Gaylon Wess

Area Builders Association through time.

“WABA was formed during the last real heyday for housing construction … right after World War II. One of the things that the association was experiencing in the early 1950s was government involvement in building. The government wanted to make sure that things were built according to code,” Wess says.

“The problem with that wasn’t the fact that the quality was being ensured, but the fact that it increased costs. At the time the association was formed to be the spokesperson for the industry and be involved in code and standard development. We are an affiliate of the National Association of Homebuilders. There’s also a state association. We all work together to do everything we can to make sure that housing is made affordable and accessible.”

Growing Forward

Today, WABA covers seven counties in the Wichita area and boasts more than 1,000 individual members.

“We don’t give memberships to companies. That’s because we want to hold the individuals responsible for what they do in the industry,” Wess says.

“In our total membership, we have about 230 builder memberships. The others are developers, land planners, lenders, bankers, apprais ers, subcontractors and so on. We work very well together.”

Of the 700 associations in the country, WABA is ranked as the 22nd largest association.

“That is a true testament to the way our membership here has pulled together to make homeownership as affordable and accessible as possible. Such is of critical impor tance to those who have the desire to achieve the American Dream of home ownership,” Wess says.

Making a Long-Term Impact

Wess remembers the first professional management job opportunity he was able to secure when he was hired right after graduating who told him about the opening for an Executive his Broker’s license and his General Contractor’s license as his role with the Company expanded.

While at Coldwell Banker, Wess was approached by representa-

There’s Room for You, Too

As Wess points out, there are many opportunities for local members of the industry to become part of the Association.

“We believe that everyone who is serious about being in business should be treated professionally, fairly and have access to the information they need to grow and become

I’m always open to talking with members at any time and helping them,” Wess says. “Also, we try to position numerous committees that members can become involved with based on their interests in their respective areas of endeavor. If a Member has concerns, we have a place for them to get involved and make things

One of the organizations that WABA supports is Habitat for Humanity, as well as many others that address challenges for those less fortunate that have housing and related needs.

“One thing we have done is form a charitable foundation years ago that members and non-members can contribute to,” Wess says. “That has provided an opportunity for our members to give back in a meaningful way. If you want to help people who are less fortunate, you can do that through the Builders Care Foundation.”

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