The VOICE of The Construction Industry, April 2018

THE

VOICE OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SINCE 1962 April 2018

7th Annual Mike Josey Memorial Sporting Clay Tournament | April 28 PROGRAM SPONSOR CLUB

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The Voice | APRIL 2018

CONTENTS APRIL 2018

THE  VOICE

is a quarterly publication of

1980 Lewis Turner Blvd.

Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547 Phone - 850.863.5107 Fax - 850.864.2037 www.biaow.org BIA STAFF: Alan Baggett, Executive Vice President abaggett@biaow.org Jennifer Fleming Director of Marketing & Communications jgf@biaow.org Published by:

Emerald Coast Marketing & Publishing LLC A Full Service Media Sales, Creative, Graphics, Printing and Publishing Company.

FEATURES

MIKE JOSEY MEMORIAL SPORTING CLAY TOURNAMENT

4 President's Message 6 Welcome New Members 8 Parade of Homes: Call to Builders 9 Parade of Homes: Sponsorship Levels 10 Mike Josey Memorial Sporting Clay Tournament 12 Legislative Update 13 Tribute : Leo Whitworth, Jr. 14-15 News Makers 15 Okaloosa County Permit Information 16 HBI Receives $50 Million Grant 18 Building Code Training 19 Home Show Recap 20 NAHB & Amazon Business 21-22 Builders Directory

ADVERTISERS

2 Gulf Power 5 ResortQuest 7 Beach Community Bank & Mortgage 11 C.M. Taylor Contracting, Inc. 11 Eglin Federal Credit Union 17 Habitat for Humanity Restore 17 Sequel Electrical Supply 20 Rew Materials 23 Emerald Coast Association of Realtors 24 Okaloosa Gas ON THE COVER: Parade of Homes cover photo provided by Ferrin Campbell Construction and produced

by CartoBlue.

shout OUT!

The BIA would like to give a Shout Out to the following companies for their support last quarter!

4507 Furling Lane, Suite 106 Destin, FL 32541 Phone - 850.650.1014 CS@EmeraldCoastPubs.com www.ECMarketingandPublishing.com www.biaow.org

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MESSAGE FROM THE 2018 BIA PRESIDENT ANDY WILSON, WILSON ENTERPRISES OF NWFL,

INC.

Welcome!

I’d like to welcome all new and existing members. New membership has done exceptionally well over the first few months of 2018. I’m very pleased to see the growth and enthusiasm of this organization!

This first quarter has been nothing short of a whirlwind of activity here at the BIA. We started January off with the annual economic forecast breakfast. Our continuing partnership with ECAR led to a heavily attended event. Dr. Harper’s insight and data suggests we are still enjoying another positive year for building here along the emerald coast! We also partnered with ECAR on a pilot event called “Meet the Builder”. This new event featured a panel of 5 local builders answering some questions on new construction builds and the differences in each company’s specific process.

We well exceeded expectations for this lunch event with ECAR leading them to say “We will plan more future builder panels”.

“We also debuted our very own show, Build with BIA. These episodes appear weekly on social media, and have averaged over 5,000 views per week.”

In February, we had yet another successful spring Home Show. We had to add additional space for vendors as the show dates grew closer. Several vendors reported back they had strong leads and scheduled appointments as a direct result from the show. I’d like to thank all the vendors for attending and we look forward to seeing you again next year!

We also debuted our very own show “Build with BIA”. These episodes appear weekly on social media, and have averaged over 5,000 views per a week! Each episode spotlights a new build, highlights an associate member, and even informs or gives tips directly from a builder. Needless to say feedback has been very positive from everyone who has seen the videos. I’m very excited about our local BIA and this direction. I encourage all members to like and follow our Facebook page so you can view these episodes and stay informed!

The 2nd quarter is shaping up to be very busy as well. April 24th the BIA has a class on the 6th Edition of Florida Building Code good for 7 free CEU hours. This class held at Southern Hybrid Homes office in Santa Rosa Beach is open to all members and non-members. What a great tool to bring someone along and show them one of our many benefits here at the BIA. The annual Mike Josey Memorial Sporting Clay Tournament will be held April 28th in Crestview. This is a fun event that helps raise money for several scholarships the BIA gives away at the end of each year. The cost to attend is 125.00 which includes 100 clays, shotgun shells, and lunch. We are also selling raffle tickets for a chance to win one of three different guns.

The 39th annual Parade of Homes will be held June 9th-17th. The Parade of Homes is one of our most popular events of the year. It gives builders, associates and suppliers an opportunity to show off their hard work. This impressive display of new construction homes will span both Okaloosa and Walton counties. The kickoff party is June 8th at The Barn at Water Oaks Farm in Laurel Hill! There is still time to enter your home in the Parade. The deadline for entry to the Parade is April 30th.

Mark your calendars and make plans to attend SEBC August 16-17th. This large conference held in Orlando is always informative and fun at the same time featuring an impressive trade show and CEU classes.

As you can see I’m very excited about this year and the upcoming events. I hope to see everyone there, and as always Thank You for being a member!

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The Voice | APRIL 2018

39 Majestica Circle, Santa Rosa Beach Seagrove Beach 5 Br| 3.5 Ba | 2,374 Sq. Ft. | $1,235,000 Enjoy unobstructed views of the sunset and Gulf from this 3 story beach house, located across the street from the Beach. Located in the quiet Seashore Village in the heart of Seagrove Beach, just a short bike ride to shops and dining in Seaside. This home is a great rental investment with a history of strong rental income and is priced to include room in the budget for updates!

