As I step into the role of the 75th president of the Home Builders Association of Lincoln, I am humbled by the responsibility this milestone represents. The number 75 carries significant meaning—not just as a measure of time, but as a testament to the resilience, strength and dedication that defines this organization.
For decades, the Home Builders Association of Lincoln has been a key part of our community and our industry. It started small but has grown into something special, thanks to the hard work of our members, our leadership and our staff. Together, we’ve built homes, strengthened our industry and made a lasting impact on our community. Reaching 75 years is a great reminder of what we’ve achieved. The number 75 also reminds us of growth and progress. It’s a chance to honor what’s been done while thinking about what’s next. Together, we can build on the strong ‘concrete’ foundation of those who came before us and keep moving forward. This is our time to make sure the association stays strong for years to come.
Dan Klein, Sr.
Mike May
Herb Reese
Roger Reynolds
Mike Rezac
Denny Van Horn
Lori Wellman
HBAL Staff
Michaela Schwarten, Jennie Korth, Laure Husmann
While it’s important to celebrate the past, it’s just as important to look ahead. Our industry is always changing, and we face new challenges and opportunities every day. This is why I want to focus on teamwork, innovation and building a stronger future for everyone. Whether it’s through new ideas or working together on tough issues, I’m committed to helping our members succeed.
I am honored to serve as your president during this significant year, and I am eager to work alongside each of you to continue the important work of the Home Builders Association of Lincoln. Together, let us celebrate this milestone and embrace the opportunities ahead, ensuring that the next 75 years are marked by even greater achievements.
Thank you for your trust and support, and here’s to a bright future for our association and our community.
Calendar of Events
Nebraska Builders
Home & Garden Show
Feb. 7-9
Feb. 18
Sandhills Global Event Center
See pages 14-20 for more information.
Remodelers Council Happy Hour Venue Lounge
4111 Pioneer Woods Drive 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Feb. 28 Fall Parade of Homes Deadline
Soup 'r Chili Contest
Lincoln Firefighters Reception Hall
Mar. 3
241 Victory Lane
6:00 p.m. • Admission: $15 per person 12 years & under are FREE
Mar. 7 Tour of Remodeled Homes Deadline
HBAL 101
Mar. 20
HBAL • 6100 S. 58th Street, Ste. C 11:30 a.m. • Lunch is provided.
HBAL Member Spotlight
Bob McRoberts Co-Owner
Signs Now
bobm@signsnowlincoln.com | 402-441-9383
Click here to view Bob's full Member Spotlight.
Tell us about your family. I am married with one daughter, three step-children and seven grandchildren.
What would be the theme song of your life right now? “Time in a Bottle” by Jim Croce
What are you currently reading or listening to? Local bands: 23rd Vibration, Hookt, Paisty Jenny, Wrecked Jenny and Blue House. Best restaurant you've ever been to? Tensing Pen in Negril Jamaica
If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be? Steak and potatoes
Favorite place you've traveled? Negril Jamaica
Where are you from? Where did you go to school? Ruth Pyrtle grade school, Lincoln East junior and senior high and Southeast Community College
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? Well it's the worst kept secret that I love putting on fundraisers
What's the strangest thing you've ever done? Skydiving
If you could have a superpower, what would it be? Time travel
When you’re not working, how do you enjoy spending your time? Working with dog rescues and raising money and awareness for charities, oh traveling and golf! Who is someone who's made a big
impact on your life? Why? My Dad. He instilled the values of dedication and going out and getting what you want in life.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be and why? My dog, it would be great to see things from his perspective.
What do you love the most about your job? Helping business owners realize their dreams of starting their own business.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be? Why? Probably Rod Stewart to write and record a song with him. I say him because he is my wife's favorite musician. LOL!
What’s one skill you’d like to develop or sharpen this year? My guitar playing.
What are your future goals and aspirations for your career? Continue what I have been doing and eventually transition to semi-retirement.
How long have you been a member of HBAL? Signs Now has been a member since our beginning in 1989.
How has your career benefited from being a member of HBAL? Meeting great contractors and business owners who have helped us get to where we are.
What is your favorite HBAL event and why? The HBAL golf tournament. I always run into people I haven't seen in a while.
To be considered for the next Member Spotlight, click here.
PARADE of Homes
HBAL 101
Learn how to maximize your membership.
