As the immediate past president of NEFBA, Dennis Ginder represents the commitment and resolution required to succeed in the building industry. Ginder understands the value of a strong trade association to its members and to the larger community.
“Builders provide homes for a community’s residents,” he said. “It’s a personal involvement in the future of the community, and we have a sense of responsibility for the safety, wellbeing and economic stability of our neighbors.”
Growing up on Jacksonville’s Westside, Ginder was perhaps more aware than most kids his age of the construction industry. His dad delivered concrete to new-home construction sites, and early on Ginder developed an interest in the industry
It was only natural, then, that he chose construction management as his major when he attended the University of North Florida, graduating in 1995 and beginning a career of increasingly more responsible positions with notable national builders in communities throughout the Jacksonville and St. Augustine area.
During those years, Ginder also took a leadership role in NEFBA. He joined NEFBA’s St. Johns Builders Council, and actively participates in that council, serving as its president in 2009. He was also selected as NEFBA Builder Member of the Year for 2013.
Big Builder Magazine named him an Apex Award winner in 2006, and in 2010 the Jacksonville Business Journal listed him among the region’s 40 Under 40, a compilation of Northeast Florida’s brightest young professionals.
Also during those years, Ginder became friends and a fishing buddy of Chester Stokes, a major player in the development and building of communities throughout Northeast Florida. The two shared a dedication to the industry and a passion for helping families achieve their dreams of home ownership.
“When Chester suggested we form a company, it was the chance of a lifetime,” Ginder said. “I never in my wildest dreams thought I’d have an opportunity to actually work with a guy like Chester.”
And Landon Homes, named for Ginder’s then-7-year-old son, was born.
“We’re all about a little guy who loves to play ball and hang out with his dad,” he said.
With his background, it’s no surprise that Ginder is a Pinnacle Award Builder.
“Members doing business with members benefits our company because it means we are doing business with people who are like-minded in their desire to support and protect our industry so we can continue to serve the area with new homes and communities,” he said. “It benefits the association because as we increase membership, we can offer more services to the membership.”
Ginder is also aware of the advantage of the association’s ability to influence decision makers at the local, state and national levels.
“It also makes us more powerful politically so when we need to lobby our government for change or implement a new idea, we have a strong base of people,” Ginder said. “That helps us to be noticed and recognized. Industry benefits from the results of the membership working hard to help ensure good government that supports smart development and building.”
Ginder said achieving the 90 percent mark of contracting with associates is doable with determination and effort. Landon Homes has achieved the goal for two consecutive years.
“I feel very strongly about the value that our association adds to our local and state industry,” Ginder said. “We support NEFBA with our time, resources and money so it makes perfect sense for us to do business with associate members who have similar values and business practices as it relates to supporting our industry.”
Ginder and his wife, Elaine, have three children, Alexa, 17, Karis, 11, and Landon who will soon be 9. Away from the office, Ginder is involved with his children’s sporting activities, particularly volleyball and baseball. He continues to enjoy fishing and other outdoor activities, as well as travel and great food.