By-Line: Annamaria Long, Executive Officer, Flagler HBA

On January 23rd, 2025, the Flagler Home Builders Association held its annual Gala at the Hammock Dunes Club and installed the 2025 President, Executive Committee, and  Board of Directors. 

2025 President: Robbie Barrick, Integrity Homes has served on the Flagler HBA Board of Directors since 2023 and has been a Flagler HBA member since 2021. 

2025 Executive Committee: Vice President- Frank Whalen (East Coast Building Corp.),  Secretary- Ruen Beane (Allied Restoration & Construction), Vice President of  Committees- Kaleigh Rickard (SmartGuard Shutters), Treasurer- Donald O’Brien  (Hayward Brown), Immediate Past President- Lisa Stewart (Southern Title), and Past  Vice President of Committees- Wendy Barbosa (Fifth Third Bank).  

2025 Board of Directors: Builder Directors- Sam Bond (Ascent Homes), Jay Curbow  (Blue Water Homes), Tali DeJesus (1621 Building & Remodeling), Walker Douglas  (Douglas Property & Development), Scott Sowers (Cline Construction), David Whelan  (Hulbert Homes) and Associate Directors- Richard Collins (Goosehead Insurance),  Michelle James (Space Coast Credit Union), Debby McAlister (Gotcha Covered),  Teresa Schwarzkopf (Anchor Electric), Anjanette Stevens (Southern Title), Joseph  Wright (Quantum Electrical Contractors). 

Life Directors serving on the Board: Tony Amaral Jr., Jim Gonce, Sandra McDermott,  Luis Medeiros, Eric Phillips, Robbie Richmond, Charles Rinek, Budd Severino, Brad M  Thomas, Roy Waldhauer, and Frank Whalen.  

In addition to the installation of the leadership team, the following Awards were  presented:  

2024 Builder of the Year: Frank Whalen, East Coast Building Corp. Frank has served as the Flagler HBA’s President multiple times as well as on State committees. One of his accomplishments to date was starting the first Future Builders of America in Flagler over  20 years ago. Unfortunately, teachers retired and school administration changed and the program went by the wayside. In 2023, he began working alongside Matanzas High  School to start their first Future Builders of America. They have already doubled their membership, competed at SEBC, and have students on the path to employment upon graduation.

2024 Associate of the Year: Michelle James, Space Coast Credit Union. Michelle has embodied the saying, “You get out what you put in” when it comes to involvement in the  Flagler HBA. She joined the Association in 2022 and then stepped into leadership in 2024,  offering an important perspective and being a champion for the building industry.  

2024 New Member of the Year Award: Teresa Schwarzkopf, Anchor Electric. When  Teresa and her husband Dan attended their first General Membership Meeting they immediately made connections and got involved. They’re strong advocates of our industry, training apprentices, doing business with members, and combating unlicensed activity.  

2024 Good Government Award: Donald O’Brien, Hayward Brown. Don has been a dedicated member of our community since 1990. He has a servant’s heart and that is evident in his willingness to volunteer, mentor, and listen. He served for 8 years as  Flagler County Commissioner. In this role, Don always did his research and listened to the constituents and groups who would be affected. His calm demeanor and intent to always do what was right for the community he served earned Donald this prestigious honor.