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.
Front Cover: Featuring: Guiltec Development Burr Salvator Architects
AUTHENTIC TO YOUR DREAM
Andersen ® A-Series windows and doors are based on the style of home you want. Whether it’s a stately Queen Anne, a bold Modernist design or anything in between, you can now create it with the best-performing, most energy-efficient products Andersen has ever offered. Don’t just imagine your dream home, build it with Andersen.
Learn more at andersenwindows.com
Andersen is proud to support the Home Builders and Remodelers Assn. of Fairfield County and its members.
EXECUTIVE WELCOME LETTER
Hello Members,
I hope you are enjoying the end of the summer and are excited about our fall events!
We are coming back strong with our upcoming fall events and are hopeful you will able to join us! On September 3 we are having our Annual Clambake at Penfield Pavilion and on September 15 we have our sold out annual Golf Tournament-we still have availability to join us for dinner and volunteers!
For those of you who don’t know, we have recently launched a new Young Professionals Recruitment Program. For nonmembers aged 45 years and under, their first year dues is now only $75! Please let nonmembers you know of this great deal!
As you may have already seen, we rolled out a new website. This website is designed to market you and your business! In conjunction with that, we have been doing a social media push to promote your businesses on our new website. We are always looking for new content- If you are interested in a spotlight or want to write an article, please let me know.
Be sure to keep our online membership directory in mind whenever you are looking for a business: www.buildfairfieldcounty.com/directory. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can do anything for you or your business: kerry@buildfairfieldcounty.com.
Kind Regards,
Kerry Brunn Executive Officer Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Fairfield County
MISSION
“ 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 areindependently and collectively - a viable economic engine of growth now and in the future. ”
Upcoming Events - Register
Wednesday September 3 : Annual Clambake at the Beach rd
Penfield Pavilion at Fairfield Beach | 6pm-9pm
Our annual clambake is back at Penfield Beach! Join us for a delicious lobster bake, drinks, and networking, plus table display opportunities!
*This event has sold out - email hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com to be added to the waitlist.
Monday September 8 : Deadline to enter the 2025 HOBI Awards th
Monday September 15 : Annual HBRA Golf Classic th
Tashua Knolls Golf Course, Trumbull
Our biggest event of the year! Register for our “Happy Hour” dinner or volunteer on course. Sponsorships are available for every budget! We are also accepting raffle prize donations. Plus, a portion of all proceeds from this event will go to support the HBRA’s Partnership with the Circle of Care.
*Golf has sold out - email hbra@buildfairfieldcounty.com to be added to the waitlist.
Wednesday October 1 : October GMM st
Aitoro Appliance Company, Norwalk | 5:30pm-8:30pm
Join us for networking, drinks, and apps at Aitoro - registration opening soon!
Thursday October 9 : Young Professionals Cornhole Tournament th Northeast, Bridgeport
Members and Industry Professionals age 45 and under are invited to join the Young Professionals Committee for our October meeting - a cornhole tournament!
Saturday October 11 : “Pathways to Construction Trades” Lunch th HMTX Industries, Norwalk | 12pm-1:30pm
Meet your future employees - join us for lunch to meet students in the HBRA’s “Pathways to Construction” training program, introducing high school juniors and seniors to careers in the construction industry.
Wednesday November 5 : November GMM th
Interstate Design Center, Westport | 5:30pm-8:30pm
Save the date for our “Fall Fest” General membership meeting - registration opening soon!
Thursday November 13 : Annual HOBI Awards Dinner th Aqua Turf Club, Plantsville | 5pm-9:30pm
Presented by the HBRA of CT, join us to celebrate the winners of CT’s most prestigious housing awards!
2025 OFFICERS
Immediate Past President John Hertz Hertz Construction Inc.
President: Rob Michaud Michaud Development Group
Senior VP: Brian Kurtz Interstate + Lakeland Lumber
VP & Treasurer: Chris Shea Domus Constructors, LLC
Lisa Heldwhite Breakwater Renovation & Design, LLC
Geoff Knapp Tooher-Ferraris Insurance Group
Robin Carroll Karp Associates
Tori McBrien McBrien Interiors
Bepin Mgushi Fixitup Building and Remodeling
Kevin Polcer Polcer Home, LLC
George Pusser Cornerstone Contracting
Stephanie Rapp Stephanie Rapp Interiors, LLC.