HBAL 101 offers a quick but comprehensive look at membership benefits, programs and events. We invite you to join us for an informal presentation covering everything you need to know to make the most of your membership investment.
Thursday, March 20 11:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE (lunch included)
HBAL Office | 6100 S. 58th Street, Ste. C RSVP by March 18 via info@hbal.org, 402-423-4225 or use this link.
Renovation, Repair and Painting Program
If you are a renovation firm, click here to learn how to fulfill your legal requirements to protect yourself, your employees, and your clients from the dangers of lead exposure.
As a contractor, you play an critical role in helping to prevent lead exposure. Ordinary renovation and maintenance activities can create toxic lead dust that can harm your customers, workers and even yourself.
Lead Paint Certification
Wednesday, May 14 (date subject to change)
HBAL Office | 6100 S. 58th St. Ste. C
Lead Paint Initial Course
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
This class is for anyone who has not taken the initial course before or who has let their certification lapse.
Cost: $275 per person (includes meal)
Lead Paint Refresher Course
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
This class is for anyone who has already taken the initial course and their certification renews after May 12, 2025.
Cost: $275 per person (includes meal)
Please email jennie@hbal.org if you have questions or to register.
2025 Construction Career Day
High School Scholarships Available
The Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation has scholarships available for high school seniors who will be attending a post-secondary school and majoring in a construction-related field. Each spring we award:
• Three $1,000 Home Builders Association of Lincoln/Remodelers Council Scholarships available to any senior.
• One $2,000 President’s Scholarship available to a senior who has a parent, grandparent or other close relative who owns or is employed by a member of the Home Builders Association of Lincoln (a list of members can be found at hbal.org).
Use the links above to access the respective applications. The application deadline is February 28.
Logan Magnussen, son of Erin Magnussen (Reese Construction, Inc.) and Shawn Magnussen, was the 2024 recipient of the President's Scholarship.
2024
Scholarship winners are honored at HBAL's annual Tribute to Youth dinner in April. This year's event is scheduled for April 8 at the Country Club of Lincoln.
HBAL President Beau Daffer with scholarship winners (from left): Ian Tinsley, Burke Settles, Cameron Becker and Jacob Williams. Not pictured is Philip Karpov.
Join us for this familyfriendly event! (hint, hint: we have hot dogs & cinnamon rolls for the picky eaters)
Monday March 3 6:00 PM to 7:45 PM
Coloring contest for the kids!
Kids can color their house at the event and turn it in to staff. Entries will be posted on HBAL's social media pages for voting. Prizes will be awarded in the following categories: 0 to 6 years and 7 to 12 years.
Admission: $15 per person (12 years & under are FREE) If
Contest Entrant Info
Cost for a booth: FREE
Food preparation and booth set-up: 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Exhibitors (cooks) will:
• Prepare 3 gallons of chili or soup (in a roaster pan)
• Have their own meat thermometer
• Provide their own three-prong extension cords
• Have the option to decorate their booth (Please, do not attach anything to the walls or use materials that cannot be easily swept. Thank you!)
• Name their chili or soup
• Help with clean-up at the end of the night
HBAL will provide:
• 8 ft. table
• Chairs
• Bowls, spoons, napkins
• Electrical outlet
• Crackers
• Prizes
• Ladle
• Table Cover
Any Brick You Use Can Last for Hundreds of Years. So Be Particular.
YANKEE HILL BRICK manufactures the highest quality FBX brick in a color palette ranging from the traditional reds and buffs to the innovative pinks, maroons, and lavenders.
Standard and custom color ranges, sizes, and shapes are our specialty. Brick murals and ornamentation are brought to a new level of sophistication at Yankee Hill Brick.
Rely on Yankee Hill to supply your project with the finest of materials.
Face brick
Paving brick
Thin brick veneer
Pool Coping
Keystones Stone Brick mural & ornamentation
Crushed landscape brick
3705 S. Coddington Lincoln, NE 68522 (402) 477-6663
HBAL Installation & Awards Ceremony
Jereme Montgomery installed as the 75th President of HBAL Jereme Montgomery, Stephens & Smith Construction Co., was installed as President at the Annual Installation and Awards Ceremony of the Home Builders Association of Lincoln on January 28, 2025 at Hillcrest Country Club.
Above: With his wife, Amy, by his side, Jereme was installed by Brett Richert, Stephens & Smith Construction Co.
