Member News

Rodrock Featured on KCRAR’s RealTalk Podcast

Brenda Sanders, Bruce Stout and Bob Sloan of Rodrock Development were guests on the May 18 episode of the Kansas City RealTalk podcast hosted by KCRAR. Sanders oversees the real estate division of Rodrock Development and serves as the builder liaison across all of Rodrock’s subdivisions. Stout and Sloan are veteran real estate agents currently working in Sundance Ridge. Head to soundcloud.com/kcrealtalk to hear the engaging full conversation about materials costs, new home inventory and the resale market.

Stoneworth Announces New Director of Sales

Ryan Salyer is Stoneworth Building Product’s new Director of Sales. Salyer has served in various sales and project management roles with some of the nation’s top general contractors building both large scale commercial and residential projects. He holds a degree in Construction Management from the University of Central Missouri and most recently built a sales and service team for a roofing contractor that serves Missouri, Kansas and Colorado.

John Vance Becomes Majority Owner of Pella Lenexa

As of January 2021, Pella Windows & Doors of Lenexa has a new majority owner. John Vance moved to Kansas City in 2001, but his career with Pella began 24 years ago in Davenport, Iowa. Over time he has served as a sales representative, sales manager and general manager. Before transitioning to majority owner in January of this year, Vance became a minority owner of Pella Lenexa in 2019.

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John Rau (Integrated Construction) and Ryan Salyer (Stoneworth Building Products) Grace Young and Skiler Foster (Teague Electric Construction)

KCHBA Goes to Margaritaville

On May 19, Mills Ranch hosted KCHBA for a night in Margaritaville in support of HBA-PAC. Those in attendance were treated to specialty margaritas and rum punch served by Top Shelf Bartending and a tropical spread provided by Brancato’s Catering. The beer pong tournament brought tough competition, with Graham Power of Canaan Stone Works and Mark Crider of Glen-Gery Masonry Supply each walking away with a trophy– a bottle of El Dorado 12 year rum. Thank you to Matt Adam for hosting this event at Mills Ranch.

Why Support HBA-PAC?

The KCHBA’s Political Action Committee, HBA-PAC, enables members to strengthen their civic involvement by helping to elect pro-housing candidates at the local and state level. Due to our advocacy efforts, we gain the attention of candidates who affect crucial decisions on building and economic development and efforts to pass legislation and regulations that protect homeownership. These legislators cast informed votes that make a difference in issues such as growth management, tax breaks, building codes, mandatory fire sprinklers, etc. BUILD-PAC supports this mission at the federal level. KCHBA’s membership is one of the strongest supporters in the nation for BUILD-PAC and has twice in recent years ranked as the largest fundraiser in the nation for BUILD-PAC. A portion of those fundraiser contributions are provided to the HBA-PAC, but additional financial support is needed.

For more information on HBA-PAC and BUILD-PAC, and what you can do to show support, visit kchba.org/government-affairs/ build-pac or contact Courtney@kchba.org.

Vickie Fastnacht (Cornerstone Bank), Maria Koch (KC Lift & Elevator) and Drake Vidrine (NBKC Bank)

Jeff and Don Julian (Don Julian Builders, Inc.)

Chris Ragland (Homes by Chris LLC) and Mark Crider (Glen-Gery Masonry Supply)

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Drake Vidrine NMLS #415103 816‑536‑0914 Drake.Vidrine@nbkc.com Rich Lange NMLS #753961 816‑883‑3059 Rich.Lange@nbkc.com

