NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS) is doing its part to introduce new professionals to the residential construction industry. One of the ways is by awarding up and coming professionals with scholarships to attend the Builders’ Show – the premier show for the residential construction industry.
Attending IBS gives NAHB Members between the ages of 21-35 the opportunity to advance their careers with education, networking and more at the Builders’ Show.
2023 IBS Scholarship Recipients
We’re excited to introduce seven more of our 2023 IBS Scholars in Part 2 of this 3-part series.
Adam Franco | Moore County Home Builders Association
Adam Franco is the owner, managing partner and contractor for Franco Building & Remodeling, where he builds and remodels residential homes. Adam built a team of like-mined professionals with similar values and applies the principles and practices he learned during his 13 years in the United States Air Force. He takes pride in building spaces where people can live out their dreams and build memories.
“We are in the middle of a very important time in construction, a generational shift. We need to take as much as possible from the past and develop ourselves as leaders to attract driven men and women back into this field.”
Jessica Fritz | Home Builders Association of Central Arizona
Jessica is the owner of J.Cor Architecture in Phoenix, Arizona. She has been working as an architect for 10 years primarily focused on residential design in the production and custom home markets. Jessica’s goal is to build an architectural firm that produces high-quality drawings, 3-dimensional design for client visualization and creates lifelong careers for her team members.
“I would love to learn the latest design trends in the market as well as the latest solutions in construction detailing and waterproofing. There is always a new and better way to construct a home and I want to make sure my drawings utilize the best technology for my clients. Networking and making lifelong connections are also a challenge in our growing digital world, so I would love to make more connections at IBS.”
Daisy Gardner | HBA Greater Portland
Daisy Gardner is a project manager at her father’s company, Stone Creek Building & Development, Inc., where she works with clients on selections, designing spec homes, estimating and assisting other project managers. Stone Creek Building is an energy efficient builder that builds all their homes to Earth Advantage Standards.
“I am looking forward to learning as much as possible about new products or alternative products I can use. I want to take classes that help me learn how to be a better leader in my industry. I am also hoping to see a few unique and custom products or ideas that I can take back to Oregon and try on one of our custom homes.”
Jesse Hayre | Greater Brazos Valley Builders
Jesse Hayre and wife Kaci own and operate The Homestead Builders, a custom home building company in Brenham Texas, between Houston and Austin.
“I want to tackle the challenges of selling value in custom home building in an area where cost is the primary driver. I also want to find other like-minded builders who have weathered the storms of multiple economic cycles and made it through standing.”
Jeremy Lau | Home Builders Association of Southeastern Michigan
Jeremy Lau is a superintendent for Silverado Homes in Oxford, Michigan. After graduating from college, Jeremy framed houses for 2 years. He started as a laborer and worked his way up to be a superintendent for Silverado Homes.
“I look forward to talking with other builders and attendees about the different solutions and to see other products that can make the house better.”
Liz Kennedy | Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders
Liz Kennedy is a designer for ELM Construction. Design has always been her passion. Growing up, Liz would drive her mother nuts by changing her decor every season and moving things around. She always wanted to change the norm and create something new.
“New product knowledge. Covid changed a lot for fixtures and finishes and I would love to have a more substantial view of what’s available and new solutions being offered.”
Jackie Kline | Southwest Home Building Industry Associates
Jackie worked for 7 years as a superintendent for a high-end custom home builder. She recently moved into a project manager role for a high-end custom home builder in Southwest Montana.
“I have been to IBS before and it’s definitely drinking from the firehose in a sense that there is so much information to take in and you can’t even begin to digest it all, but that is the coolest thing about these events.”
IBS 2023: The Essential Industry Experience for Every Industry Pro
With so much to do, see, learn and experience at the Builders’ Show, there is something for every residential construction professional. The exhibit floor, networking events and education sessions provide industry professionals the chance to mingle with and learn from their more experienced colleagues and industry experts.
There are also events, networking and more tailored for the up and comers of the industry. The IBS Young Pro Party is one of the ticketed events for residential construction professionals under the age of 40 to connect and network in a social setting.
Registration for #IBS2023 is open! Learn more & register now.