Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/294207
S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 | A L A B A M A H O M E B U I L D E R | 9 Les Letlow of Auburn has been installed as HBAA President for 2014. The installation took place during the HBAA Convention banquet on November 8 at the Beau Rivage in Biloxi, Mississippi. A native of Opelika, Letlow graduated with a bachelor's degree in Building Science from Auburn University in 1979. That same year he founded his own homebuilding and remodeling business, The Letlow Company, LLC. In 1983 Letlow joined the Lee County Home Builders Association, where he has since served as its President three times. He also served as its Governmental Affairs Chair for ten years and is a National Life Director. Letlow was honored for his service in 1999 by being named the Lee County HBA Builder of the Year as well as the HBAA's Hershel Trimm Builder of the Year. Additionally, he has won several Alabama Remodeling Excellence Awards for his remodeling work. We asked Letlow to share some details about his involvement at the local and state levels, his goals for his year as President, and his thoughts on a career outside of home building. MEET YOUR 2014 HBAA PRESIDENT LES LETLOW LEE COUNTY HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION Why did you join your local Home Builders Association? I felt like joining and getting to know others in the business would help me learn the business better. I was not familiar with how the Home Builders Association worked (as far as the local, state and national levels) and I really had no idea of the political significance of the Home Builders Association at the time. Why did you decide to become active at the state level? I enjoyed coming to state meetings and really enjoyed getting to know friends in the business around the state. I felt it was my duty to serve and give something back to the association. What do you think is the greatest benefit you've gained from being a member of the HBAA? Getting to know others in the industry around the state and across the country has really broadened my vision and knowledge of the business. Sometimes, I take it for granted, but having made friends with so many others in this industry, we share trade secrets with no regrets. Without a doubt, the friends I have made through this association is my number one gain among a long list. What goals do you have for the HBAA under your leadership this year? I want to get membership growth jumpstarted this year with a goal of 500 new members. I also want to offer top-notch educational programs on cutting edge technology in homebuilding. If you weren't a builder, what line of work do you think you'd be in? Automotive concept design—I would love to be involved in designing a vehicle capable of 100 MPG, 150 MPH with a smooth and safe ride. Any parting thoughts? Had I not become an involved member I would not have had a chance to feel like I make a difference in my industry. I encourage all members to get involved. Just like anything in life, the more involved you are, the more you get in return. 2014 HBAA President and First Lady, Les and Linda Letlow