All Things Housing, For Everyone

“We don’t just build buildings, we build homes,” said Dennis Shriver of Hearthside Homes at his Inaugural on Dec. 7 at Boulevard Brewing Company. “Humanity is at the heart of what we do… The KCHBA’s mission is to promote housing opportunities for all.”

As 2024 KCHBA president, Shriver will provide leadership as the KCHBA re-establishes itself as the trusted information source and housing champion for the Kansas City metro.

Also during the event, KCHBA announced the winners of its annual awards to members for their outstanding leadership and service to the homebuilding industry.

2023 Bob Boillier Sales and Marketing Award:
Lonny Cohen of The Real Estate Book/New Home Guide and designKC

Lonny is a longtime KCHBA supporter, having served as senior vice president of association services at the KCHBA for 15 years. During this time she planned and oversaw many publications, events, education and the establishment of the KCHBA charitable foundation. “As the [foundation] staff liaison, it was an experience I cherished every day because I got to work with a group of passionate members who had the goal to give back to the community and help strengthen the industry for the future,” stated Lonny.

In 2020, Lonny collaborated with Keith Sauro to incorporate the New Home Guide with the Real Estate Book. The first issue of designKC magazine was then published in fall 2021, a new publication devoted to featuring exceptional homes highlighting the area’s best architecture, custom build and remodel projects, fine interiors and outdoor living.

In a full circle moment, Lonny now serves on the Foundation Committee and is a former chair. She is also a member of the Artisan Committee and Professional Women in Building.

2023 Fred J. Geier Associate of the Year:
Bobby Wilson of Wilson Lighting

Bobby grew up in the family lighting business, but did not expect it to become his career. After graduating with his bachelor’s degree, his father asked him to join the showroom. He told Bobby to “give it a try; leave any time you want.” That was 37 years ago. Bobby is still in love with the lighting industry and serves as the company’s president. Wilson Lighting has evolved from a small light shop into a vast lighting and home furnishings resource center for consumers, designers, remodelers and builders in the Kansas City area and beyond.

Throughout his career, Bobby credits the KCHBA with playing a vital role in his development and success. He was introduced to the organization by his father and Richard Mather more than 30 years ago. Since then, he’s been a proud associate member. He has been a Parade Committee member for several years, served two terms on the Board of Directors and participates in the Finance Committee. Recognizing the importance of homebuilding on a national level, Bobby has been an NAHB Gold Key member for more than 20 years. He has attended the International Builders’ Show almost every year for the past 30 years and loves to host an annual event for Kansas City builders who travel to the conference.

2023 Next Generation Builder Award:
Joe Christensen of Cardinal Crest Homes

Before establishing his company in 2011, Joe was introduced to construction by working on his family farm. He learned the ropes of different trades, working in asphalt, landscape and rough in carpentry and received a degree in construction management with an emphasis in architecture design.

Joe is a co-founder and co-owner of Cardinal Crest Homes. He works closely with clients designing their homes and helping their ideas become reality. Solving problems and finding creative solutions to home design and construction are some of the things he loves about his job.

His involvement with the KCHBA includes serving as 2023 co-chair of the Builders Council and a member of the Artisan Committee. In 2024, Joe is joining the KCHBA Executive Committee as secretary and treasurer.

2023 Builder Hall of Fame inductee: Darol Rodrock

Darol began building homes in Shawnee and Merriam in the early 1970s. He saw a gap in neighborhoods that held their value while offering homebuyers a safe and vibrant place to raise families. Darol also understood that the little things mattered in a big way; his developments contain distinctive stone entry monuments, many with fountains, and all perimeter fencing was made of wroughtiron. The finest in amenities—from pools, playgrounds, paved trails, green space and clubhouses with workout facilities— nurtured families and the overall sense of community. Darol created the Rodrock Development Moms’ Council, which planned an array of family-friendly activities, including Easter egg hunts, July 4th bike parades and wagon rides led by Belgian horses at Christmastime. He knew these gatherings helped new neighbors have fun but also helped provide families—and importantly children— a safe place to grow up.

With the creation of Rodrock and Associates Realtors, Darol ensured his communities were staffed with on-site managers who not only were able to ease the homebuying and building process but were also invested in the neighborhood and able to welcome families and help them connect with their new neighbors. At that time, no other real estate company was dedicated exclusively to new homes sales.

Darol’s incredible dedication to Kansas City homebuilding spanned more than 35 years and resulted in some 85 communities with over 30,000 homeowners. He created a home buying and building experience that was unique and special in the industry, focused on family, friendship and protected values, allowing Darol to stand by his lifelong commitment to creating exceptional communities.

Congratulations to these award recipients. Thank you for all you do to make the KCHBA a success!