THE E-MAGAZINE OF THE HBRA OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY - SUMMER 2018 FEATURES HBRA Golf Classic UPCOMING New Trainings & Seminars SEPT 5, Clambake at the Beach SEPT 7, HOBI Applications Due SEPT 19 - Night at the Ballpark October 3 - October GMM MEMBER BENEFITS mynpp.com NAHB Benefits MunnCo DeRosa Builders
THE E-MAGAZINE OF THE HBRA OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY Building Connections is a monthly digital magazine produced and published by the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Fairfield County. Inside you will find the latest association news, legislative updates, upcoming events, and featured articles about the industry. Editorial Staff Jackie Bertolone Executive Officer Sarah Iannarone Membership & Events Coordinator Clare Michalak Marketing & Graphics Coordinator hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com www.buildfairfieldcounty.com Find Us On Social Media Subscribe Advertise Sign up here to subscribe to have Building Connections Magazine delivered to your inbox every month Advertise your business to a list of over +1200 recipients! Click HERE for more information and opportunities Got News? Exciting news to share? Send your press release or article to hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com to be featured in the next issue
IN THIS ISSUE HBRA NEWS • Upcoming Events • Message from the Executive Officer • HBRA Golf Classic • New Members • HBRA Job Bank • Dear Sandler Coach • Member Benefits BUILDER NEWS • Trade lobby taps Perras as CEO • A look at Norwalk’s newest, most Pinterest-ready, subdivision • Builder Feature - Olson Development • Permitting Totals NAHB NEWS • Kavanaugh and Home Building • NAHB, HBI Pledge to Train 50,000 • Housing Starts Fall 12.3 Percent • Unfilled Construction Sector Jobs • Half of US Homes Built before 1980 • Affordability Hits 10-Year Low • Noel on States Receiving Section 404 Advertisers: Acadia Tooher Ferraris Ridgefield Supply Mo’s Liquor Elevator Service Company Ed’s Garage Doors Interstate Lumber Fairfield County Bank County TV & Appliance DiMatteo Group Marlin Electric United Bank Hocon Gas CTC&G Ring’s End p.6 p.7 p. 8 p.14 p.23 p.23 p.30 p.18 p.18 p.18 • 2 of Top 10 Best Home Stager in the US p.19 - Vacant Category are HBRA members p.17 p.20 p.20 p.20 p.21 p.21 p.22 p.22 • Associated Health Plans in Connecticut? p.26 p. 5 p. 15 p. 16 p.17 p. 19 p. 21 p. 22 p. 22 p. 25 p. 26 p. 27 p. 28 p. 29 p. 31 p. 32 ON THE COVER Anthony & Michael DeRosa DeRosa Builders http://derosabuilders.com/
2017-18 OFFICERS President Anthony DeRosa DeRosa Builders Sr. Vice-President Kim DiMatteo DiMatteo Group Vice President John Hertz Hertz Construction Secretary Rob Michaud The Michaud Group Immediate Past President Chris Steiner Steiner, Inc. 2017-18 DIRECTORS Peter Battaglio Hocon Gas Max Bender Bender Supply Steve Berko Four Square Build & Design Michael Church William Pitt Sotheby’s Ken DeLeo Doherty & DeLeo Brian Kurtz Interstate Lumber Steven Roth Elevator Service Company Alex Shook Pella Commercial Michael Wood Wood Builders Joanne Carroll JMC Resources Jerry Effren LIFE DIRECTORS Peter Fusaro Preferred Builders The Greyrock Companies Gary Fanali City Carting Maureen Hanley United Bank Michael Palumbo ERI Building & Design Peter Gaboriault Bear Paw Builders MEDIA SPONSOR Thank you to the following VIP Associate Members for their support in 2018. Due to their generosity the Association greatly benefits - from developing new events and educational opportunities for the membership, to keeping our lights on! gas
Connecticut Home Builders & Remodelers Program AN INSURANCE PROGRAM CUSTOM DESIGNED FOR YOUR BUSINESS Acadia Insurance is proud to be the endorsed property and casualty insurance carrier for the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Connecticut. As a leading provider of insurance for contractors throughout New England, Acadia Insurance understands the insurance and service needs of contractors from small to large. With a local office in Rocky Hill, Acadia Insurance has professionals that handle underwriting, claim, loss control and premium audit for its Connecticut customers. Acadia is working with a select number of its Independent Agents in offering this program to Connecticut’s Home Builders and Remodelers. The Right Policy for Your Business Acadia Insurance offers qualifying contractors a full array of necessary coverages including property, general liability, workers’ compensation, business automobile and umbrella. In addition, we can provide builders’ risk coverage, installation floater and equipment coverage. ✓ We have designed special coverage options just for home builders: Liability Coverage Enhancements: • Waiver of subrogation clause • Limited pollution coverage • Extended property damage coverage Property Coverage Enhancements: • Coverage for newly acquired property • Coverage for property while in-transit • Debris removal coverage ✓ Acadia Insurance can craft the coverage you need to operate your business. For a full listing of coverages and how they apply to an individual home builder, please see an Acadia Insurance agent who is equipped to analyze your current insurance program and provide you with recommendations.