With these simple, step-by-step directions, you can submit your project though our brand-new, easy-to-use online system. Here you can find the general entry criteria and judging information. Entries are due by June 21.

Please pay special attention to the photography requirements so you can be prepared. In order to help you speed-up your online entry process, below are the questions so may prepare your answers in advance:

1.       In 50 words or less, tell the judges why this project is worthy of an award.

2.       Aesthetics: Describe the overall style and look the home/project was intended to achieve. Provide an overview of any special or unique visual details. Make reference to the photos provided where appropriate. (500 words or less)

3.       General Design: Describe the general design goals of the home/project. BEX/REX ONLY: Provide an overview of how these goals were incorporated into the space planning. Make sure to mention any remodel design features related to its accessibility, compatibility with its surroundings, and environmental-friendliness or energy efficiency. Make reference to the floor plans and elevations provided where appropriate. (500 words or less)

4.       Budgetary Considerations: Describe the home’s/project’s budgetary constraints or considerations. Provide an overview of ways value was added to the home/project, including any special or creative ways the aesthetics or design goals were met in order to stay within budget. (500 words or less)

5.       Special Challenges: Describe any special challenges or obstacles faced during the home design or construction or marketing plan and the solutions reached to work through these areas. BEX/REX ONLY: If applicable, include an overview of how these challenges were addressed with the homeowner to ensure their overall satisfaction with the finished project. (500 words or less)

You must enter by June 21 to qualify. All entry projects and winners will be featured at the Fall Home & Garden Show. Good luck! We can’t wait to see your award-worthy projects!

Cornerston Construction has focused on high-end, custom-only build projects like this “Mediterranean House” in Dunthorpe.

Our staff writer, Jon Bell, recently spoke with some of our most entrepreneurial members to find out what makes them tick. What he found was that recession actually provided an opportunity for these types of out-of-the-box thinkers to branch out, try new endeavors and sometimes, reinvent themselves. He spoke with Brian and Jeff Bohrer of Cornerstone Construction about launching their high-end construction services company right at the beginning of the recession and how they made it through. He spoke with Tom Kelly about the entrepreneurial tenacity that has been the hallmark of his family business, Neil Kelly. He spoke with Denny Shleifer of Shleifer Marketing Communications and Nathan Young of Nathan D. Young Construction and MODS about changing with the times. These pros even gave their best advice for starting new endeavors.

You can read more about it in our June issue of the Home Building News.

“As the economy recovers and young people who had to live at home with their parents move forward with their lives and achieve their dreams of homeownership, home builders are delivering homes that cater to the floor plans, features and affordability that this generation desires,” said NAHB Chairman Rick Judson, a home builder and developer from Charlotte, N.C.

More than 80 percent of Generation Y home buyers—people born in 1977 or later—said in NAHB’s 2012 consumer preference survey they prefer a highly energy efficient home that results in lower utility bills during the home’s lifetime over a lower-priced home without energy efficient features. Today’s new homes feature ENERGY STAR-rated appliances; windows, doors and insulation that better control the home’s interior climate; and other modern components such as tankless water heaters and HVAC systems that save costs on utility bills.

And cost-conscious young buyers will be happy to hear that a new home actually costs less to maintain than an older home. An NAHB study found that homes built before 1960 have average maintenance costs of $564 a year, while a home built after 2008 averages $241. Plus, mortgage rates are still very low, bolstering affordability for home buyers.

Generation Y buyers favor media and game rooms more than any other specialty rooms for their next home. New homes today not only contain these spaces, they are outfitted with the state-of-the-art electronic and wiring components that can accommodate high-definition televisions, full-house sound systems, hard-wired fire and security alarms and more.

Young buyers can check out many of the outstanding designs and features being included in homes built by NAHB members at their social media communities facebook.com/homebuildrs, pinterest.com/nahbhome and google.com/+nahb. They can also access home buying and home building information and resources on NAHB’s website at nahb.org/forconsumers. To see new homes in the Portland area from HBA builders, visit newhomesource.com/hbapdx.

“The time has never been better for young people to become home owners, whether it be a new home or existing,” said Judson. “There are outstanding opportunities in the current market, with near record low interest rates, competitive prices and new homes being built that include open layouts, energy efficient components and other features that cater to young buyers.”

Background Information

Title/Company: Cornerstone Construction Services, LLC, Brian Bohrer and Jeff Bohrer – Co-Owners

Years with the HBA: Long enough to realize the benefits!

