Nov. Dec 2008 by Annie Rubens

November/December 2008

Setting a

Election 2008

Trend WBA Foundation breaks new ground with cutting-edge project.

Breaking Down the Issues

Builder Profile

Tim Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien Homes

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features

November/December 2008 Volume 25 • Issue 6

Capitol Corner ..................................................................... 9 Representative Brett H. Davis (R- Assembly District 80) discusses the legislature’s effort to improve the economy from the ground up.

Setting a Trend .................................................................. 10 Wisconsin Builders Association Foundation hopes to set a new trend in education and philanthropy with cutting-edge project.

Election 2008 .................................................................... 16 WBA breaks down the issues for both candidates to help you choose wisely in the upcoming election.

Builder Profile ................................................................... 21 When one door closed for Tim O’Brien of Tim O’Brien Homes, many more opened.

departments President’s Perspective ................................................................................ 5 Keep the Momentum Going. Executive Viewpoint ..................................................................................... 6 When Will It End? Government Affairs ...................................................................................... 7 Emergency Rules: Another Powerful tool for State Agencies. Local Happenings ....................................................................................... 14 Photos and details of WBA local association events around the state. News & Events ............................................................................................. 18 On Course .................................................................................................... 20 Upcoming Statewide Courses and Training.

Wisconsin Badger Builder, (ISSN 004-232) is a bi-monthly publication of the Wisconsin shelter industry. It is the official publication of the Wisconsin Builders Association® (WBA) and is published by WBA, 4868 High Crossing Blvd., Madison, WI 53704. Periodicals postage paid at Madison, WI 53701 and additional mailing offices. All advertising is subject to acceptance by the Wisconsin Badger Builder editorial review committee. The publication of any advertisement is not to be construed as an endorsement of the product or service offered. The contents of all material available in this publication are copyrighted by WBA unless otherwise indicated. All rights are reserved by WBA, and content may not be reproduced, disseminated, published or transferred in any form or by any means except with the prior written permission of the Wisconsin Builders Association®.

14 Mission Statement

The Wisconsin Builders Association® (WBA) is a 501(c)(6) non-profit trade organization recognized as the building industry’s professional authority, dedicated to the creation and preservation of safe, affordable, quality housing opportunities for the people of Wisconsin.

Vision Statement

WBA’s role is to drive good housing policy at the state government level, and assist with it at the local level as needed, and to promote membership, education, public relations, and the sharing of information among locals while supporting their varying needs.

Motto

“Dedicated to preserving and promoting the American Dream”

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Wisconsin Badger Builder, 4868 High Crossing Blvd., Madison, WI 53704. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Subscriptions available through membership in the Wisconsin Builders Association®.

Wisconsin Badger Builder • November/December 2008 • www.wisbuild.org

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Wisconsin Badger Builder • November/December 2008 • www.wisbuild.org

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Senior Officers 2008 President: Jason Steen, Osseo (Chippewa Valley) President Elect: Doug Scott, Janesville (South Central WI) Treasurer: Jim Kubasta, Oshkosh (Winnebago)

Keep the Momentum Going President’s

Secretary: Don Esposito, Madison (Madison Area) Immediate Past President: Mark Etrheim, La Crosse (La Crosse Area) Associate Vice President: Greg Schaffer, Madison (Madison Area) Associate Advisor to the Senior Officers: Julie Meyer, Racine (Racine-Kenosha)

Area Vice Presidents 2008 Southeast Area Mark Benkowski (Metropolitan) Darryl Spang (Racine-Kenosha) Northwest Area Clint Doege (Heart of the North) Monica Sommerfeldt Lewis (Chippewa Valley) Southwest Area Tom Thompson (La Crosse Area) Steve Treu (La Crosse Area) Northeast Area Mark Bootz (Brown Co.) Scott Browne (Brown Co.) South Area Brian McKee (Madison Area) Greg Schaffer (Madison Area) East Central Area Tracy Royer (Valley) Stan Martenson (Valley) North Area Pam Jewell (Golden Sands) Mike Richie (Wausau Area) East Shore Area Gary Roehrig (Sheboygan Co.) Sean Kelly (Mid-Shores) State Representative to NAHB Wayne Foster (Metropolitan)

PERSPECTIvE

by Jason Steen, 2008 WBA President e have been going through an exciting time at WBA, with the Governance Review, the Government Affairs audit, and the recently completed strategic planning. Thank you to all who took the time to share your thoughts and ideas. Involvement is the vehicle for change in this association, and WBA has been working hard to give members many opportunities for input. The senior officers and I want to know what you need from the association, and we are committed to providing you an open ear and an open mind. I am grateful to the members who take time out of their busy day to come to meetings, serve on committees and participate in task forces. Your voice, your experience, and your ideas are critical to keep the association vibrant, growing and adapting to the challenges we all face. If you are new to us, welcome, and get involved! If you have been around a while, welcome, and get involved! If you are involved now, welcome, and stay involved! We are focused on moving forward with the ideas put forth in the strategic planning effort. The ideas that came from that great gathering of minds were formulated and shaped all within the context of our mission and vision. We are constantly positioning ourselves to be “recognized as the building industry’s professional authority, dedicated to the creation and preservation of safe, affordable, quality housing opportunities for the people of Wisconsin.” This recognition comes from your everyday encounters with your customers, your fantastic community projects and our constant presence in the halls of the State Capitol. All of this speaks to your dedication to preserving and promoting the American Dream. I sincerely thank you for your efforts! Another area that only grows stronger from member involvement is our

Involvement is the vehicle for change in this association, and WBA has been working hard to give members many opportunities for input. Building a Better Wisconsin Political Action Fund and the Builders Direct Conduit. Combining resources of members across the state helps WBA support pro-housing and pro-business candidates running for state or local office in Wisconsin. Contribution decisions are made first with the input of local associations and secondly by reviewing the candidate’s positions on issues important to our association. If you prefer to specify which candidate you support, the Builders Direct Fund is a terrific way to not only help your association meet its fundraising goals, but also a way for you to direct your contribution. An essential part of WBA is demonstrating our collective statewide support for public officials who support housing issues at the capitol. Commit to attending your local’s auctions; donate items for the auctions; and buy, buy, buy to support the PAC and Conduit. Of course, the most critical way to support your candidate is to get out and vote, and bring someone else with you! The upcoming election will affect us all, personally and professionally. Letting your voice be heard at the polls is essential. As a service to you, in this issue you will find an article listing the positions of the two candidates for president on a variety of issues important to Wisconsin residents. I hope you will review it and it helps you understand what your vote will support. We want you to be informed and we want you to be involved, and that is how we keep our momentum going forward. X

