Building a Brand, a Business, and a Family Legacy with Mike Elya
Building Better Podcast from HBA Northwest Michigan
Release Date: 04/15/2025
Parade of Homes 2025 Special #3: Greenwald & B.C., Scott Norris Construction, Andersen Windows
Building Better Podcast from HBA Northwest Michigan
In our final Parade of Homes special, Lauren Tucker sits down with Colin Herren of Greenwald & B.C. to talk about their stunning custom cottage on Lake Michigan in Manistee. Designed as a vacation home for out-of-state clients, the build showcases laid-back luxury, with a massive butler’s pantry, warm natural finishes, and a layout made for hosting. Colin shares how communication, patience, and collaboration shaped the final product. Next, Lauren is joined by Dave Schneider of Andersen Windows, a 2025 Parade sponsor. Dave explains how Andersen works hand-in-hand with builders to...
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Parade of Homes 2025 Special #2: Bay Area Contracting, Leelanau Construction, Weekes Forest Products
Building Better Podcast from HBA Northwest Michigan
Lauren Tucker welcomes back longtime Parade of Homes participants Bay Area Contracting/BAC Design Group—Dean Adams, Trisha Adams, and Erica Murdock—for a look at how a passion project for Dean’s brother became one of their most personal builds yet. The team reflects on the Parade's marketing power, their decades-long journey with the HBA, and how designing with family in mind changes everything. Next, Larry Mikowski of Weekes Forest Products (a Parade sponsor) joins to talk about trends in home materials and why longevity always wins. Finally, Corey Flaska of Leelanau Construction shares...
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Parade of Homes 2025 Special #1: CMB Construction, Royal Stag Construction, Builders FirstSource
Building Better Podcast from HBA Northwest Michigan
In this special Parade of Homes kickoff, Lauren Tucker sits down with Colin Bushong of CMB Construction, the reigning People’s Choice winner, who’s doubling down this year with two featured homes—one a refined riverside retreat, the other a smartly designed, budget-friendly build with bold style. Later, Chris Ostrowski of Builders FirstSource talks sponsorship, innovation, and pricing myths, and finally, we check in with Will Saputo of Royal Stag Construction about his striking farmhouse in Yuba and how his nonprofit TCLEG is building homes and community. From dream builds to real-world...
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"Parade of Homes" Series Teaser
Building Better Podcast from HBA Northwest Michigan
We're got a great series of programs coming up to coincide with our annual "Parade of Homes!"
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Building Community, Culture & Craftsmanship with Bay View Flooring's Jonathan Woolfolk
Building Better Podcast from HBA Northwest Michigan
In this episode of the Building Better Podcast, host Lauren Tucker welcomes Jonathan Woolfolk, co-owner of Bay View Flooring and title sponsor of this year’s Parade of Homes. Lauren and John chat about the 36th annual Parade of Homes, flooring trends, and what makes this showcase of local craftsmanship such a beloved event. John shares what it’s been like to take over a trusted, family-run business with his wife Margaret, and how they’ve embraced both tradition and innovation—from pet-friendly showrooms to an evolving apprenticeship pipeline with the Career Tech Center....
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Lifting Up the Trades: The Story of the Northwest Michigan Skilled Trades Foundation
Building Better Podcast from HBA Northwest Michigan
In this episode of the Building Better Podcast, host Lauren Tucker is joined by Lauren Flynn and Heidi Flake to shine a spotlight on an important but often overlooked part of the HBA: the Northwest Michigan Skilled Trades Foundation. They dive deep into the foundation’s mission to support skilled trades careers across northern Michigan through scholarships, workforce development programs, and community outreach. You’ll hear about the foundation’s evolution, the importance of breaking down barriers to career entry, and why changing the public perception of trades is critical to solving...
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Building a Brand, a Business, and a Family Legacy with Mike Elya
Building Better Podcast from HBA Northwest Michigan
In this episode of the Building Better Podcast, host Lauren Tucker sits down with Mike Elya, owner of Elya Construction, to talk about what it really means to build something that lasts—whether it's a business, a brand, or a home for your own family. Mike shares how joining the HBA has helped accelerate his business growth through networking, education, and access to resources he didn't have when starting out. From professional development courses like CAPS and Spanish jobsite communication to volunteering at events like the Home Expo, Mike's story is a blueprint for getting the most out of...
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Building Tomorrow: Workforce, Innovation & 3D Printing with Carolyn Andrews, Northwestern Michigan College
Building Better Podcast from HBA Northwest Michigan
In this episode of the Building Better Podcast, host Lauren Tucker sits down with Carolyn Andrews, Program Coordinator for Construction Trades at NMC and 2023 HBA Humanitarian of the Year. Carolyn shares her inspiring journey from interior design to skilled trades advocacy, and her deep commitment to reshaping how our community sees careers in construction. From bringing local counselors into the trades lab to empowering students with hands-on experiences, she’s helping lead a cultural shift. The episode also dives into one of the region’s most exciting innovations: a 3D printing in...
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Leadership, Advocacy & The Future of Home Building: Carl Harris & Bob Filka
Building Better Podcast from HBA Northwest Michigan
In this episode of the Building Better Podcast, host Lauren Tucker brings you two insightful conversations with industry leaders shaping the future of home building. First, we go live from the International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas to talk with Carl Harris, outgoing NAHB Chairman, about his experiences, the importance of strong industry advocacy, and what’s next for the organization. Later, Bob Filka, CEO of HBA of Michigan, joins us for a second conversation to discuss the critical advocacy efforts happening at the state level. From tackling regulatory challenges to supporting Michigan...
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What You Need to Know About Waterfront Property: Dane Englert, The Ferraro Group
Building Better Podcast from HBA Northwest Michigan
Owning a home on the water is a dream for many—but what’s the reality? On this episode of the HBA Building Better Podcast, Lauren Tucker sits down with Dane Englert of The Ferraro Group to discuss: ✔️ The 14% increase in waterfront property values 💰 ✔️ How to prevent water damage and structural wear 🌧️ ✔️ The remodel vs. rebuild debate for historic family cottages 🔨 ✔️ A Prohibition-era surprise found in a Long Lake renovation 🍾 Whether you're building, remodeling, or just dreaming of a lakefront home, this episode is packed with insights!
info_outlineIn this episode of the Building Better Podcast, host Lauren Tucker sits down with Mike Elya, owner of Elya Construction, to talk about what it really means to build something that lasts—whether it's a business, a brand, or a home for your own family.
Mike shares how joining the HBA has helped accelerate his business growth through networking, education, and access to resources he didn't have when starting out. From professional development courses like CAPS and Spanish jobsite communication to volunteering at events like the Home Expo, Mike's story is a blueprint for getting the most out of your membership.
We also dive into his philosophy of professionalism on the jobsite, how he’s building his own family home on a multigenerational farm, and why leading with integrity is the best way to stand out in a crowded industry.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to deepen your connection to the trades, Mike's story is equal parts inspiring and practical.