Photo courtesy of Sparrow Design
Review
03
Letter from the Executive Officer, Angela White. 04
Letter from the 2024 OMB President, Chris Winters.
05 Year-In-Review At-A-Glance.
OMB Committee and Council Chairs.
Photo courtesy of Sparrow Design Company.
CHALK LINE magazine
2024 EDITION - ISSUE #6
ANGELA WHITE EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Save the date for the 2025 Annual General Membership Meeting on Thursday, January 30th from 4-6pm at Indian Summer Golf + Country Club. The event will include appetizers, a no-host bar and a great opportunity to network. Join us to kick off the year!
As we wrap up the end of 2024 and head into 2025, we have issues to celebrate and issues that we will continue to work on behalf of the industry. One big celebration is the passage of Initiative 2066 protecting energy choice for citizens in Washington State.
Your state association, the Building Industry Association of Washington, along with several community partners, including local Associations like OMB, worked hard to keep energy choice for people. We had 50 days to collect 324,516 valid signatures which was an extremely tight timeline. Not only did we rise to this challenge we blew it out of the water with an astounding 546,000 signatures gathered! This was the second-highest number of signatures gathered on a state initiative in over 50 years. BIAW will continue to stay on top of this issue and make sure the voices of the citizens will continue to be heard and followed!
An issue that will cross into 2025 is a potential minimum wage increase in the City of Olympia. I am sure most of you have heard that the City is actively looking into setting a citywide minimum wage that is much higher than the minimum wage set by the State. OMB’s mission is affordable housing for all economic segments of society and if this happens in Olympia it will only add to the rise of the cost of housing.
At this point in time 88% of families cannot afford a home in Washington State. We have a housing shortage brought about by many factors, many of which can be attributed to government regulation and cost. Numerous added costs for things like permit, hook-up, and impact fees (just to name a few), the inflated cost of materials, building codes, permitting delays, and higher gas prices (brought by the Climate Commitment Act) have all added to the ever-growing amount it costs to build or purchase a home. The cost of housing will continue to be negatively impacted with this type of increase in minimum wage. Small businesses, including those in the building industry, cannot shoulder an increase in minimum wage without increasing the costs of their products and services. In turn, this will increase the cost of living, eating up any gain an increased minimum wage would have provided employees at all income levels.
As always, OMB will continue to carry the torch for housing affordability for all economic segments of society. Doing our best to foster a robust housing industry in our communities.
The Olympia Master Builders is a professional trade association representing 470 member companies located in Thurston, Lewis, Grays Harbor, Mason and Pacific Counties. Our members come from all sectors of the building trades and are committed to “building strong communities, one home at a time.”
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President – Chris Winters
First Vice President – Jeff Kuster
Second Vice President – Gina Carlson
Treasurer – Kim Asay
Associate Vice President – Rusty Ruiz
Second Associate Vice President – Daniel Berner
Secretary – Christina Janis
Immediate Past President – Becky Rieger
ELECTED DIRECTORS – TWO YEAR TERM
Builder Director – Daniel Doyle
Builder Director – Maddy Cantrell
Builder Director – Kai Fyrst
Associate Director – Nichole Saeger
Associate Director – Melissa Kirkeby
NATIONAL DIRECTORS – ONE YEAR TERM
Builder – Chris Winters
Builder – Daniel Doyle
Associate – Linda Mosier Vaudt
STATE DIRECTORS – ONE YEAR TERM
Builder – Chris Winters
Builder – Ryann Blake
Builder – Andrew Spear
Builder – John Johnson
Builder – Karen McClennen
Builder – Kai Fyrst
Builder – Rob Cook
Builder – Mark Shepard
Associate – Daniel Doyle
Associate – Janine Ezzell
Associate – Debbi Boyd
Associate – Chad Pearson
Associate – Bob Kagy
Associate – Melissa Stone
BUILDER AT LARGE Karen McClennen
GRAYS HARBOR CHAPTER OFFICERS
President – Ryann Blake, Chimney Techniques, Inc.
