Dostie is a familiar name in the Northeast Florida building market, and certainly to NEFBA. The Dostie family has been building quality homes and a solid reputation here for nearly 60 years. J. Rene Dostie moved his family from Canada to Jacksonville in 1958. His three sons Richard, Rene Jr. and David succeeded him, and now his grandchildren are making their mark on the local market.
NEFBA introduces Christopher Dostie as its president for 2018. Chris, as he’s known to friends, customers and industry partners, is following in the footsteps of his father, Richard, who served as NEFBA’s president in 1988. According to Arnold Tritt, former executive director and NEFBA historian, this is a first in NEFBA history. Chris considers himself fortunate to be able to continue the Dostie legacy and to have his father as a resource while taking on this responsibility.
Chris and his brother, Richard Jr., manage the operations of Dostie Homes. Chris met his wife, Emily, at Auburn University and they have been married 10 years. They have three children: daughters, Leighton (7) and Nell (6) and son Fitzgerald (3). Chris enjoys golf, but his favorite time away from the office is spent with his family.
We asked Chris to share his thoughts about his family’s history in new-home construction, his role as president and the year ahead.
Taking on the duties of president of one of the most influential homebuilders associations in the state, if not the country, must seem somewhat overwhelming. What have you done to prepare yourself for this important leadership position?
I’ve served on the board of directors and the executive committee, so I’m not a stranger to NEFBA, but this past year I wanted to concentrate on getting to know members better. I was inspired by the ability of one of our recent past presidents to call people by their first names when he was out and about at various functions. So, I attended as many committee meetings, council gatherings and social events as possible at least one time. I was intentional in getting to know the people, the issues that concern them and their suggestions. My motto was, “listen, listen, listen.”
How would you define your role as president?
I see the role of the association president as not only the voice and face of the organization to the community, but as a matchmaker of sorts. It’s my role to leverage the talents and abilities of members to the advantage of NEFBA, the industry and the members themselves.
I believe our members and our staff have talents that may be hidden, even to them. Perhaps it’s a talent not even related specifically to the industry, but a communications ability, creative talents they aren’t often called on to use. That talent is greatly needed in committees, councils, event planning, outreach projects of all kinds.
As president of NEFBA, I don’t see myself as the sole problem-solver for all the issues in front of us. It is my responsibility to match opportunities and people. That is why it is so important for our members to be active in NEFBA. I’m looking for the right people, and I am more likely to spot them when they participate.
What are your goals for the association for the coming year?
I’ll be saying a lot more about this in the months ahead, but basically my goals are to increase the membership rolls, move NEFBA into the future and our new location, strengthen and grow both the Apprenticeship Program and Builders Care — two of our biggest assets. I also will work to keep housing costs down and protect the affordability of housing. Of course, I plan to contribute to NEFBA’s leadership role in advocating for the industry, locally, statewide and across the nation.
What can members do to help strengthen the association and its influence over conditions that affect the industry?
Get involved. I can tell you from personal experience, it’s the best thing you can do for the association, for your business and for you personally. I’ll be happy to tell you how.