Why are you members of the HBA and what value do you find in HBA membership: There is power in numbers and the building industry needs the support that HBA gives.  It creates an opportunity for communication among competitors that is healthy and would normally not be available.

Business Basics

How’d you get started with your current business: A leap of faith with the help of family and friends realizing our potential.

What advice would you give others starting out in the industry: Focus on the simple things, nothing replaces honesty and integrity.

How do you measure “success:” With a tape measure!

What’s your most useful business “tool:” Our customer relationships that have led to great referrals and repeat business.

Business mentors or heroes: Our father – he worked his way to the top by hard work and motivating people.

Making the Call

Business decision you’re most proud of: Trusting our gut and only taking jobs that are a good fit for our company.

One you’d like to have back: Purchasing new gas pickups…we now have diesel ones!

The best business advice you’ve received: “You can only control your own behavior.”

Where I’ve Been, Where I am Going

First “career” jobs: Medical sales and commercial construction.

As kids, we wanted to be: Starsky and Hutch.

If we weren’t doing this, we’d be: Full-time cattle ranchers.

Insider Information

People would be surprised to know: We have cattle.

If we could work for free for any cause/charity, it would be: Something involving children.

Words we live by/our motto: “There is a right way to do everything.”

We need more time on weekends for: Mowing our lawns….we each have a lot of grass!

Sherry’s list includes:

1. List your goals
2. Think and act in positive terms
3. Think about your “Life Mission”
4. Accept the challenge
5. Keep a schedule
6. Invest in yourself
7. Remember that everything in life is temporary

To read more about how you can “focus on the possibilities” and details on how to deploy the list, read Coaches Corner on page 17 of June’s edition of the Home Building News.

This year we have a NEW advertising opportunity available to local businesses that can get you direct marketing exposure to at least 2,500 individuals.

Marketing and Advertising Exposure
• Receive a 1-5/8” x 2-1/8” space on NW Natural Street of Dream tickets for entry to market your company by providing a discount coupon.
• Coupon included in auto-reply sent to every attendee for the entire show that votes at the NW Natural Street of Dreams (approx. 5,000 votes last year).

Costs $500 per 2,500 tickets printed with coupon. Event runs July 27-August 25 and is located in West Linn.

To take advantage of this great opportunity, contact Nancy at (503) 684-1880 today!

Members met with Representatives Schrader, Herrera-Beutler, Bonamici and Walden as well as Senators Wyden and Merkley to discuss important federal issues including: Mortgage interest deductions, immigration reform, federal timber lands policy, and housing finance reform.

Watch for a full briefing on all of the issues the next issue of the July Home Building News.

Interested in how to rent a deck for your private event at the Street of Dreams?  Click here.

Photo courtesy of iStock

June is National Homeownership Month!

If you are thinking of building your own home or remodeling the one you have, doing your homework will help you have a more successful experience.

Use this checklist to help you select a home builder or home remodeler to work on or build your home.

1. Visit our HBA of Metro Portland Member Directory at http://hbapdx.org/member-directory/ to find the names of builders and remodelers in the Portland Metro area. You can also ask family, friends or coworkers for recommendations and check reviews online.
2. Make sure the builder or home remodeler has a permanent business location and a good reputation with local banks and suppliers.
3. Find out how long they have been in the building business. It usually takes three to five years to establish a financially sound business. You want to make sure they will be around after the construction is complete to service any warranties.
4. Check out the company’s rating and if there have been any complaints filed with your local Better Business Bureau: bbb.org.
5. Make sure the builder/remodeler has sufficient workers compensation and general liability insurance. If not, you may be liable for any construction-related accidents on your premises.
6. Ask the builder/remodeler to provide you with names of previous customers. If they won’t, beware. If they do, ask the customers if they would hire the builder/remodeler again.
7. Ask if you can see the builder/remodelers work, both completed and in progress. Check for quality of workmanship and materials.
8. Do you feel you can easily communicate with the builder/remodeler? Remember you will be in close contact with them throughout the construction process and afterward as you live in your new home.
9. Make sure the builder/remodeler provides you with a complete and clearly written contract. The contract will benefit both of you. If you are having a new home built, get and review a copy of the home warranty and homeowner manual as well.
10. Be cautious of unusually low-priced bids. If the builder/remodeler is unable to pay for the materials and labor as the project proceeds, this may indicate a potential problem. Keep in mind that less expensive does not necessarily mean better!
11. Verify that your remodeler is an EPA Lead-Safe Certified Renovator if you are planning work in a pre-1978 home that will disturb more than six square feet of painted surfaces inside the home or 20 square feet on the exterior of the home. Learn more about the EPA’s lead paint rule.

