Lincoln Business Builder (June 2024)

MEET THE HBAL MEMBERSHIP CHAIR

Jereme Montgomery, Stephens & Smith Construction Co.

"Membership in HBAL is not only critical for revenue generation, but more importantly, it creates a sustainable organization that unifies the home building industry with a single voice, increasing the organization's impact and influence when advocating for policies, regulations and industry standards."

HBAL provides numerous opportunities for members to build their business through networking events, educational seminars and charitable activities. If you're interested in getting more involved or know someone who would benefit from being a member of HBAL, view and share our Membership Opportunities Brouchure.

Here are some ways you can get involved!

• HBAL Golf Tournament - June 7

• Remodelers Council Picnic - June 12

• HBAL Membership Drive

Executive Committee

Beau Daffer, President

Jereme Montgomery, President Elect

Dan Loeck, 1st Vice President

Perry Haralson, 2nd Vice President

Lori Wellman, CKD, CGR, CAPS, Immediate Past President

Ryan Trausch, Secretary

Bob Bryant, Treasurer

Michaela Schwarten, Executive Vice President

Directors

Jeremy Bishoff

Dave Chapin

Megan Dreyer

Matt Firestone

Andrew Hartman

Dave Lakin

Jeff Pankoke

Blake Pittack

Scott Schneider

Maria Semerad

Brett Sundberg

Tim Zeng

Remodelers Council

Jason Willet

Past Presidents

Jim Christo

Steve Fulton

Ward Fred Hoppe

Justin Johnson

Bo Jones

Matt Kinning

Mike Kinning

Dan Klein, Sr.

Mike May

Herb Reese

Roger Reynolds

Mike Rezac

Denny Van Horn

HBAL Staff

Michaela Schwarten, Jennie Korth, Laure Husmann

President’s Message

Beau Daffer, HBAL President

What a week we had for the Spring Parade of Homes! The weather was great! We saw a lot of traffic and had a ton of great feedback. Thank you to all who participated whether you had a house on the Parade or toured homes.

I was also able to attend the celebration of the 30th home built by the Lincoln Northeast High School residential construction students. I had the opportunity to speak to a couple of the students and they consistently said that the opportunity to participate in a home build is like nothing they could learn from a book. They mentioned it really got them excited about the construction industry and they wanted to continue to learn more.

As school is finishing and summer begins, I hope everyone has a great summer. Don’t forget the HBAL golf tournament coming up June 7.

I will leave you with some words of encouragement:

“Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.” Proverbs 11:14

Calendar of Events

June 6

HBAL Board of Directors Meeting

HBAL • 6100 S. 58th Street, Ste. C 10:30 a.m.

2024 HBAL Corporate Partners

June 7

June 12

HBAL Golf Tournament

Highlands Golf Course

Remodelers Council Picnic

HBAL • 6100 S. 58th Street, Ste. C 11:30 a.m. • Cost: $15 per person

July 26 Fall Parade of Homes Deadline

Remodelers Council Golf Tournament

Holmes Golf Course

Aug. 16

10:00 a.m. Shotgun Start

See page 19 for more info.

Our sympathy to Taylor & Brooke Wyatt, Coldwell Banker NHS Real Estate, on the death of Brooke's father, George Garrison, who passed away on April 25, 2024.

Our sympathy to Kevin & Lisa Gruntorad, KG Customs, for the loss of Kevin's father, Dale Gruntorad, who passed away on April 30, 2024.

YOUR AD HERE!

This space is available for an ad and can be linked back to your website for just $54/issue. For more information, please contact Jennie at 402-423-4225 or jennie@hbal.org.

Dear Home Builders Association of Lincoln, I wanted to thank you for the Presidents Scholarship that your Association awarded me. This will help with the cost of books and tools needed for me to complete my electrical apprenticeship program that I am planning on. I am looking forward to a career in the construction/electrical industry.

Sincerely, Logan Magnussen

Remodelers Council:

May Board Report

The Remodelers Council met at the Food Bank of Lincoln for their May 1 meeting. Members enjoyed chatting with each other and the other regular volunteers while packaging beets, onions and carrots. They packed over 1,300 bags, or about 4,800 lbs of produce! The next meeting will be June 12 for their annual picnic which will be held at the HBAL office.