LEWIS COUNTY CHAPTER OFFICERS
President – John Johnson, Johnson Custom Homes
MASON COUNTY CHAPTER OFFICERS
President – Andrew Spear, Andrew Spear Construction, LLC
PACIFIC COUNTY CHAPTER OFFICERS
LEGAL COUNSEL
Teena Williams, Goldstein Law Office, PLLC
ASSOCIATION STAFF
Executive Officer – Angela White
Events Director – Brianna Bedell
Communications Director – Jill Williams
Membership Director – Jenn Wasson
Government Affairs Director – Jessie Simmons
Business Development Associate – Sallee Turner
Office Administrator – Beka Rudolph
2024
CHRIS WINTERS 2024 OMB BOARD
I can't believe that it is already December, and I find myself wrapping up my final month as your 2024 OMB President. It definitely has been an exciting and productive year.
My number one goal for 2024 was to continue to expand our membership. This is a mission we must undertake collectively. It's not just about increasing our numbers; it's about cultivating a dynamic community of builders, remodelers, and associates.
A robust membership base not only amplifies our collective voice - it also enhances the wealth of knowledge and expertise within our community. Making our shared goals much more achievable.
We all recognize the value of belonging to this exceptional group and the potential impact we could have with a larger membership.
I am thrilled about the journey ahead, the incoming leadership, and the opportunity to continue to expand our Olympia Master Builders family. Let us work together to create a community that not only serves the current members but also attracts and welcomes new perspectives, ideas, and talents. The strength of our organization lies in its members, and together, we can
continue to transform Olympia Master Builders into a beacon that attracts all those who share our commitment to construction excellence.
I think it is also important to recognize the on-going effort Olympia Master Builders has taken on the skilled labor issue in our area by prioritizing opportunities to tap into our local youth and encouraging them to think about pursuing careers in construction.
Since its induction, the Education Foundation has awarded $87,000 in scholarships to students for the study of construction trades at accredited colleges, institutions, and universities, or for professional instruction.
Through the Foundation, OMB members and staff have also participated heavily in local trade-related activities such as Skills USA and New Market’s Try-A-Trade and other educational opportunities. In 2024, the Foundation supported both the Thurston County Chamber’s “Find Your Future” and New Market Skills Center’s “Try-A-Trade”. Both events were focused on the education of our youth and families.
As 2024 winds down, I look forward to seeing you at one of the many networking events, or council and committee meetings left on our calendar. I especially look forward to seeing you all at the Christmas Party on December 13th! See you there with bells on!
YEAR IN REVIEWat-a-glance
The 2024 Auction raised over $32,000 for the Education Foundation!
Victory Declared for Energy Choice 1-2066.
The total amount given out for ROII was $2,048,718.24.
OMB events have brought in over $112,000 through October. The Education Foundation gave out $13,500 in scholarships.
2024 Sold Out Events: Auction, Golf Tournament, Home Show Vendor Booths.
OMB Members and staff volunteered at over five events in the community.
As of September 2024 our Retenetion rate is at 83.9% and our Membership is up 26 members from last year at this time.
Our efforts as a stakeholder role on the Long-Term Agriculture advisory committee served up some success by deflecting efforts to downzone parts of county Urban Growth Areas and further restricting availability of buildable lands in the county. (See page 12 for more).
WE COULDN'T DO WHAT WE DO WITHOUT YOU!
Education Committee
Jeff Kuster Kuster Homes and Remodeling, LLC Professional
Melissa Kirkeby Olympia Federal Savings
Budget & Finance Committee
Kim Asay
Kim Asay Insurance Co.
Bylaws, Awards & Nominating Committee
Becky Rieger Environmental Design, LLC Government Affairs Committee
Stuart Drebick
Adroit Contractors, Inc.
The Affordable Housing Council
Debbi Boyd Real Estate of The South Sound
Contractor's Roundtable
On behalf of the Olympia Master Builders members and staff, we would like to thank ALL of you for volunteering as a 2024 Committee and/or Council Chair.
We are grateful for your willingness to give your time, energy, and talents. Your support of the Olympia Master Builders allows us to continue fulfilling our mission and serve thousands of people in our community every year.