LIFE DIRECTORS
Joanne Carroll JMC Resources
Anthony DeRosa DeRosa Builders
Kim DiMatteo Cross Insurance
Jerry Effren
The Greyrock Companies
Gary Fanali City Carting
Peter Fusaro Preferred Builders
Michael Palumbo
ERI Building & Design
Peter Gaboriault
Bear Paw Builders
Chris Steiner Steiner, Inc.
Sept. 15 | Tashua Knolls Golf Course, Trumbull
Put your name center stage at our biggest event of the year - sponsorships are still available, or donate a raffle prize, attend our “Happy Hour” dinner, or volunteer on the course!
*Golf 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.
& Volunteer Registration
Volunteers are the backbone of our tournamentwe couldn’t do it without you! Volunteers can help with set-up in the morning and/or work on the course during the tournament Lunch is included, and voluntee and stay for the dinner
Join us for our “Happy Hour” dinner: network with
industry friends, participate in our raffle with awesome prizes, and then see who wins the awards! Dinner will again be inside, featuring open bar, passed apps, and pasta stations!
are
for every budget. This event sells out, so book your sponsorship today! We are also accepting raffle prize donations.
Have you gotten an email offering a list of IBS attendees, local builders/tradespeople, or similar?
Outside marketing companies have been emailing members offering lists with the contact info of IBS attendees, local builders or tradespeople, and even HBRA members for a fee.
These emails are a SCAM.
The HBRA will NEVER give out our member list to an outside company, and would certainly not allow them to charge for it.
While the marketing company may give out their own list of local builders claiming the information is from us, it is not our member list and we have no control over the information included or who they reach out to.
If you receive one of these emails, mark it as spam and delete.
Young Professionals Happy Hour at Closet and Storage Concepts
On Thursday, July 10th, HBRA Members and guests age 45 and under gathered at Closet and Storage Concepts in Norwalk for an evening of connection, conversation, and summer fun. Hosted by the HBRA Young Professionals Committee, the happy hour brought together young professionals from across the homebuilding industry to network and strengthen professional relationships.
We enjoyed beer, wine, and fresh pizza from the onsite pizza truck while mingling both indoors and out. The relaxed, welcoming atmosphere was the perfect backdrop for fostering new connections and building on existing ones.
The HBRA Young Professionals Committee is dedicated to fostering networking, growth and mentorship to our industry professionals that are 45 and under, and this event was another great example of the energy and potential within our next generation of leaders. MEMBER EVENTS
July PWB Council Meeting: Self-Defense Class
The Professional Women in Building Council gathered in July for an empowering and interactive self-defense workshop led by PWB member and martial arts expert, Tori McBrien. With 14 years of training and a SanDan rank in Kempo Karate, Tori shared her expertise alongside a special co-instructor – her 8-year-old daughter, a dedicated student who recently earned her blue belt.
Attendees learned practical techniques to enhance personal safety, build confidence, and improve situational awareness.
An amazing night capped off with socializing by the water!
August PWB Council Meeting: Mini Golf & Summer Happy Hour
After being rained out in June, the Professional Women in Building Council gathered in August for our rescheduled summer celebration that was well worth the wait. We kicked off the evening with a round of mini golf at Norwalk Cove Marina, enjoying friendly competition and plenty of laughs along the 18-hole course.
Once our 18 holes were complete, we headed to Sunset Grille to relax by the water, watch the sunset, and enjoy cocktails and live music. The combination of lighthearted activity and laid-back networking made for a perfect summer night!
School TECHNOLOGY Back To
USE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO SAVE ON TECH FOR SCHOOL, THE OFFICE, & HOME!
DELL TECHNOLOGIES
Use code NAHBFY25 to save on laptops, desktops, accessories, and more!
CLICK HERE
HEWLETT-PACKARD
Save up to 35% & get free shipping, plus personalized assistance to help you find the perfect PC.
CLICK HERE TECH 21
25% off device protection cases for phones, MacBooks, iPads, and more!
