NAHB's Young Professionals Chair Erin LeCorgne shares her passion for bringing more young professionals into the home building industry. She discusses resources like mentorships, education, and leadership opportunities available through NAHB to help emerging leaders grow.

Erin LeCorgne is the Business Development Manager for Converge Resources and has been involved in the home building industry for over 20 years. She started her career while pursuing her communications degree and working for a local builder in marketing and new home sales.

Her passion for meeting new people and helping them achieve the American dream of homeownership has served as a motivating factor to become actively involved in her local, state and national Homebuilder Associations. Erin currently serves on her local HBA’s Board of Directors and Professional Women in Building Board and is also the State Associate Vice Chair. She is the 2021 recipient of LHBA's Associate of the Year Award. At NAHB, Erin is the Chair for the Young Professionals Committee, serves on the Membership Committee and chairs the Leadership Grant Working Group and is also a past Professional Women in Building Trustee.

To connect with Erin: erin@convergeresources.com

Resources mentioned in today's podcast:  Housing Developments Podcast by NAHB hosted by Jim Tobin and Paul Lopez. Home Building Hero Podcast with NAHB YP's past Chair David Belman.  NAHB Mentor Match is an online tool — which includes a searchable database — facilitates the establishment of mentoring relationships. NAHB 20 Club NAHB Young Professional Awards-deadline to submit is October 23, 2023 IBS 2024 is in Las Vegas!  

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John Lee and Anya Chrisanthon of Anewgo discuss innovative sales and marketing technologies that are growing in popularity in new home sales. They highlight new systems, processes and techniques as well as share best practices, case studies, tactics and strategies so that you can successfully incorporate MarTech into your sales cycle. With millions of dollars flowing into PropTech space they evaluate new and current technologies with uncertain adoption and lifespans in the new construction industry.

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In this special episode of Anewgo of New Home Sales, join hosts Anya Chrisanthon and John Lee as they bid farewell to their beloved colleague, Sara Williams. Reflecting on Sara's invaluable contributions during her tenure at Anewgo, they discuss her journey from the challenges of a startup environment to becoming an industry connector and a driving force behind the company's product development. Sara shares her most memorable moments and the qualities that have made her successful in her role. As Sara embarks on her next chapter, the team celebrates her impact and looks forward to the future of Anewgo.

Farewell to Sara Williams: Celebrating Her Impact and Journey at Anewgo-114

In this episode, Anya Chrisanthon interviews Leah Fellows, founder of Blue Gypsy Inc., to discuss the findings from the 4th Annual Online Homebuyer Mystery Shop Report. Leah shares insights on the importance of having dedicated online sales counselors (OSCs), effective lead follow-up strategies, and the critical role of marketing in driving high-quality leads. The discussion also covers the decline in OSC usage among builders in 2023, the need for diverse communication channels, and the significance of adopting technology to improve the customer experience. Leah emphasizes the importance of focusing on lead quality over quantity and provides advice on how builders can adapt to the ever-changing online-first buyer.

Leah Kaiz Fellows, founder and owner of Blue Gypsy Inc. is an online sales training expert, adventurer, and home building industry professional. After graduating with a degree in communication from Boston University, Leah chose the unconventional path of a wanderer as she gained insights into different cultures, places, and people. Her Gypsy years allowed for crazy adventures and unique jobs giving her the skills and confidence to work in any setting and relate to a multitude of personalities and professionals. She spent 13 years traveling the world as a backpacker, sailboat captain, and dive instructor. In 2006 Leah began work in the new home sales industry managing leads, setting appointments, and assisting with new home sales for a large local builder in Virginia Beach. It was here that she developed her first online sales program with metrics reaching to 32% of the overall sales for that builder, at a time when the industry standard was 20-25%. She often joked that her non-existent Customer Relationship Management software (CRM) was put together with bubble gum and duct tape. The Gypsy naturally thrived in this role and was intrigued with the relationship building that is necessary to be successful in online sales.  Her writing skills played a key role in her travels as she worked freelance for magazines and newspapers and these skills continue as an important part of her duties in writing custom campaigns, website copy, and relevant blogs. Leah then went on to start Blue Gypsy Inc. in 2010 working with builders, developers, and real estate related businesses as she developed a proven Online Sales System along with her very own Online Sales Process. Since 2014 the Blue Gypsy has focused on Online Sales Training for builders across the country to help them improve their sales and the way they handle digital leads. Writer and speaker, Leah brings real world experience, and a unique, relatable quality to all her engagements. Giving back to the building industry is important to her. She is an active member of the Professional Women in Building Council and the Sales and Marketing Council locally and nationally. Currently a board member at the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver PWB, she also is also the past chair (2019-2021) the Mentoring committee and is the past co-chair (2021) of NAHB PWB’s Membership and Communications sub-committee and the current 2nd Vice Chair of the Professional Development sub-committee. Leah is also a on the board of Trustees for NSMC and is the past chair (2021) of the Membership and Communication sub-committee. She writes numerous articles for Building Women Magazine, Build Maryland Magazine, Colorado Builder, and other industry blogs and publications and has spoken at the International Building Show both onstage and in PWB Headquarters, SEBC, as well as on industry webinars and podcasts around the country. Download the 4th Annual Homebuyer Mystery Shop Report HERE