Are you a Home builder or remodeler?: download this information in a Word document to share with your customers.

We offered HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS IN SAVINGS to new HBA of Metro Portland Members who joined in May through our “Bingo, Bango, Bongo” campaign, and we are pleased to extend this special offer for one more week!

If you are a builder, remodeler, developer, designer, or other residential housing industry professional, you can’t afford not to be a Home Builders Association (HBAMP) member. HBAMP is the leading voice for the residential building industry, representing more than 1,100 industry professionals. HBAMP is the most awarded HBA in the country, the third fastest growing and the ninth largest overall. Since 1942, HBA has worked on behalf of the industry to promote diverse, affordable housing options to area residents.

These special offers will pay you back for joining today:

To take advantage of these special offers, call the HBA office at (503) 684-1880 before Friday, June 7!

A friendly crowd gathered at the May 9 Lunch.Learn.Link to network with industry peers and hear from an industry leader, Tom Liesy of TA Liesy Homes NW. President Steve Heiteen, along with current and former board members, Gordon Root, Drake Butsch and Jan Lewis facilitated the introduction of new members and affiliates and potential members in the crowd, including; Employees of Eagle Home Mortgage, Mike Russell of Security 1 Lending, Anthony Santoriello of Key Home Furnishings, Katie Zahorski of Pacific Crest Custom Cabinetry, Lisa Wallstrum of Gary’s Vacuflo, Victory Shepersky of TRC Environmental Corporation, Susan King of Bay Equity, Tina Barclay of Barclay Interior Design Group and Gary Clark of TA Liesy Homes NW.

Tom shared how he got started in the industry while still in high school framing houses for Golden Hammer during the summer months to becoming one of the areas most successful builders. In 2012, TA Liesy Construction began to branch out into multifamily and apartment complexes. To date, Tom has built 52 homes in 2013.

Following the presentation by Tom, Spike award winners Kimberly Wheeler of Bank of the West and Luke Morley of Lakeside Lumber were honored for contribution to membership growth, both with over 200 Spike Points.

He jokes that whenever his wife asks him what he wants for Christmas he gives her “the look” and she knows immediately what he wants- another tool from the company known for it’s high-quality German engineering. To find out what tool Carl is drooling over these days,  click here and check out our “Cool Tool” section on page 12 in March’s issue of the Home Building News online.

Washington County Chair Andy Duyck joined other HBA members at the 2013 PAC PRO Texas Holdem Poker Tournament

Our 1st place finisher Kris Disbrow and 2nd place finisher Karl Finkelnburg

On Friday May 10th the PAC – PRO Texas Holdem was held at the HBA.  Over 30 HBA members, guests and elected officials including Washington County Chair Andy Duyck State Representative Julie Parrish and Clackamas County Commissioner Paul Savas were in attendance. By the end of the evening over $1,600 was raised for the PAC for use in the upcoming 2014 elections.  Congratulations to our winner Kris Disbrow from Lifetime Exteriors for his 1st place finish which netted him a $1,000 visa gift card of which Kris was gracious enough to donate a portion of back to the PAC.  Special thanks to members from the Professional Remodelors Organization for their help in spreading the word about the tournament.

For more information please contact Justin Wood at the HBA.

CEO, Dave Nielsen and Past President, Tim Breedlove of Renaissance Development recap the highlights from the national webinar, add local flavor and data and condense it down to a 15 minute Q & A.

This video is FREE and covers the following topics:

• What impacts are changing demographics and household formations having on the market?
• How is housing price-to-income affecting home sales?
• To what extent are labor costs, material costs and land availability impacting growth?
• Recent activity and projected trends for remodeling, single-family and multi-family construction.
• Industry growth based on historic trends – e.g. what is “normal?”

More people continue to be found alive, and the number of confirmed dead has actually gone down over the last 24-48 hours. However, there are still families dealing with the pain of loved ones lost, hundreds who are injured and many families who are now homeless.

The  Central Oklahoma Home Builders Association (COHBA) in Oklahoma City is the primary collection point for donations to the Moore tornado victims. The Tulsa HBA is the collection point for the Northeastern part of Oklahoma. In addition to collecting food, water and clothes, those HBAs are also collecting things to help families sift through the rubble of what used to be their home to find cherished items. This includes shovels, rakes, gloves, dust masks, buckets, tote bags and so forth.

