Lincoln Business Builder (October 2023)

Executive Committee

Lori Wellman, CKD, CGR, CAPS, President

Beau Daffer, President Elect

Jereme Montgomery, 1st Vice President

Perry Haralson, 2nd Vice President

Ryan Trausch, Secretary

Bob Bryant, Treasurer

Ward Fred Hoppe, Immediate Past President

Michaela Schwarten, Executive Vice President

Board of Directors

Megan Dreyer

Matt Firestone

Kenny German

Dave Lakin

Dan Loeck

Blake Pittack

Scott Schneider

Maria Semerad

Brett Sundberg

Sam Swartz

Tim Zeng

Remodelers Council

Ben Klein

Past Presidents

Jim Christo

Steve Fulton

Justin Johnson

Bo Jones

Matt Kinning

Mike Kinning

President’s Message

Lori Wellman, HBAL President

We had a great turnout for our Autumn Social at Glacial Till Vineyard on September 12. It was a perfect evening on the deck. We like to mix things up every few years, so if you have recommendations for a fall social, send us your ideas. The HBAL office is accepting Home Show contracts, and the spaces are filling up quickly. If you haven’t sent in your contract, please do so to secure your spot.

This fall HBAL will be offering two educational opportunities for our members.

• Mock OSHA Inspection on a Residential Jobsite (October 11) What happens during an OSHA Inspection? What do you walk by daily on your jobsites that is a hazard to you and those around you?

• Ticking Time Bomb: Techniques for Tense Situations (November 13) This class valued at $200 is being offered to HBAL Members for just $50!!

If you are interested in attending, please email info@hbal.org to sign up.

Dan Klein, Sr.

Mike May

Herb Reese

Roger Reynolds

Mike Rezac

Denny Van Horn

HBAL Staff

Michaela Schwarten, Jennie Korth, Laure Husmann

The nomination committee met on September 21 to determine the slate of officers for 2024. If you have an interest in learning more about what HBAL is active in, joining the board is a great way to find out. I’d like to thank all those who are currently serving on the board and who attend various meetings. Your time and knowledge are what keeps our organization strong and active in the Lincoln building community.

Lastly, be sure to sign up for the Casino Night on November 30!

Calendar of Events

Oct. 1-8 Fall Parade of Homes

2023 HBAL Corporate Partners

Oct. 11

Mock OSHA Inspection Location to be provided upon reservation confirmation

8:00 a.m. • Cost $10 for HBAL Members

HBAL Board of Directors Meeting

Oct. 12

HBAL • 6100 S. 58th Street, Ste. C

10:30 a.m.

Oct. 18

Remodelers Council Meeting Willard Community Center 1245 S. Folsom Street

11:30 a.m.

Oct. 20

Sporting Clay Shoot Oak Creek Sporting Club

See page 9 for more info.

2024 Membership Opportunities Guide

The 2024 Membership Opportunities Guide is now available! The guide contains information about the numerous opportunities for members to build their business through networking events, educational seminars and charitable activities.

Included in the brochure is information about our partnership levels. If you are a frequent advertiser in our publications or sponsor of our events, we encourage you to consider being an HBAL Partner. Contact Michaela Schwarten for more information.

September Board Report

Remodelers Council: The Remodelers Council Golf Tournament last month raised over $7,000 for the Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation. The Remodelers Council met last week for the September meeting at Concrete Craft. 17 people were in attendance. Next meeting is October 18 with a tour of the Willard Community Center. Elections for Remodelers Council officers are in November. If anyone is interested in running for office, please let Ben Klein or Jennie Korth know.

Careers in Construction:

Jereme Montgomery is seeking a new committee chair for the Careers in Construction Committee. If anyone is interested, please contact Jereme.

Membership Committee: The following new members were approved.

• Doors Plus, LLC, Cameron Hall

Sponsor: Brian Hall

• Nebraska Curb and Fence, Preston Sheets

Sponsor: Denny Van Horn

• Sam the Concrete Man – Nebraska, Kevin King

Sponsor: Beau Daffer

• Your Home Improvement Company, Francisco Rohner

Sponsor: Beau Daffer

TradeGamz How to Build a House Series: Bo Jones is working with Monster Media on a “How to Build a House” video series to use on the TradeGamz platform. He is working to find subcontractors involved in all steps of building a home. Once the series is complete, Monster Media will edit the videos for HBAL to use to promote building a home. There could be up to 30 videos along with a compilation video for use with Careers in Construction.

