The 2025 HBA Holiday Gala was an unforgettable night of celebration, connection, and sparkle! Nearly 275 members arrived dressed to the nines, filling the room with energy as we came together to honor an incredible year for our Association. This annual gathering is always special, but this year’s Gala truly raised the bar, showcasing the strength of our membership, the unity of our industry, and the many remarkable achievements we accomplished together in 2025. The atmosphere was buzzing, the room looked stunning, and everywhere you turned, members were laughing, reconnecting, and proudly celebrating what makes the Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire exceptional.
We were honored to welcome our distinguished guest and emcee for the evening, Carl Harris, Immediate Past Chairman of the National Association of Home Builders. Carl’s leadership and passion for the building industry added an inspiring presence to the night.
Thanks to the support of our generous sponsors, Mahlander’s Appliance & Lighting (Platinum Sponsor), First International Bank & Trust (Gold Sponsor), and LP Building Solutions and Security National Bank of SD (Silver Sponsors), the event was one to remember. Together, we celebrated outgoing board members, highlighted the significant accomplishments of the Association over the past year, and proudly installed our 2026 President, Craig Wynia of Red Rock Builders and Jeren Homes.
The evening also featured one of our favorite traditions, recognizing outstanding members through our annual awards. We proudly honored our Top Recruiter, Volunteer of the Year, Associate of the Year, Builder of the Year, and culminated the night with the prestigious Hall of Fame Induction, one of the highest honors our Association can bestow. This moment celebrated a legacy of service, leadership, and long-standing impact within our industry.
As the evening came to a close, the room was filled with gratitude, pride, and excitement for the year ahead. The 2025 Holiday Gala wasn’t just a celebration, it was a reminder of the remarkable people who make this Association strong, vibrant, and resilient. Nights like this showcase the heart of our membership: builders, associates, volunteers, and partners who show up, give back, and push our industry forward. Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, sponsored, and participated in making this event unforgettable. With new leadership stepping forward, incredible momentum behind us, and a community of dedicated professionals beside us, we look forward to an inspiring and successful 2026. Here’s to another year of building excellence, together.
Top Recruiter Award: Honoring Outstanding Membership Growth
The Membership Recruiter Award is a prestigious honor recognizing an individual who goes above and beyond to bring new members into the Association, someone who strengthens our network, drives growth, and helps ensure the long-term vibrancy of the HBA.
This year, we are proud to congratulate Peter Ronning of Ronning Companies, our Top Recruiter for 2025. Peter’s commitment to expanding the Association’s membership has made a significant impact. Through his proactive outreach and genuine passion for the industry, he has introduced new members to the value of the HBA and ensured they feel welcomed from day one.
Peter’s hard work has not only grown our membership but also helped build a more connected, engaged, and forward-focused community. His leadership and enthusiasm inspire others to get involved, and remind us all of the power of a strong, united network.
Congratulations, Peter, and thank you for your dedication to strengthening our Association!
Volunteer Member of the Year: Celebrating Exceptional Service
The Volunteer Member of the Year Award honors an individual whose dedication, reliability, and willingness to step up exemplify the very best of our Association. This recognition celebrates someone who consistently goes above and beyond, someone whose efforts strengthen our events, support our members, and contribute meaningfully to the mission of the Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire.
This year, we are proud to honor LuAnn Wolfe of the Washington Pavilion as our 2025 Volunteer Member of the Year. LuAnn has been an extraordinary asset to HBASE, offering her time, energy, and enthusiasm wherever it’s needed most. Her name appears time and time again on volunteer rosters for major events such as the Home Show and the Parade of Homes, and she plays vital roles on both the Events and Parade Committees. Whether it’s planning, execution, or cleanup, LuAnn is always there, dependable, prepared, and ready to jump in.
But LuAnn’s impact reaches far beyond event logistics. She has a remarkable ability to make people feel welcomed and engaged, connecting with members, encouraging involvement, and championing workforce development initiatives that help inspire the next generation of building industry professionals. Her positivity is contagious, her commitment is unwavering, and her presence strengthens every corner of the Association.
Congratulations, LuAnn, on this well-deserved honor. Your service truly embodies the spirit of volunteerism, and we are grateful for all you bring to HBASE!
Associate Member of the Year: Celebrating Outstanding Dedication
The Associate Member of the Year Award honors a member whose dedication, leadership, and enthusiasm significantly advances the mission of our Association. This recognition is given to someone who not only supports our initiatives but elevates them, bringing new ideas, energy, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact.
This year, we are proud to honor Luke Urlacher of Builders FirstSource as our 2025 Associate Member of the Year. Luke has been a powerful advocate for workforce development, spending countless hours inspiring students and encouraging young people to explore careers within the building industry. His involvement in key initiatives like Frame the Future, the Boys & Girls Club Build Day, and Washington Pavilion Member Appreciation Night has expanded our outreach and helped strengthen the next generation of industry professionals.
As Events Committee Chair, Luke brings creativity, humor, and steady leadership to every meeting, creating an environment that is both productive and enjoyable. His ability to mobilize volunteers, spark engagement, and encourage new ideas has made a lasting difference in the success of our events. His hands-on support during the Repair Affair Project further showcased his dedication, stepping in wherever help was needed and leading with a servant heart.
Luke’s passion, positivity, and unwavering commitment embody what it means to be an outstanding associate member. His contributions this year have strengthened our Association and inspired those around him. Congratulations, Luke, on this well-deserved honor!
Builder Member of the Year: Honoring Leadership, Service & Community Impact
The Builder Member of the Year Award recognizes a member whose leadership, dedication, and commitment to the building industry and our Association exemplify the highest standards of professionalism and service. This honor is reserved for someone who consistently steps forward to support our mission, uplift our community, and strengthen the future of our industry.
This year, we are proud to recognize Ryan Brouwer of Choice Builders as our 2025 Builder Member of the Year. Ryan has demonstrated exceptional dedication throughout the year, devoting countless hours to a major Repair Affair Project, where his craftsmanship and willingness to serve made a measurable difference for a homeowner in need. His heart for giving back was evident every step of the way.
Ryan also played a key role in Frame the Future, mentoring students, encouraging young builders, and helping promote meaningful pathways into the building industry. His support extended into every corner of the Association, volunteering at the Home Show, assisting staff with member outreach, and showing up enthusiastically for HBASE events and initiatives.
Known for his positivity, reliability, and genuine generosity, Ryan is the kind of member who lifts the people around him and strengthens the Association through his actions. And yes, his legendary lucky streak in raffle drawings remains a fun part of his HBA story.
Congratulations, Ryan, on this well-deserved honor! Your leadership and service are truly appreciated.
