wow 70 prism entries SEE PAGE 11 spike man mystery, part 1 SEE PAGE 9 hunk time! SEE PAGE 12
GCBA 2024 UPCOMING EVENTS
Executive OFFICERS PRESIDENT Michael Nunziata, 13th Floor Homes 1ST VP Michelle Mockenhaupt, D.R. Horton 2ND VP Mark Richards, Stock Custom 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 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
My Fellow GCBA Members and Friends, Southeast Building Conference (SEBC) is happening this week (7/24-7/25), and I’m excited to see many of you there. For those unfamiliar with SEBC, let me put it simply, SEBC is our Super Bowl. It's not just another event on the calendar; it’s the event where you can soak in the latest trends, network with the who’s who of homebuilding, and get a sneak peek into the future of our industry. It’s more than just showing up – it’s about leveling up. Let's talk about why you need to be there: First up, education. SEBC offers a great lineup of seminars, workshops, and talks. These are sessions led by industry juggernauts who are not just ahead of the curve but are defining it. Whether it’s the latest in sustainable building practices, cutting-edge tech, or savvy business strategies, you’re going to walk away with actionable insights that can transform your business. Next, networking. Relationships are everything and SEBC is a networking goldmine. Rub shoulders with top builders, government officials, contractors, designers, and suppliers. These connections aren’t just LinkedIn invites; they’re potential partnerships, collaborations, and game-changing opportunities. The informal chats over coffee or the more structured networking events could lead to your next big project or breakthrough idea. And then there’s the exhibition floor. Imagine a playground of innovation. The latest products, services, and technologies all in one place. This is your chance to see what’s new, what’s next, and how you can leverage it to stay ahead. As builders, we need to be on the cutting edge, and SEBC is where you get that edge. Now, let’s talk about what GCBA accomplishes at the SEBC. We’re not just attendees; we’re active participants. Our presence at this conference is about advocacy, engagement, and leadership. We sit down with policymakers, participate in industry roundtables, and collaborate with other associations. This is where your voice gets amplified. The insights and feedback we gather from you are crucial. They shape our advocacy efforts, ensuring we’re fighting for your interests and addressing your concerns effectively. Here’s the bottom line: attending the SEBC is an investment in your future and the future of our industry. It’s an opportunity to learn, connect, and innovate – maybe even have a little fun at the many happy hours! Most importantly, it’s a chance to be part of a collective effort that drives our industry forward. Your participation strengthens our association and, in turn, strengthens each of our businesses. So mark your calendars, book your tickets, and get ready to make the most of the Southeast Building Conference. Let’s come together, learn from the best, and lead the way in homebuilding advocacy and innovation. I look forward to seeing you there!.
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 President’s MessagE JULY 2024
Southeast Building Conference (SEBC) 7/24/2024 - 7/25/2024 Building Official Association of Palm Beach County Joint Annual Industry Association Luncheon Thursday, August 15, 2024 RAISING FUNDS FOR THE CONNECTIONS SCHOOL AND AUTISM AWARENESS Saturday, August 31, 2024 2024 PRISM AWARDS Wednesday, August 28, 2024 Annual Meeting / Halloween HHHH Thursday, October 24, 2024 Holiday Luncheon Monday, December 2, 2024 COFFEE & CONVERSATION First Friday of Every Month Please visit the GCBA website for more information.
Michael Nunziata GCBA 2024 President
GCBA 2024 Leadership List
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!
GCBA 2024 NEW & RENEWING MEMBERS
LEGAL ROUNDUP
Maintaining a safe construction site is crucial for protecting workers and ensuring project success. Conducting regular site safety audits can help identify hazards, improve safety practices, and reduce the risk of accidents. Here’s why site safety audits are important: Identifying Hazards Regular safety audits help identify potential hazards on the construction site. These audits involve thorough inspections of the work environment, equipment, and practices to ensure compliance with safety standards and identify areas for improvement. Improving Safety Practices Safety audits provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of your safety practices. By analyzing audit findings, you can develop and implement targeted safety improvements, enhance training programs, and ensure that all workers understand and follow safety protocols. Reducing Accident Risks Proactively identifying and addressing safety hazards reduces the risk of accidents and injuries on the construction site. This not only protects workers but also minimizes project delays and financial losses associated with accidents. Ensuring Compliance Safety audits help ensure compliance with local, state, and federal safety regulations. Regular audits demonstrate your commitment to maintaining a safe work environment and can help avoid penalties and legal issues related to safety violations. Enhancing Worker Confidence A strong safety culture enhances worker confidence and morale. When workers know that their safety is a priority, they are more likely to stay focused and productive, contributing to overall project success. By conducting regular site safety audits, you can identify hazards, improve safety practices, reduce accident risks, ensure compliance, and enhance worker confidence. Prioritizing site safety is essential for protecting your team and achieving successful project outcomes.
