From the Outgoing Board President: April Pond Ducott

On Oct.  9th the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Cape Cod (HBRACC) honored the region’s most exceptional builders, designers, and trade professionals at its seventh Building & Remodeling Industry of Cape Cod (BRICC) Awards, held at the Wychmere Beach Club in Harwich Port. The sold-out gala, emceed by U.S. Army veteran and local radio personality Stephanie Viva, brought together hundreds of industry leaders to celebrate excellence, innovation, and the shared mission of building a stronger Cape Cod.

The bi-annual awards program—independently judged by industry experts—showcased the finest achievements in residential construction, design, and remodeling. With nearly 200 submissions across 38 categories, this year’s BRICC Awards reflected both the creative range and technical mastery of the region’s builders and craftspeople.

The 2025 BRICC Awards celebrated the extraordinary craftsmanship, innovation, and heart that define our members. The competition was fierce, but the camaraderie was even stronger. We left that night inspired—not only by the projects recognized, but by the shared purpose that unites our industry.

The event also featured keynote speaker Bill Owens, First Vice Chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). A remodeler and home builder from Worthington, Ohio, Owens brings more than 40 years of experience in the residential construction industry and will assume the role of Chairman of NAHB in 2026. His remarks highlighted the Cape’s leadership in housing innovation and industry collaboration nationwide

Cape Cod’s builders, designers, and tradespeople continue to raise the bar, not just for the region but for the industry nationwide. Whether they took home an award or not, everyone left the gala proud, motivated, and ready to build what’s next.

The gala capped a landmark year for HBRACC—one defined by new partnerships, expanding workforce programs, and record-setting community engagement.

In July, the association’s 24th Annual Nail Bangers’ Golf Tournament raised nearly $8,000 to fully fund the launch of Skilled Purpose, a new pilot program by The Michael English House that provides second-chance carpentry training for individuals reentering the workforce after incarceration or recovery. HBRACC and The Michael English House entered into a memorandum of understanding to promote Skilled Purpose to its membership.

Just months later on October 16th, HBRACC and the Cape & Islands Workforce Board hosted the most successful Residential Construction Career Day in the event’s history, connecting hundreds of area high school students with Cape employers in a hands-on, career-launching experience.

It has been my honor to lead HBRACC these last two years, navigating challenges, finding our new Executive Officer, Stefanie Coxe, revitalizing our committees, overhauling our bylaws, and leaving the organization in a stronger position than it’s been in years.

These milestones represent the direction we’re heading — stronger partnerships, deeper purpose, and greater visibility for an industry that shapes every community on Cape Cod.