Mary Stephens | ResortQuest Real Estate MaryStephensTeam@gmail.com | 888-872-7903

172 Sugar Sand Lane, Santa Rosa Beach Village of Sugar Beach 5 Br | 3 Ba | 2,650 Sq. Ft | $819,000 This coastal home is located in Seagrove Beach, just two blocks from the Gulf in the Village. A bonus loft on the partial third level allows for plenty of room to spread out and the in-ground pool guarantees a relaxing atmosphere.

Sissy Carroum | ResortQuest Real Estate carroums@yahoo.com | 888-976-4469

305 Tropical Breeze Drive, Santa Rosa Beach Cypress Breeze Plantation 3 Br | 2.5 Ba | 1,705 Sq. Ft | $444,900 This beautiful home is in pristine condition, inside and out.

Boasting an open floor plan, enjoy the upgrades of crown molding, granite countertops, plantation shutters and more. Relax on one of the two covered porches or venture to the beach, just minutes away.

Robin Parsons | ResortQuest Real Estate Robin.Parsons@ResortQuest.com | 888-976-4350

Just Listed on 30A www.biaow.org

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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS 30a Local Properties, Affiliate Member

Susan Diebolt, (615) 497-4344 Sponsor: Carmela Bell, ResortQuest Real Estate Air Care Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc., Associate Member

David Gaillard, (850) 682-1883 Sponsor: Dawn Mann, Legacy Insurance

Anderson Engineering, Associate Member

Bryan Osborn, (850) 714-8100 Sponsor: Andy Wilson, Wilson Enterprises of NWFL

Arrow Exterminators, Inc., Associate Member

Justin Warner, (850) 862-3631 Sponsor: Rick Goff, KGII Development Bath Fitter, Associate Member

Susan Towers, (850) 429-1777 Sponsor: Andy Wilson, Wilson Enterprises of NWFL

Bluewater Bay Generators of NW FL, Inc.,

Associate Member David Price, (850) 499-8296 Sponsor: Andy Wilson, Wilson Enterprises of NWFL

Closet Solutions Florida, Associate Member

James Taulbee, (850) 714-3851 Sponsor: Jason Carducci, JP Carducci, Inc.

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, Associate Member

Martiel S. Summitt, (850) 902-0151 Sponsor: Andy Wilson, Wilson Enterprises of NWFL

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, Affiliate Member

Kimberlie Birr, (850) 682-4300 Sponsor: Martiel Summitt, Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate

Cool Cote, Associate Member

Tyler Rice, (864) 641-5196 Sponsor: Andy Wilson, Wilson Enterprises of NWFL

Crestview Wholesale Bldg. Supply, Inc., Associate Member William Rogers, 850-682-5624 Sponsor: Rick Goff, KGII Development Crystal Shores Remodeling, Builder Member

Beth Jones, (850) 261-3373 Sponsor: Terry Hymel, Bluewater Central Vacuum Systems

Daher Contracting, Builder Member

Estephan Daher, (850) 863-3993 Sponsor: Andy Wilson, Wilson Enterprises of NWFL

Dale Riley Construction, Builder Member

Dale Riley, (850) 682-5533 Sponsor: Andy Wilson, Wilson Enterprises of NWFL

Design & Dwell Homes, LLC, Associate Member

Free Leviton Training for Builders

by Sequel Electrical Supply McGuires (Destin) 11:00am – 1:00pm Register: cishler@sequelelectricalsupply.com

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NWFL Insulation, Associate Member

Alex Roddy, (850) 665-4256 Sponsor: Andy Wilson, Wilson Enterprises of NWFL

Pinnacle Cabinets & Closets, LLC, Associate Member

Roy Long, (850) 477-5402 Sponsor: Andy Wilson, Wilson Enterprises of NWFL

PowerHouse Real Estate Group, Associate Member

Pam Weeks, (850) 259-3886 Sponsor: Carmela Bell, ResortQuest Real Estate Quality Lawnworks of NWF, Inc., Associate Member

Jeff Hebner, (850) 460-6979 Sponsor: Jason Carducci, JP Carducci, Inc. Royce Plumbing, Associate Member

Engel & Volkers Destin, Associate Member

Specialty Roofers, Inc., Associate Member

Brian Beasley, (850) 502-8997 Sponsor: Andy Wilson, Wilson Enterprises of NWFL

GLE Outdoor Designers, Associate Member

George Allen, (850) 758-6152 Sponsor: Andy Wilson, Wilson Enterprises of NWFL

Glass Recycled Surfaces, Associate Member

Dee Ann Wooten, (404) 859-9583 Sponsor: Andy Wilson, Wilson Enterprises of NWFL

April

28 Mike Josey Memorial Sporting Clay Tournament, Shoal River Sporting Clays and Shooting Center

30 39th Annual Parade of Homes Entry Deadline

Learn the 6th Edition of the Florida Building Code & Earn 7 Free CEU’s Southern Hybrid Homes Office 8:00am – 4:30pm Lunch Sponsored by Ready Mix USA

The Voice | APRIL 2018

Kurt Sprigler, (850) 225-3381 Sponsor: Andy Wilson, Wilson Enterprises of NWFL

Wendy Anguiano, (850) 533-1843 Sponsor: Andy Wilson, Wilson Enterprises of NWFL

Calendar of events

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Keller Williams Realty Emerald Coast, Associate Member