CLICK HERE
AUGUST FEATURED HBRA MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNTS & DEALS
NEW MEMBERS
ALS Smart Housing | Al Anzalone
Find out more HERE
Builder Circle | Jonathon McFate
Find out more HERE
Casa Creations, LLC DBA Closet Factory| Dan Zuller
Find out more HERE
Crown & Compass, LLC | Jon Maxwell
Find out more HERE
Daisy Smart Home |Luke Frederickson
Find out more HERE
Deane Inc. | Gina Fothergill
Find out more HERE
DeMaio Design Group | Nicholas DeMaio
Find out more HERE
Eagle Woodworking | Blake Schwartz
Find out more HERE
NEW MEMBERS
Elite Interior Renovations, LLC | Claudeir De Carvalho
Find out more HERE
Franca Group, LLC | Valmar Franca Jr.
Find out more HERE
Further Afield | Rachel Fisher
Find out more HERE
Guiltec Development | Chad Smith
Find out more HERE
I Q T| Brendan Molloy
Find out more HERE
Lawley Insurance | Kevin Campbell
Find out more HERE
Lowes - Danbury | Quintina Simpson
Find out more HERE
QuinnHaven Kitchen Cabinets & Bathroom Design | Amanda Lai
Find out more HERE
R E L Interiors | Rachel Lindemann
Find out more HERE
NEW MEMBERS
Rothoblaas SRL | Tyler Telesco
Find out more HERE
Union Savings Bank | Stephen Habetz
Find out more HERE
Union Savings Bank | Cameron Griffin
Find out more HERE
Aegis Reality Group | Ronald Czebiniak
Find out more HERE
Carbon Custom Builders | Sam Fertik
Find out more HERE
Mosolino Development, LLC | Mark Mosolino
Find out more HERE
Shoreline Painting & Drywall Inc. | Christopher Polidoro
Find out more HERE
Sterling Associates, LLC | Eric Salvesen
Find out more HERE
NEW PWB MEMBERS
Laura Michaels Design | Laura Michaels
Find out more HERE
Lowes - Danbury | Quintina Simpson
Find out more HERE
NOVEMBER 13, 2025
AQUA TURF CLUB Plantsville, CT
HOME BUILDING INDUSTRY AWARDS
Connecticut’s Most Prestigious Housing Awards
The HOBI Awards, produced by the HBRA of CT, recognize excellence in new construction, remodeling, sales & marketing, land development, and home financing with more than 100 categories recognized. 2025 HOBI AWARDS
DEADLINE TO ENTER
SALES SHEET
GO BEYOND.
A subflooring panel with a built-in barrier for jobsite durability.
AdvanTech X-Factor panels are the latest innovation from the subflooring brand builders have trusted for more than 20 years for the FLAT OUT BEST™ start to a quiet, stiff floor. AdvanTech X-Factor is a new class of premium subflooring with a fade-resistant, watershedding surface on a high-performance engineered wood panel. With a built-in protective top layer, it takes the moisture resistance teams expect from an AdvanTech panel to the next level and pairs well with AdvanTech™ subfloor adhesive for a Squeak-Free Guarantee™1
The built-in, water-shedding top layer provides a distinctively smooth, even, premium subfloor surface that is marker friendly and easy to clean.
AdvanTech X-Factor Panels
Membership Discounts & Deals
Log in at www.nahb.org
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 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!
Steps to Access NPP Discounts:
Through the HBRA of Fairfield County’s partnership with NPP you can save on products for your business and employees. Membership is free. 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
The Offsite Construction Market Share Flattens Nationally in 2024
In 2024, 28,000 single-family homes were built using modular or panelized/pre-cut construction methods out of 1,019,000 total single-family homes completed, making the total market share for offsite construction just 3%, according to the Census Bureau Survey of Construction data and NAHB analysis. The share was also 3% in 2023, but has been declining since the early-2000s despite high levels of interest in offsite construction.Read More
7 Key Principles for Universal Design
Universal design is a broad term that involves the craft of designing, remodeling, or building a home that’s usable, accessible, comfortable, and safe for people of all ages and abilities — without calling unnecessary attention to itself. And it’s a growing segment of the remodeling market that’s poised to only get bigger.
Read More
Where Inspiration Surfaces
BROOKFIELD
Housing Remains a Critical Media Topic
NAHB helped ensure housing was at the forefront of discussions during last year’s presidential election and continues to provide thought leadership on housing in the media, from TV broadcasts to industry podcasts.
NAHB CEO Jim Tobin and other senior leaders have shared their insights with various audiences in recent months:
” .Read More
New Home Sales Flat as Affordability Concerns Persist
High mortgage rates, rising construction costs and economic uncertainty continue to deter many potential home buyers during this summer season.