Architectural Purposefully Design Trend: Authentic

Architectural style is influenced by many things — time, demographic shifts, new construction methods and materials, to name just a few. A A momod derern n m mototi if f i is s momostst p po op pulularar currently, but it is often paired with traditional elements to add authenticity to the design. Contemporary and transitional designs still wow buyers and both styles are more refined than in yeayearsrs p pa ast,st, whwhi il le e tradtradititionionalal dedesignsign is becoming less fussy and rigid. Today, there appears to be more mindfulness in architecture and design with homes and communities showcasing new layers and depth to design. It is purposeful and carefully curated. Authenticity is important and a p pririmamar ry y gogoalal i in n alall l a aspespectcts s ofof design. This is achieved through embracing existing landscapes, careful editing and paying attention to materiality, proportions and details. “The Midwest continues to be somewhat insular to trends predominantly driven by the coastal areas of the country, ” saisaid d ClClinint t E Evanvans,s, c co o-p-preresidesiden nt t o of f NSPJ Architects. “This has been the main reason why we have seen such an interest in modern architecture in the city these past few years. People travel to the coast and come back with fresh ininspispiratrati io onsns ofof bubui ildldining g andand landscape design that predominantly allows for seamless indoor/outdoor living. ” More sophisticated indoor/outdoor connections is definitely a growing trend. Maximizing natural light makes homes feel more welcoming, vibrant and can be a mood booster. Sunny spaces can supply an ample amount of vitamin D D forfor homhome e dwedwellllerers.s. With this in mind, architects are looking for every opportunity to add visual and physical connections to nature. Windows continue to be bigger and more in number. When total number of windows is limited due to budget, windows are t thouhoughght tfuful ll ly y plplacaceded t to o enensusurere eacheach captures a view, adds natural light and improves the space. Additionally, homes now commonly feature multiple outdoor spaces, often creatively layered to respond to changes in weather, gathering size and activity. This layered approach offers flexibility, from ample space to enent terert tainain smalsmall l grougroup ps s t to o a a rerelalax xining g area for gardening or other outdoor family activities. Meanwhile, multifamily projects are right-sizing balconies for residents to offer personal paradises that are livable and furnishable. With four prominent seasons, connecting the indoors and outdoors certainly looks different in Kansas City than it does in California, which is why NSPJ architects travel with clients to the coasts periodically to become more ededucucatateded o on n e ememergrgining g t treren ndsds anand d how to translate this type of effortless living flexibility to meet the demands of Kansas City ’ s unique climate. Travelling to the coasts also helps to stay in the forefront of not only the design, b butut alalsoso t thehe e evovolvlvining g f fu uncnctiotion ns s o of f the home, according to Evans.

Two Kitchens

If square footage allows, homeowners are looking to include two kitchens: the primary kitchen for entertaining and a second separate, but adjacent, kitchen forfor prprepep. . B Bacack k alalc co ovesves o or r spspaciaciouous s pantries offer more workspace while solving the problem and mess of fully open kitchens in open plans. “ “T Thehe p panantrtry y i is s ququi icklckly y adapadapt tining g t to o include the mud hall and laundry spaces in certain instances, particularly in homes with smaller square footage, ” said Evans. A Altlthouhoughgh opopenen spacspaces,es, kitkitchchenens s inin particular, have steadily trended up in popularity, homeowners are not any less chaotic in the kitchen. Over the years, the pantry evolved from a large kitchen cabinet into a walk-in storage space. This feature hahas s nonow w trtranscanscenendeded d i in ntoto a a b bututleler ’ sr ’ s kitchen off the main one, complete with a secondary sink and all your countertop appliances. Homeowners now prefer the pantry to be a working space that can be tucked away 13at any time.

Unplug Zones

Sanctuary spaces, particularly indoors, are becoming more popular as well. Buyers crave spaces to decompress and build human connections. With activity buzzing throughout the home, a quiet area to unwind after a long day or simply t to o u unpnpl lu ug g frofrom m d deveviceices s anand d scrscreeeen ns s is a sought-after feature. “Unplug zones ” (no or hidden screens) are becoming popular after extended time at home. Small spaces that serve as a comfortable reading nook, meditation area or hobbyist zone are among the top trends for creating these personal spaces. Similarly, owner suites now feature spa-like details and finishes. O Oututdodoo or r l li ivivin ng g ofoffefersrs cocoz zy y a andnd oasis-like spaces, like sunken fire pits, old-growth trees and warm materiality. One trend Evans would like to see disappear is what he refers to as the “ model home ” design. “Every main room in the home is visible from the front door, ” he said. “It seems to push the open concept a little too far. ” No matter what, Evans says functionality and the clients ’ needs must be “ woven into a thoughtful and beautiful design. ” Photos by NSPJ Architects

Drake Vidrine (NBKC Bank, Workforce Development Committee Chair) and Joseph Zack. Zack has completed his high school studies and has been working for Henges Insulation since Aug 2020. Andrew Teater and Josh Jacobs (Liberty High School Industrial Technology). Teater connected with KC Furnishing Co owner Jeff Huff through KC MADE and has since accepted a job offer with KCFC.

