A. Chester “Chet” Skinner IV will lead the nation’s fifth largest homeowners association as NEFBA’s 2016 president.
A NEFBA member since 2007, Skinner has a diverse background that makes him uniquely qualified to meet the challenges of the office.
As a new graduate of The University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn., with a degree in economics and the uncertain job market post-9/11, Skinner took his father’s advice to do something he might never have the chance to do once he had career responsibilities.
For Skinner, that was a brief stint working at A Bar A Ranch in Wyoming.
Each step in his career led him closer to finding his calling. Upon returning to Jacksonville, he worked a short time with Skinner Bros. Realty. From there, he went to Whataburger, selecting new store sites from Jacksonville to Tampa.
Soon his success in land acquisition caught the attention of national builder Pulte Homes, who offered him a job. Skinner describes that job the defining position of his career.
It was here that Skinner discovered his strong suit and what he most enjoyed — residential land acquisition and development. Starting as a land acquisition manager, Skinner was named director of land acquisition, entitlements and strategic marketing within three years.
During this time, Skinner was introduced to NEFBA.
Eventually returning to Skinner Bros. Realty in 2008, Skinner continued his relationship with NEFBA and was appointed to the association’s board of directors in 2009. He has served on the executive committee since 2013.
While Skinner is very committed to his career, his family takes precedence. He and his wife, Sarah, met at church in 2002 when he returned to Jacksonville after his stay in Wyoming.
Skinner said he married the love of his life. They will celebrate their 12th wedding anniversary this year. The Skinners have two sets of twins: 6-year-olds, Marshall and Landon, and 3-year-olds, Tyler and Raegan.
Skinner shared his thoughts on his role as president and his goals for NEFBA.
What goals have you set for the association?
I want to continue the excellent momentum that Rick Morales started in growing our membership. Rick worked passionately to increase membership and was successful in moving NEFBA to fifth largest HBA in the nation after Seattle, Louisville, Houston and Raleigh.
Not all those markets showed gains in membership last year and those that did were modest increases, which makes NEFBA’s increase of 147 new members staggering. We are on an upward move, and I want to keep that going.
I also want to expand our educational efforts. I want NEFBA to be the hub for companies, not only for management, but for all employees.
Unfortunately, education was one of the casualties of the downturn, but after two consecutive years of growth, it’s time to turn our attention back to education.
Finally, our charitable arm, Builders Care, has touched many lives since 2001. I’m happy to see Builders Care refocused on its core mission and I want that to continue. When the economy began its downturn, we encountered challenges, lost some important funding sources and we struggled to redefine ourselves to stay viable.
However, we are now on the path to provide the services most needed and those in our original mission statement. Builders Care was created as an outreach program to help eradicate substandard housing in Northeast Florida. As builders and associates, helping improve living conditions for those in need is a natural outgrowth of our businesses.
What do think is the most important benefit of membership, the strongest selling point?
We have a long list of benefits. One is the financial benefit. Membership in NEFBA includes membership in the Florida Home Association of Builders and the National Association of Home Builders.
All three associations offer member discounts that would easily pay for the membership fees. Even more important is being part of an organization that has a strong voice in matters related to the industry.
We endorsed 23 candidates in the last elections and 21 of those won their seats. With that track record, it’s no surprise that candidates seek our endorsement and we support candidates who support the industry.
NEFBA also provides ample networking opportunities that put builders and associates in direct contact. Golf tournaments, sporting events, monthly board meetings, Meet the Builder, and a trade show, all are platforms inviting members to develop new relationships and business opportunities.
With the added responsibilities as the association’s president, what do you plan to do to relax?
An ideal day for me is one spent with my family, either at the beach or in the woods. I enjoy spending as much time outside as possible, playing golf, hunting or playing basketball. I also enjoy exercising regularly and reading.
All in all, my faith helps me face daily challenges. God has been very faithful to us. I see His hand in all aspects of my life. He provides strength and grace for each day.