by Paul Mullican, 2007 NCHBA President Mullican
Only two words will do:Thank you!

Thank you! With those two words, I could stop writing, because they say it all. I want to thank each of you from the bottom of my heart, for having the confidence and trust in me to serve as your 2007 North Carolina Home Builders Association President. I am deeply humbled and so proud to be able to serve in this position. This has been a goal of mine for a number of years.

Thank you for this opportunity. I promise you that I will serve to the best of my ability and carry out the duties that are asked of me. But I cannot do this alone — I would not even try. I have each of you to show me the way and guide me through.

This association is a team, made up of you and me. No person is an island, and I do not know of anyone who would take this position, if they did not have their team to provide much-needed support. Thank you for being there.

Giving back has also been another goal for me, and I feel that it should be a goal for everyone. A s a giver, you will always receive much more in return. The more you give, the more you receive. But you do not give to receive — it just happens. It is one of those phenomenons that must be experienced. If you are on the edge and thinking you want to
do something, just do it!

Your association has so much to offer, but you must accept that offer and make that first step. We are here to help in any way! Just let us know and we will help you cross that line. It is a great feeling!

The construction and real estate industry has been a blessing for me and my family. My parents always told me to get in a business you really love and that you do not consider work, and hopefully you would be able to raise a family from that profession. Not only am I able to work in a profession I love, but I am lucky enough to be with my wife and daughter each day.

My wife, Darla, and our daughter, Heather, manage our real estate company, which is 95 percent property management, while I run Relco Construction Co., which handles building, fire restoration and property maintenance. We have been very fortunate to have a business were we can work and be together as a family. God has blessed us so much!

Another blessing is you — my friends. I have met so many nice people in this business and continue to do so. Every meeting I attend — Expo, sweep week, luncheons, etc. — I meet and make new friends. Let me tell you this: you cannot have too many friends! My thinking and what really matter are God, family and friends. When everything else is gone, this is what remains and what you can depend upon and put your trust in. Thank each of you for being my friend and may God keep his arms wrapped around you.

One gentleman who has become my very good friend, as well as a friend to everyone, is 2006 President Dave Stormont. What can you say about Dave? He is a friend to us all. Anybody who would give of himself and do whatever it takes to get the job done, as Dave has, is a true friend. He has done an outstanding job as your President for 2006 and we all owe him a lot of thanks!

But Dave is a humble guy and would not want us to make a big fuss. Let me give you an example of his friendship: A s incoming president it is my charge to buy a gift for our outgoing president. What do you buy Dave Stormont? I sent him a e-mail and asked what he would like. This was his response: “My gift, in all honesty, has already been received and that is quite honestly that I know we all made a huge difference this year by working together as a well-tuned team. Think about it — membership is up, BUILD-PAC is up, attendance at committee meetings is up, revenue is up, reserves are greater, staff is superb, legislative successes are running 100 percent and we have folks stepping up all over the state wanting to be part of our team. That is proof-positive that all of us have performed well. that, my friend, is reward enough for me.” What key words did you read? Honest, team, superb, success, positive, performed well, friend. A ll of these words describe our friend: President Dave Stormont. Next time you see Dave, just give a big bear hug and tell him how Once again I want to say thank you for this opportunity. You are appreciated more than you can know.