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Read below to see how HBI has transformed the lives of people through our free training programs.

Faith Smith Berg
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FAITH SMITH-BERG

HBI Edison Job Corp BCT Program Student

Robert Daniel
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Robert Daniel

HBI Houston Electrical Program Graduate

Denishya
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Denishya Simmons

HBI Houston Skilled Trades Program Graduate

RUBEN CEBALLOS
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RUBEN CEBALLOS

Lead Instructor, HBI ELECTRICAL Program Graduate, 2007

Daisy Martinez
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Daisy Martinez

Senior Service Technician HBI Facilities Maintenance Program Graduate, 2019

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Jimmy Giles

Polk County, Florida Carpentry Instructor

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Frank Waller

Polk County, Florida Carpentry Instructor

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Freedom Reign

BuildStrong Academy of Orlando Graduate, 2021

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Jackson Thrasher

BuildStrong Academy of Orlando Graduate, 2021

Cynthia Columna
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Cynthia Columna

BuildStrong Academy of Orlando Graduate, 2021

Heather Prill
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Heather Frill

Sr Manager, Strategic Partnerships and Hometown Giving The Home Depot Foundation

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Marina Perez

HVAC Service Technician HBI HVAC Program Graduate, 2016

Angela Morgan
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angela morgan

Human Resources/Payroll Nunn Construction

Starr Cabinet
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Starr Delgado

Instructor, HBI Job Corps Plumbing Program Plumbing Program Graduate, 2001

Raul Nunez Pena
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Raul Nunez-Pena

Carpenter Apprentice HBI Carpentry Program Graduate, 2019

John Pomelow
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John Pomelow

Construction Site Supervisor HBI Carpentry Program Graduate, 2018

Justin Harrod
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Justin Harrod

Foreman, HBI Carpentry Program Graduate, 2018

Damaris and Juan
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DAMARIS GARCIA & JUAN GACIA

Carpenter HBI Carpentry Program Graduate, 2020

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Joshua Holsey

HBI Baker Re-entry Center Graduate, 2020

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Mikayla Buresh

Norfolk Career Center Graduate

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Karlos Bean

HBI Baker Re-entry Center Graduate, 2020

Siwatu Spikes HBI Graduate - Paul Kowalski Building Site
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Siwatu Spikes

HBI Military Graduate, 2022

Jalen and Devyn Clark - Graduates of BuildStrong
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Jalen Clark and Devyn Clark

BuildStrong Academy of Greater New Orleans Graduates

Zach Harris - HBI Build Strong Academy New Orleans Graduate
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Zach Harris

BuildStrong Academy of Greater New Orleans Graduate

FAITH SMITH-BERG

ROBERT DANIEL

DENISHYA SIMMONS

RUBEN CEBALLOS

DAISY MARTINEZ

JIMMY GILES

FRANK WALLER

CYNTHIA COLUMNA

FREEDOM REIGN

JACKSON THRASHER

ANGELA MORGAN

HEATHER PRILL

MARINA PEREZ

JOHN POMELOW

STARR DELGADO

RAUL NUNEZ-PENA

Joshua Holsey

JUSTIN HARROD

DAMARIS GARCIA & JUAN GARCIA

SIWATU SPIKES

MIKAYLA BURESH

Karlos Bean

Zach Harris

Jalen & Devyn Clark

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HBI
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Home Builders Institute (HBI) is an exempt organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

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HBI does not discriminate against any person on the basis of protected characteristics or any other basis prohibited by federal or other applicable law. This policy covers all programs, services, policies, activities, and procedures of HBI, including participation in education programs and employment.

Faith Smith-Berg

HBI Edison Job Corp BCT Program Student

Faith Smith-Berg as an exemplary student who embodies resilience and integrity. Before entering HBI’s BCT program, Faith faced many hardships. “I did not grow up in a suburban home surrounded by friends and family,” she said. “I was in foster care for some time and grew up without certain people around but was given the opportunity to start over — turn over a new leaf in a sense.”