Kevin Royce, (850) 699-1511 Sponsor: Jason Carducci, JP Carducci, Inc. Mark Crane, (850) 974-7663 Sponsor: Jeremy Stewart, Jeremy Stewart Construction

Suntrust Mortgage, Associate Member

Riley McIlwain, (850) 714-5111 Sponsor: Andy Wilson, Wilson Enterprises of NWFL

Vestcon Builders, LLC, Builder Member

John Karlesky, (850) 972-9166 Sponsor: Robert Fisher, Robert Fisher Signature Homes

Save the date

June 4 Parade of Homes Judging Day

June 8 Parade of Homes Kick-Off Party The Barn at Water Oaks Farm June 9 – 17 39th Annual Parade of Homes

5 EASY STEPS TO HOME OWNERSHIP

EVERYTHING LOCAL START TO FINISH! PRE-QUALIFICATION

Start with a complementary pre-qualification and see what price range of home you would qualify for.

LOCAL APPLICATION

Once you have settled on your choice of home, we’ll walk you through the application process.

LOCAL PROCESSING

Once your loan request is submitted, all processing activities are conducted locally.

LOCAL UNDERWRITING

When your loan is ready, it’s not packaged and sent out of State. Our staff of Local Underwriters will review your file.

LOCAL CLOSING

Once your file receives an approval, our local closing department works directly with your title company to prepare for your closing.

ONE TIME CLOSE! CONSTRUCTION-PERM VA & Conventional

Whether you are a First Time Homebuyer, wanting to step up and build a custom home, or need to refinance to remodel the home you are currently in, we can help you get there.

We can help make your dream a reality!

17 SE Eglin Parkway • Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 850.244.9900 or 1.866.362.3224 33 West Garden Street • Pensacola, FL 32502 850.202.9900 or 1.877.962.3224 www.beachcommunitybank.com NMLS Lic No.#408594

11 Racetrack Road NE • Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547 850.315.4100 or 1.888.864.2946 7828 North Davis Highway • Pensacola, FL 32514 850.475.7840 www.beachcommunitymortgage.com NMLS Lic No. 907332

FINANCING: VA • Conventional • FHA • Rural Housing • Construction–Permanent • Portfolio • Lot and Renovation www.biaow.org 7

OKALOOSA AND WALTON COUNTIES

39TH ANNUAL PARADE OF HOMES Calling All Builders!

Don’t forget the deadline for Parade of Homes entries is Monday April 30th.

The Parade of Homes will take place June 9 – 17, 2018 and judging will be conducted on Monday June 4th.

The annual Parade of Homes is the single largest and most important showcase of new homes during the year! The Parade of Homes Builders present the latest innovations for residential construction. Subcontractors, suppliers, and service companies turn out their best efforts as well in this showcase of housing excellence.

Opportunities!

Become the Central Site of the 2018 Parade of Homes and be the focal neighborhood of the entire Nine Day Parade of Homes Event!

Benefits of being the “Central Site”: • Your development will be listed in all Parade of Homes communications including, but not limited to: Radio spots, magazines and newspaper print ads, and billboards!

• A Featured Tour of Your Development in our popular online series, BUILD with the BIA. • A large, upscale sign at the entrance to your subdivision, designating it as a “Central Site” of the 2018 Parade of Homes.

• Your development will be featured as the Cover of the popular Parade of Homes Guide/Catalog along with a full page advertorial inside.

• Over 24,000 catalogs will be distributed throughout Okaloosa and Walton Counties, the Northwest Florida region, Atlanta, Nashville and Birmingham

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The Voice | APRIL 2018

before and during the event.

• Central Sites are licensed to use the phrase “Central Site of the 2018 Parade of Homes“ in all advertising.

• Your own “Twilight” Tour; where only your development will be open until 8:00pm.

• And Much, Much More!

•

Bring the success of the Parade home to your Neighborhood!

Benefits of being a “Featured Neighborhood”: • A large, upscale sign at the entrance to your subdivision, designating it as a “Featured Neighborhood” of the 2018 Parade of Homes.

• Your neighborhood will be the subject of all publicity efforts prior to and during the Parade including radio spots, print ads and billboards.

• Your neighborhood will be listed on the Cover of the popular Parade of Homes Guide/Catalog along with a ½ page advertorial inside.

• Featured Neighborhoods are licensed to use the phrase “A Featured Neighborhood of the 2018 Parade of Homes“ in all advertising.

• Each Featured Neighborhood will select its own date for an exclusive “Twilight Tour” during the Parade.

• Each Featured Neighborhood will select its own date for an exclusive “Twilight Tour” during the Parade.

Please call the BIA to learn more about the Central Site, Featured Neighborhood and Home Entry Opportunities!

850.863.5107

JUNE 9-17

2018

2018 PARADE OF HOMES SPONSORSHIP LEVELS

Platinum Sponsorship - $10,000

• Company logo and/or name will appear in ALL advertising for the Parade of HOMES. Generally this includes • billboards, radio, newspaper, tv, and magazine space. The Platinum sponsor(s) will receive a free full-page color ad in the official Parade of HOMES guidebook and the most prominent placement on the BIA website in Parade • promotion with a hyperlink. This sponsorship level will receive an Associate Spotlight in our popular internet series • (receives an average of 5,000 views per video), BUILD with the BIA as well as logo recognition in our Parade of • Homes section of our show. A half page ad in the July edition, provided by sponsor, in “The Voice,” the official • quarterly publication of the Building Industry Association. This sponsorship also includes recognition on billboards • that will be placed around the area (This is dependent on making the artwork deadline of April 30th). Platinum • Level sponsorship entitles you to use “Platinum Level Sponsor of the Parade of HOMES” in all your advertising.

