Bulletin Board Magazine [Volume 2 - 2025]

own. At some point, I remembered my old neighbor was a builder, so I called him for some help. I know him as Henry, but most of you know him as Hank Kelley.

I reached out to Hank and said I was in desperate need of help or my business was going to fail. I had no real grasp on my bookkeeping, accounting construction financing or anything that had to do with running the business. At that point, I was just focused on building houses. Not only was I steering the ship by myself, but I was steering the ship in dark, blindfolded after having a few too many rum drinks. Hank convinced me to attend a Shore Builders event and at some point, introduced me to Bill McNamara.I don’t want to inflate Bill’s ego too much, but Bill has been so much more than just my accountant. He has been a life line for me and my business. While attending my first few Shore Builders events, Bill and Gina introduced me to some other builders and associate members. Since then, those introductions have grown into great business relationships and some even better friendships. Being a Shore Builders Association member gives you the opportunity to be in a room filled with experienced, industry professionals, who are invested in their business to a higher degree, than typically found in the construction world. They are not only invested in their own businesses, but they also want to see other members be successful. The relationships I have formed over the years, whether it be with fellow builders or associate members, have helped me grow more than I ever could have on my own. Having professionals to call on if you need a simple question answered or need some serious help, whether it be in accounting, insurance, marketing, banking, building materials, trade contractors and so many more, is invaluable. The willingness of people in the association to offer advice, or sometimes just someone to bitch and moan to, has been truly remarkable. I encourage all of you to work with associate members, and if you already do, I encourage you to make an effort to reach out to someone new. Get a cup of coffee together, get a beer at happy hour, what ever you want to do, but make an effort to make a new connection. You never know what that cup of coffee may turn into. So, the reason for this long, drawn out story, is after being in business for 10 years, I would not be where I am today, without the members of the Shore Builders Association. Thank you very much and GO BIRDS!!