Faith Smith Berg

in their critical role as an enabler of mission delivery, with a customer-focused approach to operations and process innovation.

Prior to HBI, Jeremy served as the Chief Operating & Financial Officer of The Mission Continues.  In that role, he was responsible for optimizing finance, technology and HR operations to mobilize veterans in service to under-resourced communities. Jeremy also spent 12 years at the United Service Organizations Inc. (USO), one of the nation’s oldest and most venerable military service organizations.  During his tenure at the USO, Jeremy held Vice President-level roles in Finance, Development, as well as Operations & Programs. Jeremy served four years as Finance Committee Chairman of the George C. Marshall International Center in Leesburg, VA., and continues to serve as a committee member of the Jefferson Scholars Foundation.

Jeremy is from Charlottesville, VA, and did not stray far in getting his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce.  Jeremy also has an MBA degree from the University of Maryland’s R.H. Smith School of Business.

Robert Daniel

HBI Houston Electrical Program Graduate

Robert Daniel, a Houston native, describes himself as a “Curious George type of individual” who was always using his hands to sketch buildings, fix things in the garage and play the drums for his church. Prior to training with the Home Builders Institute (HBI), 

Robert Daniel

Robert attended a technical institute hoping it would provide more options for his future. “However, the the tuition was too costly and Robert was unable to finish the degree.

“I was worried because I didn’t have money at the time to pay for schooL When I heard from my cousin that the HBI program was free, I knew —here’s the opportunity. All I have to do is show up:’
Robert consistently arrived early to class and describes walking through the HBI doors as a transformative experience that could catapult him to a great career.

While finishing up his electrical training with HBI, Robert received job readiness preparation and placement support from HBI’s Houston staff. “The HBI staff helped connect me to employers. They helped me format my resume —I would never have experienced this kind of support at a technical college. The whole atmosphere at HBI was supportive and caring.”

Robert is now employed as an Assistant Superintendent at Otwell Construction in Houston and says he loves the work he does there. He and his wife have been married for ten years and they have two young sons. “With the skills that I’ve obtained through HBI, I could see starting my own company down the road,” says Robert.

Denishya Simmons

HBI Houston Skilled Trades Program Graduate

A licensed welder by trade, Houston resident Denishya Simmons, 24, loves to be active, working hands-on with jobs and projects. Simmons joined the Gulfton Career Center program with a willingness to try something new and hope that the experience would benefit her career. 

Denishya

“I thought this would be a great opportunity because I love to build things. I love to paint. I have to keep moving. I can’t sit down all day to an office job: she said.
Simmons graduated from the HBI program in November 2021 and landed a position as a gas operator with CenterPoint Energy, an electric and natural gas utility company. “The things I’m doing at my job, the training I am getting at my job, I already learned from my training with HSI,” she comments. Simmons sees a successful and long career for herself in the industry. “There will always be a need for carpenters. If you want to get into this field, make money and provide for your family, you have to work hard for it.

RUBEN CEBALLOS

Lead Instructor
HBI ELECTRICAL Program Graduate, 2007

Ruben Ceballos enrolled in the HBI Electrical Program at the San Diego Job Corps Center in September 2005. He was motivated student, and a true leader as shop foreman. After graduating in early 2007, Ruben was in a new job when the recession hit.  

RUBEN CEBALLOS

“I was one of a few people they didn’t lay off;’ he said. “The skills and discipline I learned from HBI made me invaluable to my employer.” Over the years. Ruben’s Job Corps instructor never forgot him. In 2017. he chose Ruben as his replacement, based on Ruben’s knowledge and amazing way with people. In 2019, Ruben joined the Specialty Contractors Committee (SCC) of the Building Industry Association of San Diego County. “Through my connections within SCC, I help place my students in good-paying jobs. No matter where I go, I put my students first.” Ruben now owns an electrical contracting business and serves as the Chair of the Safety and Health board for HBI.

Ruben is the winner of HBI’s 2021 Chairman’s Award for Overall Excellence.