• Platinum level sponsors will receive special recognition at the Parade of Homes Kick-Off event as well as at the • Awards Banquet. A table for eight, dinners included, is reserved for the Platinum level sponsors at the Awards • Banquet.You are in the best position to know how your company, as a Platinum Level sponsor, could most • effectively benefit from your association with the Parade of HOMES and the Building Industry Association will be • glad to consider customized options for you.

Gold Sponsorship - $5,000

• Includes logo and/or business name in all aspects of the Parade of HOMES advertising & marketing campaign • including a hyperlink on the BIA website, a half page ad in the July edition of “The Voice” provided by sponsor. This sponsorship level will receive an Associate Spotlight in our popular internet series (receives an average of • 5,000 views per video), BUILD with the BIA as well as logo recognition in our Parade of Homes section of our

• show. This sponsorship also includes recognition on the billboards that will be placed around the area (This is • dependent on making the artwork deadline of April 30th). Gold level sponsors will receive recognition at all Parade • related events including the Kick-Off Celebration and the Awards Banquet.

Space for four (dinners included) will be • reserved for the Gold Level sponsors at the Awards event. They will be entitled to use a “Parade Sponsor” on their • advertising.

Silver Sponsorship - $2,500

• Includes logo and or business name in most print advertising and selected radio spots, discounted advertising space in available size in the official Parade of HOMES Guide, website listing with hyperlink, a quarter page ad in the July edition of “The Voice” provided by sponsor and recognition in all major sponsorship listings and recognition events. This sponsorship also includes recognition on the billboards that will be placed around the area (This is dependent on making the artwork deadline of April 30th). Your Silver Level sponsorship includes dinner for two at the Parade of Homes Awards Banquet. Silver sponsors will be granted use of “Parade Sponsor” in advertising.

Bronze Sponsorship - $1,000

• Sponsors will be listed in sponsor recognition in the Parade of Homes guidebook and hyperlink on BIA website and • included in select print and radio advertising. They will receive an eighth page ad in the July edition of “The Voice”, • provided by sponsor. Bronze sponsors will be recognized at all Parade related events and will receive one free dinner at the exclusive Parade of Homes Awards Banquet. Bronze sponsors will be granted use of “Parade Sponsor” in advertising.

Patron Sponsorship - $500

• Will be listed in Sponsor Recognition section of the Parade of Homes Guide. They will be recognized at all Parade • related events and may use “Parade Patron” in their advertising.

www.biaow.org

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The event benefits our Mike Josey Memorial Scholarship Fund. This fund was started in memory of Mike Josey, who passed away in 2008. Mike was an active member of the BIA, where he served as 1st Vice President of the Board of Directors, 2008 Parade of HOMES Chair, and as a member of the Program and Governmental Affairs Committees. He was the 2009 President-elect of the association. Previously, the BIA held a poker run in Mike’s memory to support his two children’s education. In 2012, the BIA changed the event to, what is now known as, the Mike Josey Memorial Sporting Clay Tournament and now raises money for a scholarship fund in Mike’s memory. This scholarship fund provides scholarships to those entering into the building industry.

held by the BIA, in partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Crestview

SATURDAY | APRIL 28, 2018 8:00 AM Registration 9:00 AM Shot Gun Start Shoal River Sporting Clays & Shooting Center Crestview | www.shoalriver.com Registration Registration is at 8:00am with a Shot Gun Start at 9:00am. The cost is $125 per shooter that includes 100 Clays, 12 or 20 gauge shotgun shells, lunch, and a t-shirt

Transportation Transportation on the course is not provided. You may bring your own or reserve in advance one of the six seater golf carts we will have available for rent the day of the tournament.

The golf cart rental is $100.

Sponsorships Available:

• Top Shot Sponsor: $1000 – 4 shooters and t-shirts, Logo on t-shirt, Logo recognition on event sign and on score cards, and complimentary watering station.

• Ammo Sponsor: $500 – 2 shooters and t-shirts, Company Name on t-shirt, listed as sponsor on event sign and on score cards, and complimentary watering station.

• Lunch Sponsorship: $250 – Logo recognition on score cards and event sign, complimentary watering station.

• Watering Station Sponsorship: $100 – Space at one of the 12 shooting stations to promote your business and meet and greet each shooter. Each are encouraged to provide drinks and snacks at watering station.

• Shooting Station Sign Sponsorship: $50 – Company Sign at shooting station.

• Goody Bag Sponsorship: 100 items for shooters goody bags.

Providing Scholarships to Students Entering Building Industry Careers Visit www.biaow.org or call 850.863.5107 to learn more about this amazing event!

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The Voice | APRIL 2018

Find youratdream house the Parade of Homes.

Finance it with EFCU. Great Rates No Lender Fees Call Today!