Past Presidents in attendance were: Justin Johnson (2016), Ward Fred Hoppe (2007 & 2022), Roger Reynolds (1999 & 2001), Lori Wellman (2023), Mike Kinning (2014), Mike May (2015), Jim Christo (1989 & 2004), Bo Jones (2018), Matt Kinning (2021), Mike Rezac (2010 & 2013) and Denny Van Horn (2019).
Award Winners
President’s Awards
Associate of the Year
Ryan Trausch with Lincoln Federal Savings Bank received the 2024 Associate of the Year Award. Ryan is always willing to serve and volunteer when needed. He currently serves on the Parade of Homes and Santa Cop committees. When he joined the Executive Committee in 2021, it took several conversations reassuring him he would do a great job, he would find it rewarding and he would be a perfect fit for the position. When asked to serve again this year, he answered "yes" without hesitation!
Membership Awards
The Ervin E. Peterson Founders Award for retaining the most members in 2024 was awarded to Denny Van Horn of Van Horn Custom Homes. This is Denny’s seventh year in a row to receive this award.
Building & Safety Employee of the Year
The Building & Safety Employee of the Year Award went to Pat Genrich. Pat started as a plumbing inspector in February of 2013 and was promoted to chief plumbing inspector in December 2021. Pat was chosen as this year’s winner because of his willingness to listen and work with builders on any issue that may arise. Pictured is Development Services Director Chad Blahak (left) with Pat Genrich.
Click to view more photos from the event!
Michaela Schwarten HBAL
Scott Schneider Schneider Custom Homes
Order Your Home & Garden Show Tickets!
All members of HBAL have the exclusive opportunity to purchase half price tickets for their employees, friends or clients in advance. Admit One tickets for the Show may be purchased for $5.00 each. Ticket price includes sales tax. Contact HBAL at 402-423-4225 or info@hbal.org for more information.
The Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show
Trademark & Use of Logo
The Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show™ is trademarked by the Home Builders Association of Lincoln (HBAL) and the use of the name and logo is only allowed with HBAL’s permission.
GUIDELINES FOR USING NEBRASKA BUILDERS HOME & GARDEN SHOW AND THE OFFICIAL LOGO:
• Contact HBAL at info@hbal.org to request permission and, if desired, receive the current logo file.
• When using Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show, you must also reference the Home Builders Association of Lincoln (ie. HBAL's Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show).
• When using the Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show logo, the HBAL logo must be included.
• HBAL must be tagged on all posts using Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show and/or the logo.
• Use of Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show or its logo is limited to exhibitors or sponsors participating in the Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show.
• Do not alter the logo in any way.
• Do not use Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show or its logo in a way that suggests endorsement, sponsorship or affiliation with HBAL unless explicitly authorized to do so.
We love it when our members promote our events! Here are a few ways you can promote the Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show!
• Comment, like and share the content posted on HBAL’s social media pages including links to the official Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show promotional video.
• Tag HBAL in your social media content promoting the Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show.
EXHIBITOR RECEPTION
Date: Friday, February 7
Time: 8:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Place: Café located on the west end of Currency Pavilion
Please join us for complimentary drinks and light snacks sponsored by:
ZENG
COUNTERTOPS
& SURFACES
An Exhibitor wristband is required to attend this event.
2025 EXHIBITOR LISTING
AS OF 1/30/25
A1 Aerating & Seeding (402-890-5427) 4431
ABC Seamless of Nebraska (402-477-5400) ................ T-305
ACS Door Services of Lincoln (402-477-4474) ....................... 4328
Advantage Remodeling, Inc. (402-416-1430) 4312
Ageless Men's Health (402-802-7843) ...1380
Allo Fiber (402-480-6550) ....................... 4006
Al's Johns (402-783-2022) T-530, T- 630
American Fence Company of Lincoln (402-467-2511) T-500
Window World of Lincoln (402-464-7313) .............. 1577-1578, 1657-1658
Wireless Sourcing (855-657-0470).......... 1455
Woods Bros. Realty (402-434-3700) 1755-1756
Yard Boss (402-418-2233) 1629-1630
Your Home Improvement Company (402-545-5624) 4004-4005
Zeng Countertops and Surfaces (402-429-8412) ........ 1972-1973
KIDS SQUARE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Friday, February 7
All Day
2:00 p.m.
