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BUILDING CONNECTIONS

Your Monthly Newsletter

Building Connections is a monthly digital magazine produced and published by the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Fairfield County. Inside you will find the latest association news, legislative updates, upcoming events, and featured articles about the industry.

hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com www.buildfairfieldcounty.com @hbraffc (203) 335-7008

Front Cover:

California Closets Designer: Tanya Medvedieva

Photographer: Uliana Bunko

2026 OFFICERS

Immediate Past President: John Hertz

Hertz Construction Inc.

President: Rob Michaud

Michaud Development Group

Senior Vice President: Brian Kurtz Interstate

Vice President & Treasurer: Chris Shea

Domus Contructors, LLC

Secretary: Karen Bradbury

Closet & Storage Concepts

2026 DIRECTORS

Bepin Mgushi

Fixitup Building and Remodeling

Geoff Knapp

Tooher-Ferraris Insurance Group

George Pusser Cornerstone Contracting

Kevin Polcer Polcer Home, LLC

Lisa Heldwhite Breakwater Renovation & Design, LLC

Stephanie Rapp

Stephanie Rapp Interiors, LLC

Tori McBrien McBrien Interiors

LifeDirectors:

AnthonyDeRosa,DeRosaBuilders

ChrisSteiner,SteinerInc.

GaryFanali,CompleteDismantlingServices,LLC

JerryEffren,TheGreyrockCompanies

JoanneCarroll,JMCResources,LLC

KimDiMatteo,CrossInsurance

MichaelPalumbo,ERIBuilding&Design

PeterFusaro,PreferredBuilders

PeterGaboriault,BearPawBuilders

EXECUTIVE OFFICER WELCOME LETTER

Dear Members,

Welcome to the May edition of Building Connections. As we move further into the spring season, the energy across our industry continues to build. Projects are underway, opportunities are emerging, and our members are hard at work shaping the homes, communities, and businesses that make Fairfield County such a vibrant place to live and work. In this issue, you'll find updates on recent events, upcoming programs, member highlights, and opportunities to get involved. As we approach the busy summer season, I encourage you to take full advantage of your membership by attending events, making new connections, and sharing your expertise with others. The relationships we build today help create opportunities for tomorrow. Thank you for your continued support of the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Fairfield County. Your dedication, professionalism, and engagement are what make our association successful.

Kind Regards,

Kerry Brunn Executive Officer

Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Fairfield County

M I S S I O N

The mission of the HBRA is to help promote, protect & improve the building industry in Fairfield County Our association is dedicated to promoting, strengthening, and informing our local home building market and those who work within it to ensure that we are - independently and collectively - a viable economic engine of growth now and in the future.

Upcoming Events

Wednesday June 3 : Clambake at the Beach rd

Penfield Beach, Fairfield | 5:30pm-8:30pm

Enjoy a full clambake dinner and networking by the water.

Wednesday September 2 : End-of-Summer General

Membership Meeting at Ring's End nd

Ring's End Darien | 5:30pm-8:30pm

Save the date for our annual GMM at Ring’s End, an outdoor event with live demos and displays from industry experts, giveaways and raffles, food trucks, and networking!

Monday September 14 : Annual Golf Classic th Tashua Knolls Golf Course, Trumbull

Registration is now open for our annual Golf Classic, presented by Ring’s End! Golf in our 18 or 9 hole tournaments, attend our “Happy Hour” dinner, or volunteer for our biggest event of the year! Sponsorships are also available for every budget.

For more info & to register, visit

Clambake at the Beach

June 3, 2026 | 5:30pm-8:30pm | Penfield Pavilion

Fairfield Beach-Penfield Pavilion: 323 Fairfield Beach Road, Fairfield CT

Join the HBRA for our annual Clambake at the Beach at the Penfield Beach Pavilion.

Featuring a FULL CLAMBAKE DINNER with choice of Fresh 1-1/4 pound Maine Lobster, BBQ boneless chicken breast, BBQ baby back ribs, or mixed grilled veggies. PLUS every dinner will come with littleneck clams, mussels, New England clam chowder, corn on the cob, red potatoes, mixed salad, fresh rolls, sliced watermelon, AND open bar beer & wine!

