This exciting annual campaign gives members the opportunity to grow their professional network, strengthen the local building industry, and compete for valuable prizes, all while supporting one of the most influential builder associations in Washington State.

Whether you’re a long-time member or newly involved, this is your chance to build meaningful connections and expand your business reach in Pierce County and beyond.

Win Big: Membership Drive Prizes for 2026

This year’s top recruiters will take home incredible rewards:

• 1st Place: $500 Silver Cloud Inn Gift Card
• 2nd Place: $350 Plated Dinner Cruise Gift Card (Lake Union & Lake Washington)
• 3rd Place: $200 El Gaucho Gift Card

Every new member you recruit increases your chances of winning. So, the more you connect, the more you earn.

How the Membership Drive Point System Works

Earning points is simple and designed to reward active participation:

• Builder or Associate Member Recruited: 10 points
• Affiliate Member Recruited: 5 points
• New Health Insurance or ROII Retro Enrollment: 15 points

Affiliate memberships are a great way to bring additional team members into the association at a lower cost, while still boosting your point total.

Why Join Master Builders in Pierce County?

Membership with the Master Builders Association of Pierce County provides a competitive advantage for builders, contractors, and industry professionals in today’s market.

Key benefits of membership include:

• Industry Advocacy: Protecting and promoting the home building industry in Washington
• Business Networking: Build relationships that lead to real growth
• Education & Training: Stay ahead with industry insights and resources
• Cost Savings: Access exclusive discounts and business programs

Builders often join for advocacy and cost-saving programs, while associate members, such as real estate professionals, lenders, and trade partners, benefit from increased visibility and new business opportunities.

With 850+ members across 50+ professions, Master Builders Pierce is:

• The second-largest builders’ association in Washington
• The 23rd largest in the United States

When you recruit a new member, you’re strengthening the voice of the building industry in Pierce County.

Top Tips for Membership Drive Success

Want to maximize your recruiting efforts? Start here:

1. Leverage Your Existing Network

Reach out to vendors, subcontractors, suppliers, and business partners you already trust.

2. Understand Their Needs

Ask what matters most to them:

• More leads?
• Industry connections?
• Cost savings?
• Advocacy support?

3. Share Your Story

Explain why you joined and the value you’ve experienced firsthand.

4. Keep It Simple

Sometimes all it takes is a quick conversation to spark interest.

Remember: Membership isn’t one-size-fits-all. Tailor your approach to each potential member.

Join the 2026 Membership Drive Today

The Membership Drive runs through May 31, giving you plenty of time to make an impact, grow your network, and earn rewards.

Let’s work together to:

• Expand our membership
• Strengthen the local building industry
• Support housing growth in Pierce County

Ready to get started? Contact Membership Manager Jen Woslager at jwoslager@mbapierce.com to submit a new member or learn more.

Let’s make this the strongest membership drive yet. Because when our membership grows, our entire industry thrives.

The 2023 Membership Drive is here! Recruit from April 19th through August 31st to receive Spike points and prizes!

As a Master Builders member, you know firsthand the value of a Master Builders Association of Pierce County membership. From our top-notch benefit programs, government affairs & workforce development team, to networking with various industry professionals, memberships offer something for every business in the industry. You encounter many potential new members in your day-to-day business. Because you work with others in the building industry, you have easy access to those in need of what we offer.

This guide is intended to help you understand the rules, keep track of your referrals, and learn tips on how to best invest your time prospecting new members.

Don’t forget that you are not alone. If you need help recruiting or have questions about the 2023 Master Builders Membership Drive, contact Membership and Events Director Cassie Aberle at caberle@masterbuilderspierce.com.

UPDATED AS OF AUG. 28, 2023.

2023 Membership Drive in Full Swing

Communications Director Bailee Butcher

The 2023 Membership Drive is here! Recruit from April 19- August 31 to receive Spike points and prizes!

As a member, you know firsthand the value of a Master Builders Association of Pierce County membership. From our top-notch benefit programs, government affairs & workforce development team, to networking with various industry professionals, memberships offer something for every business in the industry. You encounter many potential new members in your day-to-day business. Because you work with others in the building industry, you have easy access to those in need of what we offer.

Download Your Master Builders Membership Guide Here:

This guide is intended to help you understand the rules, keep track of your referrals, and learn tips on how to best invest your time prospecting new members.

Don’t forget that you are not alone. If you need help recruiting or have questions about the 2023 Membership Drive, contact Membership and Events Director Cassie Aberle at caberle@masterbuilderspierce.com.

With incredible contest prizes, a lot was up for grabs! There were 23 members who were actively participating in the contest. Thank you to all of those who put in the work and made a significant impact in growing our network of members.

Without further ado, the winners are:

• GRAND PRIZE: SUE ELKIN  —  $6,000 dream vacation to the destination of choice
• SECOND PRIZE: BILL SAGER — Tickets to a Seahawks Football Game (Valued up to $1,200)
• THIRD PRIZE: KURT WILSON — $500 Voucher for Delta Airlines 

We also want to congratulate runner up: Scott Walker!

