Asheville HBA's Parade of Homes Inspires Member-to-Member Partnerships

Every year, the Asheville Home Builders Association (AHBA) hosts a Parade of Homes event: a chance for AHBA members to showcase their home construction talents to the community. The homes are on display for attendees to conduct their own self-guided tours and enjoy the craftsmanship of Builders and Associate members.

Builder members at the HBA also compete for top recognition in the event's award categories, including the Asheville HBA Motto Award, which honors the Builder who works with the most Associate members on his or her home construction project, exemplifying the HBA's motto, “Do Business with a Member.”

Last year, Dustin and Shawna Penland of Milestone Contracting, LLC took home the AHBA Motto award, along with six other honors from their two homes in the competition.

Dustin Penland knows the importance of working with Associate members on his construction projects.

“We're all a tight-knit group that share a common goal: build beautiful homes and build them well,” he said. “That attitude is relevant in the relationships between builders and subcontractors.”

For the event, Builder members work with Parade Partners — AHBA Associate members who offer their products and services at a discount to Builder members to demonstrate the latest trends in construction, innovative technology and design.

Amanda Crady, designer at More Space Place, is an AHBA Associate member who has enjoyed working with builders within the community for many years. Her company became a Parade Partner to gain more exposure in the marketplace.

“Builders get extended discounts, and in return, we get the marketing exposure,” Crady explained. Partnering with the Parade of Homes has allowed for more clients to see her work and get inspired for their current or future projects.

“We've seen referrals turn into revenue from past parades that happened several years ago,” she added.

Crady works to ensure her Builder clients are happy to earn their repeat business. This also holds true for Builder members she partners with for the Parade of Homes.

“I like making the Builder's job easier and having them know they're selecting a Parade Partner they can trust to work hard and provide the best experience,”Crady stated.

Doing business with a member is an integral part in the success of the NAHB community. Working with fellow members means you have committed industry partners on your side. The AHBA Parade of Homes event is a great example of bolstering member relationships and recognizing the achievements of those working relationships.

“We're all in this ever-changing industry together, and both Builders and Associates depend on one another to complete each home we build. One cannot succeed without the other,” concluded Penland. View the AHBA Parade of Homes 2019 winners here.

The 2020 AHBA Parade of Homes will launch virtually on Oct. 22. Thank you to the sponsors of Associate Member Appreciation Month: 84 Lumber, Whirlpool Corporation and Dominion Energy.