Membership Committee:

The following new members were approved:

• Cornerstone Industries, Kara Weller

• Gatlin Construction Specialties, LLC, Dave Gatlin

• Steven Craze Carpentry, Steven Craze

Nebraska Disaster Relief:

Sponsor: Jereme Montgomery

Sponsor: Vance Stauffer

Sponsor: Carla Waldbaum

The Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation is sending $10,000 to Omaha Rapid Response for support following the Arbor Day tornado.

Careers in Construction:

Construction Career Day had almost 300 students in attendance this year. Ben Klein is scheduling a follow-up meeting. Next year’s Date is April 23.

Northeast High School 30th Home Build: May 15, 2024 – 4-6p.m. - with presentation at 5:00pm. - 5010 Starr Street.

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

Recruiting new members is essential for the Association's growth, effectiveness and long-term viability, ultimately benefiting the entire home building industry.

Recruit new members to earn points. First person to 25 points wins $100. At the end of the drive, we will award cash prizes to the top three recruiters. You must accumulate at least 25 points to qualify.

1st Place - $600 | 2nd Place - $250 | 3rd Place - $100

Points will be awarded as follows:

• 5 points for each returning member company who has not been a member of HBAL since 2021

• 3 points for any other new member company

• 3 points for any current HBAL member who attends an HBAL 101 luncheon (max. 3 points)

• 3 points for any HBAL member who refers a non-member who attends an HBAL 101 luncheon

Membership Drive ends November 30, 2024

Recruiting new members is vital for several reasons:

Strengthens the Association

Increases our Resources

Enhances Networking Opportunities

Promotes Knowledge Sharing Sustains Long-Term Viability

HBAL

MORE THAN JUST A

MEMBER

When you join HBAL, your dues are more than just membership in the organization. The Home Builders Association of Lincoln provides opportunities to network and learn through member events, meetings and educational classes. HBAL's volunteer leadership and staff also do extensive behind-the-scenes work with government officials at the State and Local levels helping to decrease regulation and control housing costs. For example, members meet with elected officials and city officials on a regular basis. Meetings cover any topic potentially related to construction. Having a good working relationship is important to make sure everyone is well informed, which makes navigating potential changes in regulations easier. In 2023, members worked with the Lincoln Transportation and Utilities Department (LTU) on their updates to sidewalk and driveway approach criteria. Prior to 2023, sidewalk and driveway inspections were completed by the Building & Safety Department. With the change in City department oversight, there were significant changes to the process and new requirements had to be met. Effective communication with LTU made working through the changes easier. We appreciate all the dedicated members of HBAL who assist in these endeavors.

HBAL provides numerous opportunities for members to build their business through networking events, educational seminars and charitable activities. If you're interested in getting more involved or know someone who would benefit from being a member of HBAL, view and share our Membership Opportunities Brouchure.

MICHAELA SCHWARTEN Executive Vice President

Jennie Korth Director of Marketing & Communication

Laure Husmann Business Manager

Reasons to Belong to HBAL

Networking

• Build valuable relationships with likeminded professionals through HBAL events, committees and councils.

• Enhance leadership skills and increase visibility through volunteer leadership roles.

Communication

• Line of communication to keep you up-to-date on industry issues affecting your business.

• The Lincoln Business Builder newsletter, email updates, blog and social media pages share information about association events, activities and educational opportunities.

Advocacy

• HBAL is represented by one of the state’s best lobbying firms with Nebraska Senators.

• HOMEPAC is active and meets with candidates for elected positions such as County Commissioners, the Mayor’s office, City Council and Nebraska Legislature to give them insight into issues facing our industry.

• Volunteers participate in local Task Forces and Committees and work closely with Building and Safety to encourage pro-housing legislation or regulations in the home building industry.

Marketing

• Promote your business as a member using HBAL branding for added credibility.

• HBAL's corporate partnership program provides participating members with added visibility at HBAL events.