Lincoln Transportation and Utilities (LTU) Sidewalk Inspection: LTU will let contractors request a prepour inspection if desired. If not, will just conduct a post-pour inspection.

Nebraska Pass Through Entity Tax: Members are encouraged to talk with their accountant, as there is a change from the State Legislature which made a change to the federal government’s limit on claiming state income taxes paid on federal tax returns. This change is retroactive to 2018. This change allows entities to deduct state income tax on federal tax returns.

Ready to Roll

2023 HBAL Membership Drive

Recruit new members to earn points. First person to 50 points wins $100. At the end of the drive, we will award cash prizes to the top three scorers. You must have accumulated at least 50 points to qualify.

1st Place - $1000 | 2nd Place - $500 | 3rd Place - $250 Points will be awarded as follows:

6 pts for each new member company (has not been a member of HBAL within the last 5 years)

5 pts for each returning member company (previously canceled member within the last 5 years)

4 pts if the new member is a Builder member

3 pts if the new member is an Associate member

2 pts for each new Affiliate member

1 pt for joining the Remodelers Council

The Membership Drive ends November 30, 2023.

Download the Ready to Roll Scoresheet

Current Standings

HBAL Member Spotlight

Megan McKay Owner / Electrician

Mod Wattage Electric

Email: modwattage@gmail.com | Phone: 402-904-9459

Click here to view Megan's full Member Spotlight.

Tell us about your family. I have two daughters: Camdynn is 20 and Delainey is 18. I have one younger sister, Ashlei, three nieces and a nephew.

What would be the theme song of your life right now? “I Hold On” by Dierks Bentley. Starting a new (very physical) career at age 38 has been fun, exhausting, terrifying and so rewarding. Having to step-back in order to build a new business can be overwhelming, but it’s humbling to “right-size” your life in terms of finances and possessions to make it happen.

Name a recent movie you watched that blew you away? A 4-part series titled "11 Minutes" about the tragic Route 91 Harvest Music Festival in Las Vegas.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? I won a young author's award in Elementary School.

What's the strangest thing you've ever done? I once took my girls on a weeklong driving vacation without any plans. We ended up in the Grand Canyon before heading home.

Who is someone who's made a big impact on your life? Why? Every person who ever told me no or that something was impossible. The very notion fuels my drive for success. There is so much satisfaction in being able to

complete a job for a customer who was told it couldn't be done.

What experiences and past roles have led you to where you are today? I spent the first 15 years of my adult life working in public safety communications (911 / Dispatching). I am good at shuffling jobs, meeting deadlines and thinking on my feet.

What career advice do you live by?

Who gave it to you? I aim to be a servant leader. The most important part of our industry is having the right people in the right place at the right time. Taking care of employees by knowing who they are as people, remembering their birthdays and asking thoughtful questions about their lives and aspirations is invaluable. One of my former supervisors in particular was deliberate in making an effort to do this very thing.

What are your future goals and aspirations for your career? I hope to see more ladies in trade work and aim to be a catalyst for those who think it’s out of reach or not possible.

Any tips or advice for new HBAL members? Signing up and paying dues is just a formality. Get involved and give back to the industry in some capacity.

To be considered for the next Member Spotlight, click here

October 1-8, 2023

Saturday & Sunday: 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.

6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

The online Parade of Homes Guidebook will be available soon on HBAL.org.

PRAIRIE VILLAGE NORTH

12. 2824 N. 86th Street Prairie Home Builders, Inc.

WATERFORD ESTATES

13. 323 Deep Water Drive Smetter Homes

WHITE HORSE

14. 8910 Buckskin Court 402 Customs

HILLCREST COUNTRY CLUB

15. 9135 Hillcrest Trail Live Well Designs, LLC

16. 9429 Hillcrest Trail Osborn Homes

Not Open

17. 9600 Hillcrest Trail True North Custom Homes, Inc.

THE PRESERVE AT HILLCREST

18. 9131 Marbella Drive Nelson Construction & Design

WANDERING CREEK

19. 2337 Big Timber Road Synergy Homes, Inc.