Sales of newly built single-family homes edged 0.6% lower in July, falling to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 652,000 from an upwardly revised reading in June, according to newly released data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau. The pace of new home sales is down 8.2% from a year earlier.Read More
Custom Home Building Grows as Broader Housing Market Struggles
An analysis of census data by NAHB economists shows that custom home building grew 4% in the second quarter of 2025 as high interest rates and home prices suppress demand for traditional spec home production.
There were 54,000 total custom building starts during the second quarter of 2025. Over the last four quarters, custom housing starts totaled 184,000 homes, up 2% from the previous period.
The current market share of custom-built homes is approximately 19% of total single-family starts, the highest since 2022, but still far short of the 31.5% set during the second quarter of 2009 when production home building cratered following the housing market collapse.. Read More
Level Up Your Career with NAHB Connect
NAHB Connect is the go-to-online community for young professionals in home building. It’s a digital hub for professional growth, industry insight and member-to-member networking.
WHY JOIN
Enhance Your Career
Ask other members how to navigate your career path. Improve as a leader and grow your business.
Network with Industry Leaders
Tap into the knowledge of experienced industry professionals.
Grow Your Knowledge
Ask questions about real world scenarios and get helpful responses from people who relate to you.
1. Do you have an account on nahb.org? If not, go to nahb.org/register to create an account or scan the QR code below.
I have found NAHB Connect to be a very valuable resource for connecting with other members to exchange knowledge, expertise, and network.
~Nicolas Ream Montana Heritage Home Builders, Inc.
2. Go to connect.nahb.org/home, and log in with your nahb.org username and password.
3. Set up your profile, upload an image and start connecting!
The NAHB Professional Women in Building Council (PWB) is the voice of women in the building industry, dedicated to promoting industry professionalism and supporting members at the local , state and national levels.
The Fairfield County PWB is dedicated to supporting the professional development of women in the home building industry through monthly meetings, seminars, charitable work and networking opportunities wherein they educate each other on trends in the marketplace and tips to improve their skills and their businesses.
Formed in early 2018, the Fairfield County PWB is an Affiliated Professional Women in Building Council of the National Association of Home Builders Professional Women in Building Council , and the Home Builders and Remodelers Association (HBRA) of Fairfield County.
The purpose of the Fairfield County PWB:
To assist in the accomplishment of the mutual objectives of the NAHB, the National Association of Home Builders Professional Women in Building Council , and the HBRA of Fairfield County.
The Fairfield County PWB is first and foremost an organization dedicated to supporting the professional development of women in the home building industry. Its members consist of NAHB Builder an d Associate members of NAHB Builder as well as NAHB Affiliate members where they are recognized by the HBRA of Fairfield County.
The Fairfield County PWB provides direct member services through education and training programs which focus on professional and leadership development , networking opportunities, and industry related information.
In addition, the Fairfield County PWB recognizes its role in supporting the overall building industry by mobilizing its membership to assist efforts spearheaded by local , state, and national builder ’s associations
NAHB Professional Women in Building Week is an occasion to celebrate women as an important component of the residential construction industr y. Showcasing the achievements of women across all facets of the industr y and the ef forts to promote, train, advance and add more women in the field. Each day highlights a dif ferent focus. Check them out below:
Monday, Sept . 15: Advice on how to support the next generation of women in residential construction.
Tuesday, Sept . 16: Strategies for attracting future leaders with a focus on leveraging workforce development programs.
Shop Talk: How to Bring the Next Generation of Women into the Residential Construction Industry - 11am, Zoom
Wednesday, Sept . 17: Recent PWB award winners share how they're making an impact on the industry.
Thursday, Sept . 18: Best practices for pivoting careers within the residential construction field.
Shop Talk: How Women Can Pivot from One Career to Another within the Construction Industry - 11am, Zoom
Friday, Sept . 19: Celebrate PWB members and local councils with a social media takeover. Use #NAHBWomenInBuilding, #NAHBWomenInBuildingWeek and #PWBProud.
