2018 Builder of the Year and HBA Hall of Fame Inductions Announced

During the Home Builders Association of Raleigh – Wake County (HBA) annual Installation and Hall of Fame Ceremony on December 6 at the NC Museum of History, Wes Carroll and Cindy Sheldon were inducted into the HBA Hall of Fame, Tom Anhut was presented with the 2018 Builder of the Year Award, and Meredith Oliver received the 2018 Associate of the Year Award.

The 2018 Builder Member of the Year, Tom Anhut of Waterstone Partners, is a longstanding board member, industry builder, past chair of the Triangle Community Coalition, and active on the HBA’s Governmental Affairs and BuildPac Committees. He is one of the most recognized and outspoken advocates of our industry in all of Wake County, and he’s just as passionate about the HBA as he is the industry-at-large.

The Associate Member of the Year for 2018 was also presented that evening. Meredith Oliver, of Meredith Communications, was recognized for her strong presence at the national sales and marketing level, her local contributions, involvement giving back and educating others both as an instructor and national speaker. She has participated in leading extended TSMC breakfast programs, teaching both the Certified Sales Professional and Principles of Residential Marketing classes, and supporting TSMC community service projects.

Other notable awards that evening included Chair of the Year to Dicky Gephart, president of Gephart Building Company for his service as the 2018 Parade of Homes Chair; the Outstanding Public Staff of the Year to the Fuquay-Varina Inspections Department who worked with the HBA throughout 2018 to provide safe and affordable housing solutions for citizens; a Presidential Award to Jonathan Barefoot, of Fonville Morisey Barefoot and David Price, of David Price Construction; the Affiliate Member of the Year to Clare Iannotta of Sherwin Williams; and the Rookie of the Year to Valerie Schlecht of Fairway Independent Mortgage Group.
The Distinguished Past President Award was presented to Jay Beaman, of Beaman Building and Realty for his efforts with the High Performance Building Council for Raleigh-Wake and overall HBA participation.

On an annual basis, the HBA Board of Directors selects worthy recipients for induction into the Hall of Fame through a selection process. For 2018, two people were chosen this year and presented with the HBA Hall of Fame medal. Here is a glimpse of the association and industry accomplishments from these two individuals:

Wes Carroll
As a builder and member for over 22 years, Wes Carroll, President of Upright Builders, has also been active on the HBA Board of Directors and Executive Committee. Since 1990, he continues to serve on the Parade of Homes Committee to successfully grow that event each year. Carroll served as president of the HBA in 2011 and was the 2012 Builder of the Year.

Under Carroll’s leadership in 2011, the HBA’s Triangle Sales and Marketing Council won Best Sales and Marketing Council of the Year, the Remodelers Council grew to become the fourth largest in the country, a new association website was launched, new fundraising goals were met for both Build-PAC and Foundation Club, and three major charity projects were completed – Justin’s Room with April’s Angels, a Rachel’s Rescue Remodel that was featured on national television, and a Kitchen Remodel for Helping Hand Mission’s New Bern House.

Carroll continues to volunteer on the Parade of Homes Committee, Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Nominations, as a National Board member and in governmental affairs efforts. Wes Carroll’s determination and work ethic continue to be great assets for our association.

Cindy Young Sheldon,
Cindy Y. Sheldon, is a Branch Manager of the Triad and Triangle Division for DR Horton with over 23 years experience in the home building industry with both custom and national builders. She was the 2012 HBA President and the association’s first female president. Her involvement with the HBA over the last twenty years include serving on the Parade of Homes Committee, Chairing the Build-PAC committee, coordinating Scholarship Task Force, as well as holding various positions on the HBA Board of Directors and Executive Committee. For the National Association of Home Builders, Cindy has served as a National Director and on their National Housing Finance Committee.

One of the goals Sheldon had set for the association in 2012 was to become the largest home builders association in the country. The association reached that goal and remained the largest for several years following. Currently the HBA is the second largest with over 2300 members. In addition, she will encourage the association to continue to educate decision makers on the importance of housing to the local economy. From experience, Sheldon knows that municipal and county budgets have suffered because the housing industry has suffered. Therefore growth does pay for itself and home builders must take a hard stand on issues impacting affordability of housing.

In addition to her dedicated involvement with the association, Cindy also serves her community. She was the Director of the Fuquay-Varina Economic Development Commission and an Elected Commissioner for the Town of Fuquay-Varina. Cindy has also chaired on the Town of Fuquay-Varina Planning and Zoning Board and Wake County ABC Board.