FREE Coffee & Conversation with GCBA President Elect Michael Nunziata, 13th Floor Homes

Meet the President Elect Michael Nunziata, 13th Floor Homes! Our Gold Coast Builders Association monthly FREE Coffee * Conversation had a great conversation with Michael Nunziata about the upcoming year 2024.

Nuziata explored some of the Gold Coast Builders Association goals and  objectives with Builders Spotlight Host Sam Yates.

We also find out more about how Members benefit from the GCBA in this special episode. 

The Gold Coast Builders Association Builders Spotlight Podcast is produced by Yates & Associates Public Relations & Marketing, providing exceptional marketing, public relations, and crisis communications for businesses of all sizes throughout Florida and the nation. For information contact your Builders Spotlight Podcast host and Executive Officer for the Gold Coast Builders Association, Sam Yates, S.yates@gcbaflorida.com.

The Gold Coast Builders Association Builders Spotlight is also featured on The Florida Business Forum Podcast,  Florida's Number One Rated Business Forum podcast.

Gold Coast Builders Association Members are granted full access and reproduction of content including editing and posting of the entire episodes of every Builders Spotlight Podcast. Content may be used and rebroadcast with permission by non-Members of the Gold Coast Builders Association s.yates@gcbaflorida.com 

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Sam Yates, Host, Florida Business Forum, Florida's Number One Business News Podcast: 0:02

Hello everyone and welcome to another exciting and interesting episode of the Gold Coast Builders Association builders spotlight podcast. News You Can Use and news discovered just for you no matter whether you're a builder and associate or a future homebuyer. Let's find out who's in the builders spotlight today with your podcast host who nails it every time. Sam Yates. Hello, everyone, and welcome to another exciting edition of the Gold Coast Builders Association builders spotlight. And in the spotlight today we have the incoming president of the G CBA. Michael Nunziata. Michael, welcome to the program.

Unknown: 0:46

Thank you so much, Sam, appreciate you having me and appreciate all that you do for the association. These are great.

Sam Yates, Host, Florida Business Forum, Florida's Number One Business News Podcast: 0:51

You know, I love this association. For those of you who do not feel it since it get ready, because we're really going to do some awesome things with the association like we've been doing on steroids. So with that said, Michael, tell us what is in store for jcpa 2024?

Unknown: 1:13

Yeah, so I think we have a really exciting year ahead. But before I talk about the year ahead, I think it's worth giving some credit to I think I heard him he's on the call to Frank Coppola are soon to be immediate past President Frank has done a tremendous job in laying the foundation for this association moving forward. This past year has been somewhat trying at times, I will call it but Frank has done an absolutely, in my opinion, incredible job, helping to kind of navigate this ship through, you know, all of the waters turbulent as they may have been at points in time. So, you know, I feel very fortunate. And also, I will tell you, Frank, maybe I haven't said it to you directly, very grateful for what you've done over the past year, to allow me to do all the fun stuff, which is what I think that we'll be able to do, given that we've got, you know, all the administrative and technical things out of the way. So looking ahead to 2024. I'm incredibly excited about where we're building from. I think that we've got the perfect platform to continue to grow our membership from put together some really incredible events and ultimately affect the industry in the way that as an organization we hope to so I'll call that some unbridled excitement about the year ahead. I know that shared among many of the participants here and we're looking forward

Sam Yates, Host, Florida Business Forum, Florida's Number One Business News Podcast: 2:40

to absolutely it is. And Frank, I I add my kudos to what Michael has to say as well, as I'm sure everyone here on our call today does indeed. We appreciate everything that you have done. Michael, looking ahead, as you say for 2024. We would be remiss if we would not ask you to tell us about your business 13th floor. Sure. Yeah.

