Builder Profile
As the 1930’s dawned and progressed, the nation wrestled with the Great Depression, realized the establishment of a minimum wage and shuddered at Orson Welles’ broadcast of War of the Worlds while Hitler marched into Austria and Kuwait first struck oil thereby transforming their economy. Locally however, some of that bleakness faded with the continuing construction of buildings such as the Gulf Tower, Grant Building and the Cathedral of Learning, among others.
But by 1938, while Frank Lloyd Wright was designing Fallingwater and Duke Ellington was performing at what is now the Benedum Center, a group of South Hills builders were forming an association to “protect and promote the interests of general contractors engaged in the construction industry” and called this group the Home Builders Association of Allegheny County. A short article appearing in the July 14, 1938, issue of The Bulletin Index, Pittsburgh’s Weekly Newsmagazine, explained that association, colorfully reporting that the “Hey-day of the estimated 14,000 general contractors in the U.S. building industry was the clattering 1920s, when almost every neighborhood smelled of mortar and resounded with the cries of gamins [street urchins] clambering among the forbidden rafters of houses a-building. That such residential building had fallen last year to some 34% of the 1925-30 level is a fact that affects adversely not only gamins and contractors but also a public admittedly under-housed.” Citing issues such as the high cost of land, labor and building materials, the article continued that the failure to produce affordable homes must be placed squarely on the shoulders of high margin contractors. Further, the belief among many other contractors felt now was “the time to unite all component factors in home construction in a drive to keep costs to a minimum,” noting that the Federal Housing Administration was ready to insure 90% of home financing. To that point, the article reported the following:
“Last fall, a few aggressive local contractors formed the Home Builders Association of Allegheny Co., with the idea of promoting residential construction in every way possible. By May they had enlisted 70 Pittsburgh contractors doing 80% of local residential work, obtained a charter as a first class (non-profit) corporation, elected as president Mt. Lebanon Contractor Albert (“Abe”) Young, a 40-year-old veteran of 17 years in the business who has built some 650 homes in the South Hills. Full-time executive secretary is 31-year old William Samuel Tussey, a husky, sandy-haired Carnegie Tech graduate architect who has heretofore spent his time, with his younger Brother Albert, in running the contracting business begun by their father 34 years ago. An early objective of the Association is a state law licensing residential contractors on the basis of competence, just as architects are licensed, similar to laws already in effect in 15 states. Object of such legislation, which would deny building permits to all but licensed builders, is to combat jerry-builders who give legitimate contractors a bad name.”.
What was once known as the Home Builders Association of Allegheny County, later became the Builders Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh or BAMP, which has grown to become the largest home builder group in Pennsylvania representing Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Greene, Washington and Westmoreland counties. With a key reason for initiating such an organization being unification within the industry, the founding fathers believed this was the means “to unify builders against the threat of government control of the housing industry” according to the BAMP website. Further, in four short years (1942) the association, along with others, established the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and later, the Pennsylvania Builders Association (PBA) in 1952. Over the years, many changes have occurred and additions made to the organization including the Apartment Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh (1974) for those working within the multi-family housing industry, and the NAHB Remodeler’s Council, focusing on improving the profession of remodeling and the education of home improvement contractors. A current endeavor includes sponsorship of several NAHB Student Chapters to allow area vocational/technical schools to join the organization and, more importantly, provide up-close experience, education and access to career development programs and professional mentoring and construction programs.