All the winners will also get to enjoy dinner with our 2021 MBA Pierce President Corey Watson. The Top 18 SPIKES have won a weekend for two at the luxurious Port Ludlow Inn, including a winner’s reception with your fellow spikes.

Again, thank you to all of those who participated and huge congrats goes out to our winners!

A judging panel meticulously reviewed each project before making their selections, making sure they met a set list of high criteria. Some winners were recognized in multiple categories. The People’s Choice Award was opened up to the general public for voting. With over 200 votes tallied leading up to the event, the winning project from the Entire House Over $600,000 category by Cornerstone Specialties won the People’s Choice Award. 

The awards were handed out during REX’s reception on July 29th at Farm 12 in Puyallup, Wash. Master Builders REX awards are an annual opportunity for members to gain professional recognition for their outstanding work for clients during the year. The awards are open to all Master Builders Association of Pierce County members who have completed a project that meets the requirements of an award category. See below for a list of REX categories and 2021 winners.

2021 Remodeling Excellence Award Winners

Kitchen Under $45,000
Phase II, Inc
Rick Hjelm
Trades Partners: Contract Furnishings Mart, Modern Electric

Kitchen $45,000 – $75,000
Kairos Construction
James Snyder

Kitchen $75,000-$140,000
Renewal Remodels & Additions
George Eide
Trades Partner: Bellmont Cabinet Co.

Kitchen Over $140,000
Renewal Remodels & Additions
George Eide
Trades Partner: Bellmont Cabinet Co.

Bath $35,000 – $60,000 
Renewal Remodels & Additions
George Eide
Trade Partner: Ferguson Enterprises

Bath over $80,000
Renewal Remodels & Additions
George Eide
Trades Partners: Bellmont Cabinet Co., Ferguson Enterprises

Addition over $250,000
Renewal Remodels & Additions
George Eide
Trades Partner: Bellmont Cabinet Co.

Entire House $200,000 – $400,000
Renewal Remodels & Additions
George Eide
Trades Partner: Bellmont Cabinet Co.

Entire House over $600,000
Cornerstone Specialties
Ryan Bittenbender
Trades Partner: Hymer Electric

Aging in Place / Accessibility
Renewal Remodels & Additions
George Eide
Trades Partner: Ferguson Enterprises

Basement / ADUs
Renewal Remodels & Additions
George Eide
Trades Partner: Ferguson Enterprises

Get Away Room
Renewal Remodels & Additions
George Eide
Trades Partners: Bellmont Cabinet Co., Ferguson Enterprises

Historic Renovation / Restoration
Phase II, Inc
Rick Hjelm
Trades Partner: Modern Electric, Innovative Hardwood Floors

Residential Interior Design
DeMane Design 
Nancy Finneson
Trades Partners: Crescent Lighting, Hyland Cabinetworks

Outdoor Living / Landscaping
Hyland Cabintetworks
Justin Souers

People’s Choice Award
Cornerstone Specialties
Ryan Bittenbender
“Lakeside Tudor” from Entire House Over $600,000 category
Trades Partner: Hymer Electric

Building a future in construction means strengthening workforce development and shortening the labor gap are high priorities at Master Builders Association of Pierce County. Master Builders presented the Pierce County Skills Center (PCSC) with a $5,000 donation in June to kick-start a partnership that will benefit local students enrolled in the school’s construction trades program. The future of construction begins here and now.

PCSC offers career and technical education programs and serves 10 school districts in Pierce County. Master Builders Pierce County and PCSC are jointly committed to the success of people in the building industry and establishing an educated workforce for the future in construction.

“The partnership between our organizations is part of our strategy to bolster workforce development and let students know that the building industry offers more than just a job, it’s a pathway to a great career earning a great salary,” said Master Builders Pierce County 2021 President Corey Watson.

Master Builder members plan to support PCSC’s current future in construction trades curriculum in several ways. Builders will donate excess materials from jobsites for hands-on training, provide scholarships for students to purchase tools and supplies upon graduation, attend annual job fairs, and connect students to internship opportunities that lead to full-time employment.

“Our partnership with Master Builders Association of Pierce County elevates program opportunities for both students and instructors,” said PCSC Director Michelle Ledbetter. “Donations, guest presenters, joint community service opportunities, and internships all prepare PCSC students to successfully enter the pipeline to high wage, high demand construction careers in Pierce County.”

The top 25 percent in most construction trades professions earn at least $60,000 annually. By 2028, more than 1 million craft professionals will be needed in the residential construction industry. Virtually all professional trades are in high demand, including carpentry, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing, and painting.

“In 2010, Master Builders created a scholarship program to support students pursuing an education in construction,” said Watson. “Through this partnership, we expect to funnel even more support directly to students enrolled in the PCSC trades program.”

The current labor shortage translates into higher housing costs, increased home prices, difficulty completing projects on time, and lower economic growth. A 2020 survey of builders from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reported that 85 percent of builders expect to face serious challenges regarding the cost and availability of labor this year.

NAHB’s 2020 economic impact study estimates one-year economic impacts of building 46,968 single-family homes in Washington include $13.83 billion in income for residents, $4.78 billion in taxes and other revenue for the state and local governments in the state, and 157,041 jobs.