HBRA Members: $140 | General Admission: $150 Week of Event Price Increase: HBRA Members: $150 | Gen. Admission: $160 NO walk-ins will be accepted at this event - register today to ensure you have a spot!

Presenting Sponsor - $2000

- Listed as presenting sponsor with logo on banner at event

- Listed as presenting sponsor with logo on all marketing materials

- 3 tickets to the event

- 1 minute to speak at the event

- Tagged in social media post

- Full page Ad in Building Connections EMagazine for June

Drink Sponsor - $1250

- Premium signage at the bar

- Logo on sponsor banner at event and all marketing materials

- 2 tickets to the event

- Tagged in social media post

- Full page Ad in Building Connections E-Magazine for June

Table Display - $500

Set up a table display at the event!

- Table display space at event

- Logo on sponsor banner at event and all marketing materials

- Logo in Building Connections EMagazine for June

- Tagged in social media post

- 1 ticket to the event

Dinner Sponsor - $1500

- Premium signage at the food table

- Logo on cocktail napkins

- Logo on sponsor banner at event and all marketing materials

- 2 tickets to the event

- Tagged in social media post

- Full page Ad in Building Connections E-Magazine for June

Lobster Sponsor - $1000

- Logo on EITHER lobster bibs, seafood crackers, hand towelettes, or paper plates given to attendees at dinner (1 sponsor per item, selection is first-come first-serve)

- Logo on sponsor banner at event and all marketing materials

- 1 ticket to the event

- Tagged in social media post

- Full page Ad in Building Connections EMagazine for June

Event Sponsor - $350

- Logo on sponsor banner at event and all marketing materials

- 1 ticket to the event

- Tagged in social media post

- Full page Ad in Building Connections EMagazine for June

Membership Raffle - $425

- Signage at the event

- Draw the winning raffle ticket & announce the winner!

- 1 ticket to the event

Join us for our biggest event of the year!

Sept. 14 | Tashua Knolls Golf Course, Trumbull Register now for the 18* and 9 hole tournaments! We also have sponsorship opportunities available. Click below for more information.

*The 18-Hole Tournament has sold out - email hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com to be added to the waitlist. A portion of all proceeds will go to support the HBRA’s Partnership with the Circle of Care. CLICK HERE to learn more.

Golfers: 18 & 9 Hole Tournaments

18 Hole: 10am Shotgun Start - SOLD OUT $1200 / foursome or $300 / golfer email hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com to be added to the waitlist

9 Hole: 1:30pm Shotgun Start - Selling Fast! $600 / foursome or $150 / golfer

All golfers receive on-course lunch and dinner.

Dinner-Only

Network with industry friends, participate in our raffle with awesome prizes, and then see who wins the awards! This year dinner will be back inside, featuring open bar, passed apps, and pasta stations! CLICK HERE to Register for Golf or Dinner!

Opportunities are available for every budget. This event sells out, so book your sponsorship today! We are also accepting raffle prize donations.

MEMBER RECRUITMENT DRIVE

HOW TO RECRUIT:

1)InvitenewBuilder&Associate memberstojointheHBRAby 11/14/2026at: buildfairfieldcounty.com/join

-NewYoungProfessional members(aged45andunderwho havenotbeenamemberforthe past2years)canenterthecode 2026ypfor$200offtheirfirstyear dues.

-AllothernewBuilder&Associate memberscanenterthecode 2026nmfor$100offtheirfirstyear dues.

2)Makesureallnewmembersyou recruitlistyouastheirreference! Currentmemberswillbeawarded $25.00foreachnewBuilder& Associatemembertheyrecruit!

4)Thecurrentmemberwho recruitsthemostnewmemberswill alsorecievefreeadmissiontoour DecemberAwardsDinner&Holiday Party!

Youalreadyknowthevalueofbeingan HBRAmember,withconnections,resources, advocacy,andopportunitiesthathelpyour businessthrive.Now’syourchancetoshare thosebenefitswithacolleague,client,or friend!

WhyRecruit?

Strengthenourindustry’scollectivevoice Expandnetworkingopportunitiesfor everyone

Supporttheprogramsandadvocacy youvaluemost Bringfreshideasandenergyintoour association

Let’sgrowstrongertogether.Invitesomeoneyouknowtojointoday,andmake suretheylistyouastheirreferral&you’llrecieve$25.00!