COHBA also has a charitable foundation which is receiving monetary gifts. Checks can be made to “Oklahoma Home Builders Foundation”, noted “for Oklahoma Disaster/Tornado relief” and mailed to P.O. Box 14005, Oklahoma City, OK 73113.

For more information on how to safely and effectively make your donations count, visit the Natural Disaster Preparedness Resources at NAHB.org.

Background Information

Title/Company: Global Security & Communication, Inc. President/CEO & Co-Founder

Years with the HBA:I would guess 10.

Activities involved in with the HBA: Street of Dreams. Plus working with Building Connections Marketing Group, 100+ spikes with BIA of Clark County, Ex- PAC Chair, WA State Board, etc.

Business Basics

Education: University of Portland, BA Business Administration Marketing/Management

How’d you get started: I answered an ad that said “Crime Pays.”

Secrets to success: Work hard, adjust, work hard. Keep the store open.

Measuring success: Helping others get what they want. And repeat.

Business mentors or heroes: Too many!  Zig Ziglar, Tony Robbins, Napoleon Hill, Authorized Intergrators Network of Alarm/Home Technology Dealers…

Making the Call

Business decision you’re most proud of: Sticking our necks out to begin with!

One you’d like to have back:  Opening an office in Kansas City that we ended up selling after years of challenges.

Principals you use for big decisions: What outcome do we desire? Win-win. As far as products go, I measure them on these principles – the product has to be “Good to Great” number 1. Then, “can we be good at it?” is number 2. Third is “are we passionate about it?” And finally, “can we make money at it?”

The best business advice you’ve received:  My Dad told me “there is lots of room at the top” and “everyone needs good people.”

Where I’ve Been, Where I am Going

What you learned from your first job: The grass might actually be greener elsewhere!

First “career” job:   Selling signs to businesses on commission only – this was great training.

As a kid, I wanted to be: A kid!

If I weren’t doing this, I’d be:  Selling something that benefitted the customer!

Insider Information

People would be surprised to know:  I’m the son of a migrant farm worker.

If I could work for free for any cause/charity, it would be:  Job training.

Famous words I wished I’d said: There ain’t no free lunch. (Wisdom of the ages!)

I need more time on weekends for:  My wife, dog, golf, chores, travel, relaxing, socializing and working. Can we make the weekend 96 hours long?

Image courtesy of INCBLOT, Motivational Psychology at incblot.org

Guess what? Most of the reasons people feel motivated to work have nothing to do with money. Sure, you might be paying your employees well, but if you don’t include encouragement, caring, empowerment, recognition and other “soft” incentives in your human resources bag-of-tricks, you probably aren’t seeing the best work product you could. Your employees must perceive some value in what they do for you beyond just a paycheck.

Sherry Jordan of The Northwest Coaching Group shared some truths about motivating people – which ones need motivating and when and how to do it in a way that is beneficial to their sense of personal value and your bottom line. One truth is, “You can motivate without money.” Want to learn more? Check our Coaches Corner on page 17 of April’s edition of the Home Building News.

This Garrison Hullinger design showcases porcelain tile to mimic travertine - a form of limestone. The tile is easier to maintain and has a longer lifespan.

Our staff writer, Jon Bell, recently spoke with some of our top Professional Remodelers Organization (PRO) members about the current trends in remodeling and how they are feeling about the market in general.

Overall, many are celebrating this year’s Remodeling Month as business is picking up from what appears to be pent-up demand from consumers who no longer want to put off a project. The Harvard University Joint Center for Housing Studies Remodeling Futures Conference forecasted a 20 percent growth for the industry across the nation this year. The popular remodeling and design website, Houzz.com just came out with a survey that garnered over 1000,000 respondents. Fifty-three percent of them believed that now is a good time to remodel – with 58 percent planning on projects in the next two years.

Tom Kelly of Neil Kelly and Patrick Richardson of Murrayhill Remodeling are seeing this renewed interest in Portland and are cautiously touting the recession to be behind them.

Along with this renewed interest, Garrison Hullinger of Garrison Hullinger Interior Design, is seeing a trend toward practicality  – using practical surfaces and materials to get beautiful results that are easy to maintain. Instead of flash, people are looking for real quality. Our Portland housing stock has a dearth of quality architecture which allows homeowners to blend the new and old, preserving vintage craftmanship with practical and efficient design. Lane Cooper of Cooper Designbuilders thrives on blending the new with the old. Other PRO remodelers and designers such as Arciform, Z3 Interior Design Studio, Dual Purpose Construction and T.H.E. Remodel Group also shared how they are incorporating the new with the old on their projects. Read more about Portland Remodelers thoughts on the state of the industry and current design trends in May’s Home Building News.