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS UPCOMING EVENTS Clambake At The Beach September 5, 2018 | Fairfield Pavilion Click here to register Build A Better Connecticut Senate Republican Leadership Committee Fundraiser September 13, 2018 | Wallingford Country Club Click here to register Night At The Ballpark September 19, 2018 | Yankee Stadium SOLD OUT October GMM & CEU October 3 | Ridgefield Supply Bowl-A-Rama October 23 | Nutmeg Bowl November GMM November 7 | Gault Stone Holiday Party December 5 UPCOMING MEETINGS Interested in joining the newly formed Government Affairs Committee? Email Jackie at jackie@buildfairfieldcounty.com 6 HBRA of Fairfield County | SUMMER 2018 TRAININGS & SEMINARS Building for Millennials September 25| Clarke Click here to register Digital Marketing Simplified October 16| TBD OSHA10 October 18 - 19 | Ridgefield Supply Click here to register Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS I, II, & III) November 28 - 30 | Rings End Click here to register Don’t Pay For Your Sub’s Negligence Contractual Risk Transfer Seminar December 7, 2019 OSHA10 January 17 - 18, 2019 | Rings End
MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER Dear Members, We hope you are enjoying the last weeks of summer as we head into fall and the much anticipated annual HBRA Clambake at the Beach. We look forward to seeing you all for a fun night overlooking the ocean while enjoying a lobster dinner and raw bar. Don’t forget to register for this fun night out to catch up with the HBRA family. As we head into fall we will be offering several trainings, seminars and events to keep our members on the cutting edge of trends and certifications in our industry. A full schedule will be mailed to all members next week and as usual registration will be open on our website. As you’ll see on page 17 of Building Connections Magazine, the housing industry in Connecticut has not recovered, along with the rest of the business community in this state. While Fairfield County continues to buck some of the state wide trends, we still need to be concerned with the future of our state: property taxes, income taxes and business taxes will all play a role in our industry for years to come. We are joining with all HBRAs statewide to help elect pro-business candidates in the state legislature which will be crucial to helping the economic climate in Connecticut after the fall elections. Please join us on September 13 in Wallingford and learn more about why it’s so important. Click here for more information. As always, if you have any questions or concerns or wish to get more involved with the HBRA, please reach out to me. I would love to hear from you. All the best, Jackie Bertolone Executive Officer SUMMER 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 7
HBRA GOLF CLASSIC PRESENTED BY RING’S END JULY 23, 2018 Tashua Knolls Golf Course 8 HBRA of Fairfield County | SUMMER 2018
HBRA Golf Classic The Annual HBRA Golf Classic, presented by Ring’s End, was held on July 23 2018 with 142 golfers. The several rain storms didn’t stop our members & guests from having a great time. The Marlin Electric raw bar provided a salty and refreshing snack on the 3rd hole. We also appreciate the hard work of all our volunteers who made the day possible. Every golfer also received a custom YETI koozie thanks to Ring’s End. Congratulations to the 18 Hole Winners: 1st Place: Christopher Lenzen, Christian Dean, Jeff Penkoff, Robert Rowland 2nd Place (Tie): Jim Coan, Matt Montana, Chris Tallcouch, Bob Garamella Read Smith, Jay Vincent, Jay Salley, Austin Smith Longest Drive Men : Christian Dean Longest Drive Women: Rhonda Burnim Closest to the Pin: Dan Sirois Closest to the Line: Bill Gill Most Honest: Matt Giardina, Kevin McAlary, Maureen Hannen, David Grinblatas Congratulations to the 9 Hole Winners: 1st Place: James Sweeney, Brad Murphy, Danica Caruso, Jonathan Moffly, Jason Ferry Closest to the Pin: Jonathan Moffly Closest to the Line: Chris Steiner
2018 Golf Committee Michael DeRosa, DeRosa Builders Lora Mazurak, Aitoro Appliance Bobby Fahey, Closet & Storage Concepts Len Volpe, Interstate+ Lakeland Lumber Rich Cahill, Ring’s End Scott Cronin, Fairfield County Bank Insurance Services Tom Sullivan, Staging Sells Read Smith, USI Insurance Services 10 HBRA of Fairfield County | SUMMER 2018
Thank you to our sponsors: Rings End Acadia Insurance Aitoro Bender Beth Krupa Interiors Brosco CAFD C & G Media Group City Carting Clarke Distributors County TV & Appliance Daigle & Travers Insurance Deane, Inc. DeRosa Builders DiMatteo Group Ed’s Garage Door Elevator Service Co. Energy Spray Systems LLC Fairfield County Bank Hafele America Co. Hocon Gas Huber Engineered Woods Ingersoll Auto of Danbury InSinkerator Interstate Lumber JP Guerra LLC USI Insurance LTW Design Magna Steel Sales, Inc. Marlin Electric Marvin Windows and Doors / A.W. Hastings & Company LLC Michaud Group Mo’s Liquor Mr. Showerdoor, Inc. New England Home CT Northeast Building Supply Ontra Stone Concepts Oxford Lumber Parksite Pella Windows & Doors Richelieu Ridgefield Supply Shoreline Painting & Drywall Shoreline Pools Smarthome & Theater Systems Staging Sells Tashua Knolls Golf Course Tooher-Ferraris Insurance United Bank Vetro Pro Pac * HBRA VIP Circle Thank you Ingersoll Auto of Danbury for providing a hole-in-one sponsorship with a chance to win a brand new GMC truck Thank you Sandro! To view more photos from the golf classic click here SUMMER 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 11
