By Aimee Bertrand, GHBA Executive Vice President & CEO
If we have ever spoken about the value of Greater Houston Builders Association membership, you have likely heard me say that this is a “must be present to win” kind of industry.
I say it often because I’ve seen it proven time and time again.
In an age when so much of our communication happens through email, text messages, Zoom calls, and social media, it can be easy to believe that relationships can be built entirely from behind a screen. Technology has made us more connected than ever, but in my experience, there is still no substitute for showing up in person.
The homebuilding industry has always been, and will continue to be, a relationship business.
The most successful people I know in this industry are not successful simply because they are talented, hardworking, or knowledgeable. They are successful because they have built strong relationships. They have invested in getting to know people, earning trust, sharing ideas, and learning from others. Those relationships become the foundation for new opportunities, business growth, and personal development.
That is one of the reasons I am such a strong believer in association involvement.
When members actively participate in GHBA councils, committees, classes, networking events, and volunteer opportunities, they are doing much more than filling a seat in a room. They are building a network of peers who often become trusted advisors, mentors, referral partners, and friends.
For many of our members, especially those who own small businesses or operate as sole proprietors, there is no executive team down the hall to provide guidance or perspective. Every challenge, every opportunity, and every major decision rests on their shoulders.
That can be a lonely place.
Over the years, I have heard countless members describe how the relationships they developed through GHBA helped them navigate difficult business decisions, survive challenging economic cycles, or take the next step in growing their companies. Fellow members become a valuable, informal board of directors. They offer advice, share lessons learned, provide encouragement, and serve as trusted sounding boards when it matters most.
That is where membership becomes more than something nice to have. It becomes essential.
One of the things I love most about the Greater Houston Builders Association is the culture our members have created. Here in Houston, we know that you do not have to go it alone. When you walk through the doors of a GHBA meeting, event, or class, you are not entering a room full of competitors. You are entering a room full of people who genuinely want to see one another succeed.
There is a wholeheartedness within this association that is difficult to describe until you experience it for yourself. Members share ideas freely. They make introductions. They answer questions. They celebrate one another’s successes and help each other through challenges. That spirit of generosity creates an environment where people can connect, grow, and thrive both personally and professionally.
The professional development opportunities that come with active involvement are equally valuable. Whether it is a mentoring program, industry education, legislative update, or business-focused workshop, the lessons learned are often enhanced by the conversations that happen before and after the program. Some of the best ideas and insights are exchanged in hallways, over coffee in the GHBA kitchen, or during a networking happy hour.
I often tell prospective members that they will get out of GHBA exactly what they put into it. Membership alone is valuable, but engagement is where the real magic happens. The more you participate, the more relationships you build. The more relationships you build, the more opportunities you create for yourself, your business, and your future.
So the next time you are deciding whether to attend a meeting, register for a class, volunteer for a committee, or participate in an event, I encourage you to show up. Introduce yourself to someone new. Ask questions. Share your experiences. Get involved.
Because in this industry, and especially in this association, success often starts with simply being in the room.
After all, this is a must-be-present-to-win kind of business.
I am always interested in hearing how GHBA membership has impacted your business, your career, or your personal growth. Some of my favorite conversations are with members who share stories about the relationships, opportunities, and experiences they have gained through their involvement.
Please reach out and share your story with me at abertrand@ghba.org. I would love to hear from you.