by David Chapman
Staff Writer
To find the right business partners, it takes the right type of networking.
Last month’s Northeast Florida Builders Association Construction Industry Trade Expo made it easier for industry members to do just that.
In its 41st year, last month’s expo at the Morocco Shrine Center offered area construction and building industry members an opportunity to network with colleagues, further existing business relationships and even win a few prizes.
From banks and building supply distributors to roofing and tile companies, the expo offered over 70 booths of different homebuilding wares and services to other industry members.
“It’s a great networking opportunity,” said Rick Woods, owner of Woodsman Kitchen and Floors. “To get your name out there further in front of your peers and build relationships is invaluable in our industry.”
Woods’ business of 25 years serves homebuilders, homeowners and remodeling contractors and he’s been a part of the expo for just under 10 years.
NEFBA Executive Director and Jacksonville City Council President Daniel Davis took part as an ambassador during the event, greeting new faces and getting the organization’s name out there.
He was pleased with the results, even with the negative outside factors affecting the building industry.
“We had a good turnout this year,” said Davis, referring to the number of industry booths and crowd. “People here, like in any industry, are making the best of a bad situation.”
The building industry has taken its lumps since the housing boom began to fade in 2006, but the expo’s booth numbers and visitors were comparable to years’ past, said Davis.
The event attracted contractors like Matt Scott, an annual attendee for several years. He comes for the exposure and uses the event as a relationship starter with others in the industry.
He also attends to check up on the latest gadgets and technologies.
“I come every year to learn about the new products,” said Scott, who does stonework at the Beaches. “I always learn a lot and meet new people in the industry.”
It wasn’t all shop talk for attendees, though. Prizes such as televisions, gift baskets and gift certificates were some of the door prizes given away through the night to some who registered.
But for many of the booth occupants, it was a business affair.
“We wanted to get our name out there to people in the industry who might not know about us,” said Tyler Reglin of Alpha Environmental Management Corporation, a stormwater management company. “It’s all about meeting people and building those business relationships.”