From February 17–19, industry leaders, builders, educators, and workforce development champions gathered at the Orange County Convention Center for the annual International Builders’ Show (IBS) hosted by the National Association of Home Builders.
With more than 1,600 vendors filling the exhibit halls, IBS once again proved why it is the premier event for residential construction professionals in the United States. From cutting-edge building products to workforce development conversations, the energy on the show floor reflected an industry focused on growth, innovation, and opportunity.
HBI on the Show Floor
HBI was proud to have a booth presence at IBS 2026, connecting directly with builders, partners, educators, and supporters who share our mission of preparing the next generation of skilled trades professionals.
One of the biggest draws at the HBI booth? A lively nail hammering competition that brought the crowd in droves. Attendees had the opportunity to test their skills against HBI apprentices for a chance to win prizes – and bragging rights.
The competition wasn’t just fun – it showcased the confidence, speed, and hands-on training that define HBI students. Watching apprentices demonstrate their skills in front of a national audience reinforced the value of industry-driven training and the importance of investing in workforce development.
Celebrating Excellence – HBI VIP Reception
During IBS, HBI also hosted a special VIP Reception, where five awards and scholarships were presented to outstanding individuals and partners.
This reception provided an opportunity to celebrate:
- Student achievement
- Industry leadership
- Partner commitment
- Workforce impact
FBA Student Competition
In addition to HBI’s booth activities, select high schools that are part of HBI’s Future Builders of America program brought energy and craftsmanship to the IBS Show Village with an exciting, timed Picnic Table Build Challenge.
Three Florida high school chapters competed head-to-head:
- Fort Meade Middle Senior High School
- Columbia High School – Lake City, Florida
- Somerset Career Academy
Students were challenged to assemble a full picnic table under time constraints, demonstrating precision, teamwork, safety, and real-world construction skills. The competition took place in the Show Village behind the West Hall – drawing strong support from attendees and industry leaders.
Adding to the excitement, Ronnie Kirchman II, President of Kirchman Construction Co., was selected as one of the official judges for the competition. He shared how impactful it was to evaluate these talented students and provide professional insight:
“Our youth is our future.”
The event highlighted not only student skill and preparation but also the importance of mentorship and industry involvement in workforce development.
A special thank you goes to the Florida Home Builders Association and its Foundation for sponsoring prizes for the Picnic Table Build Challenge. Their support helped make it a memorable and rewarding experience for the students.
Competitions like this reinforce a powerful message: when students are given tools, training, and industry support, they rise to the challenge – and build confidence along the way.
National Stage. National Honors. 🇺🇸
One of the most powerful moments of IBS 2026 was seeing HBI graduates recognized at the highest level.
🏆 NAHB Chairman’s Award
John Pomelow – Fort Bragg Career Center, 2018 Graduate
John Pomelow’s career reflects skill, leadership, and resilience. After graduating from HBI in 2018, he advanced quickly in carpentry and construction management, supervising new home builds, major renovation projects, and large-scale energy upgrades impacting hundreds of homes.
A U.S. Army Veteran who overcame multiple deployments, a traumatic brain injury, and serious family health challenges, John later passed the North Carolina General Contractor exam on his first attempt. He exemplifies craftsmanship, perseverance, and servant leadership.
🏆 Shirley McVay Wiseman Award
Savanna “Rae” Patterson-Jarrell – Fort Bragg Career Center, 2024 Graduate
Air Force veteran Savanna “Rae” Patterson-Jarrell turned her HBI training into entrepreneurship, launching B&R Innovative Builders LLC to provide affordable home repairs – especially for seniors and underserved homeowners.
Emancipated at 16 and later navigating the challenges of dual-military life, Rae built her business around service, integrity, and family. Today, she mentors students, leads volunteer renovation projects, and continues strengthening her community through the trades.
🎓 Chuck & Kathryn Fowke Scholarship
Aaron “AJ” Mitchell – HBI Norfolk, 2025 Graduate
Aaron “AJ” Mitchell relocated from Philadelphia to Virginia to pursue opportunity through HBI’s pre-apprenticeship program. He excelled in carpentry and electrical training, earned OSHA 10 certification, and stood out for his professionalism and discipline.
AJ volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and is now gaining industry experience while preparing to join the carpentry union. His goal: achieve the highest levels of certification in the trades.
🎓Rev. Herbert M. & Louise E. Jones Legacy Award
Dawson Lai – Treasure Island Job Corps, 2025 Graduate
As shop foreman, Dawson Lai led by example – mentoring classmates, improving shop processes, and creating tools that enhanced team performance.
Passionate about electrical construction and sustainable infrastructure, Dawson is entering an apprenticeship with Associated Builders and Contractors – Northern California. He is committed to “powering the future” through innovation and leadership.
🎓 Robert & Amy Harper Scholarship
Zavier Parker – Bartow High School, Class of 2026
Zavier Parker, President of his school’s Future Builders Association, helped lead his team to a first-place national victory in the NAHB Student Competition.
With a 3.62 GPA and HBI PACT Core certification, Zavier plans to pursue Construction Management at the University of Florida and build a career in construction scheduling. As a first-generation college-bound student, this scholarship helps open doors to his future.
