For immediate release
Contact: J. Scott Mathie, Interim MBA Executive Director, Office: 262-522-3264
(Waukesha, WI) January 13, 2010 – Approximately 5,000 guests took advantage of the opportunity to meet with MBA members and gather information for their home improvement, building, or remodeling needs at the 21st Annual Home Building & Remodeling Expo, presented by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. With over 440 booths representing a myriad of construction related services, the Expo offered something for everyone.
Although Thursday & Friday’s wintry weather challenged traffic to the show, prospective homeowners still made their way downtown, and exhibitors were extremely happy with the strength of the leads they gathered. “Our members are very enthusiastic about 2010.” said J. Scott Mathie, Interim Executive Director of the MBA. “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; Bredeson Builders, Inc. took second place; and Bayer Homes, Inc. took third place.
Best Builder Booth 10 x 20, Connor Remodeling & Design, Inc. took first place; IMAGE Custom Homes & Remodeling, LLC took second place; and Barenz Builders took third place.
Best Builder Booth 10 x 30 & Larger, S.J. Janis Company, Inc. took first place; Mark Carstensen Construction, Inc. took second place; and Trustway Homes, Inc. took third place.
Best Associate Booth 10 x 10, Accent Exteriors, Inc. took first place; Broadview Security took second place; and Everdry Waterproofing/WI State Home Service took third place.
Best Associate Booth 10 x 20, Sandmasters, Inc. took first place, Nonn’s Design Showplace took second place, and Schmidt Custom Floors, Inc. took third place.
Best Associate Booth 10 x 30 & Larger, Halquist Stone Company took first place, Weather-Tek Design Center took second place; and Stanek Windows 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 Mathie. "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 Building & Remodeling Expo possible.
At the 2001 Expo, the MBA launched a landscaping competition. Now in its tenth 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 Mathie, “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 Stone Oak Landscapes, Inc.
This year the MBA started another new contest that is sure to be a highlight of future Expos – the Interior Design competition. Each of the five participants were given a 10 x 20 foot “room” to show off their talents. The competition generated excitement among consumers looking for the latest trends in interior design and helped create camaraderie among the competitors. “People love to get ideas from the experts”, said Mathie. “Consumers love to see how professional designers handle everyday design obstacles. This group set the bar very high.” The winner of the first interior design competition at the Home Building & Remodeling Expo was Ware Design, LLC.
The Home Building & Remodeling Expo continues to be Wisconsin’s premiere home show. “Interest in the 2010 Home Builders Expo was very strong,” said Mathie. “The enthusiasm from members and consumers alike speaks to the strength of the housing industry and the high quality of our show.”