850.862.0111 x 1830 • eglinfcu.org

Chris M. Taylor - President & Builder 85 Garnet Place Destin, FL 32541

850.830.3305

Chris@CMTaylorContracting.com

CMTaylorContracting.com A Part of the Construction Industry Since 1988 www.nahb.org

CBC1253010 - Licensed & Insured www.biaow.org

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FHBA LEGISLATIVE SESSION UPDATE BY: RUSTY PAYTON, FHBA CEO

STATUS REPORT The Governor has now acted upon nearly all the bills passed during the 2018 Legislative Session. FHBA posted another banner year, working to maintain an environment favorable to our industry.

FHBA PRIORITIES ADOPTED State Assumption of 404 Dredge and Fill Permits: This bill allows the State Department of Environmental Regulation to assume 404 dredge and fill permits from the federal Environmental Protection Agency. Assumption of these duties will be pending a memorandum of understanding between the two agencies.

Passed both the House and Senate and signed by Governor Scott as HB 7043.

Condominium Bulk Buyer Sunset Repeal: A provision in this bill removes the sunset date of the bulk buyer provisions. A long standing priority of the FHBA and many of our high-rise members in South Florida and other metropolitan areas.

Passed both the House and Senate and signed by Governor Scott as HB 841.

Statute of Repose: In response to last year’s changes, it clarifies that punch list and warranty services to not stall the tolling of the statute of repose timeframes.

Apprenticeship Programs Counting Towards High School Graduation: This bill allows certain approved apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs to count towards high school graduation credits.

Passed both the House and the Senate and signed by Governor Scott as HB 875.

Passed both the House and Senate and is pending gubernatorial approval as HB 577. He has until April 10 to act upon this bill.

Development of Regional Impacts (DRI): Finalized the process of unwinding DRI’s.

Passed both the House and Senate and signed by Governor Scott as HB 1151.

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The Voice | APRIL 2018

IN MEMORY

Leo Alvin Whitworth, Jr., age 77, of Navarre, Florida passed away March 5, 2018. He was born in 1941 in Dothan, Alabama to Leo Alvin Whitworth, Sr. and Leta Laverne Moncrief. Leo, the owner operator of Whitworth Builders, Inc., has been building homes in the Northwest Florida area since 1964.

“Over the last 50 plus years, Leo A. Whitworth, Jr., has built thousands of Single Family Residences in Okaloosa and Santa Rosa County.

Strong work ethics and old fashion values like pen to paper, not texts were the trade mark of this man. No hand out, but always a hand up.

Not given, but always earned. A strong hand shake and his word carried more weight than gold. Knowing him made us all better for it. There was no question about it – Leo had a great mind for business, and he wasn’t afraid to take risks. His leadership and guidance has prepared his family to continue to carry on the Whitworth Builders legacy.”

— Carol Johnston, Mortgage One of the South “As a former employee of Leo’s, I spent a lot of time with him. I was 22 when I started working there and I was there for 16 years, which means it was during the “formative years” of my career. He taught me that hard work and perseverance truly do pay off and that one should always give 100%, the way he did. He was a man of honor, integrity and loyalty in all of his dealings with people, both personally and professionally. I took what he said and practiced to heart in my own business and my own life. I hadn’t seen Leo in a few years, except for briefly on his birthday this year, but I have no doubt that he was still this way up until the end, as his favorite saying was, “The best way to judge the future is by the past”! I hope that his family realizes, by the outpouring of people at his viewing and funeral, the number of people that he has impacted in our community and I want them to know that all of us will carry him with us forever. That is the best legacy a person can leave – a positive impact, be it on one person or more, and his was definitely on quite a few people. May he rest in eternal peace.”

— Sue Botelho, Waterstone Mortgage “It has been my privilege to work with Mr. Whitworth. He has touched so many lives with beautiful new homes and helping so many people. He leaves a lasting impression on myself and our community. He and his family have a beautiful legacy!”

— Leida Bilby, First Florida Bank

“For those who were acquainted with Leo and especially those who knew Leo well, it would be difficult to not recognize two things. First, was Leo’s intensive focus. Leo did not merely address questions or issues, he applied a laser focus from which no detail (or inattentive participant) escaped and secondly, Leo could be, let’s say, somewhat mercurial in responding to something he did not like. Said another way, it never looked like a good place to be for someone on the receiving end of Leo’s unhappiness.

To illustrate those two points, let me tell you of the time that Leo and I went to check jobs together. This was in the late 1970s and we were building the very first houses in Mary Esther Manor which at the time was a large empty subdivision where we had ten houses under construction; I had five and Leo had five, all in a row on one street.

I had been visiting Leo’s office late one afternoon when we decided to go give our houses a last look for the day, so we rode over in Leo’s Jeep and Leo parked where my five met his five. Off we went in separate directions, Leo looking at each of his and I looking at mine, all while the sun was going down.

As I came out of my last house on the far end, I came to recognize that there was no Leo and no Jeep. I instantly recognized what had happened; somewhere on Leo’s tour he saw something that had made him mad and that mercury set him off with his laser focus to address the issue and with such focus, the fact that I had ridden with him fell by the wayside.

So, there I stood in an empty subdivision, not a soul in sight; cell phones were five years into the future and Leo was traveling to somewhere else at warp speed. How did I get out of that fix, well that is another story but let me say that from then on when Leo and I went somewhere…. I drove.