2026 HBRA Membership Directory

It’sthattimeofyearagain! Listingforms&advertising opportunitiesarenowavailable fortheannualHBRAMembership Directory,publishedannually onlineaccessibletoour500+ membersandthegeneralpublic. Printededitionsaredistributed tomarketingpartners,displayed inmember'sshowrooms,&in localbusinesses,andarealso availableuponrequest. CLICKHERETOFILLOUT

Advertisingopportunitiesare availableforallbudgets. ADirectoryadisaninvestment thatgivesyouyear-round exposuretofellowmembers, industryprofessionals,& consumers.Plus,revenuefrom adshelpstheHBRAexpandour services,events,&legislative advocacytobetterservethe membersoftheHBRA.

CLICKHERETO

NORWALK PUBLICSCHOOLS INTERNSHIPS 2025-2026

Helpusintroducehighschoolstudents totradecareersandbuildyour workforceoftomorrow!

The Norwalk Public Schools Workforce Development Program connects driven students with employers looking to offer real-world, hands-on job experience.

NPSWDP will connect students with employers from their career of interest, and interns will be paid directly from NPSWDP - all you as an employer need to do is offer the interns real-world job experience in your field.

To join the program and hire a student intern, please contact CarolWiltshireTothat wiltshiretothc@norwalkps.org with your name, company, and field (building, electrical, interior design, banking, etc.).

STUDENT INTERNS IN THE PROGRAM ARE: 16+ YEARS OLD 2.0+ CUMALITIVE GPA GRADES 10 - 12 SEEKING REAL-WORLD, HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE IN THEIR FUTURE CAREER OF INTEREST

EVENT RECAPS

May Mixer Brews Up Networking, Education & Industry Connections

The HBRA’s annual May GMM & Member Mixer returned to Two Roads Brewing Company on May 6 , bringing members together for an evening of networking, local craft beer, and industry connections. Associate members hosted tabletop displays at the event showcasing their businesses and latest products, including Imperial Sponsors Andersen Corporation and Superior Hearth, Spas & Leisure. th

A highlight of the evening was our “Member Mixer Scavenger Hunt,” which encouraged attendees to connect with sponsors and meet fellow members while searching for answers to questions listed on the scavenger hunt card. Completed entries were entered into a raffle drawing, with Robin Carroll of Karp Associates taking home the prize.

John Myron from Go Mini's also sponsored a raffle for Yankee tickets to two upcoming games – congratulations to our winners Aaron Ishman from Woodbury Supply and Michelle Nemmers from California Closets!

Right before the GMM, Bryant Coogan and Ring’s End presented a CEU Class on Residential Walls. Our association is committed to promoting, improving and protecting the home building industry and we aim to provide our members every opportunity possible. Please let us know if there are any educational programs you would like to see offered.

This event would not have been possible without our event sponsors. Thank you again to our Imperial Sponsors Andersen Corporation and Superior Hearth, Spas & Leisure and Top Hop Sponsors Bender, Daisy, California Closets, DiMatteo Group Financial Services, East Haven & Ridgefield Building Supply, and Pella Windows & Doors.

Photos by Kirt Washington Photography

EVENT RECAPS

THANKYOUTOOUR SPONSORS!

EVENT RECAPS

PWB Members Enjoy Pizza Making at Aitoro Monogram Showroom

Professional Women in Building Council members and guests gathered for our May meeting at the Aitoro Monogram Showroom, hosted by Tony Aitoro and the Aitoro Appliance team. The event provided a welcoming atmosphere for networking, conversation, and collaboration among some of the area's leading women in the building and remodeling industry.

Guests enjoyed delicious artisan pizza prepared by Chef John Nealon of Crust Issues while connecting with fellow professionals and sharing ideas.

A special thank you to Aitoro Appliances for their hospitality and continued partnership. We appreciate their commitment to supporting our members.

Photos by Ashley Nicole Social Co.