Clambake at the Beach SEPTEMBER 5, 2018 | 6:00 - 9:00PM | FAIRFIELD BEACH 323 Fairfield Beach Road, Fairfield CT 06824 Join the HBRA at Penfield Pavilion for a clambake at the beach. Dinner includes one whole lobster, mussels, clams, corn on the cob, and potatoes. A new addition this year is a raw bar featuring fresh shucked oysters, clams on the half shell, and shrimp cocktail. HBRA Members & Guests: $60 General Admission: $80 Please indicate when you register if you do not eat seafood. CLAMBAKE SPONSOR REGISTER RAW BAR SPONSOR I N G E R S O L L A u t o o f D a n b u r y
NEW HBRA MEMBER LOGOS For Websites and Email Signatures We are so excited to share our new proud member logos. All active members of the HBRA of Fairfield County can display the stickers in their email signatures and on their website pages. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD
NEW MEMBERS Welcome to the newest members of HBRA of Fairfield County! Go to www.buildfairfieldcounty.com for their contact info. Jamie Duggan Braydan Construction Braydan Construction LLC, specializes in new home construction, renovations, and additions, in both Fairfield and Westchester Counties. We provide the highest quality of material and workmanship for your project, employing a highly skilled team. Braydan Construction provides our clients guidance from planning to completion for all their construction needs. We are committed to achieving our client’s satisfaction, and will go above and beyond their expectations ... READ MORE Mike Trolle BPC Green Builders, Inc. We are in business to build the very best custom homes possible for each and every one of our clients. We believe each custom home we build must be designed around the needs, desires, preferences, budgets and priorities of our client. We believe that a green home, high performance home is, without question, a better home. This means that it will save a tremendous amount of heating and cooling energy over the lifetime of the home, as well as provide unparalleled comfort, air quality, safety, and durability. ... READ MORE Phyllis R. Bartoli, Ph.D. J.M. Wright Technical High School In order to succeed in today’s job market, students need a solid foundation of academic and technical skills. J.M. Wright is an innovative high school with a technology-rich environment that prepares students for jobs of the future. The dual curriculum allows students to pursue academic college-bound courses, while also getting real-world experience. ... READ MORE John Kavounas Red Canoe Partners, LLC Local experts in Real Estate Development and Property Management. We are a family team founded by Laura Dahm and John Kavounas. We have expanded our team within the past few years to include Elena Rowley who has an incredible eye for style, design, and organization. Max Kiplinger also joined us this past fall, a recent graduate of Drexel University, with proficiencies in CAD, blueprints, and on-site construction management... READ MORE Xhovano Darhda Xer0 Group LLC At xer0 group, we specialize in design and space planning for high-end residential and commercial construction throughout the East Coast. Customization is our forte, we strive to make each and every project unique in its own way. We are flexible; xer0 can enter a project at any stage. Whether working from specifications or providing design and build services, xer0 will deliver superior service and execution. We are dedicated to creating quality spaces and bringing livable art into the home... READ MORE Welcome new affiliates: Lyle Katz Wells Fargo Home Mortgage 14 HBRA of Fairfield County | SUMMER 2018
Because you need the solution before the problem. Your business is one that deserves to be protected, and our job is to minimize risk. Tooher-Ferraris’ Home Builders Specialty Program has been supporting and protecting the reputations of builders and contractors for over 85 years. From general contractor construction liability and workers compensation, to commercial automobile insurance, subcontractor risk transfer, and OSHA compliance assistance, our high-touch service is delivered with honesty, integrity, and dependability. TOOFER.COM 43 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT 06897 1.800.899.0093