• Member discounts for the area’s largest trade show, the Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show

• Showcase your business in specialty events such as the Parade of Homes and the Tour of Remodeled Homes

• HBAL's website provides better marketing of your business to the consumer with our online directory

• The Careers in Construction web page can include a link to your company's job opportunities.

Education

• Cost effective classes to better your business.

• Connect with members and stay well-informed about industry trends, expectations and regulations.

Civic Participation

• The Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation was created to broaden our philanthropic participation.

• Promote careers in the home building industry by supporting high school students through scholarships and donations to their construction programs.

• Participate in charitable group efforts like Habitat for Humanity and Lincoln Police Union's Santa Cop to elevate our community outreach.

EPIC Facts & Fiction: The Truth about the EPIC Consumption Tax Proposals

Fact: Eliminates all Nebraska property, income, inheritance, and corporate taxes, and replaces them with a “consumption tax.”

Fiction: Consumption Tax rate on all services and new goods set at a rate of 7.5%.

• There is no guarantee that the rate will be 7.5%. It is more likely that the actual rate will be two or three times that high.

• Counties, Cities, Schools and other political subdivisions will also have the ability to institute a separate tax.

Fact: There will be no taxes on groceries.

• However, this is only true if both ballot measures pass.

Fiction: Eliminates double taxation.

• There are numerous goods and services that will have both a consumption tax and an excise tax.

Fiction: Imposes a Consumption Tax only on services and new goods.

• This would only be true if set in the Constitution. The Legislature gets to decide what will be taxed and there is no guarantee as to what will or won’t be taxed.

• Either way, the price of new homes and new vehicles would likely rise by over 20% eliminating the ability of many Nebraskans to purchase them.

• The cost of many necessities will drastically increase including diapers, over-the-counter medications, auto repairs and rent.

Fiction: There will be no Consumption

Tax on insurance premiums because insurance premiums are subject to a premium tax, which is an excise tax.

• This is a statement made by proponents, but not guaranteed. The current premium tax is not considered an excise tax.

• Nebraskans will also pay the tax on deductibles and any out of pocket costs. All medical costs not covered by insurance will be subject to the tax. Medicaid and Medicare services may be subject to the tax because those payers do not pay a premium tax.

Fiction: No taxes on business-tobusiness transactions.

• This is contrary to the proposed Constitutional Language that states “the State of Nebraska shall impose a retail consumption tax or an excise tax on all new goods and services.”

• There is no guarantee or definition of what constitutes a business-to-business transaction. If all new goods and services will be taxed without exception that includes business purchases and purchases by entities that have historically been tax exempt (Churches, non-profits and governmental entities)

Fiction: The Consumption Tax is fair to all Nebraskans.

• The tax is regressive on its face and will harm small businesses, those with lower incomes, young families and seniors.

Fact: There are no special tax exceptions for Government agencies and non-profits.

• How does Nebraska expect to tax the

EPIC Facts & Fiction: The Truth about the EPIC Consumption Tax Proposals

federal government? Proponents can’t explain.

• If we tax State government and political subdivisions in Nebraska, how will they raise the funds to pay the tax?

• Will non-profits be able to survive if they are required to pay the tax? Will contributions or grants that generally fund such institutions increase enough to cover the cost?

Fact: The EPIC Option would be achieved in two steps

• Step 1: Vote of the people to amend the Nebraska State Constitution on the November 2024 ballot.

- Ballot Language: “…No governmental entity in the state of Nebraska may impose taxes other than retail consumption taxes or excise taxes.”

- Ballot Language: “The State of Nebraska shall impose a retail consumption tax or an excise tax on all new goods and services. There shall be no exemption from such sales taxes, except for grocery items purchased for off premises consumption.”

- Fact: Once voted into the Nebraska State Constitution, these amendments can only be changed by another vote of the people and cannot be changed by the Legislature.

◊ This should scare everyone! We currently have nothing in place to facilitate the implementation of this change.

• Step 2: Legislative vote to adopt implementation legislation.

- Proponents claim that the Legislature will adopt LB 79 (AM314) to implement the EPIC Consumption Tax. If that is true, it would have to be done in the 2024 Legislative Session which will end more than six months before the election.