Wisconsin Badger Builder • November/December 2008 • www.wisbuild.org

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WBA Staff

4868 High Crossing Blvd., Madison, WI 53704 • (608) 242-5151 Executive Vice President: Bill Wendle, ext. 11 bwendle@wisbuild.org Director of Government Affairs: Brad Boycks, ext. 16 bboycks@wisbuild.org Director of Political Affairs: Kate Easton, ext. 15 keaston@wisbuild.org Director of Development Council: Pat Stevens, ext. 22 pstevens@wisbuild.org Director of Membership Services: Jane Witt, ext. 17 jwitt@wisbuild.org Director of Safety and Education: Cindi Gruebling, ext. 18 cgruebling@wisbuild.org Director of Communications: Annie Rubens, ext. 19 arubens@wisbuild.org Director of Accounting Services: Kathy Johnsen, ext. 12 kjohnsen@wisbuild.org Accounting Assistant: Mark Nelson, ext. 25 mnelson@wisbuild.org Administrative Assistant: Kimberly Fay, ext. 10 kfay@wisbuild.org

WBA Insurance Services Chief Operating Officer: Karl Johnson, ext. 23 kjohnson@wisbuild.org Sales & Service Associate: Megan Taylor, ext. 24 mtaylor@wisbuild.org

Editor ..............................Annie Rubens

Published by

Publisher ........................... Kevin Naughton Supervising Editor ........... Jennifer McDermitt Graphic Designer ..................... Jason Gabel Advertising Sales Manager ....... Brenda Poe Advertising Sales .................Keri Gustafson (800) 935-1592, ext. 133 kgustafson@printcomm.com

When Will It End? Executive

vIEWPOINT

by Bill Wendle, WBA Executive Vice President oday, as I write this for the Badger Builder, the news headlines are screaming about the Federal Housing Finance Agency seizing control of Freddy Mac and Fannie Mae. This issue in our industry won’t go away. First, we managed the general slowdown, then the subprime fiasco, and now the seizure of these two agencies that are the cornerstone of the mortgage market. The Wisconsin Builders Association® (WBA) has been through downturns before, most recently in the early 1980s. Your association was part of the cure. WBA went to legislators and sought veteran housing funding and other targeted programs to help with the recovery. Know that WBA has not ceased working for you during this downturn. WBA is fighting for your future by taking on issues like the fire sprinkler rules, Trans 233, objecting to arc fault interrupters, and fighting higher fees on building permits and certification. Your staff and leadership are involved and aware of the impact that the economy and these issues have on your future. As your association, we have also taken steps to be responsive to your concerns about our operating costs. We have adopted many measures to increase our fiscal frugality. We have reduced staff out-of-state travel, been mindful of easy ways to save electricity and utility usage, taken steps to reduce costs of communication with you by utilizing technology, and have extended the life of existing assets to make less money go further. As your staff, we have challenged our vendors with aggressive bidding, and posed solutions to your leadership for how to reduce printing costs while maintaining effective communication.

Know that WBA has not ceased working for you during this downturn. WBA is fighting for your future by taking on issues like the fire sprinkler rules, Trans 233, objecting to arc fault interrupters, and fighting higher fees on building permits and certification. The recent decision to make our Board Day and Executive Committee packets available only electronically on our Web site in advance of those meetings will save WBA thousands of dollars in printing and postage. I assure you we are very aware of all of our expenditures, and look forward to rolling out more saving measures in 2009. We are doing all of this while simultaneously addressing more political issues than we did in 2007. WBA has worked tirelessly to exert more influence in 2008 than ever before on building issues, taxation issues and the entire spectrum of political issues facing our industry. WBA has made it an integral part of the Government Affairs strategy plan for the upcoming legislative session to seek out a bipartisan agenda. Our focus will be on working with all legislatures on both sides of the aisle who take a pro-business and housing friendly stance on issues important to your livelihood. To answer the question, when will it end? It will end when our actions and thoughts are able to match each other. We will see the end when home building returns robustly and we stop trying to find the enemy from within. Builders did not create the current mess, but we can be a part of the solution. X

Wisconsin Badger Builder • November/December 2008 • www.wisbuild.org

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Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation 1. Publication Title: Wisconsin Badger Builder 2. Publication Number: 004-232 3. Filing Date: September 16, 2008 4. Issue Frequency: Bi-Monthly 5. Number of Issues Published Annually: 6 6. Annual Subscription Price: $25.00 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication (Not printer): Wisconsin Builders Association, 4868 High Crossing Blvd, Madison, WI 53704-7403 Contact Person: Annie Rubens Telephone: (800) 362-9066 8. Complete Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher (Not printer): Same as above 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor and Managing Editor Publisher: Bill Wendle, WBA, 4868 High Crossing Blvd, Madison, WI 53704-7403 Editor: Annie Rubens, WBA, 4868 High Crossing Blvd, Madison, WI 53704-7403 Managing Editor: Annie Rubens, WBA, 4868 High Crossing Blvd, Madison, WI 53704-7403 10. Owner: Wisconsin Builders Association, 4868 High Crossing Blvd, Madison, WI 53704-7403 11. None 12. Has not changed during preceding 12 months. 13. Publication Title: Wisconsin Badger Builder 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: September/October 2008 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation Average No. No. Copies of Copies Each Single Issue Issue During Published Preceding Nearest to 12 Months Filing Date a. Total Number of Copies (Net Press Run) 9,098 8,998 b. Paid and/or Requested Circulation (1) Paid/Requested Outside-County 8,389 8,613 (2) Paid In County 0 0 (3) Sales through dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Non-USPS Paid Distribution 0 0 (4) Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS0 0 c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation 8,389 8,613 d. Free Distribution by Mail (1) Outside-County as Stated on 709 385 Form 3541 (2) In-County as Stated on Form 3541 0 0 (3) Other Classes Mailed 0 0 Through the USPS (4) Free Distribution Outside the Mail 0 0 e. Total Free Distribution 709 385 f. Total Distribution 9,098 8,998 g. Copies not Distributed 0 0 h. Total 9,098 8,998 i. Percent Paid and/or 92.21% 95.72% Requested Circulation 16. Publication of Statement of Ownership Publication required. Will be printed in the November/December 2008 issue of this publication. 17. Annie Rubens, Editor, September 19, 2008. I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties).

