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Ever Wonder How Your House Gets Built? Get a Sneak Peek with Future Builders of America!

Have you ever looked at a skyscraper or a fancy new house and thought, “Wow, that’s amazing! I wonder how they build those things?” If you’re into working with your hands, being creative and seeing your hard work come to life, then a career in construction might be the perfect fit for you!

Here at the Home Builders Institute (HBI), we know construction is awesome, but figuring out how to get started can be tricky. That’s why we launched our Future Builders of America (FBA) program in 2023 – to give young people like you (up to 25 years old) a chance to explore the exciting world of building and construction careers!

Future Builders of America: Your Ticket to Construction Exploration

The best part? FBA is completely free for students! This comprehensive training program is designed to give you a taste of what a career in residential building is all about. We’re talking hands-on activities, guest speakers from the industry and even field trips to real construction sites!

FBA works with our partners in the construction industry to provide real-world training and experience in the construction industry, including government agencies, educational institutions, industry associations and employers in the construction and related fields. Some of our FBA partners include:  

  • the U.S. Department of Labor
  • local workforce development boards
  • high schools
  • community colleges
  • trade unions
  • construction companies

Our partnerships help HBI to enhance our training programs, expand our reach and connect students and graduates with employment opportunities.

Future Builders of America Summit Empowers Students for Success in the Trades

The 2024 Future Builders of America Summit in Haines City, FL in April was a resounding success! With a record-breaking turnout of 94 students from across Florida (22 more than last year!), the event provided a powerful platform for learning, networking and empowerment.

Students dove into hands-on projects in carpentry, electrical work, landscaping, welding, masonry and roofing. From fun contests to practical challenges, they honed their technical skills in an engaging environment.

VIEW PHOTO GALLERY

But the Summit wasn’t just about hammers and nails. Students also developed essential soft skills through marketing plan creation, etiquette courses and valuable networking opportunities. 

Led by industry professionals, the FBA Summit offered workshops, demonstrations and training sessions, providing students with practical knowledge and invaluable insights. It also fostered meaningful connections between students, educators and industry leaders, creating a lasting support network for their future careers.

What Can You Expect with FBA?

Future Builders of America offers a variety of awesome experiences to help you explore construction careers. Here are a few things you can look forward to:

  • Learning the Ropes: Get hands-on experience with different construction trades like carpentry, electrical work, and plumbing.
  • Meet the Pros: Hear from industry experts and construction professionals about their careers and what it’s really like to work in the field.
  • See it in Action: Take field trips to actual construction sites and witness firsthand how buildings are brought to life.
  • Building Your Future: With the skills and knowledge you gain from FBA, you’ll be well-positioned to launch a successful career in construction. Maybe you’ll even land an apprenticeship or get hired straight out of the program!

Homebuilders are facing a massive labor shortage. Ready to Build Your Dreams?

If you’re curious about construction and excited to explore your options, then FBA is the perfect program for you!  Head over to our website at https://hbi.org/fba/ to learn more and take the first step toward building a bright future in construction!  We can’t wait to see you there!

Contact HBI today to learn more and take the first step towards a rewarding career in construction. Let’s build together! 

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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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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. 

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.
2023 MVP Class Schedule
2023 MVP Class Schedule - HVAC