NEW MEMBERS AFFILIATE Albina Krasniqi Albina@syzygyglobal.com 561-545-9158 Associates Habitat For Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County Jennifer Thomason jennifer.thomason@habitatgreaterpbc.org 561-299-7064 Masterbrand Cabinets Jessenea Suntana jsantana@spsalesmarketing.com 904-521-1940 Mellon Security and Vacuum Systems Brian Nemargut bnemargut@mellonsvs.com 561-789-5071
The Importance of Site Safety Audits in Construction
RENEWING MEMBErs Associates Angel Water, Inc. Atlantic Pacific Insurance Blue Stream Fiber Campbell Property Management Koala Insulation of the Palm Beaches Waterman Bank Builders <5 Million Gross Revenue Andruss Building Company LLC Benitz Building LLC. Cianci Construction LC Construction Florida, Inc. Richard And Rice Construction Ronin Development LLC WA Construct PROFESSIONAL WOMEN IN BUILDING (PWB) Beth Rappaport Suzanne Donohue
ELECTIONS ON THE HORIZON
Where has the year gone? It’s time for you to consider helping to grow and set the future for the Gold Coast Builders Association. Each year the Nominating Committee of the Gold Coast Builders Association compiles a list of outstanding candidates for the Officers and Board of Directors for the coming year. Serving on our Board or as an Officer is not only a challenging opportunity, it is an opportunity to help shape the future of our home building industry for the entire Gold Coast Region. As a member of this select group, you will not only serve but you will have the opportunity to meet and work with other GCBA leaders, movers, and shakers. Quite literally, you will become known throughout our GCBA organization. Imagine the possibilities! If you are looking for a way to get the most out of your GCBA Membership just ask those who have served how they have gotten the most of their Membership. Getting involved is how they did it. They will tell you tell it is because they gave of themselves and served on boards and committees. By serving our Members, they signaled and strengthened their passion for our organization, its mission and its future. The Gold Coast Builders Association Nominating Committee will begin the screening process and interviews will follow. Do you have what it takes? If you are interested in serving as an officer or on the 2025 Board of Directors, please contact your GCBA Executive Sam Yates by email: S.Yates@GCBAFlorida.comn or by phone at the office at (561) 228-6137. We look forward to your service to the Gold Coast Builders Association.
SPONSORSHIPS = PODCAST APPEARANCE
In our June issue of News You Can Build On, we covered the 3rd Annual Hurricane awareness event that was held at UMI Stone’s showroom and warehouse located at 1938 High Ridge Road in Boynton Beach. As you may recall we gave special thanks to UMI Stone; Jonathan Falk, Disaster Director, National Association of Home Builders; Josefina Genaoa, Regional FEMA Representative; and David Burstein, Atlantic Pacific Insurance for making the Third Annual GCBA Hurricane Seminar another huge success. So far in what is still forecast to be an active 2024 Active Hurricane Season, we have been spared the howling winds, flooding, storm surge. Nonetheless the Gold Coast Builders Association takes pride in helping our Members and the public prepare for whatever Mother Nature may send our way this Hurricane Season. We are also pleased to see that UMI Stone has taken advantage of an amazing offer that we give to major Sponsors for our GCBA events like the Hurricane Seminar and, yes, the upcoming PRISM Awards Sponsorships as well as the just completed Hard Hat Happy Hour. In simple terms, Sponsorships = Podcast Guest Appearances for certain Sponsorship levels. Meet Matthew: Matthew DiNorcia, Business Development Manager for UMI Stone – THE Source for stone products in the home building industry here in Florida and multiple states was our special guest for an episode of Builders Spotlight that put the spotlight on UMI Stone, its products, and what makes UMI so unique in the world of stone products. Matt attributed UMI Stones success to the company culture that starts with the owners in Naples, Florida and flows seamlessly through all of the companies showrooms and warehouses. It is a culture that the Gold Coast Builders Association saw firsthand during our Hurricane Preparedness event and have experienced in person and through testimonials from satisfied builders throughout Florida. Isn’t it time you maximized your company’s awareness by becoming a Sponsor of GCBA Events and Activities to leverage your Membership value? Check out the UMI episode of the GCBA Builders Spotlight Podcast with Matthew DiNorcia, Business Development Manager for UMI Stone – THE Source for stone products in the home building industry here in Florida and multiple states.