Emergency Rules: Another Powerful Tool for State Agencies Government

AFFAIRS

by Brad Boycks, Director of Government Affairs y now, most people who follow Wisconsin politics are somewhat aware of the process by which bills become laws and the normal administrative rule-making process that goes into implementing bills once they become law. We had an extended process in 20062007 dealing with an administrative rule on fire sprinklers in multifamily units. The process for an administrative rule is somewhat complex. There are a number of time constraints as well as opportunities for sit-down meetings with an agency and members of the legislature and legislative committee for review. This allows for our viewpoint to be expressed and information to be exchanged on the real-life affect of the rule on our members. On the other hand, the process for an emergency rule is much different with very little opportunity for the legislature or the public to have input on the rule. In early September 2008, the Department of Commerce (Commerce) announced the release of an emergency rule relating to the installation of carbon monoxide alarms in all new and existing multifamily homes and commercial buildings. Commerce was given authority to issue emergency rules in the language of the bill (2007 Wisconsin Act 205) that was passed in the legislature. In other circumstances, agencies are able to issue emergency rules to preserve “the public peace, health, safety or welfare” and in cases relating to certain powers of financial institutions. In the case of carbon monoxide alarms, there is no question Commerce had the authority to forward the emergency rule onward to implementation. As a result of this emergency rule, any existing commercial or multifamily home constructed before, or a building

The process for an administrative rule is somewhat complex. There are a number of time constraints as well as opportunities for sit-down meetings with an agency and members of the legislature and legislative committee for review. that reviewed and received department plan approval under rules effective prior to Oct. 1, 2008, are required to install carbon monoxide alarms by April 1, 2010. The emergency rule does not specify what type of power source is required for existing buildings. It allows batteryoperated alarms, electrical outlet plug-in alarms, or those that are wired directly to the building’s electrical service. All of these requirements set forth in the rule are consistent with what we believed the intent of the law to be. The emergency rule also calls for all newly constructed multifamily homes and commercial buildings to contain carbon monoxide alarms that are continuously powered by the building’s electrical service with battery backups. The problem with this provision is that it seems to exceed the standards discussed when the bill on the issue was moving through the legislature. Continued on page 22

Wisconsin Badger Builder • November/December 2008 • www.wisbuild.org

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Upcoming Statewide Courses and Training On

COURSE

“It’s what you learn after you know it’s all that counts.” — Harry S. Truman by Cindi Gruebling, Director of Safety and Education hat’s especially true today, as building codes are updated and as new technologies and techniques are developed for the home building industry. You can always count on the Wisconsin Builders Association® (WBA) for courses that will help you keep up with changes.

UDC Training 2009

The Wisconsin Builders Association will once again provide Uniform Dwelling Code training across the state. Online registration is available at www.wisbuild.org for 10 training sites throughout the state. Our working title is “New Rules, New Technologies.” Wisconsin’s Uniform Dwelling Code or Commerce Chapters 20-25, as well as chapters regarding electrical and plumbing, are being updated as I write this. Be aware that new administrative rules may already be in effect. Some may not take effect until April 2009. However, building inspectors will be immediately trained on the new rules, so builders, remodelers and subcontractors need to follow the new regulations now. You may also be dealing with new technologies, so you will want to find vendors who carry the products that will keep your building and remodeling projects code compliant and on schedule. The last thing you want when building pace picks up (and it will!) is to be delayed or even stopped for non-compliance or for lack of a new component. I am pleased to announce that Leroy Stublaski (AIA, UDC) will be WBA’s UDC Training 2009 presenter. Leroy joined the Department of Commerce’s Division of Safety and Buildings in 1995 and holds titles as an UDC-Engineering Consultant Advanced and a HUD (Housing and Urban Development) coor8

dinator. A registered architect with a BS in Architectural Engineering, he provides code consultation for architects and engineers, general contractors, homeowners, and municipal building inspectors. Leroy participates in various training programs to provide continuing education for inspectors and builders. He is an expert source of information about the UDC, code enforcement, principles of engineering and general requirements for residential construction throughout the state. He authors and edits the commentary for the UDC based on commonly asked questions regarding the code’s intent and has written various articles on construction and products used in home construction. He is a master speaker at energy training seminars, builder meeting groups and homeowner organizations — and now WBA’s UDC Training 2009 presenter for 10 days.

UDC Training 2009 • Wednesday, Jan. 14 — Stoney Creek Inn, Onalaska • Thursday, Feb. 12 — The Florian Gardens, Eau Claire • Tuesday, Feb. 17 — Holiday Inn Stadium & Suites, Green Bay • Friday, March 13 — Holiday Inn Madison at the American Center, Madison • Tuesday, March 17 — Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, Stevens Point • Wednesday, March 25 — Baymont Inn & Suites, Belmont Convention Center, Belmont/Platteville • Thursday., April 9 — Quality Inn, Rhinelander • Wednesday, April 15 — Heartwood Conference Center & Retreat, Trego/Minong • Wednesday, April 22 — Country Springs Hotel, Pewaukee/Waukesha • Tuesday, May 5 — Holiday Inn Neenah Riverwalk, Neenah/Appleton

Online registration will be $89 for WBA Members. Registration will cost $99 for members who phone, fax or use paper to register. The fee includes continental breakfast at 7:15 a.m. and a workbook.

New Builder Education WBA will offer six, 12-hour “New Builder Education” classes. Commerce-approved course #8931 is an Initial Training course for those who need 12 credits in order to apply for their Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Credential (DCQC). It is also approved for credits for those who need continuing education credits to renew their current DCQC. The course runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. the first day, then 8 a.m. to noon the second day. Attorneys from Axley Brynelson will present two, four-hour segments that cover contracts, warranties, liens, lien waivers, the Right to Cure law, theft by contract, the difference between employees and independent contractors, change orders, remodeling administrative rules and more. Designer, builder and MATC instructor Devin Rains will present for four hours on Wisconsin’s Uniform Dwelling Code. • Nov. 5-6, Off Broadway Banquet Center, Menomonie • Nov. 11-12, Dale’s Weston Lanes, Schofield/Wausau • Jan. 26-27, Ramada Plaza Hotel, Fond du Lac • March 4-5, Pontiac Convention Center, Janesville • April 1-2, Holiday Inn Express of Black River Falls • April 29-30, Lac Courte Oreilles Casino Lodge & Convention Center, Hayward $189 for members, $239 for WBA non-members. Fee includes continental breakfast both days and beverage breaks. Overnight stays and lunch are not included. Continued on page 20

Wisconsin Badger Builder • November/December 2008 • www.wisbuild.org

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Improving the Economy from the Ground Up Capitol

CORNER

by Representative Brett H. Davis (R- Assembly District 80) fter nearly 30 years, Wisconsin is no longer one of the top-ten highest taxed states in the nation. According to the data released by the U.S. Census Bureau, two independent reports have shown Wisconsin’s local and state tax burden has fallen to 11th highest in the nation, down from 8th in 2005 and 6th in 2004. Dropping out of the top-ten highest taxed states is an encouraging trend and is the direct result of the actions taken in the State Assembly over the past several legislative sessions aimed at keeping government spending in line with our family’s ability to pay. At the same time, however, we’ve been able to invest in areas vital to our well-being like economic development, health care and education to ensure we retain our high quality of life in Wisconsin. As I continue to listen and work with area residents, it is clear that strengthening our state and local economy is a top concern. This past session, we’ve acted to stimulate the economy and create jobs through incentives and tax credits aimed at improving the economy from the ground up. By eliminating the largest state tax increase ever proposed in our history, we were able to prevent Wisconsin from jumping to the numberone taxed state in the union. We also rejected the so-called “oil tax,” which according to the non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau, would have resulted in a nearly 9-cent-per-gallon increase in the cost of gasoline! Furthermore, multiple pieces of legislation were passed that were specifically aimed at helping boost economic development. We approved the Education Tax Credit, which allows businesses to deduct 50 percent of higher education tuition, and we doubled funding

