Page 6 - BB_May_2018

Engaging the Future of the Homebuilding Industry

We are proud to have two dynamic NAHB/GSABA Student Chapters. I want to
take this opportunity to brag on the students that are actively engaged with us
at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and St. Philips College, a part of
the Alamo Community College District.

The UTSA Student Chapter was named NUMBER ONE in the nation by the
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) at the International Builders Show
in Orlando in January of this year. In collaboration with Dr. Tulio Sulbaran, UTSA
Construction Science Management Department Chair, a new class curriculum
was developed for 21 students in Playhouse Design.
At the beginning of the semester, all students presented design ideas and
Bryan Smith judging determined the top 3 ideas to participate in the Playhouse Design and
President
Build Off. Various GSABA members actively participated with the UTSA class over
the past semester providing professional input and support to the students.
The Playhouse Design and Build Off was held at our annual Battle of the Builders event. The students were
tasked to build 8 x 8 playhouses for children in our local community. The students were provided a $2,500
budget to purchase supplies after presenting their creative designs to our GSABA team. Our generous material
partners were Builders FirstSource, 84 Lumber, and McCoy’s. They sponsored the Playhouse Build Off and
worked directly with the students to guide them through purchasing supplies at their respective companies and
adhere to their budget requirements. Thank you to our three playhouse sponsors and for all you did!
Guido Lumber Company sponsored and provided transportation logistics for all three 8 x 8 playhouses to
the Battle of the Builders event, as well as personally delivered them to our winners. The winning playhouse,
determined by our honorary judges, was donated to Pastor Jim with Strong Foundation Ministry. The remaining
two playhouses were raffled to our members and guests at the Battle of the Builders event.
I also want to thank J.P. Hart Lumber for providing and cooking all the delicious food for the students and our
members at the Battle of the Builders. The food got rave reviews!
The Playhouse Design and Build Off provided students specialized experience of purchasing supplies, working
with industry leaders, complying with safety regulations, managing budgets, and networking with professionals.
The combined efforts of our generous GSABA members and UTSA professors have improved students’ educational
experiences, thus providing unique opportunities of engagement in the residential industry.
We are excited to continue to support our NAHB/GSABA student chapters at University of Texas at San Antonio
and St. Philips College. I recently spoke to the Constructions Career Academy (CCA) at Warren High School and
the High School Students enrolled in the construction trade programs were impressive!
We hope to start an NAHB/GSABA Student Chapter at CCA later this year. If you are interested in speaking at
one of the NAHB/GSABA Student Chapter meetings in the Fall of 2018, please call me or call Kristi Sutterfield at
210-696-3800. Your time investment will truly make a difference!
Sincerely,