winners revealed SEE PAGE 9 client relationships SEE PAGE 7 Ads now available SEE PAGE 17
Michael Nunziata GCBA 2024 President
My Fellow GCBA Members and Friends, In the dynamic world of home building, where trends shift and challenges evolve, the Gold Coast Builders Association remains a steadfast community of builders, developers, and trade professionals looking out for our industry and members. Our collective strength lies in our diverse membership, driving collaboration, knowledge sharing, mutual support, and advocacy for our industry's interests. While our membership has been stable over the past few years, it's imperative that we aim for more than just maintaining the status quo. Growth should be our objective to ensure that our association continues to represent the breadth and depth of our industry. A larger and more diverse membership base equips us with the financial, intellectual, and human resources needed to make a significant impact on policy and industry developments. We are fortunate to have an impactful staff and a membership committee in place, but the responsibility to expand our association falls on each of us. Consider the vast network of consultants, advisors, and tradespeople you interact with regularly – they all benefit from the advocacy and support provided by our association. It's only fair that they contribute to the collective effort. A simple ask to join us can yield surprising results, as many will recognize the value of protecting our industry and choose to join our ranks. I encourage you to reach out to your professional contacts and invite them to join us in shaping the future of our industry. Share with them the benefits of membership and the positive impact our association has on our profession. Together, we can create a thriving ecosystem where innovation flourishes, challenges are met head-on, and opportunities abound. Let's embrace the spirit of growth and collaboration. By working together, we can ensure that the Gold Coast Builders Association remains a driving force in our industry, enriching the lives of its members and safeguarding the future of our industry in South Florida.
GCBA President’s MessagE AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024
Best,
GCBA 2024 Leadership List
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
Executive OFFICERS PRESIDENT Michael Nunziata, 13th Floor Homes 1ST VP Michelle Mockenhaupt, D.R. Horton 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
GCBA 2024 UPCOMING EVENTS
MISSION STATEMENT
Annual Meeting / Hard hat happy hour Thursday, October 24, 2024 Biergarten, Boca Raton 6-8 pm Holiday Luncheon Monday, December 2, 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.
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.
Building Strong Client Relationships in Construction
GCBA 2024 NEW & RENEWING MEMBERS
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!
LEGAL ROUNDUP
Strong client relationships are the cornerstone of success in the construction industry. Building trust and maintaining open communication with clients can lead to repeat business and positive referrals. Here are some tips for fostering strong client relationships: Communicate Clearly and Frequently Maintain regular communication with your clients throughout the project. Provide updates on progress, address any concerns promptly, and keep them informed about any changes or challenges. Clear and frequent communication builds trust and demonstrates your commitment to the project. Set Realistic Expectations From the outset, set realistic expectations regarding timelines, costs, and project outcomes. Avoid overpromising and be transparent about potential challenges. Setting honest expectations helps prevent misunderstandings and dissatisfaction. Deliver Quality Work Consistently delivering high-quality work is the best way to build and maintain client trust. Ensure that your team is skilled, well-trained, and dedicated to meeting the highest standards. Satisfied clients are more likely to return for future projects and recommend your services to others. By focusing on clear communication, realistic expectations, and quality work, construction professionals can build strong, lasting client relationships.
RENEWING MEMBErs Associates Central Air Control Copperweld Building Wire DTC Stairs, Inc. KMAC Marketing Solutions, LLC OTC Stairs, Inc. Peak Seven Tradesmen International LLC Builders <5 Million Gross Revenue Ellish Builders / Marmat Homes Prime Shell Inc Roofing Reina Stock Custom Homes AFFILIATES Florida Windows and Doors Pedro Perez Sharon Smith
NEW MEMBERS ASSOCIATES Jorde Carey Jorde Carey Inc. jorde@jordecarey.com / 561-765-0519 Edward Ferrer The Home Depot negron@homedepot.com / 863-325-5018 Austin Glidewell Good Greek Moving and Storage ap@goodgreek.com / 561-686-1313 Bonnie Rae FirstChoice Professional Painting Inc. info@firstchoicepropainting.com / 954-421-7603 Albert Serino Lume by Masick info@lumebymasick.com/561-704-0770 BUILDER >5 MILLION GROSS REVENUE Teresa Paterson Blue Shore Builders LLC tpaterson04@gmail.com /561-376-9004
For 2024, the PRISM Awards Top Honors and Platinum Awards went to:
To underscore Maya’s enthusiasm for next year’s competition, did you notice something special about our cover? Take a moment right now to check out the cover. Hmmm...does that mean you will soon get some news about PRISM 2025?