Pictured at left: Andersen® Architectural Collection E-Series hinged patio doors, sidelights and transom windows with painted White interiors; Pictured at right (top and bottom): Andersen 400 Series casement, awning and picture windows with prefinished Black interiors and 400 Series casement and transom windows with painted/prefinished Black interiors Get the Distinctive Home You’ve Always Dreamed of From our best-selling 400 Series to the true luxury of the Architectural Collection, turn every window and door into a design opportunity with dramatic sizes, dynamic shapes, unlimited colors and exotic woods. “ENERGY STAR” is a registered trademark of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2018 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. MS1808_0458 Explore the possibilities at andersenwindows.com 8 29 Prospect Street Ridgefield, CT 06877 203.438.2626 ridgefieldsupply.com M–F 7 am – 5 pm, Sat. 8 am – 4 pm, Sun. – Closed
Permits Pulled: Fairfield County & Surrounding Towns While the rest of the nation sees economic recovery and housing booms, Connecticut continues to struggle evidenced by the chart below. Fairfield County’s 23 towns seem to fair well compared to the rest of the state but while other states are seeing record high permit numbers, Connecticut has yet to bounce back. Fully 15 percent of the U.S. economy relies on housing. Constructing 100 new single-family homes creates 297 fulltime jobs, $28 million in wage and business income and $11.1 million in federal, state and local tax revenue. We must continue to advocate for pro-business candidates in Hartford to help get our state back on track. • 1,423 permits have been pulled in Connecticut through April 2018 (data not yet available through June) • Fairfield County towns report 514 permits through June of 2018 - Greenwich shows the strongest activity with 83 permits followed by Westport with 65 and Stamford with 54 Housing Permits in CT January of 2000 - April of 2018 Data provided by the Connecticut Department of Labor - Office of Research To view more Connecticut housing permit data please visit our website at www.buildfairfieldcounty.com SUMMER 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 17
BUILDER NEWS Trade lobby taps Perras as CEO A lobby representing home builders, developers and remodelers has named a veteran attorney as its new CEO. The Home Builders & Remodelers Association of CT (HBRA CT) announced Jim Perras, an attorney with more than 20 years of government and advocacy experience, has replaced former CEO and lobbyist Bill Ethier, who retired June 30 after 25-plus years leading the group. Perras joined the association in May and transitioned into the CEO position at the end of June. Perras recently served as an attorney for law firm Wilson Elser LLP, where he lobbied for a variety of clients before state lawmakers and government agencies. Founded in 1960, HBRA CT is a nonprofit trade association representing more than 900 member firms employing 30,000 workers in Connecticut. HBRA members belong to a three-tiered organization including the state association, regional associations and the National Association of Home Builders Read More A look at Norwalk’s newest, most Pinterest-ready, subdivision The details could have been lifted from a Pinterest inspiration board: There are vaulted ceilings, quartz counters and backsplashes of smoked mirrors. The dishwasher and fridge are built into the cabinetry and the inside of the oven is a royal blue. White oak floors are of “character grade,” embracing their knots and imperfections. Denise Walsh, of William Raveis, noted the features as she walked through one of the homes in Norwalk’s newest subdivisions, Windover Common, on Wednesday afternoon. “Right now the market, the buyers, are fixated on finishes, more so than ever,” she said. “And their choices are derived by what they see on Houzz, on Pinterest, other style websites.” To cater to that need, the homes come with a finish-focused perk: a designer concierge service with Allie Wood Design Studio that helps pick out the color scheme and fixtures that best suit your tastes. Read More 18 HBRA of Fairfield County | SUMMER 2018 Builder Feature: New England Living Magazine Mark Olson, of Olson Development LLC, was featured in New England Living Magazine. Click below to read the feature article about Mark and the process of building the ideal home for himself, his wife, four hourses, and two cattle dogs. Read More
2 of Top 10 Best Home Stager in the US - Vacant Category are HBRA members Birgit Anich, of BA Staging & Interiors, and Leia T. Ward, of LTW Design, were both recognized as being part of the Top 10 Best Home Stager in the US - Vacant Category. Congratulations Birgit and Leia. The RESA® Home Staging Industry Awards are the leading awards honoring real estate staging mastery. Established in 2008, each year top producing stagers are recognized for their professional excellence and superior skills in the art of home staging and re-design. Adjusting to substantial industry growth, RESA also honors home staging related professionals who have contributed to the industry. Stager Of The Year ™ United States is a category for professional home stagers who have been in business for more than two years and who demonstrate professionalism and excellence in home staging. Read More WE ARE NEW TECHNOLOGIES IN MOTION As the elevator and lift industry experts, Elevator Service Company is dedicated to finding the prefect product for your application. We offer the most reliable and efficient lift solutions in the industry. Our products come in every finish and option imaginable, so you can add your personal touch. 203-757-5000 www.ElevatorServiceCo.com CT Lic.# ELV. 400105 R1 ~ RI Lic. # 21 MA Lic.# EC-000093 Providing not one, but all Major Manufacturers Equipment SUMMER 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 19