As a member of the Gold Coast Builders Association, you will be hearing more about the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) SPIKE Club. Since membership in our local home builders association is critical to the value of our organization, the SPIKE Club is a membership building tool that was created in 1953 by the NAHB to recognize individuals for their outstanding achievement in member recruitment and retention in local associations. So what is the SPIKE MAN MYSTERY? Stand by. Like any good mystery, you need to know a few details leading up to the discovery and conversation with a person on the GCBA Spike Roster who generated 4,905 Spike Credits last year and stands at 5,111.50 Spike Credits, so far, in 2024. The Spike Man is the highest performing Spike Club member for the entire nation. The suspenseful silence of the builders and associates as their minds whirred and neurons swirled was only broken by the words of one GCBA Member who scratched a receding hairline and said, “So what you are really saying is that the What of ‘What is the SPIKE Man Mystery’ would be better described as the Who is the SPIKE Mystery Man?”. To solve the mystery of Who and What and even Why and Where, you have to first get into the Spike Club where the game is currently afoot. And to those who are in the Spike Club, it’s far more than a game. It’s a ticket to THE PARTY! And THE PARTY is When? What is the Spike Club? The NAHB Spike Club is composed of all of the individual members and employees of members in local associations who have attained Spike status. It is a vehicle to recognize members for their outstanding achievements in member recruitment and retention. Organizing and implementing an active Spike Club for the GCBA ultimately falls under the supervision and direction of our Membership Chair and Co-Chair who will work with Spike Club members to recruit and retain new members. Pretty simple,right? The SPIKE Mystery Man says, “Not so fast buckeroos!”. If your power of deduction, like that of Dr. Watson and his friend you know who (Sherlock, of course), brings you to realize your Executive Consultant has had some mercurial contact with the SPIKE Mystery Man, you may be on to something so crack on! The NAHB leaves local associations, like ours, some flexibility within the structure to tailor the Spike Club to their needs and goals. However, all local/state associations must follow the rules below. Spike Club Rules The Spike Club membership year runs from January 1 through December 31. All membership activities, records, and competitions are based on this 12 month period. However, the Spike Party eligibility period runs from November 1-October 31. (Aha...that is THE PARTY and the WHEN has been solved). Spike credits have the following values: 0.5 for new council members, Affiliate memberships, and Builder and Associate renewal memberships; 1.0 for new Builder or Associate members. If a member renews during his/her reinstatement period (31-120 days past due), then one full retention credit can be awarded to any Sponsor for that renewal. Retention credit values are: 0.5 for council renewals, Affiliate renewals; 0.5 for Builder and Associate renewals. Spike credits are earned by individuals only. Firms do not qualify for credits. Credits can be awarded to members, or to employees of members. Spike credits cannot be transferred from one individual to another once assigned. Individuals may not sponsor or earn Spike credits (new or renewal) for his or her own membership. A Spike member who transfers membership to another local association or changes companies (employers) may transfer his or her Spike credits by written request to the NAHB Spike Club. Failure to identify a Spike sponsor on the NAHB New Member Form, Dues Payment Report or in WMS at the time a new member or renewal is reported will result in the forfeiture of credits. Forfeited credits can be reclaimed by logging the instance in the Credit Adjustment Correction Form in WMS for up to one year after the credit was generated. There are more Rules but a quick random snapshot of the Spike Roster as of the end of June, 2024 shows for example that Ron Ellish of Ellish Builders has 203 Spike credits and Ron is at Level 200. Jeff Spear, Spear Management Group, has 284.5 credits and is also at Level 200 in credits. Joe Ernst, Overhead Door of the Treasure Coast, has 235.5 credits. “I am the Top Spike in the entire nation. Yes, I am listed in the GCBA Spike Report as part of your GCBA. I must interrupt your Rules recital because I set my own Rules and I know how to generate Spikes. This interview is paused,” and with that the mysterious SPIKE Man who has more than 5,000 Spike Points and who is at award level 3,000 slipped into the quiet unturned pages of this GCBA newsletter and vanished like fresh dew on a sunny morning. “I’ll be back,” were his parting words. Watch your E-mail for an update coming soon on The Spike Man Mystery. For now, it would be a great idea to reach out to GCBA Board Member and Membership Chair Tony Macaluso or Co-Chair Ann Griffith of Waterman Bank to let them know you would be interested in being part of the GCBA Spike Club. You may reach both Tony and Ann through the GCBA Office e-mail. Office@gcbaflorida.com
THE SPIKE MAN MYSTERY
AND... THE WINNERS ARE...