Daisy Martinez

Senior Service Technician HBI Facilities Maintenance Program Graduate, 2019

In November 2018, Daisy Martinez had no construction skills when she entered the Facilities Maintenance Program at the Los Angeles Job Corps Center. But what she did have was courage and commitment “I was determined to work in the maintenance facilities industry” she said.

Daisy Martinez

“I was only 18 at the time, but I knew HBI could get me where I wanted to be.”
Daisy may be shy, but never shy about fulfilling important responsibilities to herself, co-workers and family. Today, Daisy is a senior service technician for a high-end apartment building. With a growing career ahead of her, she is now sole provider for her disabled brother and parents. “Together my family has overcome a lot. But I’ve worked hard for us and our future looks a lot brighter:’
Daisy is the winner of HBI’s 2021 Shirley McVay Wiseman Award for Exceptional Promise.

Jimmy Giles

Polk County, Florida Carpentry Instructor

Carpentry Instructor Jimmy Giles credits the HBI PACT Program, funded by The Home Depot Foundation through the Schools to Skills Grant Program, for helping positively change the carpentry program at Bartow High School. “Up until HB1, there was no curriculum for what I was teaching,” he said. 

“HBI really helped me take 14 years of classroom experience and wrap it up in a concise way to teach students the necessary skills in carpentry.” Since using the program, he has seen tremendous growth among his students. “If we didn’t get The Home Depot Foundation grant in the beginning, my students would not be where they are today,” he said. “HBI PACT Program helps students learn new skills and apply them to build their future:’ 

Frank Waller

Polk County, Florida Carpentry Instructor

Polk County Carpentry Instructor Frank Waller uses the HBI PACT Program curriculum in his classroom and found it to be an asset for his students. “It gives students an education in construction and interest in potential new job opportunities that they had not thought about:’ he said. 

“They have hands-on experience they can use for the rest of their lives.” The support and investment from FIBI and The Home Depot Foundation through their Schools to Skills Grant Program is helping shape his student’s future. “They helped our program grow and it helps students see other people believing in the program and wanting them to be successful,” he said. “The material learned in the classroom helps students succeed outside of the classroom.”
Freedom Reign

buildstrong academy of orlando graduate, 2021

Freedom Reign dreams of building homes for her family, as well as transitional housing for those in need. “I needed a trades education to help me accomplish these things,” she says. “The legacy we want to leave our children, our community, is closely tied to the construction industry.”
Reign credits the Orlando Academy and HBI’s curriculum—which she points out was more in-depth than she expected—with creating opportunities she never dreamed of. 

“There are so many things in this industry you can do and be successful at,” Freedom says. “I am living proof that this training Is for everyone, regardless of your background, age, sin, culture, whatever.” 

Jackson Thrasher

buildstrong academy of orlando graduate, 2021

At a young age, Jackson Thrasher lacked direction. “I knew I liked working with my hands and the BuildStrong Academy sounded like a good opportunity for me,” he says. Inspired by instructors who pushed him to succeed, Jackson says, “They gave me confidence I never had and now I have a lot of options in this industry.”

Jackson sees trades training as the smarter path for him. “People go through four years of college and can’t find a job because they don’t have experience,” he says. “I have a certificate that shows potential employers I didn’t just sit In a classroom, I went out and did the work!”

Cynthia Columna

buildstrong academy of orlando graduate, 2021

As a military spouse, Cynthia Columna is used to adjusting to moves and new places. This inspired her to change direction in her own career by enrolling in the BuildStrong Academy. “I was completely green when I started.” she says. “But now I have skills, a sense of purpose, and a community of people who want me to succeed.”
Cynthia Columna

Cynthia is excited about the job opportunities that lie ahead and is energized to continue using her new-found knowledge both on the job and as a homeowner. “Carpentry is the foundation, the path to any construction job I want.” Cynthia says. “When you have these skills, when you know how to do these thine& you feel nowerfuir

Heather Frill

Sr Manager, Strategic Partnerships and Hometown Giving The Home Depot Foundation

In 2018, The Home Depot Foundation launched its trades training program, and together with HBI, committed to training the next generation of skilled tradespeople. “The home building and improvement industry desperately needs skilled workers, and these jobs bring financial stability to people and communities in need,”
Heather Prill

says Heather Frill, who manages the effort. Aligned with this vision, The Foundation and HBI created a trades training program for separating military service members. And with The Foundation’s support, RBI has expanded its training programs into high schools across the nation. All of The Foundation’s work is done through non-profit partners. According to Frill, “Together with HBI we have trained nearly 1,200 service members and over 4500 high school students. We’ve just scratched the surface, and HBI is the right partner to continue to move our shared mission forward.”

