HBA BuildCast

In Episode 27 of the HBA BuildCast, Rebecca Harris of HBA|GBR sits down with HBA Gold Builder Champion, Ryan Myers of Myers Construction & Development. Listen in as Ryan shares the ins and outs of being a builder, a teaser about his 2023 Parade of Homes house, and more!

Interested in learning more about Myers Construction and Development? Check Ryan out on social @myersconstructiondev on Instagram, myersconstructiondevelopment on Facebook, and at www.myersconstructiondev.com on the web!

In this Episode:

1:05 - About Ryan's home.

1:48 - Ryan's background

4:35- Where Ryan builds.

5:20 - MCD builds pools!

6:25 - Parade of Homes - April 22-23 and 29-30 from 1-5PM. Purchase tickets at ParadeGBR.Fun

7:05 - The MCD team and business model.

8:07 - Build process.

12:00 - Sneak peek in to the Myers Construction & Development Parade house.

14:15 - The HBA Education Series - April 12th at Holmes Building Materials - 11:30 - 1PM. Register at hbagbr.org/events

15:15 - How Ryan keeps up with industry trends and technology.

17:10 - More about Ryan's family and wife Mallory's business Neat Method Baton Rouge.

18:32 - Best advice ever given.

In Episode 26 of the HBA BuildCast, Rebecca Harris of HBA|GBR sits down with Brett Preskitt with Preskitt Construction. Listen in as Brett shares how he got his start as a builder, the story behind his 2022 Parade home, and more!

Interested in learning more about Preskitt Construction? Check Brett out on social @PreskittConstruction on Instagram and Facebook!

In this Episode:

:55 - How Brett got his start.

2:10 - Where Brett builds and the types of homes he has built.

4:15 - The story behind Brett's 2022 Parade of Homes house in Pointe Marie.

6:13 - Brett's take on trends.

7:57 - HBA Year End Celebration - hbagbr.org/events

8:45 - Brett's building process.

11:25 - Software used in the building planning process.

13:16 - Project load for Preskitt Construction.

14:15 - Who makes up Preskitt Construction?

14:55 - Contractors' Continuing Education Day - hbagbr.org/events

15:50 - Deeper dive into life before building.

18:35 - Why is Preskitt Construction a member of the HBA?

20:01 - Best advice ever given.

In Episode 25 of the HBA BuildCast, Rebecca Harris of HBA|GBR sits down with Allison Babin and Taylor Burtner with Manuel Builders. Listen in as Allison and Taylor share the story of Manuel Builders and more!

Interested in learning more about Manuel Builders? Visit them on the web at https://manuelbuilders.com!

In this Episode:

:57 - Taylor's role at Manuel Builders

1:10 - Allison's role at Manuel Builders

1:29 - How Manuel Builders got started

2:10 - Grown outside of the Lafayette market and in to Greater Baton Rouge and Lake Charles

2:20 - Custom build on your own property

2:24 - Community division

2:40 - More about the Manuel Builders communities

3:15 - more about the Manuel Builders custom build on your own property

5:00 - The Manuel Builders Design Centers

5:45 - Staying up to date on the latest technologies and trends

6:30 - Homebuilding market 

7:45 - HBA Year End Celebration - hbagbr.org/events

8:45 - The Manuel Builders culture

13:00 - Manuel Builders business model/marketing plan

13:56 - What sets Manuel Builders apart - Taylor

15:45 - Contractors' Continuing Education Day - hbagbr.org/events

16:30 - What sets Manuel Builders apart - Allison

18:42 - Best advice Taylor has been given

19:15 - Best advice Allison has been given

20:08 - Where can we find Manuel Builders in Greater Baton Rouge

In Episode 24 of the HBA BuildCast, Rebecca Harris of HBA|GBR sits down with Jeremy Vasquez with Element Construction. Listen in as Jeremy tells us how he became a builder and more!

Interested in learning more about Element Construction? Visit them on the web at https://elementbr.com!

In this Episode:

1:00 - How Jeremy became a builder

2:15 - Custom residential construction focus

3:10 - Element Construction's business model and process

4:48 - Where does Element Construction build?