Balloon Creations by Shades the Clown & Friends
Wildlife Encounters Live Animal Presentation
4:30-7:30 p.m. Face Painting
4:30 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
All Day
Wildlife Encounters Live Animal Presentation
Wildlife Encounters Live Animal Presentation
Saturday, February 8
Balloon Creations by Shades the Clown & Friends
11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Face Painting
12:30 p.m.
Wildlife Encounters Live Animal Presentation
2:00-4:00 p.m. Lincoln Watershed Management Activity (while supplies last)
3:00 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
All Day
11:00 a.m.
Wildlife Encounters Live Animal Presentation
Wildlife Encounters Live Animal Presentation
Sunday, February 9
Balloon Creations by Shades the Clown & Friends
Wildlife Encounters Live Animal Presentation
12:00-3:00 p.m. Face Painting
1:30 p.m.
Wildlife Encounters Live Animal Presentation
of the Remodelers Council of Lincoln February 2025 • Vol. 28, No. 2
The Remodelers Council’s “Builders & Burritos” at The Career Academy (TCA) was well received by both members and TCA staff and students. We are already planning for next year’s event, which will be expanded to include students in all construction pathways.
Matt Firestone Remodelers Council Chairperson
As I’m writing this, the Home Show is just days away. 29 of our Remodelers Council members have booths at the Show. If you aren’t exhibiting, I encourage you to use the VIP ticket that was mailed to all HBAL members and stop by the Show Friday afternoon. Making connections is important in our industry and this would be a great time to visit with fellow members and learn about the products and services they offer.
You may have noticed there was no signup to volunteer at the Food Bank House at the Home Show this year. After 20+ years and countless woodscrews, it was time to retire the House. Although you won’t see the wheelbarrows rolling back and forth at the Show, our support will continue, as HBAL will be donating 10% of ticket sales to the Food Bank of Lincoln this year. We have collected over 93,000 pounds of food since the Food Bank House was started in 2003. If you ever helped with putting up the House or taking it down, or if you volunteered to haul
Council Member
Garrett Goldsberry Salt Creek Homes Company
Interested in joining the Remodelers Council?
Click here for more information!
wheelbarrows full of canned food during the Show, “Thank you.”
Please join us for a Remodelers Council Happy Hour on Tuesday, February 18 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Venue Lounge. We will resume our regular meetings in March with a tour of the new fire station at 17th & Van Dorn Streets. Look for more details in the next Business Builder.
Publication
Tour Entry Contract
Tour Ad Contract
"Builders & Burritos" at The Career Academy
January 24, 2025
The Remodelers Council treated TCA students to breakfast burritos for their January meeting. The students asked some good questions and it was a great opportunity to share about the scholarships our Foundation awards and the Construction Career Day coming up in April. We plan to host this event annually going forward and will expand it to include their morning, mid- and afternoon sessions.
Thanks for Renewing!
(Please allow 60 days for names to appear on this list.)
74 Years
• Nebraska Title Company
• Reimers-Kaufman Concrete Products Co.
73 Years
• Green's Furnace & Plumbing Co., Inc.
• Lincoln Electric System
• Midwest Steel Works, Inc.
60 Years
• Capital Concrete Co.
40 Years
• Custom Countertop, Inc.
34 Years
• Rezac Construction, Inc.
33 Years
• Wellmann Heating & Air
32 Years
• Schaefer's, Inc.
27 Years
• The Glass Edge
• Thrasher Foundation Repair
25 Years
• Liberty First Credit Union
23 Years
• 84 Lumber
• Midwest Tile, Marble and Granite, Inc.
22 Years
• Two Men And A Truck
19 Years
• Security First Bank
• Stuchlik & Associates Insurance 16 Years
• K2 Construction
14 Years
• D & R Development, Inc.
13 Years
• Brickworks Supply Center
12 Years
• Murray Custom Homes, LLC
• X Foundations, LLC
11 Years
• Champion Windows
• Custom Scapes & Tree Removal, LLC
• Weddle and Sons Roofing
9 Years
• Ashland Oak Construction
• Drain Rite Gutters & Roofing
8 Years
• Hamilton Equipment Co. | Bobcat of Lincoln
• Remodel Nebraska, LLC, Sunroom Specialists
• Russell Remodeling, LLC
• Zeng Countertops & Surfaces
7 Years
• RED Custom Homes
6 Years
• Kitchen Tune-Up Lincoln/Grand Island
5 Years
• 402 Customs
• Aden Pressure Washing, LLC
• Capital Patio & Flame Shop
• Luxury Landscapes
3 Years
• Avid Realty
• Water Treatment Pros, LLC
2 Years
• DFI Innovations
• Elite Egress, LLC
• Mod Wattage Electric, LLC
1 Year
• Festive Expression | Illuminations & Décor
• Four by Four Construction
• Heating & Cooling Supply Co.