Marina Perez

HVAC Service Technician HBI HVAC Program Graduate, 2016

Marina Perez worked two jobs while attending HBI’s HVAC training program at the Fred Acosta Job Corps Center in Arizona. She was committed—to learning a trades skill—and to changing her life. Through Marina’s example, other students were able to see the potential in themselves.  

“The HBI program turned my life around,” she said. “My instructor encouraged me to continue learning, to earn additional HVAC certificates, and to get my High School Diploma.”
Since graduation, Marina became a Service Technician in just four years, and she continues to define her future. College? Owning her own company? Her advice to everyone is this, “Follow your dreams, keep pushing forward, there is no limit to what you can do.”

angela morgan

Human Resources/Payroll
Nunn Construction

Nunn Construction in Colorado Springs lives its mission of service by building schools, churches and medical facilities that make a difference in the community. For skilled labor, they turn to HBI for the core skills they need. including safety certification which is critical in commercial construction. 

Angela Morgan

“We work with HBI’s program at Fort Carson because its important for us to support our service men and women,” Angela says. “And students who receive HBI training through the Careers in Construction program at local high schools are a great resource as well.”
Nunn currently employs four HBI graduates and looks forward to welcoming more. “We offer the opportunities, but you have to grab them and work hard to make things happen. HBI students have that drive.”

Starr Delgado

Instructor, HBI Job Corps Plumbing Program Plumbing Program Graduate, 2001

Starr Delgado’s story is one of giving back. At the Grafton Job Corps Center, she completed HBI’s plumbing training program and developed confidence she never knew she had. “Like the kids I teach today, I came from struggle. When I needed someone to believe in me.
Starr Cabinet

I found that person at HBI,” Starr says. “They put me on a path that changed my life.”

After working in the plumbing trade, she returned to Grafton in 2017 as an HBI instructor. “If we teach our students from the moment they walk in that they are somebody, they want us to be proud of them. Every day I give them positive energy, recognition. I meet them where they are and then we move forward together.’ 

Raul Nunez-Pena

Carpenter Apprentice
HBI Carpentry Program Graduate, 2019

Carpenter Apprentice HBI Carpentry Program Graduate At just 24 years old age, Raul Nunez-Pena has some pretty big goals and an ambitious plan to achieve them. While transitioning from active duty, he attended HBI’s Carpentry Program at Fort Hood in Texas (which receives funding from The Home Depot Foundation).
Raul Nunez Pena

“HBI taught me building trades skills to compliment the skills I learned in the military,” Raul says. “In addition, they inspired me to never stop learning.”
Since graduation, Raul re-enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve and today is balancing his military commitments with a civilian career, studying to become a civil engineer as well as a licensed home inspector. “One day I can see myself as an OSHA 510 Certified Instructor. I guess the classroom will always feel like home.” 

John Pomelow

Construction Site Supervisor
HBI Carpentry Program Graduate, 2018

John Pomelow has always known he wanted to be a carpenter. While transitioning from military service, he completed HBI’s Carpentry Program at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. “HBI taught me the trade from the ground up,” he says. “HBI and The Home Depot Foundation, 

John Pomelow

which funds the program, really invested in my future. They started me on a career path that allows me to provide for my family and serve my neighbors here in Fayetteville.” Today, John is a Construction Site Supervisor with a local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity, where he builds homes for local residents. He’s also studying for his general contractor’s license. “Ever since I was a kid, I’ve wanted to build homes. And focusing that dream on those most in need feels right.”

