We’ll Tell You Why

The Wisconsin Builders Conference is right around the corner on Wednesday & Thursday Feb. 22-23, 2012 at Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells. We’ve told you for months why you should attend, but now it’s time to hear from your peers.

Ten builders and associates answered one question: Why do you attend the Wisconsin Builders Conference? Their responses were captured on short 1-2 minute videos that are now on YouTube, search “Wisconsin Builders Association” for the wisbuild channel (Click on the member name to go to their video link).

2012 Conference Chairman Mark Brehmer of Sterling Premium Building Systems and member of the Madison Area Builders Association noted the outstanding lineup of classes offered this year “you’ll have two days to earn all the credits you need to set yourself apart or improve your business. Our classes and Vendor Showcase offer something of interest for just about any builder or associate industry professional.” This is one of the main reasons the conference is open to both members and non-members of the Wisconsin Builders Association. 

Brandon Bartow of Bartow Builders and member of the Manitowoc County Home Builders Association has been a vocal leader for introducing his employees and subcontractors to the value of attending the Conference. “There are many networking opportunities to meet with respected builders and trades people from across the state and get all the credits you need.”

David Belman of Belman Homes in Waukesha, vice chair of the Wisconsin Builders Conference and member of the Metropolitan Builders Association is also excited about all the different courses offered this year. “Whether you are a builder, remodeler or associate, you will find classes from how to properly install a window to social media and marketing. We are also looking forward to offering our first tradeshow, with all different sorts of vendors to meet and see their great new products.”

2011 WBA President Don Esposito, member of the Madison Area Builders Association remarked “over the years I have found attending the Conference to be an invaluable opportunity for networking and to meeting new vendors. Plus it is just a good time to spend with your fellow association members.”

A builder member from Habitat for Humanity in Rock and Jefferson County (South Central Wisconsin HBA) Evan Thomas supervises volunteers in his work and finds “the education I get at the conference helps me stay one step ahead of questions why you have to build a house the way we have to build.” Thomas also remembered “one year at conference I met the head of a company in the hospitality suites who gave me his card and offered to help our organization. You just don’t make those kind of connections if you don’t attend this conference.”

Incoming 2012 President Gary Roehrig from Roehrig & Savola in New Holstein, and member of the Mid-Shores : “I’m looking forward to picking up the education credits, meet some old friends, some new friends and have a really good time in the middle of winter!”

Gerry Lycholat, Knudson Bros. II Remodeling out of East Troy, WI and member of the Lakeland Area Builders Association has been attending the WBA convention since 1989. “I’m a big believer in education, and the networking is fantastic, I have friends all over the state because of it, and those relationships for sounding board or references have been priceless.”

Harvey Kessel from Wisconsin Building Supply, member of Madison Area Builders Association, has been coming to the annual event for a long time. “For the first couple of years it was out of curiosity, what is in it for me? Now I want to give back to the association that has helped me be successful in my career.”

Mike Checkfrom Mike Check Builders in Cato, WI and member of Manitowoc County Home Builders Association: “I’ve been going to the state conference since 1985. The reason I go is for the people and the relationships that I’ve developed with people from all over the state.”

Pam Jewell from Blenker Building Systemsin Amherst, WI and member of the Golden Sands Home Builders Association is excited about the new Vendor Showcase “Blenker will be there with not one, not two but four booths this year. You will see vendors there who want to do business with you and show you new ideas and product lines. The two days of education is also outstanding this year. I know if I learn one new thing at a conference it is worth going to.”

These are successful business people and long-time members who know the power of education, networking and giving back to their association. They are not keeping a secret one of the keys to their success: attending the Wisconsin Builders Conference.