There certainly was no shortage of happiness as the GCBA tried out a new venue for the networking marvel of the Hard Hat Happy Hour. Hosted by generous Sponsors at the Drive Shack in West Palm Beach, it was a perfect combination of food, beverage, and a different variety of golf that many Members say surely whets their appetite for a return to the traditional GCBA Golf Outing in the year ahead. Our special thanks to the following Sponsors for making the Hard Hat Happy Hour a success: Lennar (Chef Sponsor) Daltile (Bay Sponsor) Home Team Pest Defense (Bay Sponsor) Karibe Mechanical Service (Bay Sponsor) Viking (Bay Sponsor) Illumination (Bay Sponsor) Exclusive Florida Real Estate (Bay Sponsor) FPL (Double Bay Sponsor) Nations Roof (Double Bay Sponsor) Raffle items were donated by: Wellington National Golf Club Banyan Creek Country Club Tesoro Club Between our Sponsors and Registered Attendees as well as walk-in registrants, more than 100 Members, Sponsors, and Guests enjoyed the hospitality and play supplied by the Drive Shack. A big tip of the hat to GCBA Events Chair Stefanie Mogull and Event Team Leader Anna Myers from Lennar Homes for organizing our event. Thank you to Chelsea Swanson, Nations Roof, for her outstanding graphics and designs used in our promotional materials. Finally, thank you to Banyan Creek in Martin County for donating a foursome on what at one time was the course that hosted U.S. Open Qualifying and PGA Tour Qualifying School events (wait until you see it today!); Tesoro Club, thank you for a foursome and an upscale yet casual lunch donation; thanks as well to Wellington National Golf Club. If you are a regular at the Hard Rock Cafe, you may have noticed a familiar face during the Hard Hat Happy Hour. Robyn Melvin, our Drive Shack Event Sales Manager was connected to Hard Rock food operations for more than two decades prior to joining Drive Shack within the last month. Robyn says the door is always open for GCBA Members. She can be reached at (954) 648-1682 (cell) or you may email her at rmelvin@driveshack.com. Thank you Robyn Melvin for making our Drive Shack experience stellar.
If you entered an entry into the 2024 GCBA PRISM Awards, the judging is now underway with an amazing entry count of 70 which surpasses our entries from the previous year. The Judges make up a panel of elite professionals, each handpicked by our PRISM Event Chairperson Maya Simhon-Chocron based on her years of experience in making PRISM Award events the pinnacle of must attend events on the Gold Coast. Unlike some awards, the PRISM Awards Winners ONLY know about their winning status on the night of the event. So, mark your calendars for August 28th, because that's when we unveil the ultimate winners! “We certainly urge those who have entered awards and spent countless hours compiling their entries to make sure their company and special guests are present as there will be plenty of suspense followed by the electrifying moment we announce the winners and celebrate the crème de la crème of our region,” said Simhon-Chocron. Savor the Flavor: PRISM AWARDS 2024 This year, you can indulge your senses in a culinary journey like no other as we present the PRISM AWARDS 2024 at Farmers Tables in Boca Raton. Prepare for an exquisite evening filled with tantalizing tastes, culinary artistry, and unforgettable moments. Don't miss out and get ready to savor the flavor of success at the PRISM AWARDS 2024 August 28th from 6 to 9 PM! Of course, your PRISM experience would not be complete without becoming a Sponsor. By becoming a PRISM 2024 Sponsor, your company will enjoy prominent recognition in front of a distinguished audience of top leaders from the Gold Coast Builders Association and the building industry at large. This is an unparalleled opportunity to showcase your brand and network with key decision-makers who are known for being the best of the best in their category. Become a Sponsor Right Now.
HARD HAT HAPPINESS
CLICK HERE TO RSVP
Eight out of 10 Americans say their city and county officials should do more to encourage the production of housing that is affordable to low- and moderate-income house- holds, according to a recent survey conducted by the polling firm Morning Consult on behalf of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Morning Consult conducted the national online survey of 20,041 respondents from April 16-23, 2024. The survey has a margin of error of ±1%. Four out of five (80%) said policymakers should consider the impacts of new laws and regulations on housing affordability, and another 65% said they support a proposal to replace the mortgage interest deduction with an annual tax credit for mortgage interest that could be widely claimed by middle-class homeowners. The poll, which cuts across regional, demographic, political and socioeconomic lines, found that 56% of respondents agree it is important to create more medium-density housing that is affordable to moderate-income households, younger households and first-time home buyers.
