Business
ProWood Backs the Next Generation of Home Developers, Commits to Filling Critical Knowledge and Training Gaps with NHCA Alliance
Lumber industry leader's support of NHCA's first Build the Builder program crucial for addressing housing shortageGRAND RAPIDS, Mich., March 19, 2026
About this update from Ufp Industries, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"Lumber industry leader's support of NHCA's first Build the Builder program crucial for addressing housing shortageGRAND RAPIDS, Mich., March 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ProWood®, a leader in premium pressure-treated lumber, today announced a strategic partnership with the National Hispanic Construction Alliance (NHCA) to expand career pathways for Hispanic builders and trade workers across the United States. A key element of the collaboration includes ProWood's support of NHCA's 2026 launch of Build the Builder, an initiative designed to prepare builders and developers to reinvest in their communities.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\"Expanding the pipeline of knowledgeable and capable developers is essential to addressing the nation's urgent housing needs,\" said Darren Bennett, vice president of sales and marketing at ProWood. \"Hispanic construction professionals are a vital part of that future, and NHCA's leadership in supporting their advancement is unmatched. We're proud to partner in strengthening this growing segment of the industry.\"NHCA's 2025 State of Hispanics in Construction Report shows that Hispanic builders now make up nearly one-third of the U.S. construction workforce and drove 59% of industry growth between 2018 and 2023. In response to this growing influence, NHCA—founded in 2023 by the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) and led by Executive Director Sergio Barajas—has rapidly expanded to provide culturally relevant training, capital pathways, and professional development for Hispanic tradespeople and developers.\"Hispanic workers are driving the future of construction, and they deserve access to the training and partnerships that help them advance,\" said Barajas. \"ProWood's commitment to this community strengthens our ability to deliver meaningful advancement opportunities through programs like Build the Builder.\"How ProWood Will Support NHCA's Growing Hispanic Construction CohortThrough this partnership, ProWood will:Support the launch of NHCA's Build the Builder program, training Hispanic developers through in-person cohorts focused on real estate fundamentals, financing, project planning, and community reinvestment. Expand access to industry education by participating in NHCA-led webinars that introduce the program and broaden outreach to potential participants. Provide executive ...