NAHB NEWS Kavanaugh and Home Building: What the Record Shows As legal pundits and news outlets pour over Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s extensive judicial record to learn more about President Trump’s new Supreme Court nominee, members need only turn to the multiple NAHB court cases over which Kavanaugh has presided at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to get a fuller picture. In his 12 years on the D.C. Circuit, Kavanaugh has been involved in eight cases in which NAHB was a petitioner, appellant or amicus. While not always siding with NAHB’s position, Kavanaugh has consistently viewed agency rulemakings with a healthy dose of skepticism. For example, NAHB was a petitioner in Coalition for Responsible Regulation et al v. EPA, challenging EPA’s attempt to apply an onerous Clean Air Act permitting program to millions of new sources, including some multifamily buildings. A three-judge panel at the D.C. Circuit upheld EPA’s regulation, and the full D.C. Circuit did as well – except for Judge Kavanaugh. Ultimately, NAHB and its industry coalition took this case to the Supreme Court, which overturned EPA’s regulation for exceeding its statutory authority, just as Kavanaugh had forecast when he declined to go along with the D.C. Circuit’s full court ruling. Read More NAHB, HBI Pledge to Train 50,000 Workers Over Next 5 Years Attending a White House event on workforce development, NAHB Chairman Randy Noel pledged that NAHB and the Home Builders Institute (HBI) will educate and train 50,000 new workers over the next five years for careers in the construction trades. President Trump signed an executive order that establishes the National Council for the American Worker, which will develop a national strategy for training and retraining workers for high-demand industries. As part of this initiative, the administration is asking companies and associations to sign a pledge committing them to expanding apprenticeships, increasing on-the-job training and providing students and workers the training and opportunities they need to succeed in the American workforce. Read More 20 HBRA of Fairfield County | SUMMER 2018 Housing Starts Fall 12.3 Percent As Tariffs Draw Increased Concern Total housing starts fell 12.3 percent in June to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.17 million units, according to newly released data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Commerce Department. The June reading of 1.17 million is the number of housing units builders would begin if they kept this pace for the next 12 months. Within this overall number, singlefamily starts fell 9.1 percent to 858,000 units. Meanwhile, the multifamily sector — which includes apartment buildings and condos — dropped 19.8 percent to 315,000. Overall, permits — which are a sign of likely future housing production — dropped 2.2 percent to 1.27 million units in June, the lowest level of the year. Although single-family permits edged up 0.8 percent to 850,000, they remain at their second lowest reading of 2018. Multifamily permits fell 7.6 percent to 423,000. “We have been warning the administration for months that the ongoing increases in lumber prices stemming from both the tariffs and profiteering this year are having a strong impact on builders’ ability to meet growing consumer demand,” said NAHB Chairman Randy Noel, a custom home builder from LaPlace, La. “This is why we continue to urge senior officials to take leadership and resolve this issue.” Read More
Unfilled Construction Sector Jobs Reach Cycle High The count of unfilled jobs in the construction sector increased in June, reaching a post-Great Recession high level. The rate of open construction sector jobs also matched a prior cyclical high. According to the BLS Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) and NAHB analysis, the number of open construction sector jobs increased to 263,000 in June. The prior post-recession high count of open, unfilled construction jobs was 255,000 in July of last year. In June of 2017, the count of unfilled jobs was 202,000. The open position rate (job openings as a percentage of total employment plus current job openings) also increased, rising to 3.5% in June. The rate was 3.5% last July. On a smoothed, twelve-month moving average basis, the open position rate for the construction sector increased to 3.1%, a post-recession high. The peak (smoothed) rate during the building boom prior to the recession was just below 2.7%. For the current cycle, the sector has been above that rate since November 2016. The overall trend for