Read more of Bob’s thoughts on the multi-tool on page 14 of May’s edition of the Home Building News.

Background Information

Title/Company:  Producer / Vice President with WB Adams Insurance

Years with the HBA:  15 years

Activities involved in with the HBA: I am currently a PRO member, involved with PRO meetings and the Associates Roundtable, I was past chair of the Benefits Committee, previously on the Membership Committee and I am a Lifetime Spike Member. I have coordinated various seminars for HBA members. I have volunteered with the Home & Garden Shows and golf tournaments, and was also a Santa House Elf last year!

Business Basics

Education: I have wo associate degrees:  Accredited Advisor in Insurance (AAI), and Associate in Risk Management (ARM)

How’d you get started:  I was working at a state-wide insurance carrier, and got bored with doing the same thing all of the time, so I went to work at Contractors Insurance Services, which was in the HBA building. I was involved with various programs for HBA members and did new member orientation for several years, along with other activities with the HBA.

Secrets to success:  Hard work, an open mind, and the ability to look outside the box.

Measuring success: REFERRALS!  It is such an honor to have my clients refer me to other business associates as well as their friends and family.

Business mentors or heroes: I worked with a lady, Jean, many years ago who took the time to make me think about what I was doing and why I was doing it. If it didn’t make sense, why do it?

Making the Call

Principals you use for big decisions: Ethics, and consideration of the well-being of all those who would be affected by the decision.

The best business advice you’ve received:  In life and business, there are two cardinal sins. The first is to act without thought and the second is not to act at all.

Where I’ve Been, Where I am Going

What you learned from your first job: If it’s worth doing, do it right.

As a kid, I wanted to be:  Alright – it’s ok to laugh… When I was really young, I wanted to be a trapeze artist, and then later a heavy equipment operator. (Both seem to be a really long way from insurance!)

If I weren’t doing this, I’d be: Laying on the beach somewhere, sipping a Long Island Iced Tea, or at a car show.

Insider Information

People would be surprised to know: I’m a car person – Corvettes and older cars – we have Corvettes and ’63 T-Bird.

If I could work for free for any cause/charity, it would be: It would be a difficult choice to make –I’m passionate about the Cancer Society, March for Babies, volunteering at the Beaverton Elks for Christmas Baskets for the needy, and activities that benefit Veterans.

Famous words I wished I’d said: Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional.

I need more time on weekends for: Just being together with my husband.

“As a business owner for almost 20 years, the most important piece of advice I can share is to brand yourself and remain consistent with your messaging across all marketing, PR and social networking platforms. Let’s say a prospective client sees your ad, then goes to your website, then calls or emails you, then eventually meets you. If, at every interaction they are getting the same, consistent message about you and your company, it will automatically instill confidence about the process to come. Consumer confidence comes when they believe in the philosophy and attitude that is your brand.

Also, today’s savvy consumer not only wants to know who you are and what you do, but “why” you do it and “how” you plan on executing it. Personality plays a huge role in the type of client you will attract and eventually work with. I believe that friendly and professional is the best mix and as Michael Stone once told me “Use that great personality of yours to create some business. Everyone likes doing business with friendly, hardworking people, so just get out there and get after it!”

The new form requires additional data, and expands the form from one page to two. Employers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new format and instructions. The USCIS is conducting several free I-9 webinars to provide answers to any questions about the new form. 

There is a Spanish language version of the new Form I-9  available for download at: Formulario I-9. However, please note that only employers and employees in Puerto Rico are permitted to use the Spanish-language form for employment eligibility verification purposes. Elsewhere, the Spanish language version can be utilized for only for reference to facilitate completion of the English language version of the Form I-9. Except in Puerto Rico, employers must complete and retain only the English language Form I-9.

For more information, email David Crump at NAHB or call him at 800-369-5242 x8491.

2013 HBA Excellence Awards Intent to Enter forms due May 31. Final applications due June 21.

This year the HBA Excellence Awards will feature enhancements to the application process as well as increased recognition opportunities for award recipients within the industry and  the general public.

New for 2013: Award entrants will be featured at the 2013 Fall Home & Garden Show

Award winners and entrants will be on display all four days of the Fall Home & Garden Show, October 3-6, in a heavily trafficked area seen by hundreds of industry professionals and thousands of consumers. In addition to having each entry and related images showcased in a large display, a video featuring the photos and descriptions from the projects will be shown for the duration of the show.