Survey Shows Americans Want Action on Housing
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN
NAHB has joined other business groups in a lawsuit challenging recent changes to the Department of Labor’s overtime rules. The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, alleges that the Department of Labor exceeded its statutory authority and acted arbitrarily and capriciously. NAHB joined the lawsuit to prevent DOL from exempting itself from the notice and comment process, which would establish a dangerous precedent.
Considering that a standard fire truck weighs in at somewhere between 20,000 and 40,000 pounds depending on the vehicle, it is no wonder that a team of Gold Coast Builders Association Fire Truck Pullers may raise a few eyebrows at the thought of pulling the heavy vehicle 30 feet with a stop watch ticking away. Add the fact that the fire-truck pull is to raise money for the Connections Education Center of the Palm Beaches, a school for disadvantaged, autistic children, and you can understand why we are saying, “Attention Hunks and Hunkettes! We need your help.” HSQ Group Founder, Jay Huebner, is the GCBA Team Captain and he is urging those who cannot pull to reach into their wallets and donate at least $100 to benefit education for autistic students. “Last year Connections had this new idea to do this fire truck pull to raise money. The Gold Coast Builders Association put together a team of eight people, we went out there and competed to pull this fire truck,” said Huebner. “The police department and fire department and some local gyms came on with some pretty large people out there that are pretty strong guys. So, I’m wanting to have our big strong construction guys show up.I'm a pretty strong guy and yeah, I can pull cars and stuff by myself. But I need people my size and bigger to show up with me and I need seven other people to be on our team,” Huebner added. Huebner and officials from the Connections Education Center were recently the guests on the monthly FREE Coffee and Conversation virtual event that is transformed into a monthly podcast that is part of the ongoing GCBA Builders Spotlight. Jason Portman, Director of Operations and CFO for Connections, says the funds raised by the fire truck pull are needed to assure the school can provide services for the autistic students. “We have children with autism or related disability starting at age three. In 2020, we actually opened an adult program for those high school students that graduate that are no longer eligible for school that can't hold a full time job that can need continuing education, and vocational opportunities. So between all those programs, we have about 150 altogether. We're at capacity and we're looking at different building options. About 90% of our parents are Title One parents which means they're at or below the poverty level. So we have to provide them breakfast, snacks, and lunch during the day. We try to really be a parent centered, and community focused school.” Portman also noted that with Florida’s proximity to water and, in particular, the Gold Coast exposure to lakes, river and ocean, there is a need to teach students swimming skills. “So there's a high prevalence of drowning in children with autism after elopement from the home. We started a swim program in 2017, where all our students get swim lessons, once a week, and we partner with Parks and Rec on that. And now we actually have more students that can swim that can't. We also have a nutrition program where we teach them healthy nutrition options, we do fitness, and through all these programs we've partnered with different county agencies. Our main focus is these monies come back and help those families that, you know, the state provides about 70% of the funding needed for our students and clients. So we have to fundraise the other 30%.” For Hunks, Hunkettes, and those who wish to help this incredible cause, you can join or support the GCBA Team by visiting 2024 Fire Truck Pull.
NAHB Joins Suit on Overtime Rule
Higher Rates Continue to Sideline Home Buyers
ATTENTION HUNKS AND HUNKETTES
Mortgage rates that averaged 7.06% in May per Freddie Mac, the highest monthly average since last November, put a damper on new home sales in May. Sales of newly built, single-family homes in May fell 11.3% to a 619,000 seasonally adjusted annual rate from a sharp upwardly revised reading in April, according to newly released data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau. The pace of new home sales in May is down 16.5% from a year earlier and is the lowest pace since November 2023. A new home sale occurs when a sales contract is signed, or a deposit is accepted. The home can be in any stage of construction: not yet started, under construction or completed. In addition to adjusting for seasonal effects, the May reading of 619,000 units is the number of homes that would sell if this pace continued for the next 12 months. New single-family home inventory in May remained elevated at a level of 481,000, up 12.9% compared to a year earlier. This represents an 9.3 months’ supply at the current building pace, which has been supported by the ongoing shortage of resale homes. Due to declines in new home size and some builder use of incentives, the median new home price fell to $417,400, down almost 1% from a year ago. Regionally, on a year-to-date basis, new home sales are up 6.0% in the Northeast, 25.2% in the Midwest and 6.3% in the West. New home sales are down 7.6% in the South.