Area Council Highlights Progress in Building a Workforce

The 2020-2021 Workforce Development scholarships were presented at the Plaza Grand Street Café on May 26 during the Building a Workforce Area Council. Scholastic scholarships benefit graduating high school seniors who have chosen to continue their education at a two-year or four-year institution. Career Ready scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors seeking to immediately enter the workforce after graduation. Funds can be used to purchase necessary tools and PPE. Congratulations to this year’s recipients! • $1,000 Scholastic Scholarship: Adrian Flores (Bonner Springs

High School), Chase McGraw, Sean Hall (Northland Career

Center) • $1,000 Career Ready Scholarship: Andrew Teater (Liberty

High School), Brett Walker (Northland Career Center),

Joseph Zack

KCHBA would also like to recognize the local educators who make this partnership possible. Thank you to Ryan Mellick (Bonner Springs High School), Josh Jacobs (Liberty High School), Dave Pfortmiller (Olathe Advanced Technical Center), Brian Noller and Jacob Blankenship (Northland Career Center), John Amos (Independence School District) and Ed Gouldsmith and Randy Barnes (Excelsior Springs Area Career Center).

Year in Review

KCHBA’s Workforce Development Committee has held four educator and industry meetings and seven committee meetings over the past year. This committee continues to plan and connect with local educational stakeholders to find ongoing opportunities for the next generation of the new home construction workforce, as well as educate that same group on existing opportunities and their benefits.

KCHomeWork.com has steadily added virtual resources for those interested in the residential construction industry. Current educational videos include “Residential Construction Codes”, “Excavation and Foundation” and “A Day in the Life of a Framer” with more videos on the way.

In April, KCHBA teamed up with NARI to host a virtual job fair a number of students attended. Proceeds from this event allowed the Workforce Development Committee to donate $1,200 to the Home Builders Charitable Foundation.

KCHBA has also established a partnership with the Northland Education & Business Alliance (NEBA). In November 2020, NEBA’s Virtual Career Expo saw about 2,500 students log in to learn more about professional opportunities. Three KCHBA members presented their individual residential construction story. This panel consisted of Brian Tebbenkamp (Patriot Homes), Kristen Hampton Casey (Hampton Plumbing) and Austin Haywood (Hermes Landscaping). In February, Angie Beerup of Elevate Design + Build was a featured presenter on a NEBA Industry Executives Roundtable focused on women in the skilled trades.

KC Manufacturing and Design Expo (MADE) looked a bit different this year due to Covid-19 restrictions, but five students created eight projects to be entered for competition. In April, KC MADE

David Elliott shares his personal story of working in the construction industry.

projects were on display at KC Furnishing Co and RE|Crossroads. The public was able to view these pieces in person or online and then vote their favorite for the Peoples Choice Award. Students with top projects walked away with a variety of DeWalt tools and the winners’ schools were awarded $2,225 overall in program grants. The third annual Parade of Playhouses ran April 24-May 2. There were student-built entries from four local schools. Eight total playhouse entries were auctioned off and raised $15,000 for Habitat for Humanity KC via the Home Builders Charitable Foundation.

David Elliott Shares His Story

David Elliott, owner of Construction & Planning Services, shared his powerful personal history of navigating the construction industry at the Building a Workforce Area Council. Elliott was born in Lawrence, Kan., but his career has taken him all over the country and even the globe. Elliott became the owner of C & P Services in 2007.