Today, the Builders Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh (BAMP) has grown to more than 375 members of which one-third are builders and remodelers and the remaining two-thirds are those associated with construction including vendors, suppliers, lenders, insurance and other services supporting the industry according to Liam Brennan, Vice President, Infinity Custom Homes and current BAMP president. “Our ultimate goal is to grow in scope of both the number of members and the impact we have on helping the industry and providing value to our members,” he said. “We have several core purposes, but our most prominent value is advocating for the home building industry against excessive or unfair regulations. By doing this, it allows for our members to grow and be successful and, indirectly, keeps housing more affordable.” Mike McAneny, President, Foxlane Homes and current BAMP secretary, noted that BAMP membership has any number of advantages. “BAMP enhances a company’s credibility and trustworthiness,” he said. “We offer education and training on key items such as building codes and safety regulations while providing the opportunity for advocacy, helping lobby for policies that protect our industry that is so vital to our economy. The housing industry provides thousands of jobs in Western Pennsylvania and housing for all, so working together for the benefit of everyone is paramount.” Andrew Litzinger, Director of Purchasing and Production, Eddy Homes and BAMP Past President’s Council, concurred that the benefits of BAMP make a valuable difference for the Pittsburgh region and beyond. “Membership in BAMP has provided our business (Eddy Homes) with significant advantages, particularly in networking and industry recognition,” he noted. “It has allowed us to establish strong relationships with vendors, trade partners and fellow builders. Additionally, our participation in BAMP events, such as the annual Housing Excellence Awards (HEAs) and the Festival of Homes, has heightened our visibility and credibility within both the builder’s community and the general public.” Litzinger believes that BAMP’s mission is closely aligned with the best interests of its members and the consumers they serve, providing a strong foundation for businesses to thrive in the Greater Pittsburgh area. Shaun Seydor, President, Pitell Homes and current BAMP vice president, sees membership value within four key arenas: business savings and services, advocacy for housing, member networking and promotion, and professional development. As such, he explained that BAMP, as a premier residential trade organization in Pittsburgh, bestows automatic membership in PBA and NAHB to its members. “These state and national associations are critical for industry lobbying, evaluation of regulation overstep, and economic forecasting, among many other important functions,” Seydor added. “BAMP is where the boots hit the ground and makes a significant impact on local companies.” He cited the Westview Water Authority as a recent example for incorrectly overcharging for residential water tap fees. As a collective of all builders, BAMP organized a petition to recover water fees and earned a multi-million-dollar refund of excess tap fees that had been paid, which went back directly to member companies.
Overall, one could look at BAMP through a symbolic three-faceted crystal, each side reflective of the other rendering them mutually compatible: advocacy, education, and a resource. Advocacy has long been at the core of BAMP’s history and purpose, promoting home ownership and improving the residential building industry, with its efforts lauded across the nation for its government affairs, educational and community efforts. Education increases the value of existing members while preparing others for the future of home building and buying. Serving as a credible resource saves time, money and effort for not only builders and those associated with the industry, but also for the general public looking to spend wisely, embrace quality and revel in the end product of a new, perhaps long-dreamed of, construction. But new construction is not without its difficulties. Andrew Litzinger shared that the two most pressing challenges in new construction are the availability of land, along with the complexities of land development permitting, and rising construction costs. “BAMP plays a critical role in advocating for the industry on both fronts,” he remarked. “The association works closely with government agencies to streamline the permitting process and mitigate the financial burden caused by unnecessary regulatory changes. Furthermore, BAMP serves as a valuable resource for both consumers seeking reputable builders, and industry professionals looking for support, networking opportunities and advocacy.” Liam Brennan agreed that land is still very challenging and costly to acquire, entitle and bring to market. He does, however, find that land is still available but the time in bringing it to market has lengthened. “There is a solid pipeline of new projects throughout the area. We expect new construction in Pittsburgh to continue to be steady,” he said. “Unfortunately, for these reasons and others, the cost of new construction will continue to increase, but also remain a good value when compared to the overall housing market. Styles continue to evolve, and we’re seeing more modern elements but at the same time, Pittsburgh does still value traditional architecture as well.” Brennan continued that in light of these issues, the association advocates to help fight some of the red tape that makes land development difficult. “We also provide education to our members keeping them updated on market trends and codes. We support local trade schools in order to