I believe we are on the right path to getting our economy moving again in Wisconsin and our new tax ranking is welcome news.

for worker training grants that allow employees to take advantage of continued education programs through local technical colleges. In addition, we passed bills targeted at promoting local dairy and meat facilities, encouraged independent investment in start-up companies, and passed a measure designed to foster growth in businesses that invest in research and development. Equally important, we acted on our “Patients First Agenda,” which is designed to lower health care costs by putting the individual, not the government, in charge of your health care decisions and dollars. In addition, we increased access to health care services to 98 percent of Wisconsin residents by expanding BadgerCare Plus, making Wisconsin a national leader in health care coverage. We also passed tax credits that made health insurance premiums tax deductible, as well as incentives for small businesses to make health care more affordable by paying with pre-tax dollars. In addition, education remained our state’s top funding priority this legislative session. We invested in K-12 education at historic levels with an increase of $524.8 million for a total of $12.3 billion. The University of Wisconsin system, one of the strongest economic engines in our

state, was fully funded along with a $29 million increase in college financial aid. Overall, significant progress has been made toward lowering Wisconsin’s tax burden. This was made possible through such actions as a renewed property tax freeze, a continuation of the social security tax exemption, and a cut in the retirement income tax. At the same time, though, we have been able to foster economic development, make health care more affordable, and invest in education. I believe we are on the right path to getting our economy moving again in Wisconsin and our new tax ranking is welcome news. I look forward to continuing our efforts to make Wisconsin the best place in the nation to live, work and retire. Rep. Davis was elected to his current position as 80th District State Representative in 2004 and was re-elected in 2006. He serves as the chairman of the Assembly Committee on Education, as vice-chairman of the Committee on Consumer Protection and Personal Privacy, and as a member of the Transportation, Energy & Utilities, and Biofuels & Sustainable Energy committees. The 80th District includes all of Green County and portions of Rock, Dane and Lafayette Counties. X

Capitol Corner is a regular feature for Badger Builder. In this space, a Wisconsin legislator will provide perspective on an issue. Each guest columnist is offered the opportunity to select their primary issue of concern and present their views independent from any guidelines imposed by the Wisconsin Builders Association®. The views expressed by the columnist are solely their opinion and do not necessarily reflect the views of the WBA, NAHB, the locals, or the members. The Badger Builder editorial department welcomes reader feedback to the issues featured in this section in the spirit of promoting continued discussion on the important issues affecting our daily lives. To submit comments, please send them to Badger Builder Editor Annie Rubens, arubens@ wisbuild.org. Only comments in writing will be considered for reprint.

Wisconsin Badger Builder • November/December 2008 • www.wisbuild.org

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Trend Setting a

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Wisconsin Builders Association Foundation hopes to set a new trend in education and philanthropy with cutting-edge project.

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Wisconsin Badger Builder • November/December 2008 • www.wisbuild.org

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by Jennifer McDermitt he Wisconsin Builders Association Foundation, with the assistance of members from the Metropolitan Builders Association (MBA) of Greater Milwaukee, turned the construction of one home, the Wisconsin Trend Home™, into an educational, philanthropic, imageenhancing success. The Foundation hopes that this project will serve as a model for other associations around the state to create similar undertakings that will benefit members, the community and the industry at large. The goal was to build an environmentally friendly home with the technologies and features that should be prevalent in homes in the year 2020. Those involved with the project hoped to show the construction industry and the public that these technologies can be incorporated into new and existing homes today. Homes account for 23.7 percent of all energy usage in Southeastern Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Trend Home™ was open to the public and to builders for inspection for approximately six weeks in late summer 2008. Additionally, the WBA Foundation documented the construction of the home

(L to R): Tim O’Brien, MBA vice-president, Tim O’Brien Homes; Don Esposito, WBA Foundation trustee, Veridian Homes; Daniel Vrakas, Waukesha County executive; Anselmo Villarreal, executive director, La Casa de Esperanza Inc.; Larry Nelson, mayor, City of Waukesha; Bryce Styza, WBA Foundation trustee, former MBA president, and Harmony Homes owner. Copyright © 2008 Billy Seidel Photography

Badger 0811.indd 11

on a Web site (www.WITrendHome.com), through regular press releases to media outlets and other builder associations throughout the state of Wisconsin, and through film documentation for the development of a DVD. “The MBA is extremely pleased with The Wisconsin Trend Home™ — from the beginning of the process to the completion to the public response,” said Pattie Stone, VP of Public and Consumer Affairs for the MBA. “We had great support from the community, and we were really surprised at the generosity of our members, especially in such challenging economic times.”

The Ultimate Educational Tool The Wisconsin Trend Home™ was intended as an educational tool for the public, but those involved with the project say it also became a training tool for the builders themselves. Tim O’Brien of Tim O’Brien Homes was a major sponsor of the project, and he hoped to lend his building expertise to benefit some important causes. What he didn’t expect, however, was to walk away with a newfound excitement for the industry. “Personally, I learned a tremendous amount on this project, and I am the first to admit I have so much more to learn,” he said. “I met people in niche industries that I would have never met before, and I learned about some very exciting new products and building techniques.”

The home was constructed utilizing Structured Insulated Panels, a tempered passive solar orientation, solar electrical generation, solar hot water heating, ENERGY STAR® appliances, computer operated mechanicals, special windows and more. It features permeable pavement and other water science technologies that will preserve water resources. The following 10 core elements were included in the Trend Home: • Green Built Home Certification • Wisconsin Energy Star Homes Certification with emerging technologies like Solar Power • Water Sense — including Fixtures and Landscaping • Grey Water Reuse • Universal Design • Smart Home features • Higher Indoor Air Quality • Permeable Pavement • Emphasis on Recycling and Recycled Materials • Affordable/Smaller in Size In determining the orientation for the house, several considerations were applied towards the goal of providing the most environmentally friendly house possible. The home was situated on the lot in a manner that the solarium maximizes its ability to take advantage of passive solar techniques. Continued on page 12

Wisconsin Badger Builder • November/December 2008 • www.wisbuild.org

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SETTING A TREND

Continued from page 11

Utilizing passive solar helps to warm the home in winter months, but restrict the sun’s exposure during the hot summer months. Additionally, solar orientation is important for the proper location of the solar panel’s efficiency in creating energy. Lastly, the manner in which the home is situated on the lot helps to minimize, along with proper landscaping, the amount of stormwater flowing offsite. Stormwater management was a major focus both during construction and postconstruction. After construction of the house, stormwater runoff will be diverted into rain gardens and other drought resistant landscaping. Water that would otherwise be channeled entirely from the local watershed stays on site to filter through the ground and recharge the local aquifer. Additionally, permeable pavement will be used to aid in the collection of stormwater. The goal is for the post-construction hydrology to mimic pre-construction conditions as closely as possible, to minimize the undesirable effects of stormwater runoff — such as stream bank erosion, surface water body pollution and localized flooding, and to maximize, to the extent practical, the site’s ability to recharge the aquifer.