Justin Harrod

Foreman
HBI Carpentry Program Graduate, 2018

Justin’s wife Ashley was transitioning out of the military at Fort Carson in Colorado when she encouraged him to enroll in HBI’s Carpentry Program (which receives funding from The Home Depot Foundation). Justin was green, but he learned quickly. 

Justin Harrod

“HBI broke it down and made it easy,” he says. “They teach you the skills, plus they teach you OSHA 10 so you know how to complete a job safely:’
Justin went on to learn complex roof framing, ADA requirements, and local codes and engineering requirements that helped him become a Foreman in only 17 months. “HBI gave me the confidence to learn, and that’s an advantage I have over others in the field. My Supervisor tells me he has only seen one person become a Superintendent in 5 years. I’m going to be the second.” 

DAMARIS GARCIA & JUAN GACIA

Carpenter HBI Carpentry Program Graduate, 2020

Damaris and her father Juan completed the HBI Carpentry program at Fort Carson near Colorado Springs together. The program, which receives funding from The Home Depot Foundation, gave Juan the in-demand skills he needed to start a post-military career. And it prepared Damaris for job possibilities she never dreamed of. 

Damaris and Juan

“HBI’s excellent training is just the beginning,” she says. “They helped me and my dad find jobs right after graduation, at the same company! And they still stay in touch to see how we’re doing!” Juan adds, “Damaris and I have great careers ahead of us, and we’ve even talked about starting our own company someday. I was deployed a lot during my 22 years in the military, so being able to spend time together is important to both of us!’ 

Joshua Holsey

HBI Baker Re-entry Center Graduate, 2020

Joshua Holsey enrolled in HBI’s program in the hopes of turning his life around. “Before I was incarcerated, I had never been employed” he said. When he heard about HBI’s free trades training program through the Baker Re-entry Center, he was intrigued and felt like it was a good fit for him. Joshua excelled in his training 

and gained all the necessary skills for a career in the construction industry. Due to his work ethic and determination to improve his life, he was hired as Maintenance Technician at Ever Fresh Juice Company. “When I entered the workforce. I immediately made three dollars more than others simply because of my training and certificates,” Holsey said. Joshua now performs repairs and preventive maintenance on warehouse and office facilities. “I am now a productive member of society thanks to HBI and my instructor,” he said.
Mikayla Buresh

Norfolk Career Center Graduate

Mikayla Buresh fell in love with aviation as a young girl. Once she was old enough. Mikayla decided to enlist in the US Navy where she worked as an Aviation Electronics Technician at Naval Air Station Oceana fixing and flying planes. She came across HBI’s transitioning military program at the Norfolk Career Center and decided to enroll in the electrical program. 

Mikayla received no-cost, hands-on electrical training and had the opportunity to volunteer with Habitat Humanity building homes for local families. “The transition from classroom to work site felt seamless.” says Mikayla. After graduating from HBI’s electrical program. Mikayla began work with Mid-Atlantic Engineering Technical Services (MAETS) as an Electronics Technician while simultaneously pursuing a degree in Aviation Science from Liberty University. Mikayla hopes to one day use her skilled trades knowledge and experience to build a dream home, complete with a runway and hangar for her plane. Mikayla says “I highly recommend HBI’s free training program for transitioning military. They teach a lot of practical skills, even if you just want to repair your own house. Knowledge is power.’ 

Karlos Bean

HBI Baker Re-entry Center Graduate, 2020

In 2020. Karlos Bean joined HBI’s training program at the Baker Re-entry Center. which equips justice-involved individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to build careers, change their lives, and prevent recidivism. During the program. Karlos learned technical and life skills to help with his re-entry into society. “My instructor taught us how to be productive members of the workforce and treated us as 

employees, which taught us how bosses should treat their employees.” he said.

Shortly after graduating. Karlos was hired at Jacksonville Utilities in Jacksonville. Florida. Karlos utilizes his training and certificates to complete daily responsibilities at work. “HIM was instrumental in my rehabilitation and transition back into society,” Bean said. ” Without H BI and my instructor, I would probably be back in prison.” he said.