continue to develop a local workforce and support job growth. Most recently, we launched Pittsburgh New Home Connection, an on-line tool for finding homebuilders, remodelers and new communities. We are hoping for this to be a source for the buying public and a value-added to our members.” In referencing the ever-changing landscape of new construction, Mike McAneny acknowledged that land acquisition, as well as land entitlement, continues to be a difficult process to navigate while keeping up with the many changes and requirements can be extremely daunting. “BAMP must, and will, continue to lead the way to work with all stakeholders to ensure we are able to provide the necessary housing needs for our community at an affordable price,” he said. “BAMP is a tremendous resource to its members and is able to keep its membership informed about what is happening in our industry and offering seminars and networking events to both train and educate membership on the latest products, construction innovation and ever-changing laws and codes.” McAneny also pointed out that a more prominent BAMP is important in its efforts to increase industry advocacy. “This will allow, through increased funding, more influence and advocacy over regulations and policies that make providing affordable housing possible,” he added. “This will lead to more projects being approved, which leads to more employment opportunities as well as higher housing inventory, ultimately providing more affordability and choice to the overall public.” He continued that a more prominent BAMP can offer more professional development, allowing for expanded training programs and certifications that benefit members and the public. “Establishing best practices and ethical guidelines ensures the public has a place where it can trust BAMP members to do honest, professional home building and remodeling. BAMP should be a place the general public can go to find high quality companies that are vetted. In my opinion, any credible member that works within housing should be a [BAMP] member,” he concluded. To maintain that credibility and high level of quality among members, BAMP offers a detailed application process, always looking to enhance its member database. “Generally, member companies have been in business for at least one year and the prospective member agrees to adhere to the association’s Code of Ethics,” Shaun Seydor noted. “BAMP is one of the oldest professional groups in the county and we take great pride in our history and the impact it has made and continues to make on the home building landscape in Pittsburgh.” As it looks toward adding new members, further benefits include builder and remodeler profiles on its website, valuable cost-saving programs, rebates, networking and connection opportunities, and sponsorship occasions. “Pittsburgh continues to see a consolidation of home builders and new market entrants such as D.R. Horton and Foxlane Homes,” Seydor added. “The number of small builders is shrinking and available building lots continue to be scarce. BAMP features an on-line resource, called the Festival of Homes website, that is a one-stop shop for residential new construction in the Pittsburgh area and features new community listings by geographic region.”
With an eye toward the future, BAMP continues to explore new ways to meet the changing needs of the construction industry and serve the general public and regional housing. “We are currently in the process of a full website update and on-line application portal as well as a searchable directory,” explained Shaun Seydor. “Further, we will be launching a monthly newsletter for our members, highlighting new member companies, relevant industry news, upcoming events and savings opportunities. We anticipate membership growth this year with the organization continuing to lead the industry.” Seydor also anticipates enriching the value of membership with clear communication to current members for purposes of retention; exploring new avenues to value membership; modernizing the website; strengthening marketing and communication, and demonstrating more intensely the organization’s position as a true support for the home building industry. Andrew Litzinger also agrees that continuing growth and brand awareness are key to BAMP’s long term success. “As membership expands and the organization strengthens its outreach efforts, more industry professionals will recognize the value of BAMP membership,” he said. “By maintaining strong leadership and a clear vision, BAMP is positioned to solidify further its role as an essential resource and advocate for the construction industry.” Liam Brennan submitted that continuing to reinforce those ideas of communication and value needs to stay at the forefront. “BAMP helps with advocacy, education, workforce development, networking and some financial benefits for our membership. We need to continue to get that message out and new members will build on that by making our numbers stronger.” Brennan added that BAMP is moving forward with their networking events, all of which are open to new, prospective members. “We have coordinated large charitable projects in the past and are looking at some opportunities later this year so we can continue to give back.” Lastly, Mike McAneny offered a summary of the imperatives listed. “Simply put, if your business has anything to do with housing not only will your company benefit, but the entire industry and general public will as well. Housing is a basic need and a vital part of our economy, and working together to allow more access and affordability is a worthy cause.”
For more information about or an application for the Builders Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh (BAMP), visit pghhomebuilders.com. NH