PRISM 2024 BEST OF SHOW 13TH FLOOR HOMES
WINNERS REVEALED!
PRISM 2024 BEST OF SHOW SYZYGY Global
The results are in and the awards are out! The prestigious Gold Coast Builders Association 2024 Annual PRISM Awards have been handed out recognizing the best-of-the-best among the organization’s membership in a variety of categories. PRISM stands for Professional Recognition In Sales and Marketing. The Gold Coast Builders Association (GCBA) PRISM Awards are an annual event designed to recognize the best of the best builders, planners, architects, developers, designers, merchandisers, advertising, and other housing-related professionals. The PRISM Awards program is affiliated with the Gold Coast Builders Association, the local chapter of the Florida Home Builders Association (FHBA) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). This year more than 80 categories were represented in the competition including: New Construction; Interior Design; Remodeling; Architectural Design; Site Design & Development; Marketing; Personal Achievement; and several other sectors. “We are very excited for our winners this year,” said Michael Nunziata, President, Gold Coast Builders Association. “The various projects entered into the PRISM Awards represented the best-of-the-best in our industry,” added Nunziata. Within the categories, winners were ranked upwards and included in order from Bronze, to Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Builder of the Year. “Despite the tough fought competition, what really shines through is the spirit, enthusiasm, and professionalism shown by every competitor. It’s an example of everyone who is involved our home building industry as well as the many associates who provide critical support to an industry that has a tremendous impact on each and everyone in the various communities we serve throughout the Gold Coast Builders Association region,” said Maya Simhon-Chocron, Broker/Realtor/Owner of Exclusive Florida Real Estate, LLC, who returned this year as PRISM Chair.
PRISM 2024 Builder of the Year Award Mattamy Homes
We have seen him at almost every event we attend. He has interacted, posed, and positioned many of us into flattering photos and memories capturing the relationships we build through the Gold Coast Builders Association. Least we sometimes take the capturer of memories for granted, we are taking a few paragraphs to give recognition to the man who has captured the awards, bracketed business deals in progress at Hard Hat Happy Hours, and has gone the extra mile on countless occasions in service to the GCBA. Meet Stuart Hoffman. Stuart Hoffman was born into generations of photographers and raised in South Florida. Stuart is committed to the principle: Love what you do every day. “I am not only committed to that principle, I put it into practice every day because I take my work seriously. Every job is a fresh new face. Picture Your Listings is uncompromising. I provide a full-service photography and multimedia marketing platform for the real estate industry, the professionals that drive it, and the related business world. I love making it all happen and take great pride in the what is accomplished in every project because at the end of a project, it is what I have created.” Coming from the professional world, Stuart profoundly understands the demands of real estate and business professionals. They seek unwavering professional service, the best marketing multimedia, and a strong portfolio. Stuart meets those demands with personalized experience, attention to visual balance, and adds the details that sets Picture Your Listings apart from the norm. Stuart Hoffman and Picture Your Listings—a professional serving professionals. Contact Info: Stuart Hoffman, Picture Your Listing (561) 334-3384 / stuart@PictureYourListings.com www.PictureYourListings.com
SNAPSHOT!
“While the PRISM Awards represent the culmination of work and dedication by our Members, the awards event would not have been possible without the equally important work of our volunteers and sponsors whose dedication to excellence makes the recognition event possible. The GCBA sends our special thanks to those individuals and businesses,” concluded Nunziata. You may view the above complete listing of the 2024 Gold Coast Builders Association PRISM Awards, sponsors and photo gallery by visiting www.gcbaflorida.com. 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 the best possible place to call home.
Who Do You Recognize?
PWB-APB!