• Quality Sports Construction, LLC
• Simply Home Builders
• Yard Boss
Welcome New Members
A1 Aerating
Bob Brolhorst
5449 Sugarberry Court, Lincoln, NE 68516
Phone: 402-890-5427
Email: bbrolhorst@allophone.com
Web: www.a1aeratingne.com
Sponsor: Jereme Montgomery, Stephens & Smith Construction Co.
New construction seeding, overseeding, aerating, lawn and garden rototilling. Bob Brolhorst has been servicing Lincoln and the surrounding area for over 50 years offering same day servicing. A1aeratingne.com has become the go-to for all your lawn and fertilizing needs.
Arctic Spas Omaha
Chris Batliner
20330 Veterans Drive, Ste. 7, Elkhorn, NE 68022
Phone: 402-925-6044 Cell: 402-812-1499
Email: chris.batliner@arcticspasomaha.com
Web: www.arcticspasomaha.com
Sponsor: Dan Loeck, Loeck Designs
EXIT Realty Professionals
Terry Lindstrom
5540 South Street, #208, Lincoln, NE 68506
Phone: 402-466-8181 Cell: 402-730-6005
Email: tlindstrom@exitrp.com
Web: www.exitrp.com
Sponsor: Rob Champoux, Prairie Home Builders, Inc.
The EXIT Realty Corp Franchise was established in 1995 with over 600 offices and 80,000 agents. EXIT Realty Professionals owned by Terry M. Lindstrom Broker/Owner since 2015. He has 40 years of experience as a full time REALTOR® in Lincoln with a strong background in new construction.
Endicott Clay Products
Larry Joe
57120 707th Road, Endicott, NE 68350
Phone: 402-239-8079
Email: ljoe@endicott.com Web: www.endicott.com
Sponsor: Dan Loeck, Loeck Designs
Five & Co.
Building & Design
Whitney Korger
11100 W. McKelvie Road, Malcolm, NE 68402
Phone: 402-610-2895
Email: whitneykorger@gmail.com
Sponsor: Erin Magnussen, Reese Construction, Inc.
Salt Creek Homes Company
Garrett Goldsberry
1700 Davey Road, Davey, NE 68336
Phone: 402-720-6637
Email: saltcreekhomesco@gmail.com
Web: www.saltcreekhomesco.com
Sponsor: Kevin Wolfe, Wolfe Electric Co., Inc.
Salt Creek Homes proudly serves the Lincoln area, specializing in residential remodels and new construction. We blend exceptional craftsmanship, innovative design, and a personalized approach to help our clients create a home worth sharing. In addition, our affiliate, Salt Creek Properties Group, provides Lincoln with a team of experienced real estate professionals who are committed to delivering exceptional service.
Welcome New Members
Salt Creek Properties Group
Neale Goldsberry
1700 Davey Road, Davey, NE 68336
Phone: 308-830-0057
Email: neale@nebraskarealty.com
Web: www.saltcreekhomesco.com
Sponsor: Kevin Wolfe, Wolfe Electric Co., Inc.
Salt Creek Properties Group provides Lincoln with a team of experienced real estate professionals who are committed to delivering exceptional service. Leveraging our extensive remodeling and construction expertise through our affiliate, Salt Creek Homes, we bring a unique, comprehensive perspective to the housing market. Whether buying, selling, or renovating, we take pride in being a trusted resource for all things home.
Directory Changes
Hunter Young is the new principal contact for Liberty First Credit Union.
Email: huntery@libertyfirstcu.com.
Treva Ptaschek has retired from Stewart Title. Heidi Hull is the new principal contact and Carrie Sorensen is a new affiliate member.
Phone: 402-434-3273.
Email: carrie.sorensen@stewart.com
Steve Peterson is the new principal contact for Ashland Oak Construction.
Email: steve@ashlandoak.com.
Anthony Shoen is the principal contact for Shoen’s Roofing.
Kitchen Tune-Up Lincoln/Grand Island is no longer a Remodelers Council member.
