Dennis Ginder took the reins of the Northeast Florida Builders Association in January. His tenure in office had its share of challenges: replacing key staff members including the executive director, loss of a beloved association leader and changes in the industry.
Ginder’s peak experience was partnering with HabiJax to build 25 new homes in a week as part of a national Habitat for Humanity effort in June.
All in all, Ginder said the year was one of personal growth and increased appreciation for the association – its staff, leaders and members, as well as a turning point for the industry.
Ginder shared his views on leading the state’s largest builders association from the year-end vantage point.
Question: How has serving as president of the Northeast Florida Builders Association confirmed or changed your view of the building industry in our area?
Answer: Certainly this was a pivotal year for the industry. Early in the year we were still talking survival. Now, we are more optimistic. Permits are increasing and the overall outlook is much improved. It’s important to acknowledge that. We need to believe it and act like we believe it.
Q: What was the greatest challenge you faced this year as a builder?
A: Along with the good news about the rebounding industry comes increased workload. My greatest challenge was balancing the demands of both the association and my business, which has tripled in volume this year.
Q: If there is one moment when you realized the full weight of the responsibility of the role, would you share it with us?
A: There were a few, but by far the most critical was the announcement that our executive director had been offered and accepted the position as leader of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce. NEFBA has had only two directors – Arnold Tritt and Daniel Davis. Replacing Daniel weighed heavily on me, and I knew how critically important it was to find the right person to lead the association.
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: It’s not an overstatement to say I could not have carried out the responsibilities of this position without them. This is an incredibly talented, smart body of committed individuals. They are the heart of the association, and they unselfishly donate time and energy to uphold traditions while moving the association forward. This group was instrumental not only in replacing the executive director, but in other key staff changes, and navigating the day to day challenges that present themselves. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work with each and everyone. Our loss of Ken Kuester was deeply felt among the members of the association and the executive committee. The executive committee was actually meeting when we all heard the news. I believe this experience made us determined to honor his memory by giving even more of ourselves to the causes and issues he held dear. We could never replace Ken, and we worked even harder on his behalf.
Q: What was the best piece of advice you received about leading the association?
A: Hold on tight. Persevere. And, that sometimes means just keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Q: What advice would you offer the 2014 NEFBA president, Daniel Blanchard?
A: There’s no way to predict what the year holds. I learned that early in the year. So, my advice to Daniel may not be profound, but it is this: Follow your instincts and your contribution to the association is one that only you can make. Let your passions and your heart be your guide. Rely on the executive committee, Corey Deal and the NEFBA staff for direction and details. Don’t forget to breathe. And, having done the best you can, have fun. Along with the challenges, the good times will live in your memory for the rest of your life.