The chairman of NAHB’s Single Family Production Builders Committee, Greg Schwinn, of the Schwinn Construction Company in Lincoln, Neb., sees an opening for regional builders in the next few years. And for builders to take full advantage of this opportunity, he is encouraging them to tap into his committee’s network of builder peers and industry experts.
“There are probably going to be some good opportunities for regional builders in 2007 and 2008” as large national builders shrink their staffs and change their land positions, Schwinn explained. “If they are repositioning themselves on land, that probably gives a good opportunity for the regional builders” to acquire more subdivided and finished lots in desirable locations.
And as the “giants” shrink their staffs, Schwinn added, there will be opportunities to attract experienced employees as well.
Builders taking advantage of the committee’s expertise regularly exchange information about business processes and practices, labor issues, financing options, troublesome regulations catching on in neighboring jurisdictions and spot materials shortages that may indicate broader trends.
In recent meetings, NAHB staff experts have provided information on immigration reform, housing economics and interstate marketing, and industry experts have discussed raw materials, financing and other topics.
“Our meetings are open to any NAHB member, so we encourage builders and suppliers to come, listen and bring your ideas,” said Schwinn.
The committee will meet from 3:00-6:00 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, in the Orange County Convention Center. Visit the committee meetings section on the International Builders' Show Web site, www.buildersshow.com, and use the "My Show Planner" tool to include the meeting in your schedule.
The committee is co-chaired by Ed Brady, Brady Builders, Bloomington, Ill.
For more information about IT solutions, business management, human resources or other topics that impact your profitability, visit NAHB’s Business Management Resources section on the NAHB Web site for production builders at www.nahb.org/pb.