Leo is of course well known for being one of the area’s most significant homebuilders with a career covering nearly 54 years and I can say from knowledge that Leo pursued being the best and building the best every single day of those many years. He was a Builder’s Builder, a man of great integrity and generosity; and as good a friend as anyone can hope to ever have.”

— Lowell Larson, Craftsman Homes by Southern Ventures www.biaow.org

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NEWS MAKERS

HABITAT PAVES THE WAY HOME

Habitat for Humanity in Okaloosa County is developing plans for a 5 home neighborhood In Crestview. As part of the Pave the Way Home Campaign, we are collecting donations of money and gift in kind services to build infrastructure for the project. Visit the ReStores in Crestview and Fort Walton Beach each month for raffles benefitting this campaign.

Names left to right Kelly Arnette, Charlie Kessler, Nitsi Bennett, Kaneichawa Smith and Terry Bennett.

Publix donated money to help build a Habitat house in Crestview; a home for a grandmother raising her teenaged granddaughter. Publix has been a faithful supporter of Habitat for Humanity in Okaloosa County for years.

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The Voice | APRIL 2018

ON SPRING BREAK FOR HABITAT

Habitat for Humanity Collegiate Challenge:Thomas More College in KY has been sending students here on Spring Break for 12 years, to work on a Habitat construction site. This year the group helped build Habitat Okaloosa’s House #60, which is sponsored by Gulf Power, in Crestview.

NEWS MAKERS REACHING OUT

ECAR’s Community and Military Outreach Committee presented a $500 check to Choctaw High School Coach Willie Gosha supporting the CHS Track Team on March 15th . On March 13th and February 28th CMOC supported Food for Thought filling approximately 500 backpacks with food each day for area school children dependent on free or reduced school meals. Food for Thought serves 31 schools in Okaloosa and Walton Counties, providing backpacks for 3,000 students each week.

NEW PARTNERSHIP

Ruckel Properties, Inc. is pleased to announce a new strategic marketing partnership with Niceville-based creative firm, Frances Roy Agency.

Marion Ruckel Skalicky says, "We chose Frances Roy Agency because they provide a full-service marketing approach. We were looking for more than an agency, we truly needed a partner. Shantelle and her staff are communicative, proactive, and easy to work with. We are very excited about this new professional partnership."

Okaloosa County Growth Management Permit Information 60

Single Family Dwellings

New Commercial Buildings

Additions (Residential & Commercial)

Remodeling (Residential & Commercial)

51 50

39

40

37 31

30

30 24 20

10

6 1

0

1

Dec-17

0 Jan-18

2

3

Feb-18

www.biaow.org

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BUSINESS BREAKERS

HBI Receives $50 Million Grant to Train 20,000 Skilled Workers www.nahb.org The Home Depot Foundation announced yesterday a $50 million commitment to partner with HBI to train 20,000 new skilled workers over the next 10 years.

HBI, the industry’s education arm, trains separating military members, high school students and at-risk youth for careers in the skilled trades.

The grant will significantly increase the number of workers trained through HBI curriculum and help address the industry’s labor shortage.

“We want to bring shop class back, said Shannon Gerber, executive director of The Home Depot Foundation. “We’re thrilled to train 20,000 next-generation plumbers, electricians, carpenters and beyond.”

HBI joined forces with The Home Depot Foundation last year to launch a pilot trades training program for military members at Fort Stewart, Georgia and Fort Bragg in North Carolina. The first set of students will graduate this month.

“Our program prepares men and women for high-growth careers in the industry after leaving military service,” said HBI CEO John Courson.

“With 200,000 service members separating from the military every year, our partnership with The Home Depot Foundation enables us to serve more veterans across the country.”

The 12-week pre-apprenticeship certification program, which is provided at no cost to students, uses industry-based curriculum recognized by the Department of Labor that integrates work-based learning with technical and academic skills. The program, which has a job placement rate of more than 90%, will now roll out on additional bases across the United States.

Learn more about HBI’s training programs at hbi.org.

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from coast-to-coast,”

www.biaow.org

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The Voice | APRIL 2018

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A HUGE thank you to Eglin Federal Credit Union, Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, and Okaloosa Saves for making our 2018 BIA Home Show such a success. We had over 2,000 attendees! Below is visitor information: Where did you travel from to attend the 2018 Home Show?

Ticket Collection Totals | February 24-25 Saturday 9:00am–11:00am

545

11:00am–1:30pm

600

1:30pm–5:00pm

298

Total

1443

Sunday 11:00am–1:30pm

445

1:30pm–5:00pm

190

Total

635

Total Tickets Collected

2078

How did you learn about the 2018 Home Show?

www.biaow.org

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Quality You Can Trust Service You Can Depend On!

At REW Materials, we have people with the technical expertise to help contractors, architects, and owners stay on top of new methods in construction. Unique to the industry, REW has a team of representatives and leading edge technology to help our customers develop the best possible solutions for today’s complex applications.

REW Materials uses all of the latest innovations to meet your residential job site needs.

INTRODUCING FOR NAHB MEMBERS www.nahb.org EO Dana Kelso had been using her personal Amazon Prime account to order paper and other products for the Builders Association of South Central Oklahoma.

Then she found out that NAHB has a brand-new Member Advantage benefit: Amazon Business.

NAHB members can access Amazon Business by signing up for a free business account. Amazon Business offers a variety of features and benefits, including free shipping on eligible orders over $25.