Siwatu Spikes

HBI Military Graduate, 2022

Siwatu Spikes always wanted to pursue a career in architectural design, however, family tragedy struck, and he decided to join the army to support his family. After successfully completing 20 years in the military, Siwatu joined HBI’s Military Career Skills Program (CSP) at the Fort Bragg Career Center in August 2022.

Siwatu Spikes HBI Graduate - Paul Kowalski Building Site

During his time with HBI, Mr. Spikes worked with the local Habitat for Humanity on community build projects, including veteran accessibility and home improvement projects, as well as repair work with the local Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

Since graduating, Siwatu relocated to Charlotte, NC and has been working with Paul Kowalski Builders for over 6 months. He currently manages large-scale renovation projects worth over 5800,000 for the company. He remains actively engaged with the Charlotte area Habitat for Humanity and is working to build a relationship between his employer and the non-profit organization.

Jalen Clark and Devyn Clark

BuildStrong Academy of Greater New Orleans Graduates

Jalen Clark and his brother Devyn Clark enrolled in the BuildStrong Academy of Greater New Orleans to support each other as they build careers. “I graduated college and was not able to find immediate employment. I was looking for a career change and didn’t want to incur more debt,” said older brother Devyn. 

Jalen and Devyn Clark - Graduates of BuildStrong

Jalen and Devyn knew that this tuition-free skilled trades training program would equip them with employable skills, allow them to learn and train together, and spare them from student loans. “BuildStrong Academy has given my brother and I direction for our careers… My plan is to seek employment in the construction field and begin work as soon as possible.” said Jalen. “I’ve been exposed to a career path that I didn’t know I’d like as much as I do. I’ve met some wonderful people who want me to have success and I’m grateful for them,” said Devyn. The Clark brothers are looking forward to starting their careers in construction and hopefully go into business together down the road. 

Zach Harris

BuildStrong Academy of Greater New Orleans Graduate

Zach Harris is a native New Orleans resident, two-time graduate of Tulane University and a 27-year-old construction entrepreneur. Zach comes from a family of builders and grew up around real estate and residential construction. In fact, Zach enrolled in no-cost trades training at the BuildStrong Academy of Greater New Orleans with his mother in 2022, followed by his father and two brothers in 2023. 

Zach Harris - HBI Build Strong Academy New Orleans Graduate
His construction company. Zach the Builder, crafts safer New Orleans homes via reliable roofing services. “The Academy classes cater to different experience levels and different interests. I had the construction business experience but needed to understand the craft,” says Zach. “You can’t be a great coach if you haven’t played football before.” Outside of running his company, Zach enjoys using his in-demand skill set to give back to the community. To commemorate Memorial Day 2023. Zach and other students and graduates from BSA Greater New Orleans volunteered to help build a home for a veteran in the Lower 9th Ward.

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MARIO GONZALEZ

Vice President of Workforce Training & Employment

Mario joined HBI as a Regional Career Development Coordinator of HBI’s Military Services in 2019 and was promoted to Associate Vice President of WTE Community & Corrections Programs in 2022.
Now serving as Vice president of WTE (2024), he oversees the daily operations of HBI’s WTE Community & Corrections, Military Services, & Academies programs, working with partners to advance HBI’s expansion and enhance job placement opportunities for graduates. Mario serves as the liaison between HBI and external stakeholders to include military installations. He ensures successful outcomes for HBI graduates from transitioning service members & veterans to justice involved adults & youths. Internally, he provides strategic operational perspective to HBI’s senior leadership team. Prior to joining HBI, Mario served for 21 years in the U.S. Army across multiple locations globally & nationally and has an MBA from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN. Mario resides in Tennessee with his wife and children and spends time in Texas where his mother, adult children, and grandchildren reside. He enjoys the outdoors and serving in his community. 
JOSEPH F. LANDERS

Executive Officer of the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Massachusetts