Unraveling the Mystery of Online Home Buyer Behavior: Insights from the 4th Annual Mystery Shop-113

In this episode of Anewgo of New Home Sales, host Anya Chrisanthon interviews Carrie Deweese, a realtor from Tulsa, Oklahoma with a passion for making a difference in the building industry. Carrie shares her journey from lobbyist to real estate, her involvement with NAHB councils like PWB and 55+ Housing, and the importance of attending NAHB's Legislative Conference to advocate for housing issues. She also discusses the current housing market in Oklahoma, challenges facing new construction, and tips for builders looking to work with outside sales agents. Carrie's enthusiasm for creating positive change shines through in this engaging conversation.

Carrie Deweese: Making a Difference in the Building Industry-112

In this inspiring episode, Steph Reed, owner of Partners by Design Homes, shares her journey as a successful female home builder in Iowa. She discusses her involvement with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the importance of networking and mentorship through Professional Women in Building (PWB), and her role as a state representative. Steph also highlights the challenges facing the home building industry, including workforce development and housing affordability, and encourages listeners to get involved with their local Home Builders Associations to make a difference. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the home building industry, whether you're a builder, realtor, supplier, or simply passionate about supporting the American dream of homeownership.

Steph grew up in Texas where her father was a contractor. As a teen, she worked alongside her father learning the trades of wallpaper hanging, drywall, painting and  the value of hard work. Steph worked with another local builder for years doing all that she does today to help him build his portfolio and add to her own. In 2017, she went out on her own and launched Partners By Design Homes along with her husband Randy. Randy does many important behind the scenes things like their books, real estate and helps keep her grounded. Together they are Licensed REALTORS in the state of Iowa at The Reed Team with REMAX Concepts. Combined they have accumulated many years of awards including REMAX Hall of Fame for Steph in 2017 as well as Rookie of the year in 2010. Steph is extremely hardworking and her passion for the home building industry knows no bounds. She is currently serving as the Iowa State Representative for the National Home Builders Association and is on the boards of the Iowa state HBA and the Des Moines HBA. She is a mentor for young women coming into the industry and when she is not with her family at an ISU event she is likely speaking to youth about their career options in the trades, attending an industry function or drinking her beloved DrPepper!  In 2018, Steph won Builder of the Year and member of the year at the Des Moines HBA. In 2020, Steph won the National Home Builders Association Professional Women in Building Member of the Year award.  To learn more:  Professional Women in Building (PWB) NAHB Leadership Academy Spring Leadership Meetings and Legislative Conference

Building a Successful Home Building Business: Lessons from Steph Reed-111

Don't miss this inspiring episode featuring Anya Chrisanthon and Mindy Lepp as they discuss their experiences in the NAHB Leadership Academy, the power of networking, and the importance of supporting women and young professionals in the industry through PWB and YP. Plus, discover a game-changing tip for boosting online reviews and learn about the upcoming Spring Leadership Meeting and Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. Tune in now and take your career to the next level!

Mindy Lepp is the Co-Founder for LEPPDESIGN, a full-service design and marketing firm based in St. Augustine, FL, but serving clients nationwide. Mindy and her husband, Eddie, run the company together and offer remote ongoing marketing services (Social Media Management, Website Management, Print Marketing, etc) with a particular niche in the building industry. Visit www.leppdesign.com for more information. Mindy is an active member of her local HBA, PWB  Trustee and Chair for the NAHB PWB Professional Development Subcommittee. She was also listed as one of the top 10 “People to Watch” in Jacksonville by the Jacksonville Business Journal.

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