Adele Organizes | Adele Mahabir

Find out more HERE: www.adeleorganizes.com

Aduko | Cesar Vertiz

Find out more HERE: www.aduko.org

Blue Sky Designs, LLC | Alexander Mejia

Find out more HERE: www.blueskydesigns.co

Branford Building Supplies | Krystal Lugo

ind out more HERE: https://branfordbuilding.com/

Branford Building Supplies | Greg Baker

ind out more HERE: https://branfordbuilding.com/

Branford Building Supplies | Michael Schettino

Find out more HERE: https://branfordbuilding.com/

JOB BANK

These opportunities are offered by the HBRA members listed in the specific advertisement. Please do not contact the HBRA regarding these listings.

Titus Built

JOB TITLE: Project Manager

SUMMARY: The Project Manager is the primary Client contact (at the sole discretion of the Director of Production), responsible for adhering to our Contract, while managing and ensuring the successful execution of home remodeling projects, maintaining quality, budgets, and client satisfaction. This role involves managing schedules, subcontractors, materials, and resources, while providing ongoing communication and support to clients throughout the project lifecycle. This role oversees the Site Supervisors and works closely with the Production Coordinator & Estimator.

CONTACT:

info@titusbuilt.com 203-834-0275

https://titusbuilt.com

Domus Constructors, LLC

JOB TITLE: Residential Site Supervisor

SUMMARY: The Residential Site Supervisor will oversee and coordinate the on-site construction activities between tradesmen, subcontractors and suppliers on multiple jobsites and ensure that construction projects are completed on time and per plans. The selected candidate will be responsible for organizing and controlling project schedules; completing quality control inspections; and supervising subcontractors. The Site Supervisor will work closely with the Project Manager and communicate frequently with the project team including Architects, Design Consultants, and the Client.

CONTACT: info@domusllc.com (203) 852-6789

https://www.domusllc.com/

JOB BANK

These opportunities are offered by the HBRA members listed in the specific advertisement. Please do not contact the HBRA regarding these listings.

Murphy Brothers Contracting, Inc.

JOB TITLE: Accounting Manager

SUMMARY: We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Accounting Manager to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for a wide array of financial, compliance, and administrative responsibilities. This role requires strong technical expertise, excellent communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external partners.

CONTACT:

Caitlin Murphy: caitlin@murphybrothers.com

O: 914-777-5777

O: 203-629-1291 www.murphybrothers.com

Ring's End

JOB TITLE: Full-time Kitchen / Bath Designer

SUMMARY: Ring's End, Inc. is looking for a skilled, creative and sales-driven full-time Kitchen / Bath Designer to assist our customers by showcasing our materials and services. This full-time position earns a competitive pay plus commission and is eligible for a great benefits package, including traditional and Roth 401K, 3% 401K safe harbor company contribution, various medical insurance plans, FSA & DCA, employee discounts on our products and materials, life/accidental death & dismemberment insurance, long & short-term disability, paid holidays, paid time off (PTO), employee assistance program, and a legal counseling program.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY: https://ringsend.applicantpro.com/jobs/4086010 ALL AVAILABLE JOBS: https://ringsend.applicantpro.com/jobs/ https://www.ringsend.com/

Membership Discounts & Deals

Through agreements with more than 20 national companies, NAHB offers exclusive discounts on a variety of products and services that can benefit your business, employees and family. Members save big when they take advantage of these offers.

Steps to Access NAHB Discounts:

Please Note: Your nahb.org login is separate from your buildfairfieldcounty.com login.

If you do not have an NAHB account, select “Register” on the right side of the screen. You will need the PIN you received when you first joined the HBRA – find yours by logging in to your account at www.buildfairfieldcounty.com, or contact the HBRA office and we would be happy to let you know!

After you log in, go to www.nahb.org/NAHB-Community/Member-Benefits/Savings

Click on “Learn More” under the discount you want to use and follow the instructions.

See the NAHB "Member Savings Program at a Glance" handout for a full list of available discounts!

Through the HBRA of Fairfield County’s partnership with NPP you can save on products for your business and employees. Membership is free.

Steps to Access NPP Discounts:

Visit www.mynpp.com/association/hbra-of-fairfieldcounty/

If you already have an account, select “Log In” at the top right to log in. If you do not currently have an NPP account, enter your information on the form on the right and follow the website prompts to create an account.

Click on the discount you would like to sign up for and follow the instructions.

See the NPP handout for a full list of available discounts!

