Jerry Linder Jr., president of The Vintage Group, served as president of the Northeast Florida Builders Association in 2006. The year presented unique challenges to builders politically and in a hailstorm of sensational media reports on the state of the market.
Before he left office, Linder summarized his experiences as president of the largest home builders association in Florida in an interview with Jean Sealey, NEFBA communications director.
Question: At the beginning of your term as president of the Northeast Florida Builders Association, you said one of your primary goals was to increase membership on a regular basis while retaining current members. How would you evaluate your success?
Answer: Earlier in the year we participated in a membership drive contest with another builders association in Florida. [The challenge involved the loser taking a pie in the face at a builders meeting in Tallahassee. Linder rallied the troops to avoid what would have been a humiliating defeat.] We increased our membership by approximately 350 members during that contest, which was an exciting membership drive. We have exceeded 2,000 members and continue to be the largest association in Florida and sixth largest in the country. Our board worked very hard this year to increase membership and we have been successful in accomplishing that goal.
Q: The Jacksonville area housing market faced an unusual challenge during 2006 — namely, the slowdown after a meteoric growth in 2005. What did the association do in response to this challenge and what do you think was accomplished?
A: This association has risen to the challenge presented by current market conditions. We have brought tremendous builder resources together to uncover the facts of this current market specific to Florida and more specifically to the First Coast. We created an advertising campaign that reached out to the public to inform them about the reality of the current market conditions. As an association, we have once again have proven that we as a group can deal with adversity and continue to work toward positive outcomes for this industry.
Q: The association itself faced an unusual challenge during 2006 when the leadership changed as longtime executive officer Arnold Tritt turned over the reins to Daniel Davis. What was the most difficult aspect of this transition and how well do you think the association met the challenge?
A: The anticipation of the change may have been the most difficult part of the transition. The association named a transition committee to work with Daniel and Arnold to determine an efficient timeframe and process for change. Although most people are not comfortable with change, they knew that a plan to transition leadership is a necessary business function. Corporations and companies of all sizes have contingency plans in place so that changes of leadership can be made smoothly when necessary. The association leadership, including Arnold and Daniel, knew we needed such a plan and everyone worked together to implement it so that the transition was smooth and seamless. As the executive advisor, Arnold continues to share his wealth of experience and business acumen, and Daniel is proving to be capable of meeting challenges and assuming a leadership role.
Q: What was the most important lesson you learned during your presidency, other than how to avoid a pie in the face?
A: I learned there are incredibly talented people, not only in this association but staff members as well, who have the ability to get the job done. I learned it’s important to delegate duties to others to help get the job done, especially those who have proven they can do the job – and do it very well. I also learned how to balance time and manage a demanding schedule.
Q: What do you want people to remember about the year you served as president of the state’s largest home builders association?
A: I want people to remember that this association addressed the issues of 2006 in a manner of professionalism and integrity all for the good of its members and this industry. I hope they’ll also remember we had fun and created opportunities for people to participate in what I believe to be not just the biggest, but the best association in Florida.
Q: Now that your year as president is coming to a close, what role will you have in the association/industry in the coming years?
A: It has certainly been an honor to serve as the association president, and I will still have responsibilities as immediate past president serving on the executive committee. I will continue to serve where I can for this association. I have also accepted a position at the state level as an area vice president so I will continue to work for this industry and the state level as well.
Q: What words of advice do you have for Bill Cellar, the new president?
A: Bill will do a great job as next year’s president. My advice to him is to use the talents and expertise that will surround him at the volunteer and staff levels. Don’t be afraid to delegate. It has been proven year after year that these individuals will not let you down and don’t let them see you sweat!