open construction jobs has been increasing since the end of the Great Recession. This is consistent with survey data indicating that access to labor remains a top business challenge for builders. Read More Half of US Homes Built before 1980 The median age of owneroccupied homes is 37 years, according to the latest data from the 2016 American Community Survey. Compared to a median age of 31 years in 2005, the U.S. owner-occupied housing stock is aging gradually. This aging trend is primarily because of modest gains in residential construction over the past decade. Read More BEAUTY. ELEGANCE. STRENGTH. Our Aluminum Doors Will Surprise You. Ed’s Garage Doors offers a broad selection of aluminum doors that are the perfect complement to your home. Visit our showroom to see many exclusive aluminum doors on display, and talk with a design expert about our countless in-stock and custom options. Showroom Hours: Mon. – Fri.: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Evenings: By appointment Sunday: Closed 136 Water Street, Norwalk, CT 06854 203-847-1284 edsgaragedoors.com ® SUMMER 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 21
NAHB NEWS Housing Affordability Hits 10-Year Low in Second Quarter Rising home prices and interest rates pushed housing affordability to a 10-year low in the second quarter of 2018, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI) released today. In all, 57.1 percent of new and existing homes sold between the beginning of April and end of June were affordable to families earning the U.S. median income of $71,900. This is down from the 61.6 percent of homes sold in the first quarter that were affordable to medianincome earners and the lowest reading since mid-2008. The national median home price jumped from $252,000 in the first quarter of 2018 to $265,000 in the second quarter—the highest quarterly median price in the history of the HOI series. At the same time, average mortgage rates jumped by more than 30 basis points in the second quarter to 4.67 percent from 4.34 percent in the first quarter. Read More Statement from NAHB Chairman Randy Noel on States Receiving Section 404 Permitting Authority Randy Noel, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a custom home builder from LaPlace, La., today issued the following statement in support of the Trump administration’s announcement that clarifies over which waters states can assume Clean Water Act Section 404 permitting authority rather than the federal government: Read More 13/16" 3/4" ILINE 1902 ILINE 1901S ILINE 1903 ILINE 1903S The ILINE Collection is a comprehensive moulding program that offers a fresh pallet of new and vibrant profiles that will be an enhancement to any interior space. These profiles are divided into categories based upon their specific application. To ensure that the proper mouldings are specified in the project, simply write the corresponding ILINE moulding number in your specifications, or architectural plans. View and download profiles at interstatelumber.com 22 HBRA of Fairfield County | SUMMER 2018 7 1/4" 5 3/4"
DEAR SANDLER COACH Dear Sandler Coach, HBRA JOB BANK JOB TITLE: LABORER Hours: Full Time Start Date: ASAP Job Description: Looking for a hardworking individual to work on construction site in Southport. Site cleanup, maintenance and other tasks. 40 hours per week, full time. Salary:$15.00/hour Contact: Love Where You Live Homes, LLC Brian Butts 203-994-5264 JOB TITLES: Project Managers, Carpenters & Skilled Laborers Murphy Brothers Contracting wants to hire: 1.(2) Project Managers with (10) years minimum experience 2.(2) Carpenters with (7) years minimum experience 3.(3) Skilled Laborers with (2) years minimum experience He or She must have the following qualities: •Likes Getting Things Done Right •Has Good People Skills •Likes to Gather Facts •Has Good Communication Skills •Has Strong Listening Skills •Can Estimate Work We are offering you the Opportunity to: •Have Personal Growth Match Effort •Have Secure Employment •Receive Recognition for Accomplishment •Have Opportunity For Individual Accomplishments •Work With People Who Support Your Efforts •Full-Time Positions Available Contact Murphy Brothers Contracting: 914-777-5777 for an appointment, ask for Joe Zito. Or send resumes to joez@murphybrothers.com I spoke to a prospect about 2 weeks ago and they said they would get back to me. They haven’t. What should I do now? - Jeff R Dear Jeff, Not an uncommon problem in sales at all. There is a lot of things we teach to do in the beginning of the conversation to avoid this behavior as much as possible. In the Sandler System we start off with Bonding and Rapport and this thing called an Up Front Contract. What those do is establish trust but also what the next steps could be or could not be. We encourage you to let your client know they can and should say “No” to you if it’s not a good fit. Either because they don’t need you, can’t afford you, the timing is off or any of the other hundreds of reasons to not do business. Of course that’s in hindsight though, what do you do now? The last thing you