All for Two Good Causes Besides the educational component of this home, there is also a charitable aspect. The home is on the market and will be sold to a private homeowner with an agreement that the WBA Foundation can continue to monitor the home’s performance and use such data in future educational efforts. The proceeds from the sale will be utilized to provide a $200,000 grant to La Casa De Esperenza, which will help to train low-income workers in the construction industry. Anselmo Villareal, executive director of La Casa de Esperanza, said his organization couldn’t be happier with the Foundation’s level of support. “When we approached Bryce Styza for help, we hoped to build a kitchen for our school and daycare,” he said. “Styza came up with the Trend Home idea, and the funds allowed us to expand our vision into a restaurant that serves the community as well as provide jobs and training. We are so honored and grateful to have the support of the WBA Foundation and the MBA.” La Casa de Esperanza Inc. began in 1966 as History Builders, a small, high12

quality childcare, whose goal was to create a smooth transition for children living in a totally Spanish-speaking environment to the Public School District’s English speaking environment. Since 1966, La Casa has expanded and now offers five fundamental programs. Our Children, Family and Youth Program includes a thriving Early Childhood Education Center and a state-of-the-art technology lab. Workforce Development provides comprehensive employment assistance to low-income people seeking economic self-sufficiency. La Casa Village I and II offers affordable and private apartments to lowincome seniors and disabled individuals. The Weatherization Program identifies energy waste and provides cost-effective, energy-saving measures and education to low-income residential households. La Casa Clinica specializes in mental health and alcohol and drug treatment programs. The remainder of the dollars will go to the WBA Foundation in a scholarship fund to attract high-quality students to a career in the trades. Created as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization, the WBA Foundation compliments the 501(c) (6) trade organization roots utilized by WBA and local home builders associations across Wisconsin. The WBA Foundation focuses the efforts of member companies, individual members and local associations to maximize financial aid to fund education, research and charitable aid efforts. Nearly a decade ago, the Wisconsin Builders Foundation was formed, guided by the steady and strong vision of its first benefactor, Bryce Styza, owner of Harmony Homes in Waukesha, Wis. It was Styza who donated the land for the project and essentially got the project going. “The people at La Casa invited me to lunch one day to talk about what they do and see if there was a way we could help them,” said Styza. “I realized that there was an opportunity here to accomplish several goals in educating people and

helping people, so I got the ball rolling. It just took off from there!”

A Model for Others to Follow As an educational tool and a philanthropic endeavor, the Wisconsin Trend Home can easily be considered a success, but O’Brien says the project accomplishes even more. “Not only do we get to replenish an important scholarship fund and benefit a great organization, but the exposure it provides the building industry is priceless,” said O’Brien. “It shows the public that our industry cares about creating healthier homes and protecting and conserving our resources, which is contrary to the image that is so often portrayed.” The Wisconsin Trend Home™ couldn’t have happened without the support and generosity of its members. While many people donated time, money and supplies to the project, here is a list of the major project sponsors: • Dave Jones Plumbing & Heating Inc. • Plymouth Foam • Tim O’Brien Homes • Trivera Interactive • we energies • Wisconsin Ready Mix Concrete Association Stone says that, along with supporting the WBA Foundation and La Casa de Esperanza, seeing the members come together for the project was extremely rewarding. “This project brought our members together like nothing I have seen before,” she said. “Other local associations would greatly benefit from trying something similar in their area. You really can’t imagine how people will step up and support a cause if given the opportunity.” Styza also hopes other associations will use the Trend Home as a model for similar charitable projects. He said, “It’s a big undertaking, for sure, but it’s a great idea that helps educate your members and the public on energy savings and helps support some very important causes.” X

Wisconsin Badger Builder • November/December 2008 • www.wisbuild.org

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”

y n w e

at d

X Wisconsin Badger Builder • November/December 2008 • www.wisbuild.org

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Local Happenings

G S B A

Headwaters Builders Association

Th G fo

Headwaters Builders Association held its 13th annual golf outing at Edgewater Golf Course in Tomahawk. The event was a nine-hole, best-ball scramble. Eighteen four-person teams competed for a first place traveling trophy, which was awarded to the team from Hillside Overhead Door Co.

Valley Home Builders Association

H D Aw as

Students from eight school districts in the Fox Cities are benefiting from a donation of more than 700 school supplies from Valley Home Builders Association (VHBA).

Wolf River Builders Association Wolf River Builders Association recently completed a community service project for the Red River Riders Therapeutic Riding Stable in Shawano, Wis. Materials and labor for the new step and platform mounting block were donated by WRBA and a few of our builder members.

S H

La Crosse Area Builders Association Jason Sader (Sader Construction) and his triplet sons enjoyed playing with the parachute at the LABA Picnic in June.

M Ce

Wisconsin Badger Builder â&#x20AC;˘ November/December 2008 â&#x20AC;˘ www.wisbuild.org

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Golden Sands Home Builders Association

PRECAST CONCRETE SEPTIC TANKS

The Jeff Nygaard Memorial Golf Outing raised over $1500 for GSHBA Scholarships.

HBA Fond du Lac & Dodge Counties

Protecting Wisconsin’s groundwater one tank at a time.

HBA President Dean Kranig (Kranig Excavating & Landscaping Inc.) presents Dave Buechel and Rick Boede (Wood’s Floral & Gifts) the Golden Hammer Award, which is given to a member who has generously supported the association for a specific event.

x x x x x

Strong Watertight Low maintenance Resistant to buoyancy Durable

x x x x x

Locally produced Easy to install Environmentally sound A green building product Weather resistant

Go to www.wiprecast.org to find a concrete septic tank manufacturer near you. Wisconsin Precast Concrete Association (608) 256-7701

St. Croix Valley Home Builders Association Team Kilts — 2008 SCVHBA Golf tournament winners

and h the ne.