Tumultuous financial periods, occasional poor decision-making and many different jobs were notable parts of Elliott’s earlier years, but he was never afraid to dream big. “You’re going to fail, but that’s the best teacher I ever had,” said Elliott. Recently, Elliott has enjoyed working with local educators. He is passionate about workforce development initiatives and showing the construction industry as a legitimate and fulfilling career, both financially and mentally. “I can look down the street and show you a building C & P has worked on. That is a great feeling,” stated Elliott.

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The CDC recently issued surprise guidance stating that fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting, except where required by federal, state, or local regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. While the guidance was welcomed by many, the abrupt nature of the release created a lot of questions.

How can you tell who is fully vaccinated? The federal government and all states are not requiring proof of vaccination for most activities, so an honor system is in place in public spaces. Many stores, businesses and restaurants still require masks for everyone indoors. Many colleges are requiring vaccination proof for school in the fall. So, while proof is not required by any governments, it is advisable to save your vaccination card and carry it with you.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued guidance late last year for employers on the question of mandating vaccinations. In short, employers can mandate vaccines, but should allow exceptions for accommodations covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or religious objections. In addition, the EEOC is clear that employers can ask if an employee has been vaccinated. However, if the employee says they have not received a vaccine, the employer cannot ask why not. Employers also cannot ask employees medical questions about family members. Further, employers must keep employee vaccine information confidential.

OSHA had initially signaled that it would require the construction industry to record adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines under its 29 CFR 1904 Occupational Injuries and Illnesses recordkeeping requirements. After NAHB and Construction Industry Safety Coalition partners sent a letter and held discussions with key OSHA staff, noting that this requirement might deter vaccinations in the industry, OSHA backed off the requirement and noted that it will not enforce it until May 2022.

NAHB is still strongly urging home builders to encourage their workers and subcontractors to get vaccinated. Resources are available on nahb.org. But it should be noted that there is some complexity around businesses urging vaccination. If an employer incentivizes its employees to get vaccinated (with time off, money or other reward), employees who are not able to receive the vaccine should still be eligible to get the incentive, otherwise it could be seen as unequal treatment and give rise to discrimination claims.

NAHB Now, May 27, 2021

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Will Ruder

Executive Vice President will@kchba.org 816-733-2216

Dawn Allen

Director of Member Services & Partnerships dawn@kchba.org 816-733-2241

Kelcee Allen

Director of Parade of Homes/Digital Content Strategist kelcee@kchba.org 816-733-2246

Kari English

Senior Director of Communications & Strategy kari@kchba.org 816-733-2213

Marcia Jurgens

Vice President of Administration marcia@kchba.org 816-733-2215

Courtney Reyes

Director of Government Affairs & Workforce Development courtney@kchba.org 816-733-2214

Paige Waltman

Manager of Communications & Education paige@kchba.org 816-733-2217

Jordynn Webster

Manager of Government Affairs & Workforce Development jordynn@kchba.org 816-733-2218

The Official Publication of the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City June 2021 • Volume 27 • Issue 5 Copyright 2021

Published by the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City 600 E. 103 Street, Kansas City, MO 64131 • (816) 942-8800

Editor Kari English Contributing Writers Marcia Jurgens, Paige Waltman Graphics Karla Peterie, Creative Services

2021 Executive Committee President Kevin Kirtley Vice President Tommy Bickimer Executive Vice President Will Ruder Secretary/Treasurer Brian Tebbenkamp Immediate Past President Jerry Braklow Associate Representative Richard Holtcamp Past Presidents Representative Bob Frost

To subscribe to Building Business News call (816) 733-2217 To advertise in Building Business News call (816) 733-2213 For change of address requests please email Kari@kchba.org or call (816) 942-8800 For more information, visit kchba.org

June-July Calendar

June 10 KCHBA Golf Tournament Scramble - Presented by Associates Council June 15 Board of Directors Meeting June 24 Young Professionals Happy Hour June 24 PWB Education Event: Coffee Lunch Coffee with Alana Muller July 1 2022 Artisan Home Tour Entry Deadline July 5 KCHBA Office Closed - Independence Day

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