For a full list of all benefits available to members, visit: buildfairfieldcounty.com/membership-benefits-discounts/

Membership Discounts & Deals

The HBRACT’s Member Rebate Program is a free member benefit available to Builder & Remodeler members of the HBRA.

There are currently over 50 of the country's leading Manufacturer Brands participating in the Member Rebate Program offering the same rebates as the "Top-5 Builders" receive regardless of your volume.

Steps to Access HBRACT Member Rebate Discounts:

Visit www.hbarebates.com/registration

Enter your company information. Select which products you currently use or which products you’d be willing to switch to. Fill out the Rebate Claim form and submit before the deadline each quarter.

See the "HBA Rebates" handout for a full list of available discounts!

The new HBRA member retirement plan is a real game changer for small businesses. A pooled group plan with over 2000 other businesses and 2 ½ billion of assets under management so members can access

the retirement benefits of a large company. At the same time, 90% of your administrative and investment oversight responsibilities are outsourced to a third party, which means it is simple to operate and has much lower liability than the typical 401(k).

As a business owner, the most important thing you can do is save for your retirement. The HBRA Retirement Program allows you to save for your future, provide a valuable tool for your employees and their families all while saving the overhead costs and liability of managing your own retirement plan.

Visit www.tagcobrand.com/hbra/ to get started today!

For a full list of all benefits available to members, visit:

HaveyougottenanemailofferingalistofIBS attendees,localbuilders/tradespeople,orsimilar?

Outsidemarketingcompanieshavebeenemailing membersofferinglistswiththecontactinfoofIBS attendees,localbuildersortradespeople,andeven HBRAmembersforafee.

TheseemailsareaSCAM.

TheHBRAwillNEVERgiveoutour memberlisttoanoutsidecompany, andwouldcertainlynotallowthemto chargeforit.

Whilethemarketingcompanymay giveouttheirownlistoflocalbuilders claimingtheinformationisfromus,itis notourmemberlistandwehaveno controlovertheinformationincluded orwhotheyreachoutto. Ifyoureceiveoneoftheseemails, markitasspamanddelete.

New Home Sales Down in April on Affordability

Concerns

Elevated mortgage rates, higher inflation and economic uncertainty kept more buyers on the sidelines in April as ongoing affordability challenges continue.

Five Steps to a More Sustainable Home Remodel

Last month, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approved the newly revised 2025 National Green Building Standard® (NGBS), which includes significant changes to promote green renovations.

Which Home Owners Are Fueling Today’s Remodeling Market?

With elevated mortgage rates and limited for-sale inventory making it harder to move, many home owners are instead choosing to invest in the homes they already own. In 2024, an estimated $670 billion was spent on remodeling projects, as roughly 20 million households (nearly one-quarter of owneroccupied homes) undertook home improvements ranging from large additions and major renovations to smaller alterations and upgrades.

Single-Family Starts Fall Amid Economic Uncertainty and Affordability Pressures

Single-family housing starts declined in April as builders faced continued economic uncertainty and affordability challenges, including higher construction costs, ongoing labor shortages and elevated financing expenses.

Housing Affordability Edges Up in First Quarter but Challenges Persist

While housing affordability remains out of reach for millions of Americans, particularly first-time and entry-level buyers, conditions have improved modestly in the last year, according to the latest data from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Cost of Housing Index (CHI). The CHI results from the first quarter of 2026 show that a family earning the nation’s median income of $106,800 needed 32% of its income to cover the mortgage payment on a medianpriced new home. Low-income families, defined as those earning only 50% of median income, would have to spend 65% of their earnings to pay for the same new home.

NEWS

Single-Family Starts Fall Amid Economic Uncertainty and Affordability Pressures

Project Planning Tips to Boost Profitability

Inflation outpaced wage growth in April for the first time since May 2023, eroding purchasing power and straining customers' budgets. As energy costs continue to climb across the United States, now it is more important than ever to ensure your construction projects are planned properly, scheduled in advance and completed on time.

Residential Building Worker Wage Growth Subdues

Residential building workers’ wage growth remained subdued in the first quarter of 2026, a reflection of easing construction activity and labor demand. Both nominal and inflation-adjusted wage gains remained calm, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.