Fort Bragg HBI Graduate Awards
Two HBI training program graduates from Fort Bragg were selected to receive national awards at IBS, highlighting how the installation’s Transition Assistance Program supports career readiness for both Soldiers and Military Families.
- John Pomelow received the 2025 NAHB Chairman’s Award.
- Rae Patterson-Jarrell was named the 2025 Shirley McVay Wiseman Award recipient.
These are two of HBI’s highest national recognitions – and they were awarded on one of the construction industry’s biggest stages.
Their achievements underscore the impact of HBI’s Military and Veterans transition programs: equipping service members, Veterans and Military families with practical skills, nationally recognized credentials, and pathways into meaningful civilian careers in the skilled trades.
🔗👉 Read the full story here
Student Showcases, National Competitions & Industry Leadership
IBS 2026 wasn’t just about exhibits – it was about elevating students, spotlighting talent, and positioning workforce development on a national stage.
Live Trade Demonstrations
HBI proudly featured two Electrical pre-apprentices, Isaac Hertz and Tyrell Holland, from the HBI Electrical program at Pinellas Job Corps, who demonstrated their wiring skills live on the show floor. Attendees watched as they confidently showcased hands-on electrical techniques – a powerful example of how quickly students gain practical, job-ready skills through HBI training.
Adding even more energy to the booth were two carpentry apprentices, Lilly Wathour and Paul Russell, who wowed crowds not only with their hammering prowess but also with their charismatic mic skills as contest hosts. They kept audiences engaged, competitive, and cheering – proving that HBI students build both technical ability and professional confidence.
NAHB Student Chapters Competition
Six schools that license HBI’s nationally recognized trades curriculum competed in the annual NAHB Student Chapters Competition at IBS:
- Ft. Walton Beach High School (FL)
- Crestview High School (FL)
- Bartow High School (FL)
- Florida A&M University
- Somerset Career Academy (FL)
- Green Mountain High School (CO)
Hosted as part of the International Builders’ Show by the National Association of Home Builders, the NAHB Student Competition is one of IBS’s most anticipated highlights.
“The annual NAHB Student Competition is one of the highlights of the International Builders’ Show (IBS). The competition gives students the opportunity to apply skills learned in the classroom to a real construction company by completing a management project/proposal. Proposals are submitted to a group of construction company executives who act as judges.”
This real-world format gives students invaluable exposure to executive-level feedback and mirrors the expectations of today’s construction industry.
HBI at the Leadership Table
Beyond competitions and demonstrations, HBI staff actively participated in industry and workforce development panels throughout IBS. These discussions addressed critical issues facing residential construction, including workforce shortages, career pathways, and strengthening partnerships between education and industry.
HBI’s voice at these panels reinforces its role as a national leader in skilled trades training and workforce solutions.
Reception & Recognition
To close out the week, HBI hosted a special reception welcoming:
- Scholarship and award recipients
- HBI Board of Trustees members
- Funders and industry partners
- Friends and supporters
- Students participating in the national competitions
The reception was more than a networking event – it was a celebration of collaboration, mentorship, and shared commitment to building the future of construction.
From live trade demonstrations to national competitions and executive panels, IBS 2026 showcased one clear message:
When students are given opportunity, training, and industry support, they rise to the challenge – and lead the future of construction.
Why IBS Matters for Workforce Development
The future of residential construction depends on investing in people.
Events like IBS are more than trade shows. They are national platforms where:
- Builders discuss workforce shortages
- Educators share solutions
- Industry leaders commit to training partnerships
- Students see firsthand that construction is a respected, high-demand career
HBI’s presence at IBS reinforces a simple but powerful message:
The future of residential construction depends on strong workforce development.
By engaging with industry leaders, showcasing student talent, and celebrating excellence, HBI continues to position skilled trades training at the center of the national housing conversation.
From apprentices competing on the show floor to graduates receiving national honors, IBS 2026 demonstrated what happens when workforce development is aligned with industry demand.
Ready to Build Your Future?
The skilled trades industry is hiring – and opportunity is waiting.
If you’d like to get involved, support, hire graduates, or partner with HBI, now is the time.
Whether you are a builder looking for skilled talent, an employer ready to hire job-ready graduates, an industry leader who wants to sponsor scholarships, or a supporter passionate about workforce development – there is a place for you in the HBI mission.
You can:
- Hire HBI-trained apprentices and graduates
- Sponsor a student or training program
- License HBI’s nationally recognized curriculum
- Serve as a mentor, judge, or industry advisor
- Support scholarships and student success funds
Together, we can close the skilled trades gap, strengthen our country’s construction workforce, and create life-changing career pathways.
HBI offers tuition-free construction trade training programs designed to prepare individuals for construction jobs that desperately need to be filled to support our country’s trade workforce.
Through hands-on training, industry-recognized credentials, and direct connections to employers nationwide, HBI helps students move from training to career – fast.
Now is the moment.
👉 Contact HBI today to learn how you can join our mission of Building Careers and Changing Lives.