Daniel Doyle Doyle Construction, LLC
JANUARY
1st NEW YEARS DAY OMB CLOSED
8th Membership & Spike Committee Mtg 4:00pm
8th PWB Council Meeting 4:00pm
9th Hard Hat Happy Hour 4:00pm 14th Member Benefits Luncheon 12:00pm 14th Exec/Board Meeting 4:00pm/4:30pm 15th Lewis County Chapter Meeting 6:00pm 20th MLK JR. DAY OMB CLOSED 21st Contractor’s Roundtable Meeting 4:00pm 23rd Quarterly Building Officials/GA Meeting 12:00pm 30th Annual General Membership Mtg 4:00pm -6:00pm
FEBRUARY
5th PWB Council Meeting 4:00pm 5th Grays Harbor Chapter Meeting 5:30pm 6th Membership & Spike Committee Mtg 4:00pm 11th Exec/Board Meeting 4:00pm/4:30pm 17th PRESIDENT’S DAY OMB CLOSED 18th Contractor’s Roundtable Meeting 4:00pm 19th Lewis County Chapter Meeting 6:00pm 20th PWB “Food for Thought” Lunch 12:00pm-1:30pm 27th Government Affairs Meeting 4:00pm
MARCH
5th PWB Council Meeting 4:00pm 6th Membership & Spike Committee Mtg 4:00pm 10-12 BIAW Winter Board Meetings Tacoma 13th Hard Hat Happy Hour 4:00pm 18th* Exec/Board Meeting 4:00pm/4:30pm 19th Lewis County Chapter Meeting 6:00pm 25th Contractor’s Roundtable Meeting 4:00pm 27th Government Affairs Meeting 4:00pm *Exec/BOD 1 week later due to BIAW meetings
APRIL
2nd PWB Council Meeting 4:00pm 8th Member Benefits Luncheon 12:00pm 8th Exec/Board Meeting 4:00pm/4:30pm 10th Membership & Spike Committee Mtg 4:00pm 11th Home Show Vendor Setup 8:00am-7:00pm 12th Big Home and Remodel Show 10:00am-5:00pm 13th Big Home and Remodel Show 10:00am-4:00pm 15th Contractor’s Roundtable Meeting 4:00pm 16th Lewis County Chapter Meeting 6:00pm 24th Quarterly Building Officials/GA Meeting 12:00pm
MAY
1st Membership & Spike Committee Mtg 4:00pm 7th PWB Council Meeting 4:00pm 7th Grays Harbor Chapter Meeting 5:30pm 8th Hard Hat Happy Hour/REX Awards/GMM 4:00pm 13th Exec/Board Meeting 4:00pm/4:30pm 15th PWB “Food for Thought” Lunch 12:00pm-1:30pm 20th Contractor’s Roundtable Meeting 4:00pm 21st Lewis County Chapter Meeting 6:00pm 22nd Government Affairs Meeting 4:00pm 26th MEMORIAL DAY OMB CLOSED
JUNE
4th PWB Council Meeting 4:00pm 5th Membership & Spike Committee Mtg 4:00pm 6th Education Foundation Auction 6:00pm 10th Exec/Board Meeting 4:00pm/4:30pm 17th Contractor’s Roundtable Meeting 4:00pm 18th Lewis County Chapter Meeting 6:00pm 19th PWB “Food for Thought” Lunch 12:00pm-1:30pm 23-25 BIAW Summer Board Meetings Spokane 26th Government Affairs Meeting 4:00pm
JULY
4th INDEPENDENCE DAY OMB CLOSED
8th Member Benefits Luncheon 12:00pm 8th Exec/Board Meeting 4:00pm/4:30pm 9th PWB Council Meeting 4:00pm 18th Golf Tournament 8:30am 24th Quarterly Building Officials/GA Meeting 12:00pm
AUGUST
6th PWB Council Meeting 4:00pm 7th Membership & Spike Committee Mtg 4:00pm 12th Exec/Board Meeting 4:00pm/4:30pm 14th Hard Hat Happy Hour 4:00pm 28th Government Affairs Meeting 4:00pm
*Staff is working on reviving the Elected Officials Bus Tour for 2025, potentially in August.