Madison Area Builders Association MABA members were integral to ABC’s Extreme Home Makeover project in Richland Center, Wis. Wisconsin Badger Builder • November/December 2008 • www.wisbuild.org

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Presidential Candidates Stand on Issues

n our continuing effort to be a resource for our members, WBA has gathered the following information on where the two candidates for president stand on issues effecting Wisconsin families. Sources for data are CNN and Grant Thornton. Other information can be obtained at each candidate’s official Web site: www.johnmccain.com or www.barackobama.com. The candidates are already going at each other hard, mostly over the economy, and there is no shortage of bad news to fight about: turmoil in the markets, GM shutting down truck plants, oil pushing toward $140 a barrel, gas looming around $4 a gallon, and the reality that unemployment is arching higher than expected. In reviewing the issues table, you will note that McCain is generally considered friendlier to Corporate America than is Obama, who wants to increase some companies’ tax bite in a few ways. Both candidates favor keeping some or all of the Bush tax cuts in place. Wealthy taxpayers win out under McCain’s plan,

while middle class and lower-income earners benefit more under Obama’s proposals. McCain would apply a lighter hand to taxes paid by the wealthy than would Obama, who wants to make the tax code more progressive. While both candidates promise to help entrepreneurs with friendly tax policies, they differ sharply on how much of the tab for employees’ health insurance and other benefits they expect fledgling businesses to pick up. The candidates agree that consumers need help with sky-high fuel bills, but they have different plans for offering relief. McCain’s plan for turning around the economy focuses on corporate tax policy, while Obama would take an approach directed more at middle-class individuals that includes increasing wages and spending on public works. If you have any questions or want more information, contact the WBA Government Affairs team. Contact information is listed in the masthead of this magazine. X

STANCE ON ThE ISSUES Taxing Business

MC CAIN

OBAMA

Reduce corporate tax rate to 25% from 35% http://money. cnn.com/2008/06/20/magazines/fortune/Evolution_McCain_ Whitford.fortune/

Consider reducing the corporate tax rate in conjunction with closing corporate tax loopholes.

Make R&D (research and development) credit permanent, but change formula

Make R&D credit permanent.

Repeal several oil company tax breaks

Impose windfall profits tax on oil and gas companies http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn. com/2008/08/01/obama-calls-for-windfall-profits-tax-emergency-energy-rebate/

Accelerate business expense deductions

Exempt investors from the capital gains tax on their investments in small businesses and startups if they made their investment when a small company was valued below a certain threshold. That threshold has yet to be defined.

Broaden corporate base

Make renewable production credit permanent. Require companies to verify transactions that have benefits other than their tax benefits. End tax breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas.

Personal Taxes

Make 2001 and 2003 tax cuts permanent for everyone

Leave all tax cuts in place for everyone except couples making more than $250,000 and single filers making more than $200,000. Those high-income groups would see their top two income tax rates revert to 36% and 39.6% from 33% and 35% respectively. Their capital gains and dividend tax rates would revert to 20% from 15%.

Permanently reduce the reach of Alternative Minimum Tax, the so-called “wealth tax” that threatens the middle class http:// money.cnn.com/2008/06/13/news/economy/mccain_amt_ phaseout/index.htm

Introduce new tax breaks for lower and middle-income households. Provide tax cuts for low- and middle-income seniors, homeowners, the uninsured, and families sending a child to college or looking to save and accumulate wealth. Dramatically simplify taxes by consolidating existing tax credits, eliminating the need for millions of senior citizens to file tax forms, and enabling as many as 40 million middle-class Americans to do their own taxes in less than five minutes without an accountant.

Wisconsin Badger Builder • November/December 2008 • www.wisbuild.org

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r s

Taxing Wealth

Preserve the 15% tax rate on carried interest - the cut that private equity and hedge fund managers take when the funds they manage make a profit http://money.cnn.com/2007/09/06/ pf/taxes/house_senate_carriedinterest/index.htm

Tax carried interest as ordinary income rather than as an investment gain, thereby subjecting it to much higher tax rates than 15%

Increase the amount of money exempt from the estate tax to $5 million

Freeze the exemption amount of estates free from the estate tax at $3.5 million — where it will be in 2009

Reduce the top estate tax rate to 15% from 55% - where it otherwise will be in 2011 under current law http://money.cnn. com/2008/08/06/smallbusiness/estate_tax.fsb/index.htm

Freeze top estate tax rate at 45%

Keep capital gains and dividend tax rates where they are

Raise capital gains and dividend tax rates to 20% from 15% for couples making more than $250,000 and singles making more than $200,000

Suspend the 18.4-cents-a-gallon federal gas tax during the summer http://money.cnn.com/2008/04/29/news/economy/ gastax_cut/index.htm

Keep gas tax in place

Repeal the 54-cents-a-gallon tariff on imported ethanol http:// money.cnn.com/2008/06/11/news/economy/ethanol_tariff/ index.htm

Keep ethanol tariff to protect domestic industry

Eliminate a current tax break for oil companies, but lower corporate taxes across the board

Tax oil profits and use the money to help fund $1,000 rebate checks for consumers hit by high energy costs http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/01/obama-calls-for-windfall-profitstax-emergency-energy-rebate/

Gas Prices

Eliminate oil and gas loopholes http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/06/24/campaign.wrap/ index.html#cnnSTCText Increase Fuel Economy Standards

Small Business

Allow small businesses first-year expensing of new equipment and technology purchases

Issue a $500 credit to self-employed small business owners to offset the self-employment tax

Make R&D tax credit permanent, but change formula

Issue tax credits to allow individuals to purchase personal, portable health insurance that can move with them from job to job http://money.cnn.com/2008/06/10/smallbusiness/ nfib_mccain.fsb/index.htm

Increase the minimum wage and index the rate to inflation to ensure that it rises every year

Reduce the corporate income tax rate to 25% from 35%

Offer a 50% refundable credit for employee health insurance premiums paid by the employer

Cut estate tax rate to 15% and increase exemption to $5 million

Require all employers to automatically enroll workers in 401(k)s or IRAs that they can pay into through payroll deductions Freeze estate tax rate at 45% and increase exemption to $3.5 million http://money.cnn. com/2008/08/06/smallbusiness/estate_tax.fsb/index.htm

Jobs and Wages

Spur economy and job growth by cutting corporate tax rate and maintaining current rates on dividends and capital gains

Fund federal workforce training programs and direct these programs to incorporate “green” technologies training http://money.cnn.com/2008/06/27/news/economy/election_green. fortune/index.htm

Leave minimum wage at $7.25 an hour, which is where current law will take it to by 2009. Opposed to tying future hikes to inflation rate

Raise minimum wage to $9.50 an hour by 2011 and tie future rises to inflation

Create tax credit equal to 10% of wages spent on R&D

Double federal funding for basic research and make R&D tax credit permanent

Consolidate federal unemployment programs and reform training programs for job seekers

Set up $60 billion infrastructure investment bank to help fund public works Establish tax credit for companies that maintain or increase the number of full-time workers in America relative to those outside the U.S. Advocate for stronger unionization Provide all low and middle-income workers a $500 making Work Pay tax credit to offset the payroll tax those workers pay in every paycheck Eliminate taxes for seniors making under $50,000 per year

Official Campaign sites

www.johnmcain.com

Sources

Grant Thornton videoconference, McCain v. Obama: How they differ on the issues affecting the construction industry,

www.barackobama.com CNN Fortune and Money

Wisconsin Badger Builder • November/December 2008 • www.wisbuild.org

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LOC

Brow

LOCAL ASSOCIATIOn

PArADE OF HOMES

Brown County

Showcase of New Homes March 7-8 & 12-15, 2009

HOME SHOW

Jan. 15-18, 2009

gOLF OuTIng

InSTALLATIOn

July 15, 2009

Dec. 4, 2008, SC Grand Banquet & Convention

Central Wisconsin June 6-14, 2009

Door County

May 8-9 & 15-17, 2009

Fond du Lac & Dodge Counties

Homes of Our Own April 28-May 1, 2009

March 27-29, 2009

June 5-8, 2009

Feb. 28 & March 1, 2009, Holiday Inn & Convention Center

2nd Tues., Oct., Nov., 2008. Feb., Mar., April, May, Sept., 2009

Home & Garden Show - Feb. 20-22, 2009

July 9, 2009 Home Builders Invitationallocation TBD

July 21, 2009

Feb. 28 - Mar.1, 2009 June 20-21 & 24-28, 2009

Madison Area June 18-21, 2009

Metropolitan

Dec. 11, 2008

2nd Thurs.