Designed for businesses of all sizes, Amazon Business helps NAHB members gain access to multi-user accounts, business-friendly payment options, business pricing on more than five million products, and more.

Members can explore NAHB’s storefront and scroll through a curated collection of products for the office and the jobsite. They’re arranged in categories including NAHB Hot Products, Best of IBS 2018, and Smart Home.

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The Voice | APRIL 2018

Drywall | Metal Studs | Acoustical Insulation | Roofing | Stucco

Bill Batting

850-678-0010 office 850-259-7756 cell bbatting@rewmaterials.com www.rewmaterials.com REW Materials 8040 N. Palafox Street Pensacola, FL 32534

BUILDERS DIRECTORY ARCHITECT / HOME DESIGN / BLUEPRINTS Beukenkamp Building Group (850) 651-8673 Robert Fisher Signature Homes (850) 862-3600 CLOSETS/STORAGE SYSTEMS Closet Solutions Florida (850) 714-3851 CONCRETE - CONTRACTORS/SUPPLIERS Daher Contracting (850) 863-3993 CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT Spence Brothers Construction, Inc. (850) 678-4000 CONTRACTORS - COMMERCIAL Alan Paul Construction, Inc. (850) 689-4375 Antebellum Construction, Inc. (850) 934-8563 Beukenkamp Building Group (850) 651-8673 Cadenhead Development, Inc. (850) 682-5882 CM Taylor Contracting, Inc. (850) 830-3305 Compass Builders of Florida, LLC (850) 654-9444 Crowson Construction Services (850) 863-1555 Daniel Coon Construction, Inc. (850) 978-4558 Davis Dunn Construction, Inc. (850) 654-9152 Emerald Coast Building Contractors, LLC (850) 654-5897 Emerald Waters Development, LLC (850) 585-0037 Ferrin Campbell Construction, LLC. (850) 826-0810 Greater Gulf Construction, LLC (850) 729-1600 Henry Company Homes, Inc. (850) 994-0984 Jay Terrell Construction (850) 689-1334 Jeremy Stewart Construction, Inc. (850) 682-6156 Jimmy Henderson II, Const. Co., Inc. (850) 864-5426 Jimmy Parish Builders (850) 678-5692 Joe Michetti Homes (850) 897-2882 John E. Dalton General Contractor, Inc. (850) 622-9700 Key Lime Construction, LLC (850) 897-4663 KG II Development, Inc. (850) 682-8635 Mathews Development Company, Inc. (850) 267-2601 Robbins Builders, Inc. (850) 939-5464 Robert Fisher Signature Homes (850) 862-3600 Rob-Roy Corporation (850) 651-2706

Shoda Construction (850) 862-1666 Southern American Homes (850) 650-1800 Southern Paradise Homes, Inc. (850) 862-2181 Tracy Acree Construction, Inc. (850) 862-4389 Walton Properties & Construction, Inc. (850) 244-3330 Water Crest Homes, LLC (850) 585-8788 Watree Construction (850) 314-0828 CONTRACTORS - RESIDENTIAL Alan Paul Construction, Inc. (850) 689-4375 Alys Beach Construction (850) 213-5608 Ambry Homes Northern Ltd. (850) 897-4633 Antebellum Construction, Inc. (850) 934-8563 Arthur Rutenberg Homes (850) 688-2769 Barber Construction (850) 862-7629 BCW Construction, Inc. (850) 654-6025 BetterBuilt of N.W. Florida, Inc. (850) 729-3826 Beukenkamp Building Group (850) 651-8673 Carter Building Company, LLC (850) 978-2106 Chi-Mar Construction, LLC (850) 837-8016 CJM Enterprises (850) 689-1370 CM Taylor Contracting, Inc. (850) 830-3305 Compass Builders of Florida, LLC (850) 654-9444 Craftsman Homes by Southern Ventures (850) 275-0051 Creekwood Home Renovations, Inc. (850) 936-6212 D.R. Horton, Inc. (850) 660-1701 Dale Riley Construction (850) 682-5533 Daniel Coon Construction, Inc. (850) 978-4558 Davis Dunn Construction, Inc. (850) 654-9152 DKM Custom Homes, LLC (850) 650-7539 Emerald Coast Building Contractors, LLC (850) 654-5898 Emerald Coast Custom Homes, Inc. (850) 217-3712 Emerald Waters Development, LLC (850) 585-0037

Huff Homes, Inc. (850) 897-6464 J. Becker Custom Homes, LLC (850) 269-3917 Janssen Const. Mgmt., Inc. (850) 837-7181 Jay Terrell Construction (850) 689-1334 Jeremy Stewart Construction, Inc. (850) 682-6156 Jimmy Henderson II, Const. Co., Inc. (850) 864-5426 John E. Dalton General Contractor, Inc. (850) 622-9700 Joseph Vincent Construction (850) 499-8598 JP Carducci, Inc. (850) 699-1028 Key Lime Construction, LLC (850) 897-4663 KG II Development, Inc. (850) 682-8635 Kirby Properties, Inc. (850) 502-4548 Lewis B. Jones Construction (850) 951-9696 Linc Grant Construction (850) 682-4021 Martelle Homes (850) 502-9460 MB Construction of Destin, LLC (850) 797-7758 RAK Construction (850) 502-2437 Randy Wise Homes, Inc. (850) 678-9473 Robert Fisher Signature Homes (850) 862-3600 Rob-Roy Corporation (850) 582-2766 Samuel Stevens & Associates (850) 380-2989 Southern American Homes (850) 650-1800 Southern Hybrid Homes (850) 622-8150 Southern Paradise Homes, Inc. (850) 862-2181 Tier 1 Custom Builders (850) 608-6330 Toolan Development, Inc. (850) 546-0815 Tracy Acree Construction, Inc. (850) 862-4389 Turner Legacy Homes (850) 528-7027 Vestcon Builders, LLC (850) 972-9166 Watree Construction (850) 314-0828 Westerra Development, Inc. (850) 682-6321