Unknown: 3:10

So I'll try to give you the abridged version. So 13th floor Holmes is a South Florida based home builder and developer think we kind of fall into two different categories there, we actually cut our teeth somewhat out of the last grade for the great financial crisis where we initially were picking up a lot of vacant land sites, partially completed communities, things of that nature. And originally, we're actually selling lots to a lot of our larger national builders within the market like Michels Dr. Horton or Lenore, who I know is another member. We were feeding a lot of lots to them. Over the years, we, you know, started to recognize that hey, maybe we're leaving, you know, a couple bucks on the table, selling it off to the next guy, so to speak, and decided that, you know, we would give homebuilding a shot. In addition to doing the sort of developments that we were doing and feeding to other builders. We did probably what most other groups would do. And you know, initially, it was a bit of a dip our toe in the water, we worked with a lot of third parties and stitch together. They'll call it an ad hoc homebuilding team. But over the years, and I think that we've been at this now six or seven years on doing the vertical component of home building, we've started to bring, you know, all elements of home building in house to the point now that, you know, we've been, I think, quite successful, we've probably built around 2000 or so homes here in southeast Florida. We've delivered around another 4000 or so lots once again, to other builders, and that's both in South Florida and some other markets around the state. Right now we have five active communities, four of which are here in southeast Florida and actually one over in Sarasota to large scale communities slated to start next year. And you know, A couple others that are on the board for, you know, 2627 and years ahead. One other thing that I'll mention about our firm is, you know, look, we're a pretty small team. But with that we try to bring in great people very intelligent, but also very adaptable people who are nimble and can move with the market. And one of the things that we recently got into and actually have three communities going on this dynamic is we're not just doing built for sale homes, we're also doing build for rent homes. So as an example there, we've got two communities up in Port St. Lucie townhome communities, two being done as rental townhomes, and then actually an active adult Villa community, a little closer to home within the gcda footprint in Delray Beach where we're doing 74 rental townhome villas. So that's a quick story about us.

Sam Yates, Host, Florida Business Forum, Florida's Number One Business News Podcast: 5:46

And I happen to know somebody that's helping you out on some of the awareness there, but I won't say who I am. But it's an awesome thing. It's an awesome thing. Indeed. Because, you know, there are trends that obviously, you have to keep track of any trends that, that you're spotting on the horizon that our members should keep an eye on. Yeah,

Unknown: 6:11

so And, look, it's been the driving force behind our business. And I know a lot of other builders within our market. But the biggest one, and look, it's dominated the headlines for the past year or so is the severe severe under supply of housing that particularly market, like ours, have faced and I think with that, what we've seen is, quote, somewhat paradoxically, because of the supply issue, values, despite what's happened with interest rates remain elevated. And also on top of that, because of interest rates remaining elevated, we've seen less production of new housing, it's tougher to get capital in order to build new housing, right. On top of that, there's myriad other issues, you know, whether it be regulatory challenges, or other things that as an association, I know that we tried to address that has kept supply constrained, and look, you know, values up, you can argue that's a good thing for builders, at least in the short run sense, you know, maybe it's more profitable to do the individual deals. But I know I speak for a lot of our builders that, you know, we, we don't want to have, you know, lags in our business or years where you know, the production is waning, we want to keep a nice even flow. And sometimes when the market gets a little out of whack, back to 2006 2007, things run, you know, on fire at that point in time and then come crashing down, it makes our businesses that much more challenged. So we'd much prefer a stable market with more production of housing, not to say or suggest that I want values to come down necessarily, but certainly think that, you know, we need to start addressing this supply problem. And we'll all have more stable and sustainable businesses as a result.

Sam Yates, Host, Florida Business Forum, Florida's Number One Business News Podcast: 7:50

Awesome that, you know, we just had someone else join us here. Carly is joining us on the program. I do want to get some questions in from our guests who are participating today. But before I do that, if I may, if Michelle, if you're near the microphone, Michelle is spearheading the efforts to do the installation of you as our new president. Michelle, can you give us a little report and for all of us here and many others that will be listening? I know they're just chomping at the bit to be sponsors. Although 13th floor is closing the gap between what you're doing I hear the the footprints or the footsteps are coming. So there's some competition on getting sponsors in here. But tell us about it.

