For immediate release
Contact: Chellee Siewert, MBA Executive Director, Office: 262-436-1122; Cell: 262-442-5188
(Waukesha, WI) January 19, 2009 – Consumers took advantage of the opportunity to meet with MBA members and gather information for their home improvement, building, or remodeling needs at the 20th Annual Home Builders Expo, presented by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. With over 560 booths representing a myriad of construction related services, the Expo offered something for everyone.
Although Friday’s wintry weather challenged traffic to the show, prospective homeowners still made their way to the show and exhibitors were extremely happy with the strength of the leads they gathered. “Our members are very enthusiastic about 2009.” said Chellee Siewert, Executive Director of the MBA. “Many members actually reported record years last year – despite the highly publicized housing downturn. The leads gathered at this year’s show indicate that there is still strong consumer interest in not only building, but also remodeling and home improvement. People understand that their home is still a safe place to invest their money.”
Enhancing this year’s show was the professionalism offered by different member participants. Companies who participate in the Expo automatically compete against one another in the best booth contest. Outside judges determine the winners of the Best Builder and Associate Booths in specific size categories. This year the winners were:
Best Builder Booth 10 x 10, Castlerock Custom Homes, LLC took first place; RMA Construction Design & Land Development took second place; and Pebblebrook Design & Build, LLC took third place.
Best Builder Booth 10 x 20, MLG Development took first place; JFK Design-Build, Inc. took second place; and jdj builders, inc. took third place.
Best Builder Booth 10 x 30 & Larger, Mark Carstensen Construction, Inc. took first place; S.J. Janis Company, Inc. took second place; and Moore Designs, Inc. took third place.
Best Associate Booth 10 x 10, Design Resource Center took first place; Sommelier’s Cellar took second place; and FLOOR360 took third place.
Best Associate Booth 10 x 20, LandWorks, Inc. took first place, Bret Achtenhagen Seasonal Services took second place, and Schmidt Custom Floors, Inc. took third place.
Best Associate Booth 10 x 30 & Larger, Milwaukee Marble & Granite, Inc. took first place, LaRosa Landscape Company, Inc., took second place; and Breezy Hill Nursery, Inc. took third place.
"Our members go to great lengths to determine the needs of their customers and it shows in the presentation and effort seen in their booths," said Siewert. "Exhibitors are putting more emphasis on using their booth design to draw consumers in.” Since the show's beginning, the MBA has made it a priority to judge the participating booths to recognize members for their efforts in ensuring the highest quality Home Builders Expo possible.
At the 2001 Expo, the MBA also launched a landscaping competition. Now in its ninth year, the contest has showcased the talent of numerous area landscaper members over the years and has generated excitement among consumers looking for the latest trends in landscaping. According to Siewert, “The rapid growth of spending on residential landscaping in recent years has made landscape designers important players in the home building industry. Consumers love to see the new trends at the Expo.” This year’s winner in the landscape design contest was Aquatica, LLC.
Home Builders Expo continues to be Wisconsin’s largest home show. “Interest in the 2009 Home Builders Expo was very strong,” said Siewert. “The enthusiasm from members and consumers alike speaks to the strength of the housing industry and the high quality of our show.”
Contact information for award winners:
Breezy Hill Nursery – Mike Schierl, 262.537.2111
Bret Achtenhagen Season Services – Bret Achtenhagen, 262.392.3444
Castlerock Custom Homes, LLC – Craig Kasianowicz, 414.304.1000
Design Resource Center – Joline Steigerwald, 262.797.7883
FLOOR360 – Bob Tobe, 262.646.7811 x7530
jdj builders, inc. – James Klappa, 414.425.2100
JFK Design-Build, Inc. – Jeff Burg, 262.691.4954
LandWorks, Inc. – Tim Narr, 262.820.2501
LaRosa Landscape Co. – Mike LaRosa, 262.375.8900
Mark Carstensen Construction, Inc. – Jim Poteraske, 414.529.4588
Milwaukee Marble & Granite – Bruce Brueckner, 414.645.0305 x15
MLG Development – Michael Mooney, 262.797.9400
Moore Designs, Inc. – Lisa Moore, 262.306.1004
Pebblebrook Design & Build, LLC – Dave Stewart, 262.628.4200
RMA Construction Design & Land Development – Bob Anderson, 262.367.3671
Schmidt Custom Floors, Inc. – Tim Schmidt, 262.547.8763
S. J. Janis Company, Inc. – Gary Sannes, 414.259.0300
Sommelier’s Cellar – Joel Franck, 262.567.1037