Gold

Sept. 15, 2009

April 21, 2009

3rd Tues.

Nov. 15, 2008

2nd Thurs.

Sept. 15, 2009

3rd Tues., no July, Dec.

Dec. 12, 2008, 7:00 pm Evergreen Golf Club

3rd Wed.

March 6-8, 2009

Dec. 8, 2008, Concourse Hotel

1st Mon., Nov.

March 27-29, 2009

Dec. 3, 2008, Fox Hills Resort, Mishicot

4th Thurs., no Nov., Dec.

Dec. 2008

October 29, 2008

March 13-15, 2009

July 22, 2009

Jan. 8-11, 2009

Dec. 5, 2008, Milhome Super Club, Kiel, WI Install & Holiday Party

Mid-Shores Mid-Wisconsin

Sept 5-6 & 12-13, 2009

Hea

La C

Lake

Live Auction - Dec. 5, 2008

2nd Tues.

Man

Met

Mid

2nd Tues.

June 11, 2009

Sheboygan County

April 3-5, 2009

June 17, 2009

South Central Wisconsin

Feb. 27-28, Mar. 1, 2009 Holiday Inn Express

June 19, 2009

Nov. 4, 2008

1st and 3rd Tues. (Sept. – May), 5:30 pm Social, 6:00 pm dinner, locations vary throughout our 5 county region

Dec. 11, 2008

3rd Wed., no Dec., June March 18, 2009

Dec. 9, 2008

Silent Auction Oct. 28, 2008

3rd Wed. 4th Tues., no June, July, Aug.

Mid

Nor

Rac

She

Sou

South Western Wisconsin Home & Remodeling Show March 14-15, 2009, Hudson Sports & Civic Center

St. Croix Valley Winter Wonderland of Homes Feb. 21-March 1, 2009

Wausau Area Winnebago

Hea

Mad

Feb. 6-9, 2009

Northland Area

Valley

Doo

Fon Cou

3rd Wed., no July, Aug.

Lakeland

Racine-Kenosha

Chip

2nd Tues., Nov.

2nd Tues., Wed., Thurs.

Heart of the North

Manitowoc County

Cen

Oct. 14, 2008

Headwaters La Crosse Area

gEnErAL MEMBErSHIP MEETIng

Nov. 20, 2008

Chippewa Valley

Golden Sands

BBW

Dec. 16, 2008, R & D Banquet Hall, New Richmond

Dec. 16, 2008

Oct. 2-4, 2009

April 7, 2009

First Tues., Dec. is Holiday Party

April 18-19, 2009

April 17, 2009

3rd Thurs.

Feb. 13-15, 2009

Wolf River

2nd Wed. 2nd Tues.

St. C

Vall

Wau

Win

Wol rev. 9/13/2008

Wisconsin Badger Builder • November/December 2008 • www.wisbuild.org

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Nov., ., April, 9

ly, Aug.

, Thurs.

ly, Dec.

Nov.,

s. 5:30 pm s vary 5

ec.,

ne,

LOCAL ASSOCIATIOn

LOCAL BOArD MEETIng

OTHEr EvEnTS

EDuCATIOn

Brown County

1st Wed.

Sporting Clays - Oct. 9, 2008

Annual Seminar Series

Central Wisconsin

2nd Tues.

Holiday Party - TBD

Chippewa Valley

4th Tues. every other month

Holiday Party - Dec. 5, The Plaza

Door County

1st Wed.

Fond du Lac & Dodge Counties

1st Tues., no July

Holiday Party - Dec. 5, 2008, Clay Shoot April 25, 2009

Golden Sands

3rd Tues.

Holiday Party - Dec. 16, 2008

Headwaters

2nd Tues., Wed., Thurs., before GMM

Whitetails Unlimited Banquet - Oct. 2, 2008

Heart of the North

1st Thurs.

Holiday Party - Nov. 15, 2008

La Crosse Area

3rd Tues.

Lakeland

2nd Wed.

Madison Area

3rd Wed.

Manitowoc County

2nd Thurs.

Metropolitan

2nd Wed.

Mid-Shores

2nd Tues.

Mid-Wisconsin

3rd Tues.

Northland Area

3rd Wed.

Education opportunities for credit follow GMM meetings dinner

Racine-Kenosha

1st Wed.

Monthly

Sheboygan County

1st Tues.

Monthly

South Central Wisconsin

2nd Tues.

See calendar at www.cvhomebuilders.com

Holiday Party - Dec. 5, 2008

Continuing Ed offered during some GMM’s

Building Education Day-Nov. 5, 2008. Lunch n’ Learns Feb. 26 & April 30, 2009 Lunch ‘n Learn-last Tues. of month

Bowl-a-Thon, Feb. 2009. Build PAC Auction May 28, 2009

Awake to Learn seminars the 2nd Wed. of month Commerce Approved 12-Hour Course DVD available to HBA members for $150/nonmembers for $225 at MBAonline.org.

South Western Wisconsin

St. Croix Valley

Bi-monthly, one week before GMM

Valley

Last Tues.

Holiday Party - Dec. 12, 2008 - Radison Paper Valley

Wausau Area

3rd Tues.

Annual Party - Jan. 17, 2009

Winnebago

2nd Wed.

Wolf River

4th Tues.

Various -- visit vhba.com for schedule

3/2008

Wisconsin Badger Builder • November/December 2008 • www.wisbuild.org

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Advertiser Information

EDUCATIONAl EDGE

Continued from page 8

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speakers and their PowerPoint slides. The included workbook has all of the PowerPoint slides and an open-book test you can take as you watch the presentation. You get all of this for the low cost of $139 for members or $239 for WBA non-members. All course fees include posting of credits with the Department of Commerce. For more information on all of these educational opportunities and to register online, visit www.wisbuild.org and click on the Month at a Glance. X

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We s They and in bu do s geot

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BuIldEr PROFIlE

Tim O’Brien Homes

When one door closed for a Menasha builder, many more opened. by Nancy Davis hen Tim O’Brien was growing up in Menasha, Wis. in the 1980s, the family house may not have been your typical dwelling, considering the fact that dinner discussion could include “constancy of purpose” and “continuous improvement” debates. Yes, quality was a topic of conversation for the O’Brien’s, as Tim and his mother were known to discuss the finer points of W. Edwards Deming’s management philosophy. Mom worked in the corporate world for Kimberly-Clark where TQM was being implemented, and Tim was fascinated by the possibilities for the construction field. Today, using many of Deming’s management strategies, O’Brien has created a new home building company in the Milwaukee area that is setting new standards for quality.