20. 9119 Whitmer Drive

Element Homes

21. 9140 Rock River Road

Element Homes

22. 9205 Turkey Creek Road

Element Homes

HIMARK ESTATES

23. 8872 Augusta Drive MK Builders, Inc.

EASTMARK

Help build wooden toys to benefit the Lincoln Police Union Charities. Police officers will hand out our toys to children in need during the holidays.

Saturday, November 18 8:00 a.m.

Lincoln Northeast High School Shop 2635 N. 63rd Street (west side of school)

Email (info@hbal.org), call (402-423-4225) or click here to RSVP.

Bring your family!! This is a fun opportunity for students to earn service hours!

Would you like to donate to offset the cost of materials?

Donations may be sent to:

Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation 6100 S. 58th Street, Ste. C

Lincoln, NE 68516

Tangible donations are also accepted!

Contact Michaela Schwarten for more information.

Booth Prices

WEBSITE MARKETING

Autumn Social

Mock OSHA Inspection on a Residential Jobsite

(Site location to be provided in reservation confirmation)

Wednesday, October 11

First session begins at 8:00 a.m. (Second session will be scheduled if needed.)

What happens during an OSHA Inspection? What do you walk by daily on your jobsites that is a hazard to you and those around you?

Cost: $10 for HBAL Members or $25 for Non-Members

RSVP to info@hbal.org

by October 7.

This class valued at $200 is being offered to HBAL Members for just $50!!

It is critical that any and all organizations with direct client contact have the tools they need to increase positive customer interaction outcomes and keep complaints to a minimum. When staff is properly trained, the environment in which they work improves and the threat of conflict, violence and litigation is greatly reduced. Diffusing the Ticking Time Bomb benefits are not just limited to the workplace but extend to one’s personal life by having the necessary skills to deal with difficult situations that can arise off the job. By using this process, you can learn how to positively influence the behavior of those around you.

Monday, November 13

8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

HBAL Office

6100 S. 58th Street, Suite C

Cost:

$50 for HBAL Members or $125 for Non-Members (includes lunch)

RSVP by email (info@hbal.org), phone (402-423-4225) or this form.

What HBAL members have shared about this class:

• “A great class to learn how to diffuse a tense situation with communication instead of action.”

• “As a female in the building industry, I felt like I had no voice. I took away an abundance of tips to reason with someone who is upset. I would definitely take the class again!”

• “I found this class to be a valuable tool in negotiating and understanding different personality types. The presenter gave an engaging and interactive presentation with many real life examples of how to use the information in practical situations.”

1234 S. Folsom Street

Wednesday, October 18 11:30 a.m.

Cost: $15 for lunch

Please RSVP by October 13 to info@hbal.org or call 402-423-4225.

Please let us know if you have dietary restrictions. No-shows will be billed.

Fall is here and remodeling projects are in full swing. The best fall remodeling projects start outdoors while the weather is cool and finish indoors where it’s nice and warm. Remodeling contractors will be very busy with all the projects customers want to get done before the holidays. How do we become the company your client wants? As time goes on in your business, it is inevitable that your business will change. What worked for you and your clients five years ago will not be the same now or as it will be in five more years. With that said, how do you change your model not only for your best business practices, but for your clients'? If interest rates are up, do you stop doing remodel work, or do you find other avenues with material costs, labors costs and design costs to still get the clients what they want? Do you do fewer jobs for a higher profit? When interest rates are low how do you change your business plan for your client? How do you create value in what you are doing no matter the economy? These are all great questions that we have been dealing with, and will be dealing with in the future.

Ben Klein Remodelers Council Chairperson

October is going to be a very exciting month with the Fall Parade of Homes. October 11 we have a mock OSHA inspection and October 18 is our Remodelers Council meeting at the Willard Community Center.

Concrete Craft of Lincoln

September 6, 2023

The Remodelers Council met at Concrete Craft of Lincoln for their September meeting. The group learned about the many options available when it comes to concrete flooring. It’s not just for garages!

View more photos of our Remodelers Council meetings here.

