Meet Our Speakers Series: Todd Gamboa

Tom Gamboa

Todd* Gamboa is a radio show host, public speaker and president of Building Trust LLC. He has been in the building industry for more than 30 years managing private and public home building companies. As a building science expert sales trainer and public speaker, he has educated thousands of builders, architects, contractors, code officials, appraisers and REALTORS® across the country. His “High Performance Homes” trainings are offered by state and federal energy programs, large utility providers, product manufacturers and Realtors at home builders’ associations.

At the 2019 NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS) in February, Todd will present the session, “Change Your High Performance Pitch: Successfully Selling New Homes Over Resale.”

We caught up with Todd to get a sneak peek into his sessions.

NAHB: Without giving too much away, what will people learn at your IBS Education session?
TODD: Homebuilders, trade partners and vendors will learn to increase sales by effectively leveraging and demonstrating the many benefits of new construction.

NAHB: What is the one thing you are looking forward to the most while attending IBS?
TODD: The people! I’ve been in homebuilding for 35 years, and we are still in the people business. I speak all over the country, and it will great to see many amazing friends, associates and customers gathered in one place.

NAHB: What is the most interesting industry trend for 2019?
TODD: I think the biggest trend across the country is the adoption of stricter building and energy codes. As energy codes tighten, homebuilders and trade partners are being forced to deliver a better home. However, what I find most interesting is that many see stricter codes as a restriction, rather than an asset. I am constantly teaching audiences that energy efficiency is the result of higher quality construction, and higher quality means less risk.

NAHB: How has the industry changed in the past 5 years?
TODD: If we are staying on the subject of building codes, change has been aggressive. I know it is the least sexy subject to discuss, but it is the most impactful single aspect across the country. Just in the last decade, energy codes have forced us to build homes that are 30% more efficient. Renewables are now being mandated in many communities by developers. As the costs of renewables decrease, energy rates increase and utility rebates/incentives are more enticing, we are going to see solar panels on rooftops everywhere … regardless of price point.

NAHB: What is the biggest challenge in the industry at the moment?
TODD: Training, training, training. Architecture is changing, design trends are pushing boundaries, building products are evolving, codes are tightening and buyers have become more informed! We as an industry must do a better job of demonstrating the value and benefits of new construction over resale homes to sales teams, real estate professionals, appraisers and prospective homebuyers if we expect to maintain margins.

NAHB: What is one piece of practical advice you would give to someone starting out?
TODD: Work hard for your company and you will have a good job, but get involved in your industry and you will have a great career!

NAHB: What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue?
TODD: I already have so many hobbies but so little time. When I retire, I will continue coaching high school football in the fall, snowboarding in the winter and scuba diving in the spring.

NAHB: What would be the most amazing adventure to go on?
TODD: I am a lifelong athlete and love extreme sports. I think diving off a cliff in Brazil in a wingsuit would rank at the top!

NAHB: If you had unlimited funds to build a house that you’d live in for the rest of your life, what are the top three features it would have?
TODD: Duh … like there is any contest here? A 3-story firepole from the loft to the rec room, a 700-square-foot kitchen with a personal chef and a 6-car garage (haha)!

NAHB: What’s in your fridge right now?
TODD: Milk, juice and way too many eggs! I have a dozen chickens and ducks, which translates to about 10 eggs per day. Anyone care for an omelet?

NAHB: If you could do another job just for one day, what would it be?
TODD: NFL play-by-play announcer. Scoot over, Al Michaels!

NAHB: If you were home on a rainy Sunday afternoon, what movie would you most want to see on television?
TODD: Any of the Jason Bourne movies.

NAHB: What product would you seriously stockpile if you found out that they weren’t going to make it anymore?
TODD: Funny question, as I actually did this a couple of years ago … Black Cherry/Almond Clif Bars.

NAHB: Do you have a success quote to share?
TODD: “I firmly believe that any man’s finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle—victorious!” —Vince Lombardi

NAHB: In three words or less, what is your prediction for the building industry in 2019?
TODD: Embrace and thrive!

*Todd participates in several charity rides each year, including one that he created to benefit the Spring Rescue Mission, the local homeless shelter. This photo is from the 2017 High Country Toy Run in Colorado Springs, CO where they had over 500 bikers delivering toys for the Christmas season.

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