- If it doesn’t work, Nebraskans will be left holding the bag. Lawmakers who championed this change will no longer be in office and have stated that it’s “not their problem.”

Fiction: The EPIC plan protects local control

• Local control will be eliminated. All tax revenue will go to the State Treasurer in Lincoln. The Legislature will make all budget decisions from the State to your local school and fire district.

FACT: The EPIC Option Consumption Tax Proposal is an EPICALLY BAD Idea for Nebraska!

• No other state has a consumption tax.

• Other countries that use a consumption tax (called a value added tax or VAT) have an average rate of 22% and they also collect other taxes, including income and dividend taxes.

• If we are going to change the Nebraska Constitution, we should only do so with a clear path forward, not something that dumps a super sales tax in the lap of our future legislators.

Nebraska Safety Council Public Training Offerings

Nebraska Safety Council offers a wide variety of public courses; from OSHA 30-Hr Construction training to Emotional Wellbeing at the Workplace, there are trainings applicable for all employers.

Refer to the list below for upcoming course offerings or click here for a complete list.

• June 6: First Aid/CPR/AED Training

• June 7: OSHA Recordkeeping

• June 10: Respiratory Protection & Fit Testing

• June 20: Crane & Hoist

City Council Members Visit Parade Homes

On May 16, 2024, Christina Melgoza and Stephanie Ponce of Queenpin Builders and Bob Benes of Remington Homes opened their Parade homes to visit with City Council members Tom Beckius, Bennie Shobe and Sandra Washington. Touring the homes allowed Council members to see newly constructed homes and gave them the opportunity to ask questions about the build process.

Lincoln Northeast High School Celebrates 30th House Build

by Jereme Montgomery, Stephens & Smith Construction

This month, HBAL leadership attended the open house ceremony for Lincoln Northeast High School’s 30th house build. Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, representatives from the Lincoln Housing Authority and the LNE STS instructor delivered remarks and congratulated everyone involved. During the main ceremony, Bob Freese presented each student with their own Estwing hammer.

“It is great to see how excited the students were to show off their hard work. I hope when these students attend their 20th high school reunion, they drive by and are still proud of the work they’ve done,” said Bob Freese, LNE Construction Instructor.

This project is a collaborative effort between LPS and the Lincoln Housing Authority, with financial support provided by the Sowers Club, Lienemann Foundation and the Ethel Abbott Foundation.

HBAL Member Spotlight

Jeff Pankoke Owner/Principal Structural Engineer

RED Custom Homes & ACRE Design +

Email: jpankoke@ACRE-design.com | Phone: 531-249-1715

Click here to view Jeff 's full Member Spotlight.

Tell us about your family. My wife Mindy and I have two kids together, Eve who is 11, and Wes who is 9. We also have two 12-year-old Labs Ellie and Lovec. We spend most of our time running around to practices and games or hanging out in our backyard. What would be the theme song of your life right now? “I Ain't Worried” by One Republic

What are you currently reading or listening to? Jack Reacher series Best restaurant you've ever been to? Nothing can compare to my grandma's house. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? I was able to travel to Cuba with my brother's soccer team in 1999. Who is someone who's made a big impact on your life? Why? My wife of course. She pushes me to be better each day and puts up with me which can't be easy. Her ability to work a full day, keep up with our kids’ activities, and keep us all organized and moving is pretty awesome. If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be and why? One of my kids. Who doesn't want to be a kid again and just enjoy the simple things in life. If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? Stephen Schwarzman

What experiences and past roles have led you to where you are today? I grew up in an area where a lot of new houses were being built which first started my interest in the construction of buildings. Then in my high school CAD class, I learned more about the design industry, and since I was better at math than design I decided to go into Structural Engineering. What career advice do you live by? Who gave it to you? “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” - Seneca

How long have you been a member of HBAL? 5 Years

How has your career benefited from being a member of HBAL? It has allowed us to connect with like-minded people and is a great place to learn from one another to keep pushing our industry forward.