5:25 - Element Construction's team

7:53 -  Current industry challenges

9:37 - Join us at the HBA Gumbo Cookoff - register at hbagbr.org/events

10:21 - What sets Element Construction a part

11:58 - How Element communicates with clients

12:59 - Element's approach to means and methods

14:28 - Keeping up with the latest trends and education

15:55 - What does Element Construction look like in 5, 10, 15 years from now?

In Episode 23 of the HBA BuildCast, Rebecca Harris of HBA|GBR sits down with David Alello and Mike Hebert with Assurance Financial, HBA Platinum Industry Partner. Listen in as David and Mike explain the 2-1 Buydown product and Assurance Financial's Builder Program.

Interested in learning more about the Assurance Financial? Visit them on the web at https://assurancemortgage.com or you can reach their Bluebonnet branch at 225-218-9746 or their Prairieville branch at 225-239-7166.

In this Episode:

1:00 - David's role as Regional Sales Manager at Assurance

1:35 - Assurance Financial got its start in Baton Rouge

1:57 - Assurance Financial is represented in several states across the US

2:52 - Mike's role at Assurance as Branch Manager in the Prairieville Office

4:35 - Assurance is always looking to expand their product suite

5:18 - A product that has come back in to the market is the: 2-1 Buydown

6:20 - Essentially buying down the interest for the borrower

7:45 - Opportunity for builders or real estate agents to market to homebuyers

8:26 - The buydown program can be a good fit for any potential homebuyer

9:20 - Present your property in a light to attract more buyers

9:36 - Join us at the HBA Gumbo Cookoff - register at hbagbr.org/events

10:20 - Biggest advantages to the buydown program

11:10 - Potential for homeowners to refinance after the buydown program to lock in a lower rate

11:22 - If rates drop within a year and the homeowner is able to refinance, the unused funds that were allocated to buy down a rate are returned to homeowner

11:45 - If interested in participating in the buydown program contact any of Assurance Financial's Loan Officers to learn more

12:27 - Assurance Financial's Builder Program

13:15 - A partnership between Assurance Financial and Builders to provide credit or closing costs funds to builders

15:15 - The Assurance Difference: What sets Assurance Financial apart 

16:15 - Provides quality pre-approval documentation

18:35 - Assurance Financial can provide spanish communication and translation to any potential homebuyer or seller

19:09 - Best advice Mike has been given

19:20 - Best advice David has been given

In Episode 22 of the HBA BuildCast, host Rebecca Harris of HBA|GBR sits down with Felicity Dupont, chair of the HBA Remodelers Council. Listen in as Felicity breaks down the Remodelers Council and her role as a designer with Inspired Closets. 

Interested in learning more about the HBA Remodelers Council? Visit https://hbagbr.org/remodelers/ to learn more and join today!

In this Episode:

1:02 - Designer at Inspired Closets

1:34 - Not just closets!

2:50 - Inspired Closet's process for a Remodel project

4:00 - How Felicity got involved with the HBA

4:40 - How the 2016 Flood led Felicity to become involved with the Remodelers Council

5:45 - Remodelers Council activities

6:50 - Remodelers Council Chair

7:35 - Join us at the HBA Gumbo Cookoff - register at hbagbr.org/events

8:30 - Remodelers Council's involvement with Rebuild Baton Rouge

9:21 - What is different about the Remodelers Council?

10:24 - How to get involved with the Remodelers Council

10:44 - Biggest benefit and takeaway

11:45 - Inspired Closet's unique services

12:20 - Biggest challenges with Remodel projects

13:57 - How have the current market challenges affected Inspired Closet's business?

14:52 - Best advice Felicity has been given

15:18 - Best inspirational advice to give someone 

In Episode 21 of the HBA BuildCast, host Rebecca Harris of HBA|GBR sits down with Michael LeBas from Housetips. Listen in as Michael explains Housetips  and how his team can help provide insights into the various systems in our homes and the common and unusual issues that may occur. Michael also shares his "why" on being an HBA|GBR member. 

Interested in learning more about HBA Bronze Industry Partner Housetips? Visit www.housetips.net or contact Michael at admin@housetips.net.

In this Episode:

1:02 - What is Housetips?

3:40 - Housetips Educational Resources are found online - Housetips.net

4:30 - Types of Topics that Housetips covers.

12:30 - Why did you become a member of HBA|GBR?

14:00 - HBA|GBR Board of Directors involvement.

16:00 - What would you tell someone that is considering membership with HBA|GBR?