Unknown: 8:41

So first, I can tell you the the competition there is none. I'm gonna win like a will not win. I do love the fact that he is our upcoming President because I adore Michael, you know, for you as well. Thank you, you know, sad that we're losing Frank at that level, but we're keeping Frank forever. Of course. The new installation will be great. Um, it's at beer garden in Boca on January 18. At 6pm we're installing new officers Michael myself on the executive board Sam, we have Chelsea we have Scott we have a whole bunch of people that are coming on exciting. The the new board that we're bringing on, there's so much diversity in this board as far as what people bring to the table, you know, different. We have some subcontractors we have some builders and it's it's just such a great networking event. So definitely be part of that. I know Shawn, he's part of that. So I'm excited to see him that night Sean's one of our vendors at for lumber. But it'll be a great night. I'm excited. I can help anybody get set up. Reach out to me not Michael because I would like to make sure I win this discussion.

Sam Yates, Host, Florida Business Forum, Florida's Number One Business News Podcast: 9:52

She She was anticipating that I was going to say Michelle tell us how we can get in touch with Stephanie but no,

Unknown: 9:58

no, I don't even know who said Honey is definitely who know. I'm a little competitive. I don't like to lose. Stephanie, are you? Up here? I'm definitely not on the call anymore. We pick her up. Right?

Sam Yates, Host, Florida Business Forum, Florida's Number One Business News Podcast: 10:16

Oh, you know, as we enjoy our conversation here, I'm looking forward to continuing these throughout 2024. One of the things that we bring to the table is the opportunity to benefit everyone else that's at the table and debate. I think that's important. Michael, one of the things that Frank has been very active in doing in the last year is connecting with state and national, is that going to continue to be a big push that we can continue to see our organization right up there at the top as far as participation and contribution? Yeah, look,

Unknown: 10:55

I mean, Frank, plug your ears, but once again, I got to sing his praises, for you know, helping to get us involved at both, as you said, the state and national level. And, you know, really, I think, grow our locals visibility, within, you know, a much broader sort of arena. And I do think that there's some tremendous things that come with that, I had the good fortune recently of going to an incoming presidents retreat, where we had, you know, the incoming presidents for all the different locals go meet with many of the representatives from the State, and I look at it, it was a special event, and it was something that helped me really recognize all the things that this association really brings to the table, we know what we're focused on, you know, at a local level, and sometimes get a little caught in the weeds down here. But, you know, having access to and getting to sit down with all of our representatives from the state level really gave me some, you know, keen insight into what they're doing to, you know, affect legislation at a state level fight for our industry, and do the things that, you know, again, going back to my you know, comments around sustainable businesses, do the things that we need to ensure that, you know, our industry at a minimum is part of the conversation, and then on top of that is helping to really affect change in a way that will continue to benefit our industry. So simple answer is yes, Sam, I think that we have to continue to stay involved. And I think that, you know, given the visibility that Frank's helped us gain, we'll kind of leverage that and do a better job of it moving forward as well.

Sam Yates, Host, Florida Business Forum, Florida's Number One Business News Podcast: 12:31

With that, what say we open up for some questions and queries from our guests today? Anyone want to go first? All right. No one wants to go first. I won't pick on anybody. But, you know, I, one of the things that we all want to know, is, what is the the benefit of being a member? Michael, can you give some thought on that to us?

