Executive Director, Deb Frazier, who has an Endowment funded student training program hard at work producing our next generation of industry workers. Perhaps, one of the biggest and still growing achievement of our GCBA Builders Spotlight Podcast is its appeal to our very own Members. The Builders Spotlight has become a major recruiting tool for new Members with every new Member given the opportunity to appear on the show to put their business or services in the Spotlight. One such Member… Andy Kotzian, President of Green Payroll Services, shared valuable insight into payroll services, HR issues, and Best Practices for any business no matter how small or large nor old or new. Upcoming episodes of the Gold Coast Builders Association Builders Spotlight will shine the spotlight on several of our PRISM Awards Sponsors, new Members in the Builder and Associate categories, and a special look at our first in the nation female leadership team including our President and Executive Team (you can read all about it – to use an antiquated newspaper phrase – here in this newsletter). Enjoy our recent episodes of the GCBA Builders Spotlight and as to other news you will want to know that is put in the podcast spotlight? Stay Tuned! Yes, Sponsorships for this amazing podcast are available for Members and non-Members. For more information about the Gold Coast Builders Association or to become a member you may visit www.gcbaflorida.com. You may also call (561) 228-6137 or e-mail info@gcbaflorida.com.
ADVERTISE WITH GCBA – LOCK IN RATES NOW
Our Gold Coast Builders Association Hammer Sponsors were the cornerstone Sponsors of our recent PRISM Awards just as they have been foundational Sponsors of all of our GCBA events throughout the year. Hammer Sponsors show their underlying support for our association with a single baseline marketing contribution in exchange for an entire year of awareness to each and every one of our Members. As your business plans the 2025 budget, now is your opportunity to consider becoming an annual Hammer Sponsor. Sole source marketing support for the GCBA is offered at several Hammer levels designed to meet your increased awareness return on investment as you support the overall Mission of the GCBA. Contact the GCBA office today to signal your unwavering commitment to supporting our home building industry while underscoring our Members Doing Business with Members philosophy. Contact: email: office@gcbaflorida.com, or call: (561) 228-6137
HAMMERING HOME SUPPORT
Thank You Hammer Sponsors!
For the first time ever, the Gold Coast Builders Association is now accepting advertising in our monthly News To Build on Newsletter and in our highly acclaimed Builders Spotlight Podcast. “We literally have spent the past six months fine-tuning and upgrading the look and content of our News To Build On Newsletter to get it to the quality our Members would value,” said Sam Yates, Executive, Gold Coast Builders Association. “Now we are ready to offer our Members and non-members the opportunity to reach out exclusively with their offers and opportunities,” added Yates. Budget Planning? We Have Opportunities Ad size and pricing information is listed below. Member Advertisers who are interested reduced rates can lock in a 20% discount with a minimum six-month commitment contract. No discounts are available for non-members. All ads are subject to approval by the GCBA. Advertisers who need graphic design assistance may also take advantage of GCBA’s in-house capabilities. Marketing opportunities for the GCBA Builders Spotlight Podcast are also available and are quoted on an individual advertiser basis. Members of the Gold Coast Builders Association have preferential rates for newsletter and podcast advertising. Non-members pay a higher rate. Isn’t it time you became a Member today?
NAHB’s Associate members grossed an all-time high in average revenue in 2023, besting 2021’s record of $2.86 million by $140,000, according to NAHB’s annual census of members. The $3 million average reflects the booming success that Associate members across the Federation saw last year. Other highlights from the census include: Associate members account for approximately 65% of NAHB’s membership. 39% of Associate members say they contribute to the development of green/sustainable homes. The typical Associate member employs 12 people, which ties last year’s all-time high. The census also detailed the businesses in which Associate members work. The most prevalent business is sub- contracting/specialty trade contracting at 45% of all Associate members, up 4% from a year ago. The next-largest segments include professional specialties (11%), retail dealerships/ distributorships (10%), financial services (8%) and wholesale dealerships/ distributorships (5%).
WOTUS Rule Hurts Affordability, NAHB Tells Congress
Many multifamily housing developers are concerned about plans by the Biden administration to mandate all new homes to be built to the latest energy codes as a requirement for certain federal home loan programs, according to a new survey. HUD and the USDA said earlier this year they would require all HUD- and USDA-financed new single-family construction housing to be built to the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and HUD-financed multifamily housing be built to 2021 IECC or ASHRAE 90.1-2019 standard, the commercial energy code used by larger multifamily buildings.
The Biden administration’s interpretation of the waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule has muddied the regulatory process and exacerbated the housing affordability crisis, NAHB recently told Congress. The Supreme Court last year issued a decision in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that redefined the scope of the Clean Water Act and compelled the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide additional regulatory guidance for builders and developers. “The federal agencies are not faithfully adhering to the Supreme Court’s holdings, and the regulated public has been stiff-armed on implementation guidance,” Vince Messerly, president of the Streams and Wetlands Foundation, a non-profit wetlands mitigation bank based in Ohio, testified before a congressional panel. As a mitigation banker working in partnership with home builders to navigate the Clean Water Act’s Section 404 permitting process, Messerly told lawmakers that uncertainties and delays in permitting are increasing housing costs and causing developers and builders to abandon projects at a time when more housing is desperately needed to address America’s affordability challenges.
Who Are NAHB’s Associate Members?
Codes Plan Worries Multifamily
Anticipated Rate Cut Slows August New Home Sales
Apply Now for an NAHB Committee or Council Board NAHB relies on volunteer leaders to provide their knowledge and gui- dance to develop policy to support the home building industry. Members interested in serving the housing industry are encouraged to apply to one of NAHB’s committees or council board of trustees for the 2025 leadership year. If you're int- erested, make sure your membership is in good standing. The application deadline is Nov. 10, 2024.
Expectations of the Federal Reserve beginning the first in a series of rate reductions kept potential home buyers in a holding pattern in August. Sales of newly built, single- family homes in August fell 4.7% after an unusually strong July, according to newly released data from HUD and the U.S. Census Bureau. August new home sales registered a 716,000 seasonally adjusted annual rate, after an upwardly revised estimate of 751,000 for July. Despite the slip in August, the three-month moving average for new home sales is at its highest level since March of 2022. New home sales are up 4% on a year-to-date basis through August. A new home sale occurs when a sales contract is signed, or a deposit is accepted. The home can be in any stage of construct- ion: not yet started, under construction or completed. In addition to adjusting for seasonal effects, the August reading of 716,000 units is the number of homes that would sell if this pace continued for the next 12 months. New single-family home inventory increased 1.7% to 467,000 in August, a 7.8 months’ supply at the current sales pace. Completed Completed, ready to occupy inventory increased to 105,000 homes, which is the highest level since 2009. Median new home price fell back to $420,600, down 4.6% from a year ago due to builder price incentives amid multi-decade highs for housing affordability challenges. The Census data reveals a gain for new home sales priced below $300,000, which made up 18% of new home sales in August compared to 12% a year ago. Regionally, on a year-to-date basis, new home sales are up in all four regions, rising 2.1% in the Northeast, 21.9% in the Mid- west, 0.8% in the South and 4.7% in the West.