ADVERTISE WITH GCBA – LOCK IN RATES NOW
HAMMERING HOME SUPPORT
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
Likely, only law and order fanciers (the old television series types in particular) will catch the rhyme of the headline for this article. It is deciphered as Professional Women in Building All Points Bulletin! Yes we are putting out an All-Points Bulletin to our Professional Women in Building who are associated with the Gold Coast Builders Association. This is a dynamic and growing group that has set up and conducted several luncheon seminars for women (and their men guests) on a variety of topics related to our very own Professional Women in Building. Across the State and around the nation, PWB groups with various builders associations have stepped to the forefront to put on lunch-and-learn seminars, raise funds for charitable organizations, bring more awareness to opportunities for women in the construction industry and a host of other worthwhile activities. That is why we are putting out an APB for PWB! Our PWB group, while very active in the past, is now poised to accept new members and take on new challenges for 2025. The PWB Gold Coast Builders Association group will set its own initiatives and coordinate their activities with our GCBA to continue growing education and awareness opportunities that fit everyone interested in becoming a GCBA Member. If you would like to join your local chapter of the PWB, then this APB is for you! Remember, “To make a great difference it only takes one person to gather the people to make the change.” For more information on the PWB, contact: office@gcbaflorida.com, or call (561) 228-6137.
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?
Thank You Hammer Sponsors!
The housing industry’s ongoing skilled labor shortage and the nation’s lingering inflation continue to spur accelerated wage growth. Residential building workers’ wage growth increased in June at its fastest year-over-year rate since December 2018. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, average hourly earnings for residential building workers was $32.28 per hour in June 2024, up from $29.62 per hour one year ago. Compared to other industries, the average hourly earnings amount for residential building workers in June was 16.2% higher than the manufacturing industry ($27.79) and 10.6% higher than the transportation and warehousing industry ($29.18).
Construction Wage Growth Rises
Who Are Our Builder Members?
Surprise Increase in July New Home Sales
Sales of new homes rose unexpectedly in July, following significant revisions in the previous months’ data. Sales of newly built, single-family homes in July rose 10.6% to a 739,000 seasonally adjusted annual rate from significant upward revisions in June, according to data from HUD and the U.S. Census Bureau. The pace of new home sales in July is up 5.6% from a year earlier. After the notably higher revisions for the May and June data, new home sales from January through July of 2024 are up 2.6% in 2024 compared to the same period in 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 construct- ion: not yet started, under construction or completed. In addition to adjusting for seasonal effects, the July reading of 739,000 units is the number of homes that would sell if this pace continued for the next 12 months. New single-family home inventory in July ticked lower to a level of 462,000, down 1.1% from the previous month. This represents a 7.5 months’ supply at the current building pace. While this reduced level of months’ supply is above the commonly used balance measure of 6, the measure of total home inventory is lower. Given a lean level of resale inventory, total home inventory (new and existing) is near 4.5, which remains low. The median new home price was $429,800, up 3.1% compared to last month, and a 1.4% decrease from this time last year. Regionally, on a year-to-date basis, new home sales are up 5.4% in the Northeast, 22.1% in the Midwest and 6.1% in the West. New home sales are down 2.4% in the South.
September is Associate Appreciation Month for each and every home builders association in America. We join the observance because Associate Members of the Gold Coast Builders Association understand and know your business. Associate Members commit to knowing about your business through their annual membership and ongoing participation in our networking, relationship building, and recruitment of new businesses to the GCBA. Right now and throughout the year, the GCBA is asking that you consider our Associates as valuable resources who can support your business and contribute to the well being of our various communities. Whether you are an Associate, Builder, or Affiliate we are also challenging you to refer and bring a new member to our association. In fact, you will be hearing more about a very important Membership initiative as we head into the New Year! With every new Member, there is yet one more opportunity for you to offer your goods and services to a fellow Member. It is a mutual relationship that thrives on growth and success of everyone in our association. Throughout the month of September and throughout the entire year, join us as we salute and support our Associates. If you would like to salute a particular Associate, please reach out with the Associate’s business and a short description of why you think they should receive recognition. We’ll take it from there. Contact: Office@gcbaflorida.com, or call (561) 228-6137.
DO BUSINESS WITH MEMBERS
The majority of NAHB Builder members are small businesses, according to NAHB’s annual member census. The census shows that, on average, NAHB builders started 59.2 homes in 2023 (37.3 single family and 21.9 multifamily). However, the median number of homes started was only six, because the data include a small percentage of very large builders. Builder members — many of whom carry relatively few employees on their payrolls and utilize subcontractors — reported a median of six employees, including employees in both construction and non-construction jobs.