SEPTEMBER
1st LABOR DAY OMB CLOSED 3rd Grays Harbor Chapter Meeting 5:30pm 4th Membership & Spike Committee Mtg 4:00pm 9th Exec/Board Meeting 4:00pm/4:30pm 10th PWB Council Meeting 4:00pm 12th GMM Member Appreciation BBQ 1:30pm-4:00pm
16th Contractor’s Roundtable Meeting 4:00pm 17th Lewis County Chapter Meeting 6:00pm 20th Tour of Homes 10:00am-4:00pm 21st Tour of Homes 10:00am-4:00pm 25th PWB “Food for Thought” Lunch 12:00pm-1:30pm 25th Government Affairs Meeting 4:00pm
OCTOBER
1st PWB Council Meeting 4:00pm 2nd Membership & Spike Committee Mtg 4:00pm 9th Tour Awards Happy Hour 4:00pm-6:00pm 14th Member Benefits Luncheon 12:00pm 14th Exec/Board Meeting 4:00pm/4:30pm 15th Lewis County Chapter Meeting 6:00pm 21st Contractor’s Roundtable Meeting 4:00pm 17th PWB Halloween Bonfire Night 5:00pm 23rd Quarterly Building Officials/GA Meeting 12:00pm
NOVEMBER
5th PWB Council Meeting 4:00pm 6th Membership & Spike Committee Mtg 4:00pm 10-12 BIAW Fall Board Meetings Vancouver 11th VETERANS DAY OMB CLOSED 13th Hard Hat Happy Hour 4:00pm 18th* Exec/Board Meeting 4:00pm/4:30pm 19th Lewis County Chapter Meeting 6:00pm 25th Contractor’s Roundtable Meeting 4:00pm 27-28 THANKSGIVING BREAK OMB CLOSED *Exec/BOD 1 week later due to BIAW meetings
DECEMBER
3rd PWB Council Meeting 4:00pm 3rd Grays Harbor Chapter Meeting 5:30pm 4th PWB “Food for Thought” Lunch 12:00pm-1:30pm 4th Membership & Spike Committee Mtg 4:00pm 5th Christmas Party 6:00pm 9th Exec/Board Meeting 4:00pm/4:30pm 16th Contractor’s Roundtable Meeting 4:00pm 17th Lewis County Chapter Meeting 6:00pm 25-31 CHRISTMAS –NEW YEARS EVE OMB CLOSED
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
INDUSTRY ADVOCACY
JESSIE SIMMONS OMB
GOVERNMENT
AFFAIRS DIRECTOR
Industry Advocacy Year in Review
If 2023 was the “year of housing” at the state legislature, 2024 has been the year of how it all works in real life for all the jurisdictions across the five counties where OMB members do business. As recent legislative action is implemented at the local level, building departments everywhere are trying to balance expediency and efficiency with planning, development, and budgeting limitations. We at OMB understand that our members are busy and often unaware of some of the recent changes that have had an impact on the homebuilding industry, so we want to assure you that dedicated staff is bringing your voice to as many of these conversations as possible. Some of the highlights of advocacy efforts this past year are…
ADUs are the Future of Affordable Housing – The City of Lacey has worked hard to get an efficient program up and running for so-called accessory dwelling units. Some may be more familiar with the term “mother-in-law suite,” but it is the same concept. Ultimately solving long-term affordability issues for those on a fixed income, or with minimal income, by creating multigenerational properties. The City of Lacey now features six pre-approved ADU designs and provides a connection to members of Olympia Master Builders right on the city’s website. Overall, the program solves multiple issues by providing ideas for an affordable housing alternative and promoting a network of builders who are ready to complete these projects. The goal is to bring all the other cities in Thurston on board and increase economic vitality and quality of life for all our community neighbors.
OMB Advocacy Team is Growing and Making an Impact –
Olympia Master Builders has had an amazing year of growth, thanks to the hard work of staff and members alike. Part of that growth has been reflected in the growth of the Government Affairs committee, which now boasts a membership of thirty-five and counting. Though advocacy work can be slow and cumbersome, members are seeing value in the results. Jurisdictions are working on process improvements and streamlining all phases of doing the business of planning and development. Without the active engagement of our members, working in the homebuilding industry could be much more difficult. By coming to the table on the issues, it is our members who ultimately shape the future of this community and the industry.
