My take on the 2010 International Builder Show
February 15, 2010
I always enjoy the trade show portion of the International Builders, but to me much of the insight comes from attending the educational seminars. I was able to attend several seminars this year. I was even able to purchase the ones I didn’t attend and catch them later.
The outlook of most builders and developers was not the most upbeat, but was not as bleak as many felt it would be. In listening to other builders and developers from around the country, I gained a good perspective. Some have been hit much harder than our area, while other have fared better than us. The most common sentiment among manufacturers, suppliers, builders, and financiers was: “We’ll figure a way through this economic downturn, and emerge a better person/company because of it”.
Interestingly enough though, there was a common thread among almost all we encountered. Throughout the week there were very few supporters of the way our national leaders have handled the nation’s budget and uncontrolled spending in this economic downturn. Among many participating in round table discussion groups, it was unanimous that we cannot run our companies on a negative budget We felt strongly that our leaders should look at curbing and controlling spending just as we do when times are tough. This would strengthen the economy, thus bringing back the need for our services and products. We agreed that it is a tough season for our national leaders, but good leaders will do what is best in the long haul- not just what’s best for them today. Most felt we need a leadership change.
Another lesser known fact among many at our table, was that we as Americans are not increasing in population as fast as we have in the past. We have eliminated many of our present and future homebuyers. Our economy and our upcoming homebuyers would have increased by 37 million since 1973, if 37 million babies had not been aborted after Roe V Wade. This conversation started as a sensitive issue, but many soon realized the economic effect this has had on our country- producing lesser consumers and lesser homebuyers. And that number continues to grow, as a projected 1.4 million more abortions will be performed this year. Those aborted since 1973 would be prime consumers and buyers for us today. I myself think the abortion issue is a moral travesty, but we are where we are in part today, because we as the “baby boomer” generation produced the “baby doomer” generations.
We all realized out of a somewhat simple housing discussion how our lives, our workforce, our consumers, our families are all the less because of that fact. After this discussion it became apparent to most at this table why the complexion of our workforce has changed so much in the past few years. The Hispanic population has taken the place of the workforce we eliminated. They are slowly turning into homebuyers, but at a much slower pace.
Regardless of political and/or religious views, these are facts and they represent part of why we are where we are in this economy. Let’s help make a change in our industry and in America’s future. Think about who you support to represent you and lead our country and industry in the future. Change can help rebuild our industry, and keep it strong in the future. Let’s really get “GREEN” as individuals and save our future; save our children.
“Keep building families to keep building homes!”
This to me was be biggest take away from the International Builders Show.
