Found in Lost Rabbit - Home Builders Association of Mississippi

Meet the man at the HBAM helm
Scott Shoemaker
What are your top priorities for the new
leadership team in 2009?
I want to raise the lid on our success.
You know, the real test of leadership is not
where we started but where we end up. In
leadership, we are challenged to look into
the future and see the association not as it
is, but what it can become. This past year
we have had marvelous success. We simply
want to continue offering something unique
and continue to make a difference.
What are the first things you’re working
to roll out now?
We are going to experience statewide
membership on a personal level. We wish
to expand the fellowship of membership
by simply coming to our locals. By year
end, the entire executive committee will
have traveled to each and every local
association. It reminds me of a story…
Before a battle, Gen. Robert E. Lee would
meet at the campfire with his troops. The
executive officers desire that same type
of relationship with our members.
How can membership best support our
new leadership?
By being willing to get into the trenches
with us. Do business with a member.
Continue your recruiting efforts. Support
the Build-PAC program. Our members
already give financially to our cause through
dues, now we desire and
urge you to contribute your
time and wonderful talents.
With our size… look at the
talents we have collectively
as a group that we can offer
for the good of the association.
When this takes place,
we depart from being
just good… and lay the
foundation of being great.
When this year is over,
what one accomplishment
or goal would you most
want to have achieved?
That marvelous momentum was generated
because once you have momentum, it’s
hard to stop it. And to also have a sense
of community within our association. I
believe these key elements will lead us all
to great success within our association,
as well as professionally and personally.
What do you feel is the most effective or
rewarding benefit as an HBAM member?
Relationships with fellow builders and
associates. Through relationships, I have
become a better builder by gaining
knowledge from other builder’s expertise
or experience. I have benefited financially
by doing business with members and it
justifies our membership’s annual dues
constantly. And finally, I can rest assured
that I have representation concerning
governmental issues. We have a political
team protecting our best interest throughout
all levels of government.
This is a unique and challenging time for
our industry, what are your thoughts?
We grew because the industry grew. We
were on the nose of the rocket when it took
off. Now that rocket isn’t climbing into the
heavens anymore. Things have changed.
However, I believe better times are
upon us. I believe in the members of our
association. I believe in the business and
governmental community. I believe in the
United States consumer. And finally, I have
faith and trust that America will prevail.
What’s been your greatest experience
as a home builder?
There is nothing more gratifying than
receiving an achievement award from your
peers. In 2007, I received the Home
Builders Association of Mississippi Builder
of the Year award. However, how could I
not mention building a home in 106 hours
on ABC-TV with your closest friends and
business partners?
Would you share the story of how you
came to be a home builder?
It’s a family business. I first started when
I was very young, cleaning up construction
debris. However, my dad did have a title for
me: debris engineer! Since that time, I grew
to love this industry and the opportunity
we all have to provide and do every day.
Who has been your greatest influence,
personal or professional?
What greater role model can you have
than your father? He taught me this
business from the ground up and I will be
forever grateful. My greatest influence,
however, is my darling wife, Leigh. She
continues to inspire me daily.
Tell us about your family
Wife, Leigh Chapman Shoemaker, also
of Jackson. We started dating in high
school and through college and have been
married 10 years, and never had a fight
(hah). We have three children Mackenzie,
6; Mason, 4; and Belle, 2.
And if spare time even exists for you,
how do you fill it?
Duck hunting and golf.
MISSISSIPPI BUILDER JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2009 3