How NAHB’s Associate Awards Can Raise Your Profile and Grow Your Business

# Why these awards matter NAHB honors two Associate members annually: Associate of the Year and Associate Advocate of BUILD-PAC. The awards recognize different types of contributions. Associate of the Year rewards outstanding service to local, state, and national Home Builder Associations. The Associate Advocate award recognizes sustained efforts supporting BUILD-PAC, NAHB's bipartisan federal political arm that backs pro-housing candidates.

# What winners say they gained Mike Farr, vice president of sales at Cascade Manufacturing and NAHB's 2018 Associate of the Year, described the award as an "amazing privilege and honor." He said the recognition made his name familiar to NAHB leadership and peers after more than 30 years of involvement. Farr reports that the award opened doors at national, state, and local levels and brought increased respect that "translated to more business and profitable opportunities."

Diana Lucero, senior vice president and construction lending specialist at Century Bank and the 2012 Associate Advocate of BUILD-PAC winner, framed the award around advocacy. She said the recognition reflected the advocacy work she is passionate about and stressed that homebuilding depends on "education, engagement and advocacy." Lucero encourages members to nominate colleagues who actively champion the industry and understand that housing protection starts with strong advocacy.

# Practical benefits to expect

• Visibility: Both awards raise your profile within NAHB and among member companies. That can lead to introductions and invitations to serve on panels, committees, or projects.

• Business development: Increased respect and visibility can create new business leads and partnerships, as Farr experienced.
• Advocacy alignment: The BUILD-PAC award highlights political engagement that can matter to firms whose work is affected by federal policy.

# How to act if you're interested Nominate a strong candidate or apply yourself before the deadline. Winners will be recognized at the 2027 International Builders' Show in Las Vegas. The article notes applications close on Sept. 21 (year implied by the published date).

# Who should consider pursuing or nominating someone

• Associates with measurable, sustained service to local, state, and national HBAs for Associate of the Year.
• Associates active in BUILD-PAC fundraising or advocacy for the Associate Advocate award.

# One-sentence summary NAHB's Associate awards offer recognition that can raise visibility, boost credibility, and create tangible business and advocacy opportunities for winners—past recipients report new connections and increased business following their awards.