Member of the Quarter: Drew Likness

Category: Member-Features
05/21/2021

HBA ‘super fan’ acts as mentor, brings excitement to Ambassadors

Recruitment and retention of member companies is critical. HBA of F-M’s membership base creates a strong foundation for everything else we do, whether it is advocacy, public events or fostering a strong business culture among HBA members. 

Drew Likness, EagleRidge Development, LLC, is one of those special “super fan” volunteers who shares his commitment and thoughts on the Association’s value consistently and enthusiastically. Serving on HBA Ambassadors for over ten years, Drew is a past chairperson and has been involved with the HBA since 2006.

Above: Drew  at an HBA Ambassadors meeting this spring.

 

“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.

Drew says, “I believe that all people in the industry, especially the younger ones, should get involved. It is a great way to meet people and give back to the HBA while volunteering with the work they are involved in.”

 

Drew is sales director for EagleRidge Development, LLC, understanding that supporting the HBA also supports the builders he works with and ultimately helps ensure their success. When asked what he gets out of membership and why he volunteers, he stated that the success of his business is dependent upon a strong, vibrant homebuilding business. 

Business Development Coordinator Spencer Carlson says, “I’m still relatively new to the HBA myself, and it’s been valuable having someone like Drew to act as a mentor to not only me, but the Ambassadors as a whole. He consistently volunteers to contact potential members and brings an excitement for recruitment and retention that is contagious.” 

Above: Drew with his son, Ben, picking up signs for a Spring Parade of Homes event in the mid 2000s.

 

Drew shares that his favorite aspect about being a member is meeting new people and seeing the long-term members who continue to be involved with the HBA. His words of advice to someone thinking of joining the HBA are "Don't wait, everyone has different personalities and talents, there is something for everyone to be involved with!"

With the past year and difficult times, Drew says one of his major challenges is the increased cost of supplies, lumber and materials while wage increases lag. 

Above: Drew's family Abigail, Ben and Pam.

 

Drew has been married to his wife, Pam, for 27 years. They have two children: Abigail who recently graduated from North Dakota State University’s nursing program and Ben who is finishing eighth grade at Liberty Middle School. In his spare time, Drew enjoys doing charity work for the Shriners Hospital serving on their Endowment Fund Investment Committee. He also enjoys golfing when he is not in the hockey rink or on the baseball field.

Above: Drew and his wife, Pam, with Abigail who just graduated from NDSU's nursing program.

 

More about HBA Ambassadors: They are our “super fans.” If you believe the saying, “You get out of it what you put into it” when it comes to membership, this committee is for you! It helps you make countless connections within our industry and grows your personal network. As an Ambassador, responsibilities include recruiting new members and touching base with current ones to make sure their needs are being met.

More about EagleRidge: Its mission is to bring value to builders, residents, municipalities, and investors by providing expertise and a sustainable vision in our single family, multifamily and commercial developments across the Midwest. They aspire to develop unique and welcoming communities so that businesses can achieve their goals and so residents have a place they love to call home.

written by Krista Mund, Executive Vice President