Dear Priscilla,

 

 

This edition of Notes from the Field is a little longer than usual—I came home from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Fall Conference in Detroit with a lot to share, so settle in!
 

Last week, I attended the National Association of Home Builders Fall Leadership Conference in Detroit. Sitting in committee meetings and leadership sessions gave me a closer look at the economic outlook, the challenges contractors are facing, and the work underway to support our industry.

 

Here are a few things I brought home to share with you.
 

During the Leadership Council meeting, we heard an economic forecast that pointed to continued challenges for housing. Interest rates, home prices, and household income are still making affordability difficult. The outlook presented suggested mortgage rates would remain elevated into the coming year, limiting what buyers can afford and putting pressure on new construction.

 

Material costs and workforce availability add to that pressure. Even when there is demand, builders still need to deliver a home at a price the customer can manage—with the people and materials available to do the work. 

These are forecasts, and conditions can change. But hearing the outlook reinforced the importance of looking closely at your own market as you plan for next year. What are customers asking for? Which jobs make sense for your business? Does your backlog support the staffing and spending decisions you are making?

 

Workforce availability came up in both the economic discussion and reports from members around the country. Some described significant shortages among trade crews and concerns about immigration enforcement disrupting their local workforce.

 

We also heard about efforts to build the future workforce through HBI, school partnerships, and connections between vocational education and further training.

 

What I took from those discussions is that workforce development requires attention at several levels: bringing people into the trades, helping them develop their skills, and preparing experienced employees for greater responsibility. Finding someone to hire is one part of the work. Helping them build a future in the industry matters, too.

 

In the Strategic Business Planning Subcommittee, members discussed AI costs, data security, training, and the realities of using technology in smaller construction businesses.

 

One builder raised a concern that stuck with me: software can offer efficiencies, but the subcontractors and employees involved still need to be able to use the system. Physical construction work also takes time that technology cannot simply eliminate.

 

I appreciated hearing those questions alongside the possibilities. Contractors need help evaluating where a tool will save time, improve service, or support better decisions—and whether the value justifies the investment.

 

The subcommittee also discussed programs in development covering succession planning, AI, evaluating business software, and protecting your business.

 

A proposed “Protect Your Business” series would address putting agreements in writing, defining the deal before work begins, and documenting changes. Another program would help builders evaluate whether changing their business software makes sense.

 

These offerings are still being developed. I’ll be watching for opportunities to share them as they become available.

 

During the Area 1 Caucus, we heard about NAHB’s year-long Leadership Academy. It combines practical skills—running meetings, managing conflict, and speaking for the organization—with a deeper understanding of how NAHB operates.

 

A participant described the value of that preparation and support. That discussion stayed with me because it connects so closely to what I see in contractor businesses: capable people being asked to lead before they have been taught the work that comes with leadership.

 

I explore that idea in my latest article, “Build Your Next Leader Before You Need One.” If you’re considering someone for a foreman, supervisor, or management role, give it a read. It offers practical ways to help them prepare before you need them to carry that responsibility on their own.

 

Your Partner in Success -

Priscilla
 

Wed, Oct 21 | Maine ESOPs Fall Conference, Augusta Civic Center. Registration opens at 8:00 a.m., the program begins at 8:30 a.m., and closing remarks are scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Choose from leadership, technical, and culture and communications sessions, with time to connect over breakfast and lunch. Registration is open. If employee ownership is part of your leadership or succession conversation, this is a useful day with people working through the same questions.
 

Thu, Oct 29 | Morning Momentum: Community Conversations on Housing. The Sebago Lakes Region Chamber's 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. session brings business leaders, community stakeholders, and local voices together to discuss housing challenges and opportunities across the region. Venue and registration details were not included in the event information I could verify, so confirm those on the event page before making plans.
 

Wed, Nov 18 | AGC Maine Safety Awards, Wells Conference Center, Orono. The evening gathering recognizes safety award recipients and brings Maine's construction community together. The current listing shows 200 seats remaining; see the event page for registration details. The event runs from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at 131 Munson Road.
 

Mon, Oct 26 | Building Science and the Energy Code, Portland. MBOIA's full-day workshop is intended for builders and design professionals. It connects building science fundamentals with 2021 energy code requirements and REScheck. Registration is 8:00 to 8:30 a.m., and the workshop runs 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at Portland Elks Lodge. Cost is $55 for MBOIA and MFCA members, $85 for nonmembers. Register through the course page.
 

Thu, Nov 12 and Fri, Nov 13 | SafetyWorks! 10-Hour Construction, Augusta. This one-and-a-half-day course covers construction hazard identification and controls. The course is free; the optional OSHA wallet-size completion card costs $10. Register through SafetyWorks.
 

Thu, Nov 19 | Builders, Beer & Business: Wood Science, Cowbell, Scarborough. HBRAME's after-work session starts at 5:30 p.m. and costs $10 per person for members and guests, with food included. Wood moves, and understanding how and why can help prevent callbacks. Check HBRAME's event page for the current RSVP details.
 

What governance structures help an ESOP succeed as it grows? In my latest Ask ACE article, I explain why employee ownership alone does not create alignment. A growing ESOP needs clear roles for fiduciary oversight, management, leaders throughout the business, and employee-owner education.
 

Portland Adult Education Skilled Trades programs. PAE outlines construction and weatherization, heat-pump, solar, and transportation training pathways, with career support and individual guidance. Its 2026–27 schedule lists HVAC heat-pump training for fall and construction training for spring. Applicants should review the program-specific CASAS score and other requirements, then use the Workforce Training Application Resource Center to check current offerings and next steps.