Earning Through Learning: Education and NAHB
Education is at the very core of NAHB member benefits. But education is more than sitting in classrooms. Education, NAHB-style, is networking, tours, conferences and tradeshows, too. This experience-based education allows members to get more out of what and how they learn — benefits like expanded marketing, professional development, business development and personal development, to name a few.  At last week’s Seniors Housing Symposium in Chantilly, Va., for instance, one attendee said he learned how to run his business more profitably. He said he attends sessions at symposiums and builders’ shows primarily to learn how he can save his clients money and, in turn, increase his profit margin.
Professional Designations Further Careers Professional designations offer excellent opportunities to improve skills, advance careers and increase recognition for the designation holder’s commitment to professional growth. “It’s no small coincidence that when you read success stories or read trade publications, the people featured always seem to have some initials after their name,” said Greg Miedema, CGR, CAPS, president of Dakota Builders in Tucson, Ariz. “The letters indicate a deserved designation that’s reflected in their businesses’ success.” NAHB offers 13 different designation programs designed to hone business skills and provide students with superior training, practical experience and the ability to offer in-depth knowledge to potential clients. Networking Through 20 Clubs The 20 Clubs are quickly expanding networking and learning experiences within NAHB. Each 20 Club is comprised of similar sized and types of builders, remodelers or other industry professionals, but from non-competing markets. The idea behind the clubs is for like-minded professionals to meet several times a year, serve as a surrogate board of directors for each other and share experiences — particularly about solving problems, surmounting hurdles and improving business. Norman Cohen, of NSC Residential, Inc. in Atlanta, said his fellow Builder 20 Club members helped him improve the business side of his company. “I always knew how to build a house, but my 20 Club taught me how to hire people, run a business, manage a business and direct a business,” Cohen said. Come to the Show, Get in the Know Trade shows such as the International Builders’ Show, The Remodeling Show and The Design Institute for Builders are great places to meet, learn from and network with professionals in the industry. The shows also provide opportunities to gather the latest information from a variety of industry experts, exchange ideas with others facing similar challenges and build a personal and professional network for the future. Richard Willhoit, of Estrella Associates, a development and construction firm based in Paso Robles, Calif., comes to the builders’ shows to learn from the experts. “Education provides you with the opportunity to experience things that other people have already gone through — successful or not,” Willhoit said. “That provides you with the opportunity to take a very short track to success with your own company. NAHB has a great ability to be the nucleus to bring the experts together for you,” he pointed out. A National Course for Everyone From sales and marketing to energy efficiency to building technology, NAHB offers educational courses and seminars on dozens of topics. The programs focus on practical training for newcomers and veterans alike and are designed to help improve participants' businesses and advance their careers. “Picking up ideas and learning about new trends” is what Karl Balla, of Concept Communities Inc., a condominium builder in northeast Ohio, hoped to glean from the new NAHB University of Housing course, Designing for the Active Adult, he attended at last week’s Seniors Housing symposium. For information about educational opportunities, visit The NAHB University of Housing Web site or contact the Office of the Registrar at 800-368-5242 x8338 or via e-mail at registrar@nahb.com. | 
