Member of the Quarter: Joyce Balstad

Category: Member-Features
08/05/2021

She’s an engaging and fantastic volunteer, a stone-cold fact!

Her bubbly personality was the first thing I noticed after meeting Joyce Balstad. As a new employee, it is always a little nerve-wracking to be amongst unfamiliar faces and Joyce made it tremendously easy. From the Ribbon Cutting & Remodelers Council Picnic, to both Golf Outings, to the Muddy Boots Picnic, she has been there to help and assist. And she does it with a warm and friendly smile.

“Member of the Quarter” recognition is a means for HBA staff to shine a spotlight on members who consistently go above and beyond the call of duty, eagerly volunteering their time for the betterment of the Association or Home Builders Care of F-M Foundation while promoting them within the community.

Above: Joyce (right) volunteers at the Remodelers Council Picnic with Rachel Erickson, Design Direction, Inc.

 

Joyce, Fargo operations manager for Stone Countertop Outlet, is a very busy woman. She originally worked at Dakota Stone Design for 11 years before it was purchased by Stone Countertop Outlet, where she has been for the last 10 years.

Joyce admits she does not have a lot of free time. Not only does she maintain her full-time job, she also has a business with her husband selling new old stock (NOS) Ford parts and vegetable planters worldwide. In her free time, she can be found welding, sandblasting parts, painting planters, gardening and reading classical literature. Joyce has been married to Jim for 29 years. They have two boys, 21-year-old Justin and 16-year-old Josh. The latter is a three-sport athlete and that takes up a huge chunk of her time as well.

Above: Joyce pictured with the other members who joined the HBA board of directors in 2019.

 

With all of that, she still finds time for the HBA, serving on the board of directors, Events Committee and Remodelers Council. She also supports Home Builders Care of F-M Foundation through Giving Hearts Day and the Career Workforce Academy. 

When asked about her involvement, Joyce has great things to say.

She encourages others to join because it has so much to offer, like continuing education classes, numerous networking opportunities and the health plan. She says she is also fortunate to have an organization that works hard behind the scenes to help the industry and to make its members successful.

 

Above: Joyce with other members after she led Committee Chair Orientation.

 

“My favorite aspect of being an HBA member is the relationships I have been able to build,” she says.

 

Stone Countertop Outlet specializes in fabrication and installation of stone surfaces. It has over 1,800 slabs in inventory to choose from. It (like most other companies) faces huge challenges in today’s building climate. The shortage of skilled labor is the biggest issue, but employing an extensive training program combats the problem.  

When asked for  words of advice to someone who is considering getting involved with the HBA, Joyce says, “Joining the HBA is a great decision if you want to connect with others in our industry and build your business.”

 

Above: Joyce volunteers at the 2020 Muddy Boots Picnic drive-thru at Cass County Electric Cooperative.

 

More about Stone Countertop Outlet: Founded in 2009 upon opening its first selection center in Albertville, Minnesota, Stone Countertop Outlet offers a way to buy stone for homes in one location – from stone slabs, to sinks and faucets, to field measuring and complete fabrication and installation. No other fabricator or selection center offers this. As part of Granite-Tops, the Midwest’s leading fabricator and installer of custom stone countertops, Stone Countertop Outlet leverages that relationship which allows superior-quality value, service and customer service. Their manufacturing process is proven, and their delivery and follow-up truly sets them apart.

More about Events Committee: Events Committee is tasked with brainstorming to help create unique and memorable HBA events. You will find HBA golf outings, member meetings and picnics on their agenda!

More about Remodelers Council: By joining for a $70 council fee, you are privy to all sorts of valuable information from the National Association of Home Builders. Plus, you can access a network of like-minded remodeling members who enjoy sharing each other’s company, planning the HBA’s Remodeled Home Tour and giving back by taking on community service projects.

written by Carrie Schwanke, Member Relations & Office Coordinator