Victory Declared for Energy Choice – Olympia Master
Builders, and several other impacted organizations, worked tirelessly to help protect energy choice in the state of Washington. The trend toward full electrification is forcing a heavy burden on working families around the state. Requiring homeowners to meet the necessary requirements for this transition would have priced even more Washington families out of a home. Fortunately, organizations like ours, and a majority of the voting public, successfully stood in the way of this potential disaster. Initiative 2066 (spearheaded by our statewide association) was ultimately passed by the voters by a slim 52% to 48% margin. Certainly, a close call, but it seems common sense has prevailed for now.
Other Notable Wins/Actions
• Olympia Master Builders served as significant stakeholders in the vision for the future of the Capitol Mall Triangle.
• Efforts in stakeholder role on Long-Term Agriculture advisory committee served up some success by deflecting efforts to downzone parts of county Urban Growth Areas and further restricting availability of buildable lands in the county.
• The city of Lacey hired long-time planner and staff, Terry McDaniel, as new building official, maintaining a positive culture and attitude towards future growth.
• OMB Government Affairs Director, Jessie Simmons, participated in a forum on the state of housing in Grays Harbor in coordination with Greater Grays Harbor Government Affairs Committee.
• OMB Government Affairs staff sits on various panels, advisory boards, and committees keeping us “five counties strong!”
2024 YEAR IN REVIEW
There’s still a housing crisis, here’s where we stand:
Washington State –
STATE Median Household Income: $90,325
Max Purchase Price: $425,700
Median Home Sales Price: $640,000
Income Required to Qualify: $151,500
Households CAN afford: 26.7%
Households CANNOT afford: 73.3%
The state remains much the same in the efforts toward solving the housing crisis since our update from last year. It is trending slightly in the right direction with a decline in the median home price of about $3,000. However, other changes have increased the number of families who can afford to buy a home in Washington from 15% to 26.7%. Much of this increase can be attributed to the “year of housing” efforts at the State Legislature in 2023. Allowing more housing options in more places by passing the “middle housing” bill has had a significant impact already, but the expectations are that costs will subside as inventory increases.
*The most impactful statewide legislative action for the cost of housing from 2024 is bound to be the citizen effort to protect energy choice through initiative 2066.
Local Level Progress – A similar story can be seen across the five counties covered by the Olympia Master Builders. As we work closely with jurisdictions and provide input on their comprehensive plan updates, we can already see slight improvements. Housing costs seem to be subsiding. Area median income is increasing due to a variety of factors including migration from less affordable areas. Jurisdictions are working through process improvements as directed by State Legislature, with the input of builders, and driving down the cost of doing business. Though we are seeing slight improvements, our members must remain vigilant and be proactive at swatting down bad ideas when they arise.
Sources:
2024. Horymski, C. Experian Research. “What Is the Average Credit Score in the US?” Accessed at https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/whatis-the-average-credit-score-in-the-u-s/ 2024. Redfin. Housing Market Report [Each County]. Accessed at https:// www.redfin.com/state/Washington/housing-market 2024. Rocket Mortgage. "Property Taxes By State: A Comparative Look At The Highest To Lowest States." Accessed at https://www.rocketmortgage. com/learn/property-taxes-by-state 2024. NerdWallet. "How much does homeowners insurance cost in Washington?" Accessed at https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/homeowners-insurance-washington-wa 2024. Zillow. Active Listings for Washington State. Accessed at zillow.com 2024. Building Industry Association of Washington. “Housing Affordability in Washington.” Accessed at: https://www.biaw.com/research-center/washington-states-housing-affordability-index/
State of housing by county:
Thurston County –
Median Household Income: $88,895
Max Purchase Price: $403,800
Median Home Sales Price: $539,950
Income Required to Qualify: $128,500
Households CAN afford: 17.2%
Households CANNOT afford: 82.8%
Lewis County –
Median Household Income: $67,247
Max Purchase Price: $314,500
Median Home Sales Price: $461,950
Income Required to Qualify: $110,500
Households CAN afford: 14.7%
Households CANNOT afford: 85.3%
Mason County –
Median Household Income: $74,388
Max Purchase Price: $335,900
Median Home Sales Price: $440,000
Income Required to Qualify: $105,000
Households CAN afford: 19.4%
Households CANNOT afford: 80.6%
Grays Harbor County –
Median Household Income: $59,105
Max Purchase Price: $270,300
Median Home Sales Price: $370,000
Income Required to Qualify: $89,500
Households CAN afford: 19.9%
Households CANNOT afford: 80.1%
Pacific County –
Median Household Income: $58,889
Max Purchase Price: $270,200
Median Home Sales Price: $374,000
Income Required to Qualify: $90,000
Households CAN afford: 22.5%
Households CANNOT afford: 77.5%
1-4 YEARS
Eagle Creek Siding
Projects By Piper
MSGS Carve Architects
Olympic Plumbing Technology
5 Yard Line
Packer Concrete Design
Hibu
U.S. Bank
Maynard Law, PLLC
Black River Construction, LLC
Newaukum Construction
Live At Home On Your Own
Carlyon Beach Homeowners Association
Pioneer Fire & Security, Inc.