Unknown: 13:03

Yeah, I mean, look, I could go on for probably an hour on this, I'll pick a couple that I think are probably two of the more beneficial aspects of being a member. The first is simply just that being a member and being around, you know, other like, members, we've had the same for the past few years members helping members. And you know, it's something that I've seen firsthand, where, you know, when I have an issue, or I have a problem, or we see something that our industry as a whole has an issue with, you know, we come together as a unit. And this again, speaks to, you know, the importance of having good members as part of our group. And we do have some fantastic members that certainly could look to grow that as well. But our membership is really incredible. And the access that you have to other individuals within the industry, even if you know somewhat tangentially involved in what you do, is just it's something that's really special and gives you such incredible access to knowledge. That, you know, again, it'll really I think, helped to affect your business. You may have heard at the annual meeting, if you guys were there, I gave a quick story about how we have been we started in Florida and the direct beneficiary of some of our members, and even just casual events have led to the growth of our business. In fact, actually two of the deals that, you know, I mentioned that we have underway right now, we're actually born from casual conversations at a hardhat happy hour meeting with one of the land developers that was there. And you know, new business land, that's the lifeblood of a lot of our business. That's the inventory. We need to continue, you know, that sustainable business that I've talked about. So, you know, the access to other very knowledgeable members is certainly incredibly important. The other aspect that I'll mention and somewhat wrapped into the first one, and you touched on this a little bit as well, Sam with, you know, our efforts at the state and national level is the advocacy that this organization does for our industry and its members. I, over my career in homebuilding, I've seen the regulatory challenges only balance and increase over time, it's much harder to get communities approved when they are approved, governments want more and more and more. And what our organization does is once again, gives our members a seat at the negotiating table, and ultimately a platform where we don't have to necessarily as individuals be the one advocating for something, but our association can step up to the plate and can ultimately try to push things that affect our industry. So those are the two big ones I'll point out, but as I said, say, um, you know, I could probably go on for a while on this,

Sam Yates, Host, Florida Business Forum, Florida's Number One Business News Podcast: 15:52

like, what do you what do you see as obstacles that we may see in 2024? And I asked that question, because if there was an obstacle, collectively, we probably have enough bandwidth here that we could overcome most anything, but what do you see as perhaps being obstacles?

Unknown: 16:12

Yeah, you know, look, some of this is, is maybe, you know, due to where our business focuses, but I know many other builders are in the same exact category. So you know, I'll use it as a reference. But, you know, simply and this goes as a cop out, because a little bit back to the supply story of, you know, simply the production of new housing, there are countless obstacles that, you know, I could mention here that create impediments to getting new communities approved or once you're starting a new community, the fees that are levied against homebuilders that make it not just unprofitable, but in sometimes unfeasible or infeasible, such that we don't have communities that can start. So I think, you know, a big tag not necessarily a tagline. But a big initiative of organization that has been going on for some time is really to shift the narrative around, you know, what homebuilding is, and also the need for housing within our geography. And, you know, I think that we've done a good job of, you know, telling our story. But I don't think that it is necessarily fixed the issues that are out there. And so I see those challenges continuing, and our CRO Association, really trying to make a concerted effort to once again address those challenges.

Sam Yates, Host, Florida Business Forum, Florida's Number One Business News Podcast: 17:35

I think a lot of folks think of the housing situation, and they say, there isn't affordable housing, shouldn't they really be saying instead of affordable, we all need to work towards attainable housing?

Unknown: 17:51

Yeah, I think that's right. I mean, said another way, it's, we need housing at all levels and affordable housing. Right, wrong. A different I don't know, you know, kind of has now I'll call it the capital lay in front of it, that the moment you say it, people immediately start to think about tax credit housing, Section Eight, the sort of things that yes, maybe do fall into, you know, technical definitions and some code books or whatever. But you know, that that's not necessarily what we need. There's been a lot of talk about the missing middle housing thing that you know, jives pretty well, Sam, with what you said about attainable housing, the housing at that level, we need housing at the higher rates, we need housing at the affordable level, we need it all. And, you know, as I mentioned, it's become increasingly challenging to provide that housing to our market. What

Sam Yates, Host, Florida Business Forum, Florida's Number One Business News Podcast: 18:38

about land availability? I know that Maria is on the, on the line here as well with us, but a lot of South Florida development seems to be moving further north, up the East Coast, and even in towards some of the central portions. land availability still going to be a big opportunity for all of us in the upcoming year, in your opinion. Yeah.