want to do is send a “Just checking in” email. Think about the conversation you had originally and try and remember a nugget or something you can “touch” them with that shows you listened, you are still around and still care but doesn’t put them against a wall to make a decision. Then we end it with giving the prospect an out if they want to take it. There are a bunch of gutsy moves here but that’s the excitement of sales! Hope this helps. - John John J. Fazio, Jr. John’s clients include the single entrepreneur all the way up to Fortune 500 companies in the areas of sales, leadership, management and customer service. Have a training question for John? Send your questions to hbra@ buildfairfieldcounty.com SUMMER 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 23
HBRA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT ASSOCIATE SPOTLIGHT The HBRA of Fairfield County is offering a FREE opportunity to promote your business. The Monthly Spotlight includes: • 1 FREE Full Page in the Building Connections Magazine Interstate+Lakeland Lumber Corp. Since 1922 Interstate + Lakeland Lumber has been dedicated to servicing the needs of the area’s finest builders throughout Westchester and Fairfield counties. Committed to providing the highest quality of service and materials in the area with competitive pricing, Interstate + Lakeland Lumber has established itself as one of the leaders in product knowledge and representation. From framing lumber, both dimensional and engineered, to windows, siding, and trim, Interstate + Lakeland Lumber can supply the full array of building materials to suit any type of project. We are most proud of our molding program with over 300 molding profiles in stock that make up the IL Greenwich Collection. Interstate + Lakeland Lumber just recently launched 40 additional profiles to make up their new “ILINE Collection”. With our 100,000 sq ft millwork manufacturing and distribution center located in Bethel CT, we are leading the industry on the custom mill work side of the business for both interior and exterior production. Interstate + Lakeland Lumber is proud to be one of Brian Kurtz the few and remaining successful family owned and operated businesses that has entered into its fourth 26 HBRA of Fairfield County | JUNE 2017 generation with the addition of Brian. This rich and vibrant tradition continues to grow as the company enters its 96th year in business. Brian joined the company in 2008 eager to continue its great success, and has played key role in helping chart the future course of Interstate + Lakeland Lumber. As an outside salesman for the past five years he has managed to grow existing customer relationships as well as develop new ones with some of the top builders in the area. He brings passion and enthusiasm every day to his work and is constantly looking for ways to improve customer satisfaction. Over the next five years Brian plans to continue his growth in all aspects of the company and focus on bringing in the next generation of dedicated IL employees to help Interstate flourish. Please stop into Interstate + Lakeland Lumber’s award winning Window and Door showroom in Greenwich CT, or any one of the 5 locations to speak with our knowledgeable and friendly staff that represent the Interstate and Lakeland Lumber family. We look forward to supplying your next job.” Interstate+Lakeland Lumber Corp. 184 South Water Street Greenwich CT 06830 www.interstatelumber.com • Space for company contact information and logos, linked to your website • Opportunity to display homes for sale, listing information, and notable homes • Opportunity to display awards and recognitions CONTACT clare@buildfairfieldcounty.com to reserve your space today! Financing some of the top builders in Fairfield County. People you trust, service you expect, and products to fit your financial needs. • Construction Financing • Commercial Mortgages • Term Loans • Revolving Lines of Credit 877.431.7431 • www.fairfieldcountybank.com NMLS ID #516624 EQUAL HOUSING L E ND E R MEMBER FDIC 24 HBRA of Fairfield County | SUMMER 2018
LAST CALL FOR THE 2018 HOBI AWARDS Presented by the HBRA of Connecticut The HOBI Awards offers recognition to builders, remodelers and suppliers for excellence in home design and construction, home technology, sales and marketing and home financing. You must be an active member of a local HBRA in order to submit an application. The CT locals include: HBRA of Fairfield County, HBRA of Central CT, HBRA of Eastern CT, and HBRA of Northwestern CT. Application Deadline: September 7, 2018 HOBI Awards: November 13, 2018 PLEASE MAIL APPLICATIONS TO: JMC RESOURCES 1078 Main Street, #4, Branford, CT 06405 For questions regarding your application: Joanne Carroll, JMC Resources (203) 453-5420 joanne@jmcresources.com THE SMART CHOICE For Making Your Dream Kitchen A Reality SMART HOME CONTROL THERMADOR SUBZERO / WOLF GE MONOGRAM ...and more BEST SERVICE AT THE GUARANTEED BEST PRICE In-Store And Online 2770 Summer Street • Stamford, CT 06905 203-327-2630 STORE HOURS: MON & THURS: 9AM-9PM | TUES, WED, FRI & SAT: 9AM-6PM | SUN: 11AM-5PM www.countytv.com SUMMER 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 25
