October 2024

A Message From our Chair, Rita Mahoney, ColRich and

BIA San Diego President & CEO, Lori Holt Pfeiler

We are the Building Industry Association. Over 600 of us come together to fight for our right to build, our need to build, and the cost to build. We are a mix of over 100 Builders and over 500 Associate members.

What does that look like? The builders join because they need policies that help them be successful. Cities can adopt ministerial approvals that save processing time. Policies span the breadth of pushing staff to approve projects within a deadline, to working with SDGE to assure utility connections are efficient. This is all labor intensive and takes all of us working together to impress upon local jurisdictions to understand they have a significant impact on the cost of housing in our region. If 40% of the cost of a home is due to the regulatory environment, that is the only variable cost we can change. Our association works every day to manage that portion of the home building experience.

Our associates take the plans our builders have created and build the homes as designed. They may not have any idea of the grief experienced to get to that moment of construction, but we are there from the beginning as an association working to get it done. The associate members pick it up from there and have their own challenges, schedules, materials and getting skilled tradespeople.

There are skilled tradespeople doing all the tasks. From financing, legal documents, insurance, designing the home, grading, pouring foundations, framing, drywalling, equipment rental, low voltage, plumbing, electrical, masonry, plaster, fixtures, utilities, heating and air conditioning, fire sprinklers, painting, windows, lighting, stairs, and don’t forget the roof, and warranty, then marketing and escrow. Hundreds of individuals work to complete every project. Associate members are the work horse of the association.



That is what makes our association an amazing place to belong. Together builders and associate members come together to create that ultimate dream – a place we can call home. Every member has a seat, and all the seats are the same size. We are one together, let’s celebrate what we do together. 

It’s that time of year, the 2025 invoices are coming. The BIA has such important work to do from fighting the fight for more housing to providing opportunity and education to our members. Your membership and involvement in our association is critical to the success of our Industry.

We advocate on behalf of our members insuring we have the need to build, the right to build, and the cost to build is not a burden. Likewise, we gather and network, building a family of friends that last a lifetime. 

While 2024 represented a lot of change in our association, we are already mapping out 2025 to make sure we provide stability, opportunity and energy!



We very much appreciate your continued support. It is our duty to make sure you are maximizing your membership!

Lori and I welcome your questions and input, please feel free to call at any time.

Cheers to 2025, I can’t wait to see all of the possibilities!

Thank you,

Shannon Gaunt

Director of Membership & Operations

Partnership Program (P2) Spotlight

Recognizing Pasco Laret Suiter & Associates for their Diamond Level of sponsorship! Your commitment and contributions are greatly appreciated!

Thank you for all you do!

Shine bright like a DIAMOND!

Member Involvement Spotlight

Recognizing HES Renewables for their involvement. Although they have been members for a few years, they have come to realize the importance of getting involved. Thank you to the entire team for jumping in, in all ways. You help make San Diego BIA shine!

HES Renewables is a San Diego based solar, energy storage, and EV charging station company. Ross Williams, President and CEO, has led the renewable energy company since 2015 when he purchased HES Solar after five years as an employee. That solar company, founded in 2001 by solar trailblazer Martin Learn, grew rapidly under Mr. Williams’ leadership. 

In May of 2023, the company’s expanding commercial division incorporated into HES Renewables to better serve the needs of building owners and real estate developers. Today, HES Renewables is an industry leader that brings commercial rooftop solar, carport solar, energy storage, micro grid design, EV charging , and solar design consultation to developers, businesses, and organizations throughout California. 

For new construction projects, HES Renewables likes to collaborate with the other trades to ensure a more seamless construction process and eliminate the need for change orders. A consultation with the HES design team gains efficiencies, improves ROI, and produces permit-ready plan sets prior to breaking ground.



The renewable energy company has led through innovation as solar regulations, equipment technology, and client needs have evolved. The HES team is expert at modeling the financial benefits of solar and offering turnkey installations of energy production and storage systems. HES Renewables has been awarded numerous industry awards and continues to grow market share in Southern California.

Member Testimonials

Nikiya Tumblin

HES Renewables

Where do I begin with BIA? Integrity, professionalism, and a welcoming, supportive atmosphere are just a few words to describe the BIA SD organization. I can’t say enough good things about it! The transparency and dedication to helping both you and your business succeed are truly incredible. Networking here is seamless and rewarding. HES Renewables experience with BIA SD has been nothing short of amazing. The bottom line: get involved, because you’ll get back what you put in! You’ll be surrounded by incredible professionals who share the same goals.

I am so excited to see what 2025 brings as I grow my involvement with the BIA San Diego.

Matt Arbogast

US Bank Homes Mortgage

At our New Member Building Industry Association (BIA) meeting, I had the opportunity to connect with John Lynn from Stewart Title, marking the beginning of a fruitful business relationship. As a BIA Member and Liaison, I understand the importance of networking and leveraging relationships to foster growth and opportunities within our industry.

From the outset of our conversation, it was clear that John and I shared a common vision and values. His expertise in title services and my passion for fostering connections in the building sector created an instant rapport. We discussed our respective businesses and quickly identified ways we could support each other.

What made this connection particularly special was the mutual understanding of how referrals can elevate our businesses. We recognized that by collaborating, we could enhance our service offerings and provide added value to our clients. The synergy between Stewart Title's services and the needs of my network presented a unique opportunity for both parties. This initial meeting not only strengthened my belief in the power of networking but also underscored the importance of being proactive in building relationships.

 I am excited about the potential that lies ahead with John and his team, and I look forward to exploring collaborative opportunities that can benefit our businesses and the broader community.

In conclusion, my connection with John Lynn at our first BIA meeting exemplifies the kind of positive, impactful relationships that can be forged through active participation in industry organizations. I encourage all members to engage, share, and collaborate, as these efforts can lead to remarkable success stories in our professional journeys.

Cheers!!!!

3^rd Annual CHF Concert Was Best One Yet!

The California Homebuilding Foundation, HomeFed Corp. California West Communities and Lennar hosted an amazing evening of events on Thursday, August 22nd at the Grand Ritz Theater in Escondido. 

Almost 500 industry people attended to hear (and see) MIRAGE-Visions of Fleetwood Mac. The consensus opinion was this was the best band of the 3 concerts so far. When watching Mirage perform, you thought the real Fleetwood Mac was on stage.

The California Homebuilding Foundation is grateful to have so much industry support and is pleased to report this concert exceeded financial expectations thanks to the BIA members who attended and continue to support our Building Industry Technology Academy program that introduces 7,000 high school students in California to the homebuilding career pathway.

Thank you, San Diego homebuilders, tradespeople, design professionals and consultants—YOU made this an evening to remember!



Check out the photos taken by BIA member, Yrsina Colangelo from YC Photography here: https://photos.ycphotography.com/Events/2024-California-Homebuilding-Association-Concert- The password is: escondido (no caps)

IF YOU NEED YOUR BIA MEMBER SECTION LOG IN CODES OR NAHB COMPANY CODES, PLEASE EMAIL: WENDY@BIASANDIEGO.ORG

Open For Construction:

How to Win the Bid

October 17th

Symons Fire Protection

Understanding the construction bidding process is key to winning more jobs. It does not matter if you’re a big name in construction, a small company, or just a single trade person; everyone in the industry can bid smarter. The good news is, we’ve got that information for you.

So, what does it take to win the bid?

Builders & Brewers

November 6th

The Home Depot Design Center

Join us for our member favorite event, Builders & Brewers! Tap into networking fun while you sip samples from San Diego’s finest craft breweries, local wineries, and hard kombucha distilleries – all while mixing and mingling with your industry peers.