New for 2013: Entrants and winning projects will be recognized at a complimentary After Hours award recognition program at the Fall Home & Garden Show on October 3, 2013.

At this highly anticipated and attended event, HBA and the Presenting Sponsor, ProBuild, will recognize all of the Excellence Award winners and entrants in a short presentation. This means that there will no longer be the added cost and time commitment to entrants and winners to attend a formal banquet. Award winners will be contacted prior to the show so that they can be sure to be in attendance.

New for 2013: Applications will be submitted through an online entry system.

In an effort to make the application process easier for everyone involved, all entries will be processed online this year. The new system will allow you to fill out the entry form online, upload your photos directly to the HBA site, and submit and pay for your entries all in one place. Members that submit an Intent to Enter Form will be given directions and support on this new entry system in the time leading up to the entry deadline.

New deadlines: Intent to Enter Forms due May 31 | Award Entry Forms due June 21.

As the recognition program has been moved to October, the deadlines for Intent to Enters and Entries have moved approximately two months later in the year. This adjusts the contest qualifying time to projects built or developed during the contest period from May 1, 2012 – April 31, 2013.

For further questions about the changes to the HBA Excellence Awards Program, please contact Helen Lewis, 503-684-1880. For a list of entry categories, click here.

HBA of Metro Portland most awarded HBA in the country

The Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland (HBAMP) has once again been recognized for its outstanding performance.  The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) just announced that HBAMP has been awarded four national Association Excellence Awards.  HBAMP continues to grow, increase its prominence and receive accolades in an industry poised to resume pre-recession vigor.

“HBAMP competes in the top size group against over 50 other large HBAs,” said HBAMP CEO, Dave Nielsen. “To be recognized on a national basis by your peers for doing some of the best work is a big honor.  The bottom line is that we want to be seen as a successful, influential and valuable builders association for our industry.  Our growth – we are now the ninth  largest HBA in the country and had the third highest member growth of any metro HBA last year – shows the industry sees that value and is responding to it.”

Winning categories included:

Communications: Best Social Media Effort – Ultimate Open House App

Membership: Best Council Development Program – Professional Remodelers Organization (PRO) of the HBA of Metro Portland

Operations: Best Association Operations Program Administered – Membership Concierge

Operations: Best HBA Partnership/Coalition – 2012 BUILD Retreat

The Association Excellence Awards is an annual program designed to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of state and local home builders’ associations and executive officers in the field of association management. EOC membership is comprised of the staff executives who direct more than 750 NAHB-affiliated state and local home builders’ associations representing more than 140,000 home builders in communities across the United States.

“Over the last eight years, HBAMP has won more AEA awards (36) than any other HBA in the country,” said Steve Heiteen, HBAMP President. “It is truly an honor for the hard work and professionalism of the HBAMP staff and member volunteers to be recognized with these Association Excellence Awards.”

The winning entries will become part of the online EOC Idea Loan File so that other executives and associations across the country can access and learn from them in order to provide better service to their own members and community.

To learn more about the Association Excellence Awards, go to www.nahb.org/aea.

Bryan Erickson

Background Information

Years with the HBA: Verizon has been with the HBA for 10 years and I have been a member for two years.

Activities involved in with the HBA: Assisting HBA members with their wireless needs

Business Basics

Education: Master’s in Marketing with a BS in Finance from University of Southern New Hampshire.

How’d you get started: I knew someone who worked for Verizon.

Secrets to success: You have to enjoy helping folks.

Measuring success: I measure success by being a leader in my office.

Business mentors or heroes: My father.

Making the Call

Business decision you’re most proud of: Working for a leader in the industry – Verizon is the best at what we do out there.

Principles you use for big decisions: I try not to let my emotions impact big decisions.

The best business advice you’ve received: Be honest, even if the truth is uncomfortable.

Where I’ve Been – Where I’m Going

First “career” job: I was a staff accountant for Princeton Properties in Lowell, MA.

As a kid, I wanted to be: A professional baseball player!

If I weren’t doing this, I’d be: Nothing – I love being a professional sales person.

Insider Information

People would be surprised to know: I grew up on the east coast in New Hampshire.

If I could work for free for any cause/charity, it would be: I would coach youth sports.

Famous words I wished I’d said: “Don’t find fault. Find a remedy” – Henry Ford

I need more time on weekends for: My family