If you have ever wondered what goes into a successful PRISM event, it can be summed up with three words. Work. Work. Work. During a recent recap and assessment of one our most successful PRISM events in years, PRISM Chair Maya Simhon-Chocron, Broker Owner of Exclusive Florida Real Estate, LLC expanded on the three words above. “It takes about 35 to 45 hours a month to get the PRISM event under way and about 80 hours per month of ongoing work for an individual dedicated just to our PRISM event to make it successful going in to the final months before the event,” said Chocron. The time is not inclusive of volunteers and others who work behind the scenes on the logistics and details ranging from picking the venue right down to making name badges and handling last minute glitches that are certain to happen with any major event. And in case you are wondering, yes…take a look at the cover of this special edition newsletter! Before you know it, the Call for Entries for the 2025 PRISM Awards will go out and the process will begin with a goal of making sure next year’s PRISM Awards are bigger, better, and more exciting than ever. As is said in the news business, “Stay tuned!” for the details to come in the weeks ahead. In the meantime, don’t forget to give a big Thank You to Maya’s PRISM team, your Gold Coast Builders Association staff and the many others who work diligently to help recognize the best and the most outstanding with the prestige of a PRISM Award.
NAHB’s Industry Awards are accepting applications. These highly respected awards celebrate the best in the residential construction industry in a variety of categories. NAHB award programs include the Best in American Living Awards (BALA), the Nationals, the Custom Home Builder of the Year Award, the Multifamily Pillars Awards, the NAHB Remodelers Awards and others. Apply for the award program that’s right for your business. The deadline for entries for this year’s awards cycle is Oct. 7.
Registration for the NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS) opens Sept. 3. IBS will take place in Las Vegas Feb. 25-27, 2025, and will again be part of Design & Construction Week® (DCW), which includes IBS and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show. IBS is the largest annual residential and light construction show in the world. The people you’ll meet, products you’ll discover and knowledge you’ll gain at IBS will give you the real ideas and real solutions you need to grow and strengthen your business. Visit BuildersShow.com to register and to find more information.
Register for NAHB Fall Orientation
Of the roughly 950,000 singlefamily and 470,000 multi-family homes that started construction in 2023, 49,000 (30,000 single- family and 19,000 multi- family) were built in age- restricted communities, according to NAHB analysis of data from the Census’ Survey of Construction. A residential community can be legally age-restricted, provided it conforms to one of the set of rules specified in the Housing for Older Persons Act of 1995. NAHB was first successful in persuading HUD and the Census Bureau to collect and publish data on the age-restricted status of new homes in 2009, during the depths of the housing downturn. In 2023, the total number of age-restricted home starts decreased by approximately 17% from 2022, down to 49,000.
Multifamily Market Sentiment Declines in Q2
Confidence in the market for new multifamily housing declined year-over-year in the second quarter, according to results from NAHB's Multi- family Market Survey (MMS). The MMS produces two separate indices. The Multi- family Production Index (see Figure 1) had a reading of 44, down 12 points year-over-year, while the Multifamily Occupancy Index (MOI) had a reading of 81, down eight points year-over-year. The MPI measures builder and developer sentiment about current production conditions in the apartment and condo market on a scale of 0 to 100. The index and all its components are scaled so that a number below 50 indicates that more respondents report conditions are poor than report conditions are good.
NAHB Orientation is an opportunity for member leaders and new executive officers (EOs) to learn more about programs, benefits and services available from NAHB. Fall Orientation will take place Oct. 21-22 in Washington, D.C. Orientation will feature a track for EOs and a separate track specifically for member leaders to ensure all attendees have a personalized experience. The program is sponsored by Westlake Royal Building Products. Register here.
Apply for a Prestigious NAHB Industry Award
The International Code Council (ICC) published the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) on Aug. 14. Although the 2024 IECC will achieve incrementally higher energy savings than the 2021 edition, the residential provisions will offer substantially more flexibility and a wider range of options for builders to achieve compli- ance. NAHB is offering resources as part of its 2024 IECC Residential Code Adoption Kit to help builders and state and local HBAs navigate the new model energy code requirements.
Production of Age-Restricted Housing Declines in 2023
U.S. Ups Tariffs on Canadian Lumber
Make Plans to Attend 2025 IBS in Las Vegas
2024 IECC Offers More Flexibility
The U.S. Department of Commerce recently raised tariffs on imports of Canadian softwood lumber products from the rate of 8.05% to 14.54% following its annual review of existing tariffs. Although NAHB is disappointed by this action, this decision is part of the regularly scheduled review process the United States employs to ensure adequate relief to American companies and industries impacted by unfair trade practices.