Unknown: 19:03

Look, land availability is simply in a word, it's scarce, particularly within, you know, I'll talk about our region for a second, you know, the northern stretches of Broward County where it's virtually non existent or most of Palm Beach County with the exception of you know, kind of the far northwest stretches of Palm Beach County. And that's where as a market and as I know, a number of our builders have done, we've had to think creatively about how we, in essence, manufacture land within a market that is effectively built out. So you know, I can speak again, from our side of things we've had to kind of take to converting old golf courses, buying access property from churches, the sort of things that homebuilders are not, you know, typically in the businesses business of doing, you know, historically this market and particularly Palm Beach County has been a somewhat greenfield development sort of market where you move to the next farm and then the next you know, vacant piece of land. Well, those are gone right now. And so, you know, look, we have to get creative about it. This, again goes to the, you know, challenges that we face and getting approvals and those projects take years upon years in order to get approved. And I know that a number of our builders are doing that. And that's the way that we're creating inventory within Palm Beach County. But where there are fewer, though I won't say no challenges is, as you mentioned, Sam, as you move north, so as I mentioned, we've got a couple of communities up in Port St. Lucie definitely more land that is available in those markets. And we are seeing a number of our homebuilders expand into that region.

Sam Yates, Host, Florida Business Forum, Florida's Number One Business News Podcast: 20:37

Well, from the the vantage point of what we all do, collectively, what are some of the things that our members can bring to the table, a challenge perhaps from you,

Unknown: 20:50

the the challenge for me is to get involved. And again, this goes to even some of the unintended, you know, the casual conversations that happen at a hardhat happy hour or, you know, bumping into you know, somebody on one of our educational events, learning something new and then recognizing, you know, you're sharing a similar challenge or issue with another builder, and this association should build an initiative initiative around it. I think, you know, with our members involvement, we'll learn more about, you know, what our industry needs to see moving forward. And we'll be able to hopefully affect change in a way that once again, benefits our members.

Sam Yates, Host, Florida Business Forum, Florida's Number One Business News Podcast: 21:27

Now, early at the program, as we started, I said, I was going to hold off towards the end of the program, we're coming up at about nine o'clock, which is usually our goal to get to nine o'clock guy, we have probably about a dozen people or so left still on the program southern left us. But Michael, your permission to go around the room and let everyone introduce themselves.

Unknown: 21:51

Yeah, I'd love it if we could do that. All

Sam Yates, Host, Florida Business Forum, Florida's Number One Business News Podcast: 21:53

right. Who wants to start first?

Unknown: 21:57

I'll start. Thank you. My name is Debra. I'm with the cloth factory. I'm a senior designer and we are a custom manufacturer. I specialize in both residential and commercial spaces. We do have a factory in Deerfield Beach on power line about a 60,000 square foot building. So there we are featuring a beautiful showroom. And of course, the factory and I certainly welcome anyone to you know, come down and visit us and and see our facility. And I'm happy to be here today. Great. Thank you for joining us. I'm Michelle Malkin hub operations for Dr. Horton. We are a national homebuilder. We build single families and multi families. So if I can help with anyone get business or network with the right people reach out. And again, if you need help with installation, reach out to me not Stephanie or Michael will be appreciated. I'm gonna hop off the call though, but I did want to just say Great Call Michael. It was great seeing you and listening to everything and to say thank you, Michelle. Likewise, thank you all for having me here today. I appreciate the opportunity. My name is Anthony he has on the operations manager at the Boca Raton franchise of lifetime green coatings. We basically do decorative and industrial for that matter. concrete floor coatings, you can think of it very similar to epoxy The difference being that we are the only all natural option for such coating systems in the United States. We got the we get the patents and everything. And businesses is doing pretty well. And I'm looking to reach out potentially attendee one. You know, in the Gold Coast Builders Association instead of something over furls network, it's always the best way to earn some extra business. And, again, thank you for having me. Welcome back, Sam, and Anthony, I'd love to learn more about the product that you offer. So feel free to reach out to me who can set up a meeting. My name is yeah, my name is Stephanie mogul. I am a vice president at 13th floor homes. Michael has already done a fantastic job telling you about our business. I oversee it. Sales, Marketing, leasing product design, among a ton of other things and really enjoy my my time. Volunteering and working with the GCP VA and if there is anything I can do to help any of you grow your business, please feel free to reach out to me at any time. Sam, thank you so much for hosting today. Yep, Sam Peterson 84 lumber. We're in Riviera beach. We servers from Fort Lauderdale to Vero Beach and a little bit further south for the right situations. We supply millwork Windows lumber in the area. And Frank like to say I'd like to echo what everybody else said. Great job, Michael, looking forward to what's to come. And yeah, so I'm here to help out by Ken ambass. I'm with Campbell property management. We manage condos and he always from Bureau to recall we've been in business for 70 years. And Michael, we actually just took over Avalon trails. I heard I heard you guys are doing a great job. Yeah. So we're really we're really excited about that. So we'll be seeing you guys there when you're working on building those rental units. So yeah, my name is Charlie and here I work with Northwestern Mutual. My husband is actually an organization. I tend to work with people who are just, you know, no matter where I started, think Hi, this is Heather with American palm, no better garage. We have offer garage doors for your basic builders all the way up to your high end luxury builders. You can see over my shoulder, we've got all glass doors, steel doors, whatever, whatever kind of garage doors that they're looking for. And we go from Palm Beach County, Martin and St. Lucie County as well. Very