The future in construction is in the hands of our very capable youth. Master Builders takes pride in the efforts made to establish an educated workforce for generations to come. Learn more about programs with PCSC and see how you can contribute to the success of our future in construction by visiting their website.

For more information about the PCSC partnership, you can also contact the Master Builders Association of Pierce County at (253) 272-2112.

High Lumber Prices Continue to Soar

Soaring lumber prices — which have tripled in the past year — have caused the price of an average new single-family home to increase by nearly $36,000, according to a new analysis by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The calculations are based on the amount of interior and exterior softwood lumber that is typically used in building a new home, which not only includes the framing but also the roofing, cabinets, doors and more. Further adding to affordability woes, building material prices, such as ready-mix concrete, have by and large been steadily rising since mid-2020.

Why There Are High Lumber Prices

There are a number of factors behind the increase in lumber prices. When stay-at-home orders and social distancing measures were enacted by state and local governments, most lumber mills reduced production. During the pandemic, housing weathered the storm much better than predicted and demand remained strong. However, lumber mills did not ramp up production accordingly. Moreover, producers did not anticipate the surge in demand for lumber from do-it-yourselfers and big box retailers during the pandemic.

How Our Leaders Can Help with High Lumber Prices

There are several actions that can be taken by the federal government to keep homeownership affordable and within reach for families in our community. NAHB has reached out to the Biden administration and Congress to urge domestic lumber producers to ramp up production to ease shortages, and return to the table and negotiate a new softwood lumber agreement with Canada.

Our Guarantee During This Time of High Lumber Prices

Master Builders Association of Pierce County is dedicated to providing quality, affordable homes to enrich our community. To help keep homes at prices within reach for families in our community, contact your Congressional representatives and ask them to take action to address the unsustainable costs of lumber. For more information on lumber prices visit The NAHB website or to learn more about home building in our area contact Master Builders Association of Pierce County at (253) 272-2112.

A judging panel meticulously reviewed each project before making their selections, making sure they met a set list of high criteria. Some winners were recognized in multiple categories. For the first time, the People’s Choice Award was opened up to the general public for voting this year. With over 300 votes tallied leading up to the event, the winning project from the Kitchen $75,000- $140,000 category by Kingdom Builders Construction won the People’s Choice Award. 

The awards were handed out during REX’s annual reception on May 21 at Tin Can Alley in Tacoma, Wash. Master Builders Association of Pierce County’s REX awards are an annual opportunity for members to gain professional recognition for their outstanding work for clients during the year. The awards are open to all Master Builders Association of Pierce County members who have completed a project that meets the requirements of an award category. See below for a list of REX categories and 2019 winners.

2019 Remodeling Excellence Award Winners

Exterior
R4 Construction
Steven Rork & Dawn Fast

Kitchen $45,000 – $75,000
American Dream Design Build
Jim Burbridge & Scott Overby
Trade Partners: Bellmont Cabinet Co., Puyallup Design Center

Kitchen $75,000-$140,000
Kingdom Builders Construction
Ken Jewell & Ryan Jewell
Trade Partners: Advanced Electric, Innovative Hardwood Flooring Inc. 

Kitchen Over $140,000 
York Enterprises
Duke York

Bath under $35,000
R4 Construction 
Steven Rork & Dawn Fast

Bath $35,000 – $60,000 
American Dream Design Build
Jim Burbridge & Scott Overby
Trade Partner: Puyallup Design Center

Bath $60,000 – $80,000
Choice Carpentry
Dan Nixon & Teresa Lewis
Trade Partners: Contract Furnishings Mart, Crescent Lighting

Bath over $80,000
MRF Construction, Inc. 
Michael Fast
Trade Partner: Hyland Cabinetworks, Inc. 

Addition under $250,000
American Dream Design Build
Jim Burbridge & Scott Overby
Trade Partners: Bellmont Cabinet Co., Puyallup Design Center

Addition over $250,000
Reier Construction
Tom Reier

Entire House under $200,000
American Dream Design Build
Jim Burbridge & Scott Overby
Trade Partners: Bellmont Cabinet Co., Puyallup Design Center

Entire House $200,000 – $400,000
York Enterprises
Duke York
Trade Partners: Contract Furnishings Mart, Old Town Tile

Entire House over $600,000
Phase II General Contractor 
Rick Hjelm
Trade Partners: Crescent Lighting, Modern Electric

Basement / ADUs
York Enterprises
Duke York
Trade Partner: Gray Lumber Company

Historic Renovation / Restoration
R4 Construction 
Steven Rork & Dawn Fast

Residential Interior Design
DeMane Design 
Nancy Finneson
Trade Partners: Crescent Lighting, Keller Supply Company

Open Category
American Dream Design Build
Jim Burbridge & Scott Overby
Trade Partner: Puyallup Design Center

People’s Choice Award
Kingdom Builders Construction
Ken Jewell & Ryan Jewell
“Bright Beauty” from Kitchen $75,000-$140,000 category
Trade Partners: Advanced Electric, Innovative Hardwood Flooring Inc.