Harry says, “Probably what I cherish most from my twenty plus years HGHBA membership is the relationships I have developed locally, statewide and nationally.  Monitoring legislation that affects our industry is one of the necessities of our modern day society. The HGHBA is one of the best platforms to launch that effort.  The HBASC, as well as the NAHB, daily monitors this legislation on our behalf, providing up to date information regarding our industry.”

“Giving back to our community is equally important.  The HGHBA has always been at its best in that area.  Whether it is building doghouses for the Humane Society, collecting coats for needy children or adding rooms for a child in need, the members of the Association will always come through.  Builders have some of the biggest hearts imaginable.”

Harry adds, “I can honestly say the HGHBA has been instrumental in forwarding and maintaining my career both through the people I have met and the education I have received.  I’m not sure I could have been successful without it.”

Rob Clemons, a Certified Master Builder with Dawol Homes, has a leadership commitment to the HGHBA.  Rob was elected in 2014 as Vice President of the HGHBA, elected in 2015 as President and again to a second term as HGHBA President in 2016.  Rob says “I think it’s important to be a part of a group of people with common goals.  There is strength in numbers.  There is always legislation coming through.  I think the Home Builder’s association plays a role in making sure the best practices are the standard here locally.”  

Also, a devoted long term HGHBA member Lawrence Langdale, Vice President of Coldwell Banker Chicora Real Estate, currently serves as the 2016 Secretary of the HBASC.  

In addition to giving back by serving the HGHBA, members offer support to people and animals as a group through several charitable projects and as individuals through charities of their choosing or creation.

In August of 2013, Berkley White, Vice-President of Classic Homes, received the Thomas N. Bagwell Builder of the Year Award from the HBA of SC. Berkley and his mother, Susan White, the company’s President, co-founded Classic in Myrtle Beach in 1997. Berkley has been a member of the HGHBA since 1997 and has served in numerous capacities, including two terms as President. Berkley is a Certified Master Builder, a long-time member of the Southern Living Custom Builder Program. Classic Homes built the Grand Strand’s first Southern Living Showcase Home.

A Myrtle Beach native, Berkley grew up with both parents being involved in building. He says, “It’s been a wonderful thing for my life. It’s been fascinating to watch the industry change over the years.” He adds, “This is a very respected profession. I think the HGHBA members just elevate it to another level of professionalism. I have always told people we run a business and happen to build homes. It’s still one thing that is done by people. When you think about how many people it takes to build a house….the coordination and the efforts…it’s amazing.”

Among other benefits of HGHBA membership, Berkley places high importance on the strong legislative influence that has helped create better codes across the state along with better relationships between building professionals, legislators and code enforcers. “You’re more powerful as a group than as one person,” he said.