A NOTE FROM THE CT HBA CEO Associated Health Plans in Connecticut? Not so fast. By Jim Perras, CEO of the HBRACT In Connecticut and nationwide, our industry is facing a workforce development crisis. Our average contractors are in their late fifties, early sixties and there’s a dearth of younger men and women to take their place. How might we entice the younger generation into the trades you ask? One way might be by offering affordable employer based healthcare. Many construction companies have five or less employees. As such, they often lack the resources to design and/or manage a health plan for their employees. Are Associated Health Plans (AHP) the answer we’ve, all been waiting for? Not so fast. In October 2017, President Trump signed an Executive Order that changed the definition of “employer” that would allow employers to join together for the purpose of offering employees an employer-based healthcare. The benefit of joining an AHP would presumably be that these plans would be rated as large group plans and therefore subject to less stringent rating rules. As a result, AHPs could tailor plans that offer fewer benefits and consequently be more affordable for its members. However, despite strong industry interest, Connecticut insurance officials as well as officials from other left leaning states have expressed concern. They trumpet concerns that AHPs may undermine the health of the ACA by drawing away healthy plan holders thereby negatively affecting the rating of ACA plans and driving up their costs. It’s also a turf war issue. Insurance is currently a state regulated business. Should associations be able to offer insurance across state lines, state insurance commissioners could lose regulatory control to the federal government. Despite the pitfalls, our leaders at the NAHB are carefully reviewing their options and will be providing an update soon. However, at a recent NAHB senior officers’ roundtable concerns were expressed that the NAHB could invest blood, sweet and treasurer in developing an AHP only to have the Executive Order over turned by the next person to sit in the oval office. Alternatively, the HBRA could always look to other states which currently have strong AHPs that provide robust and affordable healthcare coverage to see how Connecticut can do the same. One such alternative, although fraught with its own challenges, would be to work to change Connecticut state statutes to require that AHPs be treated as large group employers. Doing so, would free us from being subject to the ever changing whims of Washington and afford Connecticut the opportunity to forge its own path to a healthier future for our industry and those that work in it. Build A Better Connecticut - Senate Republican Leadership Committee Fundraiser REGISTER Please join the President of the HBRA of Fairfield County, Anthony DeRosa, the other local Presidents (Eric Santini Jr./HBRA of Central CT, David Preka/HBRA of Eastern CT, Tim Bobroske/HBRA of Northwestern CT), and Homebuilding Industry Colleagues for a fundraising event to help elect pro-business candidates this fall. Includes cocktails and conversation to BUILD a Better Connecticut. Featuring Honorary Speaker Len Fasano, Senate Republican President Pro Tempore, along with several other Republican State Senators. September 13th, 2018, 5:00 - 7 :00 p.m. Wallingford Country Club 26 HBRA of Fairfield County | SUMMER 2018
Look no further for an insurance agent who can work with you to design an insurance portfolio just right for your business. If you engage in construction or remodeling of one or two family residences in CT then I want to talk to you. Our construction insurance program includes: • General Liability • • • Property Business Auto Inland Marine • Workers Compensation • Umbrella • Builders Risk Kim Marie DiMatteo, CIC, MWCA I have been in the construction insurance business since 1992. I know the markets, the products, and what’s right for you. Call me today to schedule a convenient appointment. 79 Bridgeport Ave, Shelton, CT 06484 | 203.924.5429 | www.dimatteogrp.com SUMMER 2018 | HBRA of Fairfield County 27
MEMBER DISCOUNTS Every Year Thousands Save Millions Put Your NAHB Membership to Work Now. Money-saving discounts that benefit you, your business and your family nahb.org/MA MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE. Deep community roots. Unrivaled market knowledge. Unmatched customer service. When a bank builds its commercial banking team around the values that truly make a difference in helping your business grow and prosper, that’s more than banking. That’s changing the way you bank. Talk to us today. Visit bankatunited.com/commercial From left to right: Lisa Stuard, Mark Hubina, Maureen Hanley, Gregory Pastor, Kim Karl and Kathryn Eren. Proud to support the HBRA. 866.959.BANK (2265) | bankatunited.com NMLS# 430007 | Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender 28 HBRA of Fairfield County | SUMMER 2018
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