CONNECTICUT LIGHTING CENTERS
X Design Consultation including on-site walk-throughs and Recessed lighting layouts
X Large offering and inventory of integrated LED Recessed Lighting
X Indoor and Outdoor Lighting for all applications
X Door, Cabinet & Bath Hardware
X Motorized & Manual Window Shades
X Lutron Lighting Controls Standard Wallbox to HomeWorks
X Bath Ventilation Fans
X Builder programs
Builder Confidence Plateaus at Relatively Low Level
Elevated mortgage rates, weak buyer traffic and ongoing supplyside challenges continued to act as a drag on builder confidence in August, as sentiment levels remain in a holding pattern at a low level.
Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes was 32 in August, down one point from July, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) released today. Builder sentiment has now been in negative territory for 16 consecutive months and has hovered at a relatively low reading between 32 and 34 since May. “Read More
Home Resiliency Programs May Help Lower the Cost of Home Insurance
Natural disasters have been increasing in frequency and severity over the last decade. Meanwhile, state insurance regulators have struggled to address the challenges associated with inadequate coverage and excessive premiums for singlefamily and multifamily dwellings. Read More
Be Unstoppable with Help from UPS®
The world moves fast – and your NAHB UPS® Savings Program has the tools you need to help your small business move even faster. We’re here to help you push envelopes and ride the edge of what’s possible. We’ll be right by your side with everything you need to keep blazing forward. Let UPS® help make your business unstoppable. Members enjoy the following savings every time you ship:
• 50% off Domestic Next Day / Deferred
• 30% off Ground Commercial / Residential
• 50% off International Exports & 40% off Imports
• Up to 50% off on additional services.
• Plus, UPS Smart Pickup® service is free.
Don’t Let Shipping Mishaps Slow You Down
A lot can go wrong in shipping – package loss, breakage, porch piracy theft. The good news is that you can mitigate the financial impact of some shipping mishaps with InsureShield® shipping coverage. Through your NAHB UPS® Savings Program, you have access to insurance that can help keep your business moving despite the everyday risks of shipping. All you have to do is enter the value of the goods in the declared value* field of your UPS® approved shipping system and you are on your way to better shipping experiences.
Start covering your shipments today: savewithups.com/nahb
How Remodelers Can Capitalize On The State of The Housing Market
The housing affordability crisis in conjunction with an aging housing stock is signaling a high demand for remodels. With nearly half of owner-occupied houses in the U.S. built before 1980, home owners are choosing to invest in updating their current homes, making this the perfect time for remodelers to market themselves.
Read More
Core Inflation Accelerates Amid Tariff Pressure
Inflation held steady at 2.7% in July as food and energy prices remained subdued and offset increases in service prices, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report. Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy, picked up its largest monthly increase since January and fastest annual pace since February.
Read More
“Gatehouse Partners has been advertising with New England Home Connecticut since 2017, which has been instrumental in helping to get our brand in front of our target audience: homeowners, architects, and interior designers. Working with the New England Home Connecticut team feels closer to a supportive friendship than a business agreement. We highly recommend them (and their networking events) to everyone in the home industry!”
KRISTEN SULLIVAN, GATEHOUSE PARTNERS
America’s Housing Supply Crisis: Is the Suburban Frontier Closing?
SThe American housing market is facing a persistent shortage of inventory. Home prices have reached historic highs, and affordability has declined. Normally, in response to higher prices, housing supply would increase. However, new home construction has not kept pace with population growth and household formation, especially following the surge of demand in the wake of the pandemic.
Recent research has claimed that the relationship between prices and supply has become diluted over time because of regulatory barriers and political dynamics. A working paper, “America’s Housing Supply Problem: the Closing of the Suburban Frontier?” by economist Edward Glaser and Joseph Gyourko, dives into why the supply of new housing has shifted lower, especially in the sunbelt regions like Dallas, Atlanta, and Phoenix.
Read More
Innovative Options and Designs to Complement Your Home
Pella’s Impervia® windows and doors provide unmatched strength, energy efficiency and lasting durability with proven performance. There’s never a need for painting or refinishing because with our powder-coat finish, our windows and doors resist chipping, chalking and fading.
Rot and corrosion-free to naturally resist water and bugs.
Complement your home with Pella’s proprietary, low maintenance fiberglass that offers a sleek and timeless style. Our windows and patio doors have been tested to withstand some of the harshest conditions, including extreme heat and sub-zero cold, damaging UV rays and seacoast environments.
Pella. Perfectly Beautiful.
