Barbara Moore is justifiably proud of her successes as NEFBA's 2012 president, and the association acknowledges the leadership and contribution of one of its stellar members.
Being elected president of NEFBA reflects Barbara's deep commitment to the association, the industry and the community. Barbara has made her mark time and time again in the homebuilding industry, earning top honors for excellence in her field.
She has received Sales Manager of the Year Award from The National Association of Homebuilders and Associate of the Year Award from NEFBA, as well as the Dick Baker Memorial Award, one of the highest honors bestowed by NEFBA. She was recognized as one of Jacksonville's Women of Influence in 2009.
In 2005, she led her team of 120 employees in earning a NEFBA Good Neighbor Award for their dedication to helping Seamark Ranch and Builders Care. Under Barbara's leadership, Beazer Homes was awarded a Grand Award for the 2004 Laurel Awards for its well-earned reputation as a leading builder of quality homes and an active corporate citizen, and in 2003, Beazer Homes received the Golden Service Award for exceptional customer service. Barbara previously served as president of the Jacksonville Association of Realtors and chair of NEFBA's Sales and Marketing Council.
Barbara's career spans 30 years during which she gained experience and expertise working with some of the nation's premier builders, including Beazer Homes, Ashton Woods Homes, Pulte Homes Corporation and The Ryland Group.
She currently is the Jacksonville Division president of Lennar. Barbara has a bachelor's degree in business management and a master's degree in urban and regional planning.
As the year draws to an end, we asked Barbara to reflect on her year of service and what the future holds for NEFBA.
Q: How has serving as president of the Northeast Florida Builders Association confirmed or changed your view of the building industry in our area?
A: Serving as president of the Northeast Florida Builders Association has confirmed what I already knew about the building industry in our community. Northeast Florida is fortunate to have many leaders who get involved, donate their time and work "across the aisle" with competitors to strengthen the building community in our area, as well as support the very worthy Builders Care projects.
Q: What was the best piece of advice you received about leading the association?
A: I was advised that I would never feel as though I was doing enough. I was also advised to seek the support of NEFBA's outstanding staff and the advice and assistance from members of the executive committee and past presidents. I am extremely impressed with the dedication of the NEFBA staff, led by Daniel Davis, and their ability to make it happen. The past presidents are an amazing group of people and always willing to help.
Q: In the history of the association (dating back to 1944), you are only the third female to hold the office. Did that present any major obstacles to performing your duties as president, and how do you see the industry changing for women?
A: It has not been an obstacle at all. I think the industry changed a long time ago, and there are significant opportunities for women in the building industry. This is a business, like many others, with a product that is geared toward women buyers. My advice to future female leaders is to get a wide range of experiences as you progress through your career. It may require stepping outside your comfort zone to learn all aspects of the business. But, I believe any leadership role in any industry has the same requirement!
Q: How does the association provide value to its members, and what do you see as the greatest member benefit?
A: The association provides value to its members through the work of its many councils and through the association's political efforts. Much of this work is behind the scenes, and the challenge is to keep our membership informed about everything the association is doing on their behalf. Each county has a separate council that works on issues specific to that county, which are addressed and resolved within those councils. The Sales and Marketing Council is a vital organization for our sales efforts, and the Remodelers and Commercial councils target the specific needs of those important groups. The newly formed E-council works to educate members on the latest energy science. There are numerous committees targeting government affairs, political action, codes and trades. There is a student council that works with the University of North Florida. And, of course, there is Builders Care, which does a wonderful job as our charitable arm and allows us to give back to the community. At any given time, there are countless NEFBA volunteers working hard to make Northeast Florida a better place for the building industry.
Q: You had the advantage of being able to turn to an exceptional body of talent and experience in the executive committee. How did their support contribute to your success as president?
A: I have served with a truly exceptional executive committee, and their support, commitment and ideas were crucial to our success this year. In addition, our committee and council chairs are an amazing group with a wealth of experience and knowledge. Because NEFBA does so much, it is a challenge to be involved in the details of every initiative. It is very reassuring that our capable leadership team is taking charge and moving forward on numerous projects.
Q: What advice would you offer the 2013 NEFBA president, Dennis Ginder of Landon Homes?
A: Dennis is going to be an outstanding NEFBA president. He has had a wide range of experience, from heading up a national building company to starting his own successful building business. He understands our industry inside and out. My advice to him is similar to the advice I received: Take advantage of the excellent staff at NEFBA, as well as seek the advice of the executive committee and past presidents. Then, relax and have a great time! Enjoy meeting new people and seeing the interesting projects NEFBA will complete while you are president. The year will fly by, and you will be sorry to see it come to an end.
"On behalf of the members, executive committee, staff and friends of NEFBA, I want to thank Barbara for her dedication, insight and commitment during her year as our president," NEFBA Executive Director Daniel Davis said. "To say this was a year of challenges that would test the resolve of the most seasoned industry leaders is an understatement. Barbara not only rose to the occasion, but she decidedly set new standards of service. She will be a tough act to follow. Thank you, Barbara, and we're glad we can count on you to lead and guide for many years to come."