What is your favorite HBAL event and why? Parade of Homes because it has been a family event for me for years before I joined HBAL. Great way to spend Mother's Day.

Any tips or advice for new HBAL members? Ask questions of your fellow members. This will lead you not only to the answers you are looking for but new relationships.

To be considered for the next Member Spotlight, click here

Publication of the Remodelers Council of Lincoln June 2024 • Vol. 27, No. 6

Thank you to all who volunteered their time at the Food Bank last month. It is great to give our time to help our community and to set a good example to others. So again, thank you for all who helped.

Jason Willet Remodelers Council Chairperson

In this industry, we can get too focused on our job at the expense of our time spent with others, especially our family. I was recently reminded of this, so I’ll put a challenge out there to all of you reading this. The challenge is to go make a memory with your family in June that you don’t already have planned. Be spontaneous and fun! It can be simple or as big as you want. Don’t be the parent or spouse that says “Not today, maybe another time.” Surprise your family with a “Yes!” Go get ice cream, plan a trip to the zoo, go fishing, visit Urban Air, go minigolfing or whatever you know will be special for your family. One of my family’s favorites is to get Yogurtini for dessert after supper –which I just had to look up and found the last time we were there was March… time flies! I guess it is time to go again and make a memory with my little kids!

Don’t forget about the Remodelers Council Picnic on June 12. We’ll have delicious food and yard games. It will be a great time with more opportunity to talk to one another.

Remodelers Council Volunteers at Food Bank of Lincoln May 1, 2024

The Remodelers Council met at the Food Bank of Lincoln for their May 1 meeting. Members enjoyed chatting with each other and the other regular volunteers while packaging beets, onions and carrots. We packed over 1,300 bags, or about 4,800 lbs of produce!

View more photos of our Remodelers Council meetings here.

Welcome New Members!

Steven Craze

Steven Craze Carpentry (SCC)

Interested in joining the Remodelers Council?

Contact Jennie Korth at 402-423-4225 or jennie@hbal.org for more information!

Welcome New Members

Steven Craze Carpentry (SCC)

Steven Craze

2784 Arlington Ave., Lincoln, NE 68502

Phone: 402-205-1169 Cell: 920-266-7009

Email: steven@craze-carpentry.com

Web: www.craze-carpentry.com

Sponsor: Carla Waldbaum, Home Real Estate

Steven Craze Carpentry (SCC) specializes in custom cabinets and built-ins, as well as custom millwork. With SCC you get premium materials and hardware, thoughtful design and a one-of-a-kind piece that enhances your home.

Gatlin Construction Specialties, LLC

Dave Gatlin

8811 Chaparral Court, Lincoln, NE 68520

Phone: 402-202-3515

Email: davegn3@gmail.com

Sponsor: Vance Stauffer, Structural Component Systems

Gatlin Construction Specialties, LLC has been a proud contributor to the Lincoln Community since 2003 specializing in new residential construction. Building a dream home necessitates skilled leadership, clear communication and extensive experience in managing various trades. Our established method guarantees punctual project completion all while engaging the customer actively in the design of a perfect home.

What are you waiting for?

ALLO built a fiber network that delivers Lincoln businesses and homes with reliable, secure, fiber-fast communications, all backed by superior customer service - and we just keep getting better.

 Shay Homeyer is the new principal contact for Habitat for Humanity. Email: shay@lincolnhabitat.org.

 John Lefler, Jr. is the new principal contact for Nebraska Safety Council.

 Jake Metz is the new principal contact for Lincoln Demolition and Excavation. Phone: 402-867-6152. Email: jake@lincolndemoandex.com.

 Justin Truong is the new principal contact for J-Tech Construction & Solar. Email: jtruong@jtechconst.com.

 Sarah Chadd, Stephanie Lewis and Tessa Warner, RE/MAX Concepts, are no longer affiliate members.

 New web address for Cornhusker Bank is www.cornhusker.bank. All email addresses will use @cornhusker.bank.

 New address for Altitude Motion Media is 8901 S. 83rd Street, Ste. D, Lincoln, NE 68516.

Building Permits

Remodeling Permits: Alterations