For more information, please contact Sabina Mortillaro 631-219-9258 or smortillaro@pellactny.com
Do you have a positive attitude that contributes to a high company morale? Are you goal-oriented and self-motivated? Can you connect with our customers and build strong relationships? Are you an effective communicator? Do you present yourself professionally? If so, you may be a perfect candidate for a career at Ring’s End!
Ring’s End is a Connecticut-based lumber and building materials retailer serving Connecticut, South County, Rhode Island, and Southern Westchester County, New York. We are a thirdgeneration, family owned and operated business with a rich history dating back to 1902. With 20 retail locations, Ring’s End continues to expand and evolve as an industry leader.
The positions at Ring’s End are as diverse as the employees who hold them. Discover your passionjoin the Ring’s End team today!
Strategic Vision
To be the premier resource in the building supply industry.
Mission Statement
To provide the very best products, industry knowledge, customer service, and shopping experience. We do this by employing the best team in the industry, ensuring we maintain a diverse, evolved work environment that values cooperation and teamwork. We look for innovation and continuous improvement in everything we do.
Our Values
• Integrity
• Passion
• Pride
• Accountability
• Community
Work Environment & Commitment to Safety
• Total commitment to safety and teamwork
• Zero tolerance for any form of discrimination or harassment
• On-the-job training/certifications Compensation
• Weekly pay
• Direct deposit & electronic pay stubs (paperless)
• Competitive wages and overtime compensation
• Profit sharing
• Discretionary bonus program Benefits
• Medical plans including HMO, POS, and HDHP (with HSA)
• Section 125 Flexible Spending Account & Dependent Care Accounts
• Employee Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
In an era where skilled labor is in high demand, introducing high school students to trade careers through Pathways to Construction Trades is both timely and essential This initiative aims to bridge the gap between education and industry by providing students with hands-on experience and exposure to fields such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and more. By engaging students early, this program not only equips them with valuable practical skills but also opens doors to lucrative career pathways that do not necessarily require a traditional four-year college degree. The program is designed to meet the needs of students with diverse interests and learning styles, fostering a sense of accomplishment and purpose through real-world applications.
Moreover, this workforce development initiative addresses a critical workforce shortage in the trades, creating a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals for industries facing aging workforces and increasing demand By collaborating with local businesses, trades, and educators, the program ensures students receive industryrelevant training and mentorship. Pathways to Construction Trades not only empowers students to achieve economic independence but also strengthens the community by investing in its future workforce
Help us build your workforce of tomorrow!
Classes for High School Juniors & Seniors will be hosted by HMTX. This cohort will feature interactive sessions each day lead by REAL trade professionals Guest speakers come from trades such as electrical, audio/video, mechanical, plumbing, lumber yard/wholesaling, flooring, and general contracting/home building.
Students will also have the opportunity to network 1:1 with presenters and other attendees and ask direct questions
PCT welcomes sponsorships for this cohort Your support will help provide giveaways, snacks, and refreshments for each class PCT is looking for a sponsor for lunch on the final day this cohort. Additionally, any donations to help the ongoing PCT program and its expenses are openly welcomed and greatly appreciated
Sponsorship Needs:
• Funding to provide snacks, lunch and refreshments for both classes & HBRA members meet & greet.
• Donations to cover future cohorts, events, and misc expenses
Saturday October 4 and 11 , 2025 th th Time: 9 AM - 4 PM both days
Format:
• Daily sessions with guest speakers from various trades (electrical, audio/video, mechanical, plumbing, lumber yard/wholesale, flooring, general contracting/home building) Networking between students and
Founder / Chair: Rick Taylor
Founder / Chair: Bepin Mgushi
Secretary & Co-Chair: Mike Weiner
Marketing Director: Geoff Knapp
Application and Enrollment Director: Kendrick Constant
Donation Committee Chair: Brian A Clarke Jr
Course Content Committee: Rick Taylor, Brian A Clarke Jr , Mike Weiner
The HBRA of Fairfield County and "Pathways to Construction Trades" will be hosting a series of workshops in October for high school juniors and seniors to introduce students to careers in fields such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and more.
HBRA members and industry professionals are invited to join us for lunch on the final day of the class to meet the students who have just completed the training program. You will be able to network with the students who are your potential future employees, answering their questions and encouraging them to enter fields where skilled labor is in high demand.