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

energy for now energy for the future

Wouldn’t it be great to have clean, efficient, and affordable energy that was here and ready to go? Even better, what if it was an abundant source—enough to last another century? Well, thankfully, you don’t have to make a choice. It’s Natural Gas.

blackhillsenergy.com/fuelthefuture

Welcome New Members

Legacy Homes Omaha

Steve Champoux

12040 McDermott Plaza, #200, LaVista, NE 68128

Phone: 402-884-3202

Email: poux02@yahoo.com

Website: www.legacyhomesnebraska.com

Sponsor:

Jaysa Bowers, Magnolia Real Estate

Legacy Homes is a premier builder of semi-custom homes. Legacy Homes builds quality homes in the most desirable neighborhoods in Omaha and Lincoln.

Buyers' Guide Category: Builders

Sam the Concrete Man – Nebraska Kevin King

1405 N. 146th Plaza, Omaha, NE 68154

Phone: 402-265-0044 Cell: 402-618-3960

Email: kking@samtheconcreteman.com

Web: aksarben.samtheconcreteman.com

Sponsor: Beau Daffer, BIC Custom Homes

Sam the Concrete Man is locally owned and operated and has been doing high quality concrete work since 1989. We are committed to providing superior quality products, excellent service and an overall positive custom experience. We do most any project including driveways, patios, sidewalks, extensions, basement floors, shed and hot tub pads and retaining walls. Both new projects and replacements.

Buyers' Guide Categories: Commercial Construction | Concrete | Decks & Outdoor Living

Doors Plus, LLC

Cameron Hall

2410 Production Drive, Unit 7, Roca, NE 68430

Phone: 402-590-5800 Cell: 402-802-0761

Email: cameron.hall@doorsplusllc.com

Web: www.doorsplusllc.com

Sponsor: Brian Hall, NuHAVEN Builders

Buyers' Guide Category: Overhead

Garage Doors

Nebraska Curb and Fence, LLC

Preston Sheets

1613 S. 202nd Street, Eagle, NE 68347

Phone: 308-340-9046

Email: nebraskacustomcurb@gmail.com Web: www.necurbandfence.com

Sponsor:

Denny Van Horn, Van Horn Custom Homes

Nebraska Curb and Fence is a veteran, family-owned business serving the greater Lincoln area. We specialize in custom landscape curbing and residential and commercial fencing. We provide a wide variety of fencing solutions from standard wood privacy to elaborate custom wood builds to ornamental and vinyl. Our custom landscape curbing is a wonderful alternative to traditional bed edging. We offer an assortment of colors and several textures and stamps.

Buyers' Guide Categories: Fences |

Landscaping & Materials

60 Years

Thanks for Renewing!

(Please allow 60 days for names to appear on this list.)

• Lincoln Federal Savings Bank

46 Years

• Wolfe Electric Co., Inc.

37 Years

• Reynolds Design & Remodeling

36 Years

• Buhr Homes, Inc.

33 Years

• Cornhusker Bank

32 Years

• Capital Overhead Door Co.

30 Years

• Home Innovations Spas, Inc.

29 Years

• Ernie's Store, Inc.

27 Years

• Art F/X

24 Years

• Lincoln Concrete Specialists

23 Years

• Gana Trucking & Excavating

22 Years

• Raymond Contracting, Inc.

18 Years

• Ken Koch Design - Drafting

17 Years

• Christensen Lumber Co.

• Tomasek Homes, Inc.

16 Years

• Renewal by Andersen

12 Years

• Jensen Well Co.

• Structural Enterprises, Inc.

11 Years

• Patriot Plumbing

10 Years

• Chet's Transfer, Inc.

9 Years

• Anderson's Tree Farms

• RDM Landscapes

8 Years

• Astro Buildings

7 Years

• Table Rock Company

6 Years

• Marvin Windows and Doors

• SP Group, P.C.

• Willow Key Interiors

5 Years

• BIC Custom Homes, LLC

• CB Townhouses, LLC

• Erickson Homes

• Hampton Enterprises | Properties & Construction

• James Hardie Building Products

• Matt's Plumbing, Inc.

4 Years

• ABC Electric Company, Inc.

• NAI FMA Realty

2 Years

• Frontier Cooperative

1 Year

• Tupperware

• Veskerna Plumbing & Excavating

Building Permits

Building Permits

Remodeling Permits: Alterations

Single Family Permits by Year