Sam Yates, Host, Florida Business Forum, Florida's Number One Business News Podcast: 26:09

good. Break. Did you notice how I sort of maneuver to have you right where you are now and let's hear from Frank.

Unknown: 26:17

I have been doing so good. I was hoping I could escape and not have to say anything for the first time ever. Well, I appreciate I appreciate but all the kind words, but they're like fingernails on a chalkboard to me, Shawn, I can't believe it's going to be a year since the installation and I'm glad to see you here and then you're still happy. I own cupola brothers. We are a residential remodeler. I should talk more about my business since the oldest cupola brother now works for the company and I don't have a brother, the cupola brothers are both Eagle Scouts. So if you need a boy scout in a room to remodel a home or you know anybody that hates their contractors, send them my way. We are We are really happy to be the second act. Also to just parent if anybody needs help in getting the most out of DCBA please reach out to me. I you know Beth and I connected best been a member for years. And in two minutes, we figured out oh my gosh, here's where we can do to get more out of this thing. That really is my happy place is just I want I want to see you a year from now just like I see Shawn here after last year and in their happy place. Navigating through and HBA and all three HBase your local state national it is just a complicated spider web of opportunity. And if you're sitting here going, I don't know why I'm in this organization. I don't know what I'm getting out of it. Come find me. And we'll scoop your brain out and give you the cheat codes to it.

Sam Yates, Host, Florida Business Forum, Florida's Number One Business News Podcast: 27:57

Very good. Michael, final comment before I wrap up. I

Unknown: 28:04

just want to thank everybody for joining today. Like I said, looking forward to a tremendous year ahead. Obviously, you know you're joining this call. So you're showing interest in you know being involved in the association. And once again, just want to encourage you to be as involved over the coming here as possible. I think you'll recognize good things as a result. But once again, thank you all so much we're really excited about next year.

Sam Yates, Host, Florida Business Forum, Florida's Number One Business News Podcast: 28:25

Michael, I too want to say thank you for all that you do and we look forward to your leadership in the upcoming year and I look forward to continuing serving for our new members who are on this call. Don't forget that you will have a spot to talk about your business and what you do in the gcda newsletter, as well as being featured on some of our podcasts. So make sure you reach out so that I can get you in the queue to take care of that. And it is my pleasure to be your host we are planning some exciting things for the free coffee and conversation as we head into 2024. In the meantime, I'm Sam Yates with the eighths of associates Public Relations and Marketing and proud member of the Gold Coast Builders Association. Have a great day everybody. Thanks for listening to the Gold Coast builders spotlight. If you have a guest or a topic you would like to recommend contact your GCB a builder's spotlight podcast host Sam Yates or the Gold Coast Builders Association. The G CBA builders spotlight podcast, building relationships one podcast at a time. Have a wonderful day everyone