Building Momentum at SEBC: Strengthening Relationships and Expanding HomeAid's Impact

For the second consecutive year, I had the privilege of attending the Southeastern Builders Conference (SEBC) in Orlando, Florida, and once again, it proved to be one of the highlights of the year. There is something special about being surrounded by thousands of professionals who are passionate about building communities—and even more rewarding when those conversations lead to opportunities to advance HomeAid's mission.

One of the greatest parts of attending SEBC is spending time alongside the incredible team at HomeAid Orlando. Executive Officer Russ Beymer and Director of Operations Annamae Kacsandi represent HomeAid with unmatched passion, professionalism, and heart. Watching them connect with partners, builders, and industry leaders is a reminder that strong relationships are at the core of everything we do.

From the moment the exhibit hall opened until it closed each day, our booth was buzzing with activity. We had the opportunity to reconnect with longtime friends, strengthen relationships with valued partners, and introduce countless new people to HomeAid's mission. It was especially rewarding to visit with many of our national partners, including Dal-Tile, Sherwin-Williams, MSI, 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty, and Delta Faucet, along with many of HomeAid Orlando's outstanding local partners. These relationships are essential to our work, and it's always encouraging to see so many organizations committed to making a difference in their communities.

One of my favorite moments at every conference or trade show never gets old. Someone stops to ask, "So, what is HomeAid?" After sharing our mission and the work we do to help individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness build new lives, the response is often the same:

"Wow, that's incredible. Thank you for what you're doing."

Those moments are powerful reminders that our mission resonates. Every conversation creates awareness, every introduction opens a new door, and every connection has the potential to become a future partnership.

This year's conference also marked an exciting step forward in our expansion efforts. Following the tremendous interest we received at last year's SEBC about bringing HomeAid to Tampa and the broader Central Florida region, we intentionally focused on identifying leaders, builders, and community partners interested in helping make that vision a reality. We left the conference with a growing network of contacts and renewed enthusiasm for the opportunities ahead.

For HomeAid Orlando, SEBC was equally successful. The conference provided valuable time to reconnect with existing partners while cultivating new relationships that will strengthen their impact throughout Central Florida. Walking the exhibit floor with Russ and Annamae was an experience in itself—it seemed impossible to go more than a few steps before someone stopped to say hello. Their reputation within the building industry speaks volumes about the trust and respect they have built over the last 6 years.

As I reflect on another successful SEBC, I am reminded that conferences like this are about much more than exhibit booths and business cards. They are about building relationships, sharing a mission that inspires others, and creating momentum that extends far beyond the event itself.

It is truly an honor to represent HomeAid, tell our story, and work alongside dedicated partners who believe that together, we can help build a future where everyone has a place to call home.