In our final Parade of Homes special, Lauren Tucker sits down with Colin Herren of Greenwald & B.C. to talk about their stunning custom cottage on Lake Michigan in Manistee. Designed as a vacation home for out-of-state clients, the build showcases laid-back luxury, with a massive butler's pantry, warm natural finishes, and a layout made for hosting. Colin shares how communication, patience, and collaboration shaped the final product.

Next, Lauren is joined by Dave Schneider of Andersen Windows, a 2025 Parade sponsor. Dave explains how Andersen works hand-in-hand with builders to match performance, style, and structural goals—especially as homes trend toward larger glass, cleaner lines, and energy efficiency.

Finally, Scott Norris of Scott Norris Construction walks us through his latest Parade entry: a lakefront home that blends work-from-home needs with entertaining. With expansive lake views through floor-to-ceiling windows and a layout that flows naturally to the outdoors, the home balances beauty with thoughtful function.

Lauren Tucker welcomes back longtime Parade of Homes participants Bay Area Contracting/BAC Design Group—Dean Adams, Trisha Adams, and Erica Murdock—for a look at how a passion project for Dean's brother became one of their most personal builds yet. The team reflects on the Parade's marketing power, their decades-long journey with the HBA, and how designing with family in mind changes everything.

Next, Larry Mikowski of Weekes Forest Products (a Parade sponsor) joins to talk about trends in home materials and why longevity always wins.

Finally, Corey Flaska of Leelanau Construction shares how he's blending custom craftsmanship with community-minded, smaller-footprint homes. His spec home in Cedar—a model for attainable housing—shows how thoughtful design and strategic density can serve both homeowners and land preservation.

In this special Parade of Homes kickoff, Lauren Tucker sits down with Colin Bushong of CMB Construction, the reigning People's Choice winner, who's doubling down this year with two featured homes—one a refined riverside retreat, the other a smartly designed, budget-friendly build with bold style. Later, Chris Ostrowski of Builders FirstSource talks sponsorship, innovation, and pricing myths, and finally, we check in with Will Saputo of Royal Stag Construction about his striking farmhouse in Yuba and how his nonprofit TCLEG is building homes and community. From dream builds to real-world budgets, this episode sets the tone for an inspiring season.

We're got a great series of programs coming up to coincide with our annual "Parade of Homes!"

In this episode of the Building Better Podcast, host Lauren Tucker welcomes Jonathan Woolfolk, co-owner of Bay View Flooring and title sponsor of this year's Parade of Homes.

Lauren and John chat about the 36th annual Parade of Homes, flooring trends, and what makes this showcase of local craftsmanship such a beloved event. John shares what it's been like to take over a trusted, family-run business with his wife Margaret, and how they've embraced both tradition and innovation—from pet-friendly showrooms to an evolving apprenticeship pipeline with the Career Tech Center.

They also touch on the skilled labor shortage, the importance of workforce development, and how even the smallest jobs deserve quality attention. This one blends heart, humor, and insight from two people deeply rooted in the building community.

Listen to hear how a flooring company is making big impact on homes, careers, and community culture.

In this episode of the Building Better Podcast, host Lauren Tucker is joined by Lauren Flynn and Heidi Flake to shine a spotlight on an important but often overlooked part of the HBA: the Northwest Michigan Skilled Trades Foundation.

They dive deep into the foundation's mission to support skilled trades careers across northern Michigan through scholarships, workforce development programs, and community outreach. You'll hear about the foundation's evolution, the importance of breaking down barriers to career entry, and why changing the public perception of trades is critical to solving the ongoing labor shortage.

From raising scholarship funds to inspiring the next generation at events like Building Tomorrow, this conversation is all about impact, opportunity, and building a stronger future—one skilled trade at a time.

🎧 Listen now to hear how the foundation is changing lives, reshaping communities, and creating pathways to success.

In this episode of the Building Better Podcast, host Lauren Tucker sits down with Mike Elya, owner of Elya Construction, to talk about what it really means to build something that lasts—whether it's a business, a brand, or a home for your own family.

Mike shares how joining the HBA has helped accelerate his business growth through networking, education, and access to resources he didn't have when starting out. From professional development courses like CAPS and Spanish jobsite communication to volunteering at events like the Home Expo, Mike's story is a blueprint for getting the most out of your membership.

We also dive into his philosophy of professionalism on the jobsite, how he's building his own family home on a multigenerational farm, and why leading with integrity is the best way to stand out in a crowded industry.

Whether you're just getting started or looking to deepen your connection to the trades, Mike's story is equal parts inspiring and practical.

In this episode of the Building Better Podcast, host Lauren Tucker sits down with Carolyn Andrews, Program Coordinator for Construction Trades at NMC and 2023 HBA Humanitarian of the Year.

Carolyn shares her inspiring journey from interior design to skilled trades advocacy, and her deep commitment to reshaping how our community sees careers in construction. From bringing local counselors into the trades lab to empowering students with hands-on experiences, she's helping lead a cultural shift.

The episode also dives into one of the region's most exciting innovations: a 3D printing in construction pilot program powered by grants, community partnerships, and pure determination. Plus, Carolyn and Lauren break down why events like Building Tomorrow and Build a Better House are vital in connecting students with industry—and why your business should get involved.

🎧 Whether you're a builder, business owner, educator, or advocate, this episode will leave you energized about the future of the trades.