Gary Miller Homes, Inc. (850) 678-5100

Whitrock Associates, Inc. II (850) 862-7900

Halifax Homes (850) 460-2601

Whitworth Builders, Inc. (850) 862-6861

www.biaow.org

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BUILDERS DIRECTORY Whitrock Associates, Inc. II (850) 862-7900

Henderson Development & Design, LLC (850) 650-0066

Folkers Windows Company (850) 477-1772

Whitworth Builders, Inc. (850) 862-6861

Huff Homes, Inc. (850) 897-6464

Gary Miller Homes, Inc. (850) 678-5100

Wilson Enterprises of NWFL, Inc. (850) 305-6544

John E. Dalton General Contractor, Inc. (850) 622-9700

COUNTERTOPS Emerald Waters Development, LLC (850) 585-0037

Kirby Properties, Inc. (850) 502-4548

DEVELOPERS Bonezzi Development Company (850) 650-4725

Spence Brothers Construction, Inc. (850) 678-4000

Destin Custom Home Builders, LLC (850) 337-8000

INSURANCE RESTORATION John E. Dalton General Contractor, Inc. (850) 622-9700

Kolter Homes (850) 682-9500 Tiforp Development Corp.

(850) 654-4884 Whitworth Builders, Inc. (850) 862-6861 ENGINEERS - CIVIL / CONSTRUCTION / CONSULTANTS Westerra Development, Inc. (850) 682-6321 GENERAL CONTRACTORS Ambry Homes Northern Ltd. (850) 897-4633 BCW Construction, Inc. (850) 654-6025 BetterBuilt of N.W. Florida, Inc. (850) 729-3826 Blue Danube Contracting, LLC (850) 654-7497 Bonezzi Development Company (850) 650-4725 Chase Green Construction, LLC (850) 428-7889 Closet Solutions Florida (850) 714-3851 Craftsman Homes by Southern Ventures (850) 275-0051 Dale Riley Construction (850) 682-5533 Freeport Industries Development, LLC (850) 835-1043

Jeremy Stewart Construction, Inc. (850) 682-6156 Jimmy Henderson II, Const. Co., Inc. (850) 864-5426 John E. Dalton General Contractor, Inc. (850) 622-9700

RAK Construction (850) 502-2437

INTERIOR DESIGN / DECORATING Henderson Development & Design, LLC (850) 650-0066

Joseph Vincent Construction (850) 499-8598 JP Carducci, Inc. (850) 699-1028 Key Lime Construction, LLC (850) 897-4663 KG II Development, Inc. (850) 682-8635 Lewis B. Jones Construction (850) 951-9696 Randy Wise Homes, Inc. (850) 678-9473

KITCHEN & BATHS Crystal Shores Remodeling (850) 261-3373

Robert Fisher Signature Homes (850) 862-3600

MECHANICAL CONTRACTOR Craftsman Homes by Southern Ventures (850) 275-0051 REMODELING / IMPROVEMENTS Alan Paul Construction, Inc. (850) 689-4375 Babin Custom Builders, Inc. (850) 865-5245

Southern Paradise Homes, Inc. (850) 862-2181 Tier 1 Custom Builders (850) 608-6330 ROOFING - CONTRACTORS / SUPPLIERS Barber Construction (850) 862-7629 Whitrock Associates, Inc. II (850) 862-7900

Beukenkamp Building Group (850) 651-8673 Chase Green Construction, LLC (850) 428-7889 Chi-Mar Construction, LLC (850) 837-8016 CJM Enterprises (850) 689-1370 Compass Builders of Florida, LLC (850) 654-9444

UNDERGROUND UTILITIES & EXCAVATION Daher Contracting (850) 863-3993 WINDOW TINTING / REPLACEMENT / TREATMENTS Folkers Windows Company (850) 477-1772

Creekwood Home Renovations, Inc. (850) 936-6212 Crowson Construction Services (850) 863-1555 Emerald Coast Custom Homes, Inc. (850) 217-3712

BUILDERS! Parade of Homes Entry

JUNE 9-17 22

The Voice | APRIL 2018

Deadline is April 30!

Starting a Career in Real Estate Has Never Been Easier

ECAR Is Now Offering Online Pre-Licensing Courses Emerald Coast Association of Realtors® pre-licensing courses meet the state’s requirements for sales associate and broker education!

ECARCARE E RQUE ST.COM www.biaow.org

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65 years

ENERGY STRONG Building cleaner.

Building smarter.

Building better.

Okaloosa Gas is celebrating their 65th Anniversary for providing clean, reliable, efficient energy to Northwest Florida.

When you build with natural gas, know that you’re making happy homeowners.

According to a national survey by the National Association of Home Builders, a natural gas home sells for 6% more than an electric home.

Call or visit our website to learn more about building better with natural gas.

OkaloosaGas.com | 729-4700