Joseph F. Landers, 71, is the Executive Officer of the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Massachusetts having assumed that role in 2018 with a mandate from the Board of Directors to harmonize the five MA local associations, increase communications from the state to the membership, increase the public profile of the association,

create a path to financial stability and elevate the states lobbying efforts. Prior to taking on the challenging state association role, Joe was Chief Executive Officer and founder of Customized Structures Inc., a custom manufacturer of single-family, multi-family and commercial modular and panelized structures which began operations in 1984. Joe has been involved in the building industry, both site-built and factory-built, since 1973 and has worked in all phases of construction from development through design and production including on site management and sales. Customized Structures produced on average 330 single family homes per year, had an employee base as high as 180 and was known as the innovator in the production and design of modular components.

After the sale of Customized Structures Inc. to a private equity firm in 2003 Joe remained on the Board of Directors of the Company and functioned as a consultant to the CEO. He further took on the role of helping failing building systems companies return to profitability and successfully oversaw the sale of those companies. Mr. Landers has lectured frequently on the benefits and utilization of systems-built construction to building professionals around the country and has utilized his substantial professional and industry background to provide consultation services to both national and foreign companies interested in the processes and pitfalls of building and developing utilizing building systems components.

Joe attended Northeastern University and St. Anselm’s College graduating with a B.S. in 1972. 

Joe has been a member of the National Association of Home Builders since 1974. He is past president of two local Home Builders Associations and has served two terms as President of the  State of NH Home Builders Association. Joe is also a past president of the Modular Building  Systems Council of the NAHB, has been Chairman of the National Building Systems Council (BSC)  and has served five terms as a Trustee of the BSC during which time he created the BSC logo and  wrote the brochure “Most Frequently Asked Questions about Modular Homes”. 

In 1989, Joe received the National Pacesetter Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership  and contribution to the housing industry and in 1991 was awarded the title of Builder of the Year  by the Home Builders Association of N.H. In 1992 he was appointed by the Governor to the NH  Board of Fire Control within the Department of Safety and since then was reappointed three times.  He has served as a member on the State of New Hampshire Building Code Review Board and was  appointed by the Governor of NH to the Shore Land Protection Commission. Joe was selected to  receive the 2000 S. A. Walters Chairman’s Award, the premier award in the U.S. Systems Built  Housing Industry and was installed to the New Hampshire Housing Hall of Fame for his significant  and lasting contributions to the housing industry in the State of New Hampshire.  

Joe is a Senior Life Director of the National Association of Home Builders; he is served six terms on the NAHB Budget & Finance Committee serving as Vice Chair for four of those years, he has served  as Chairman of the Resolutions Committee, the International Housing Committee and the Building  Products Issues Committee of NAHB serving on the NAHB Executive Committee multiple times. 

In 2001 Joe was elected an Area Vice President of the National Association of Home Builders  representing builders through out the northeast. 

Joe is active in his community having served as finance chairmen of his church, is a member of the  International Order of Odd Fellows, and has served on multiple boards and committees on a  volunteer basis.  

Joe and his wife, Denise, reside in Plymouth, MA, they have two children, Jessica and Brad and two  grandchildren, Lily and Jack ages 13 and 11. 

Seth Appleton

President of U.S. Mortgage Insurers

The Honorable Seth Appleton is President of U.S. Mortgage Insurers. In this role, he leads USMI’s efforts to enable sustainable access to affordable mortgage credit for borrowers while protecting taxpayers. Seth previously served as President of MISMO, the real estate finance industry’s standards organization. Prior to that, Seth served as the Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research at the U.S.

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD),
a position for which he was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate. In addition to his service as Assistant Secretary, Seth concurrently served as the Principal Executive Vice President of Ginnie Mae, a government corporation guaranteeing the timely payment of
principal and interest on more than $2 trillion in mortgage-backed securities.

Before joining HUD, Seth worked on Capitol Hill, including serving as Chief of Staff for U.S. Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer for more than eight years. A native of Missouri, Seth is a graduate of Stanford University and is a co-chair of the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Housing Council. 

2023 MVP Class Schedule
2023 MVP Class Schedule - HVAC