18:40 - Upcoming Housetips Continuing Education classes.

In Episode 20 of the HBA BuildCast, host Bridget Tate of Capital City Lighting sits down with Jeremy Theriot from REV. Listen in as Jeremy tells us about REV's recent rebrand, expanded products and services, and hurricane preparedness. Interested in learning more about HBA Silver Industry Partner REV's products and services? Visit them at www.letsrev.com to learn more!

In this Episode:

1:15 - REV and the HBA

2:30 - REV's rebrand

5:38 - About REV and their products

14:10 - Community Partners

22:00 - The Future of REV

25:50 - Hurricane Preparedness

Host Bidget Tate talks with Dominick about how his team combines knowledge and passion to build one-of-a-kind custom homes. They focus on relationships with customers, vendors, and industry professionals and strive to be the best communicators in the business. Visit their website at buildcolony.com

In Episode 17 of the HBA BuildCast, host Danielle Whatley interviews Jason Inman and Ray Panquerne of Legacy Wealth Partners, a Bronze Industry Partner of the HBA. If you're looking for financial planning advice, look no further! Jason and Ray reflect on the financial lessons learned this past year, the talks about inflation, and the economic data that could impact our members. For helpful advice for consumers, the duo shares common areas clients typically neglect during their financial planning process, and how to ease some anxiousness when it comes to the unknown. It's never too early to start! If you're thinking about your financial future, check out Legacy Wealth Partners at legacywealthpartners.com to get started today!

In Episode 16 of the HBA BuildCast, host Danielle Whatley interviews Russell Alleman of Manchac Homes, a Master Builder Champion of the HBA. Manchac Homes has grown to what it is today thanks to the incredible work and collaboration of the team involved with each house! Learn how Russell went from sitting behind a desk as an accountant to the award-winning custom home builder that he is today. Russell talks about the highs and lows involved in the construction process and how being an active member in the HBA has helped him stay aware of what issues are affecting the industry. If you see him after a long day at work, he's probably sippin' an Old Fashioned and listening to country music! 

In Episode 15 of the HBA BuildCast, host Danielle Whatley interviews Mike Gorman of Gorman Bros Appliances + Lighting, a Gold Industry Partner of the HBA. Ascension Parish born and raised, Mike and his brother Doug have worked together to build Gorman Bros in to what it is today! Tune in to hear from our sitting Board member about how the HBA is important to him personally AND professionally, and about one of many very special product orders! Check out their showroom off Airline in Prairieville for all your appliance, lighting, and service needs! 

In Episode 14 of the HBA BuildCast, host Danielle Whatley interviews Helmut Mundt of HBA Builders Risk Insurance Program, a Silver Industry Partner of the HBA. Everyone likes more money in their pocket! HBA Builder Members are able to save BIG through this special Builders Risk Program tailored to fit their needs. Listen in to hear more about how builders risk insurance works, how it helps our members, and a little more about the man behind it all! If you’re a builder and interested in saving costs, head over to the HBABuildersRisk.com website and test out the Premium Preview Calculator to see how you could save 25% on average on your premiums!

In Episode 13 of the HBA BuildCast, host Danielle Whatley interviews Michael LeBas of Southeast Engineers, a Bronze Industry Partner for the HBA. Southeast Engineers focuses on things like structural design and civil engineering for residential, light commercial, and land development to ensure longevity and safety of our communities. In the unfortunate case your home has structural damage, you can call the team at Southeast Engineers to help diagnose and treat the problem! Learn how Michael values the importance of the homebuilding industry and the professionals he interacts with! If you've never heard of Squirrel Day, you may want to stay tuned to hear about the notorious holiday in Michael's hometown! 

In Episode 12 of the HBA BuildCast, host Brian Aucoin (Meridian Homes) interviews Chris Van Pelt, owner of our Gold Industry Partner M&M Glass Company. Catch a glimpse of Chris’ youth and how he met the love of his life, all leading up to where he is today. As a dedicated leader with LHBA and local HBA’s across the state, Chris strongly believes and actively promotes the importance of our homebuilding industry to the economy. Listen in to hear what brought Chris to the world of glass and mirrors! 