CPR Inc.
5-9 YEARS
Reliable Enterprises
DRP Holdings, LLC (dba: Hansen Construction Group)
International Wood Products
American Workforce Group, Inc.
Mervin Smith General Contractor, LLC
Puget Sound Landscaping, Inc.
Northwest Cascade/Honey Bucket
PIONEER Technologies Corporation
Cogent Construction, Inc.
Prime Building & Development, LLC
DJ’s Plumbing, LLC
10-14 YEARS
Edward Jones Investments
Exodus Engineering, Inc.
Dickson Frolich Phillip Burgess, PLLC
Olympic Blinds
South Sound Solar/Sustainable Electric
15-19 YEARS
Bath Fitter
Olympic Door & Trim
A Glass Enterprise, inc.
Advance Environmental, Inc.
20-24 YEARS
Johnston Construction Company, Inc.
P & P Investments
Hinkle Homes, Inc.
Northwest Containers Inc.
Dan Sallee Construction, LLC
Weatherguard Roofing, Inc.
25-29 YEARS
Artisans Group Architecture and Planning
Lindstrom & Son Construction, Inc.
30 + 39 YEARS
Desco Audio & Video
Holroyd Company, Inc.
DeTray’s, LLC
Hatton Godat Pantier
40 + YEARS
Kell-Chuck Glass Company, Inc.
Builders FirstSource -Olympia
United Drywall Plus Corporation (253) 457-7973
azea@uniteddrywallplus.net
Sponsor: Maddy Cantrell
J4 Contractors (360) 870-2841
raelynncarnes@j4associates.com
Sponsor: Rob Cook
American Homes For Rent (253) 632-0015
nmarciano@amh.com
Sponsor: Daniel Doyle
JB & Sons Excavating (360) 490-4919
jbandsonexcavating@outlook.com
Sponsor: Janine Ezzell
Pacific Restore (253) 354-3504
pacificrestorellc@gmail.com
Sponsor: Kai Fyrst
Aristocratic Cabinets (360) 740-0609
christina@aristocraticcabinets.com
Sponsor: Daniel Doyle
Bayview Building Materials-Elma (360) 482-3811
brian.christensen@talholdingsllc.com
Sponsor: John Erwin
New Age Climate Control (564) 225-8731
nacchvac@gmail.com
Sponsor: Daniel Doyle
LaGra’s Specialty Woodworking (206) 617-5756
raelynncarnes@j4associates.com
Sponsor: Amber Bevacqua
Infinity Stoneworks (206) 473-8525
chris@infinitystoneworks.net
Sponsor: Amber Bevacqua
Lawn Boys Yard & Maintenance (360) 701-1399
admin@lawnboyscompanies.com
Sponsor: Melissa Stone
Cadre General Contractors, LLC (206) 672-6494
drew@cadregeneralcontractors.com
Sponsor: Nicole Ahola
Dodge Excavation (360) 349-5333
dodgeexcavation@outlook.com
Sponsor: Kelly Jensen
Penny Bridge Tile (360) 545-7552
pennybridgetile@gmail.com
Sponsor: Melissa Kirkeby
1211 STATE AVE. NE OLYMPIA, WA 98506
$1.25 per copy
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