W We serve a hard-working demographic. They expect a lot for their money, and we give them that. And being in business for myself allows me to do some cutting-edge things, like geothermal or solar electric. — Tim O’Brien of Tim O’Brien Homes

Always in His Blood O’Brien started out literally doing the dirty work, cleaning plumbing equipment on commercial job sites as a youth. When he turned 16, he graduated to parts delivery. During college, he worked for commercial builder Oscar J. Boldt Construction, where he was mentored by Pat Dougherty, the head estimator. He graduated in 1990 from UW Madison with a degree in construction administration, then pursued a postsecondary degree in civil engineering and eventually earned a master’s degree in construction management from UW. His thesis was written on the then-radical concept of Total Quality Management in Construction. Though he assumed he’d go into commercial construction after graduation, he accepted a position with Pulte Homes where he rose through the ranks Continued on page 23

Wisconsin Badger Builder • November/December 2008 • www.wisbuild.org

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GOvERNMENT AFFAIRS

Continued from page 7 We were under the impression that any type of carbon monoxide alarm would be acceptable in both existing structures and with future newly constructed homes. In fact, the bill that was passed says the carbon monoxide alarms required are “any carbon monoxide detector that bears an Underwriters Laboratories Inc. listing mark or similar mark from an independent product safety certification organization, which satisfies the requirements of this subsection.” This section says nothing of alarms that are continuously powered by the building’s electrical service with battery backups.

A number of builders have indicated that they already build with combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms that are “hard wired.” The point of all this regarding carbon monoxide alarms is to again bring to light Commerce’s ability to write rules that appear to go above and beyond the intent of legislation passed by both houses of the legislature and signed by the governor. When asked about this, Commerce often points to Section 101.02 (15) of the state statues as to why they believe they have this authority. Section 101.02 (15) reads: “The department has such supervision of every employment, place of employ-

ment and public building in this state as is necessary adequately to enforce and administer all laws and all lawful orders requiring such employment, place of employment or public buildings to be safe, and requiring the protection of the life, health, safety and welfare of every employee in such employment or place of employment and every frequenter of such place of employment, and the safety of the pubic or tenants in any such public building.” The ongoing situation of agencies overstepping their legal bounds continues to be something that WBA and other trade associations will continue to keep a close eye on now and in the future. X

Insurance Coverage for the Residential Building Industry

Insurance Program, including:

creating raving f a n s e v e r y d a y.

CWG agents throughout Wisconsin can offer WBA members industry specific coverage. Independent agents not representing CWG can access this program through Reynolds & Reynolds. Contact your local Continental Western Agent or Reynolds & Reynolds at (800) 767-1724.

N95 W17055 Richfield Way

•

Menomonee Falls

262-255-1400 malkinscarpets.com carpet

• vinyl • hardwood • laminate ceramic tile • area rugs

Wisconsin Badger Builder • November/December 2008 • www.wisbuild.org

Badger 0811.indd 22

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GROUP DIVIDEND PROPERTY & CASUALTY

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Continental Western Group and Reynolds & Reynolds join forces to offer WBA members a

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10/6/08 4:31:54 PM

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BUIlDER PROFIlE

Continued from page 21 and gained valuable training and experience. “I was with Pulte for four years, and I was able to visit other parts of the country, train under their quality leadership program and, in the end, I was asked to remain on board and close down their Milwaukee operation,” said O’Brien. “In all, it gave me some great opportunities.” He landed at William Ryan Homes, where he built a career over nearly nine years, serving as division president for seven years. But change was in the wind. “With market changes, the company made a cultural shift, and they went more heavily in to the production side of the business,” said O’Brien. He was looking for something more. “It was rewarding financially for me, and when I was with my own team it was rewarding, but when I had to deal with corporate politics, it was more challenging,” he said.

Freedom to Form Tim O’Brien Homes O’Brien said he now has the opportunity to build what he believe is the right product in the right place, stepping outside the corporate cookie-cutter environment. “We are a semi-custom builder, but we operate with more of a production business model.” Today, he strives to be more hands-on and provide more flexibility to give home owners what they want. “We serve a hardworking demographic. They expect a lot for their money, and we give them that. And being in business for myself allows me to do some cutting-edge things, like geothermal or solar electric. For example, we are only one of eight builders in the country to do the EPA’s WaterSense pilot program (www.epa.gov/watersense).” O’Brien said that had he remained in the corporate world, he never would have been able to participate with the Wisconsin Trend Home™. “My learning curve really shot up working on this project, specifically with the gray water recovery and recycling system. It’s very cool. And I had never done a solar home before; we did one here. It has been very rewarding.”

Quality Is a process O’Brien also loves the continuous improvement opportunities that come with building each new home in Waukesha, Mukwonago or Milwaukee. “Anytime

we can make something better, it is very rewarding,” he said. “Every one of our homes is 100-percent Wisconsin Energy Star® certified. We get great data on our house performance from our consultant. We make him work hard to get us the data we need to make good decisions. Data is a key driver,” O’Brien said. His homes are also Green Built Home certified. O’Brien currently serves as vice president of the Metropolitan Home Builders Association and will become presidentelect in 2009. Following that, he’ll serve as president. “The association and the industry in general have been wonderful to me over last five years, as I’ve been more heavily involved. When I made the transition in my career, they were there for me. Now’s my time to give back,” he said. Tim and his wife, Jane, have three children and love to spend their weekends boating and wakeboarding on Clark Lake in Door County. Visit O’Brien’s Web site at www.TimOBrienHomes.com or call (262) 542-5750. X

Business Quick Facts Tim O’Brien Homes • Owner: Tim O’Brien with partner Mark Neumann • Years in the Business: 1 • Local Association: Metropolitan Home Builders Association • Association Involvement: O’Brien founded the Green Building Council of the Metropolitan HBA and currently serves as the association vice president. • Fun Fact — Three Things I Never Go to a Site Without: “Monthly financials, my laptop and an old-school Franklin Planner”

Wisconsin Badger Builder • November/December 2008 • www.wisbuild.org

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FOR THE SAME REASONS THEY WANT PROPANE IN THE KITCHEN,

THEY’LL LOVE HOW IT CAN FUEL THEIR ENTIRE HOME.

installed for the kitchen, it’s easy to expand it throughout their homes. From tankless water heaters, dryers and furnaces to fireplaces and grills, clean-burning propane gives off less than half the greenhouse gas emissions of electricity. To help your clients get the performance, comfort and efficiency of propane inside and out, visit buildwithpropane.com.

www.wiperc.com

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