In Episode 11 of HBA Buildcast, join us for a special episode of HBA BuildCast with our first Builder Roundtable featuring Brian Aucoin of Meridian Homes, Chris Pike of Canebrake Builders, and Bart Waguespack of Waguespack Homes! Listen as they talk about their participation in Parade of Homes, discuss trends and issues facing the industry, and what they think the home building industry will look like in the upcoming years! These three Builder Champions chat about all things hunting and even give some great wine recommendations and cooking tips.

In Episode 10 of HBA BuildCast, host Danielle Whatley interviews Angela Poirrier, owner of our Elite Builder Champion Acadian House Design + Renovation. From attending HBA events as a child, to now attending as a business owner, Angela speaks to the values of an HBA|GBR membership and the plentiful opportunities to network with like-minded professionals in the industry. Angela describes the advantages of being a Parade Builder (especially with a renovated house), including the amount of direct interaction with Parade go-ers! Check out her company's social media for some Schitt's Creek content and listen closely for her twist on watching her husband cook in the kitchen... you may be surprised! 

In Episode 9 of HBA BuildCast, host Danielle Whatley interviews Elite Builder Champion, Chris Pike, owner of Canebrake Builders. Listen along has Chris describes his hands-on approach to building and how he got started in the industry! If you need a military non-fiction book recommendation or a new gumbo recipe, Chris is your guy! Be sure to check out his work in Brentwood Park during our 2021 Parade of Homes!

In Episode 8 of the HBA BuildCast, host Allyce Trapp interviews Scott Bardwell, president and founder of Bardwell Homes, an Elite Builder Champion of the HBA. A third generation builder, Scott explains his vision of community building in Baton Rouge, how valuable his participation in Parade of Homes has been over the past 10 years, and the importance of giving back to the community! When he’s not building incredible homes you can find him walking the LSU lakes or sipping on a gin and tonic!

In Episode 7 of the HBA BuildCast, join us as we explore the world of Home Technology with our Silver Industry Partners, Acadian Home Theater and Automation. Owners, Bryan Naquin and Jon Hunt, walk us through the technical options and customized experiences available to homeowners and remodelers today and how these innovators are helping Greater Baton Rouge compete with metropolitan cities around the country. Listen along to learn how Acadian adapted their customer service during the pandemic, the stages and process of integrating technology into your home, and how they’re excited about being a part of the wave of change happening at the HBA!

Episode 006: Whether you’re a pro or a DIY-er, our Gold Industry Partner, Holmes Building Materials is the place for all of your building and renovation needs! Join our host, Allyce Trapp, as she chats with owner Matthew Holmes, who is now the 4th generation to take up the Holmes Building Materials mantle. Listen along as Matthew talks about why his support of the HBA helps protect the industry that he loves, how the pandemic affected his business and the industry, and even reminisces about his Tigerland days.

In Episode 005 of the HBA BuildCast, our host Allyce Trapp interviews the Louisiana Home Builders Association’s state lobbyist, Michelle Shirley. Allyce and Michelle take a look back on the 2020 election season and the work the state association has done to put pro-housing candidates in office. Michelle also discusses LHBA’s upcoming legislative efforts for 2021 and encourages homebuilders to stay on top of local officials regarding impact fees and moratorium issues. After a long day of fighting for the homebuilding industry, this legislative warrior likes to unwind with a little “Halt and Catch Fire” and “Bridgerton”!

In Episode 4 of the HBA BuildCast, host Allyce Trapp interviews outgoing Board Chair Diane Baum, owner of Baum Environmental Group, a Bronze Industry Partner of the HBA. Diane and Allyce discuss the importance of advocacy and how the HBA helps further the efforts of the homebuilding industry on local, state, and national levels. Diane, a self-proclaimed “political nerd,” explains the inner workings of the environmental services world. If you catch her at the next Homebuilders Happy Hour with her Baum Squad, be sure to order her a Manhattan or a Pina Colada!

In Episode 4 of the HBA Infocast, hosts, Danielle Whatley and Makinzie Sketch, interview the COO of Arrow Termite and Pest Control, Jacob Cohn, where we learn a little bit about how Arrow came to be as well as what products and services to expect from your pest control company, like how they are not just the “spray guys”!  Jacob educates us on the contract details that often get overlooked, why it’s important to #geauxlocal and even gives us a peek into his personal life. Spoiler Alert: This HBA Industry Partner sings a mean karaoke! Listen now and subscribe to hear more from our industry experts!