As a valued member of Housing First Minnesota, you’re already part of a dynamic network committed to advancing the building and remodeling industry. But are you leveraging all the benefits your membership has to offer? From networking opportunities to industry advocacy, your membership is packed with perks that can propel your career and business forward. Here’s how to make the most of it, with insights from some of our ambassadors.
Build Your Network
With nearly 1,000 members — including residential builders, remodelers, and associate members — networking is at the heart of the association. “It’s amazing to see how relationships grow and become mutually beneficial over the years,” shares Emily Youngs of Dakota County Lumber. “Get plugged into the community and you will start to see opportunities!”
Karyn Braddock of Neighborly Property Group and Bloom Builders echoes this sentiment, “It’s an extremely valuable thing to be able to have direct access to a network of people to learn with and from, and to exchange ideas and action to best serve in our industry together.”
Get Involved at Events
Getting the most from your membership requires effort and consistency. From casual networking happy hours and panel discussions to our local trade show and awards ceremony, there are plenty of events to attend each quarter.
“You get what you put in,” says Logan Hershey of RBC Wealth Management. “Attend as many events as you can, introduce yourself to new people, and keep your engagement purposeful.”
Andrew LeJeune of GlassArt Design urges members to take the leap.
“Start with a wide net and then whittle it down to where you see the most value,” he says. “Make an attempt to get something out of your membership every month and attend every event possible.”
Advocate for the Industry
As a Housing First Minnesota member, you’re part of a collective voice advocating for a strong housing market. The association works directly with policymakers to protect the industry and keep homebuilding and remodeling affordable for Minnesotans.
Join a Committee
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the Housing First community is by joining a committee. Youngs encourages anyone who can to join a committee or take on a leadership role. “Strong relationships don’t form overnight, so take the time, show up consistently, and you will see results,” she says.
“Joining a committee has been the door to creating relationships, forging opportunities, and impacting the direction of the industry,” adds Braddock.
Amplify Your Reach
One of the most powerful benefits of membership is access to marketing platforms that directly target your ideal audience. Whether you want to connect with consumers or direct B2B, our home tour brands and industry platforms ensure your message reaches the right people.
Stay in the Know
Your membership isn’t just about who you meet — it’s about what you learn. From advocacy updates and green building education to discounts and digital tools, Housing First Minnesota provides members with valuable business resources.
“The association does a great job of keeping us informed on relevant legislation and market trends, ensuring we’re always ahead of the curve,” emphasizes Heather Griffis of Admit One Home Systems.
Look into our education programs and news sources: Minnesota’s Green Path, Contractor University, Housing Industry News, Housing Affordability Institute, and our monthly Hot Sheet to stay in the know.
Leverage Exclusive Discounts
Housing First Minnesota provides practical tools designed to save you time and money — including discounts on health plans, fuel, vehicles, and business services.
No matter your goals, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to maximizing your membership. Whether you’re looking to expand your network, develop new skills, or stay informed on industry trends, there’s something for everyone.
“Reach out to an ambassador to share your goals and create a curated experience geared towards achieving them,” Braddock says.
Remember, Housing First Minnesota is here to support you every step of the way. By staying engaged, seizing opportunities, and building relationships, you’ll unlock the full potential of your membership.
