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 SMC Hits the Road to Build Statewide SMC Program
Last year, members of the Board of Directors of the Florida HBA embarked on an ambitious journey — a statewide SMC RoadShow, which tours HBAs across Florida to promote the formation of SMCs, or provides guidance to struggling SMCs. During the RoadShow visit, volunteers give a presentation on SMC benefits tailored specifically to that locale.
Recently, the RoadShow was instrumental in starting the SMC of Polk County Builders Association. After presentations by Dale Roberts and Meredith Oliver, MIRM, three volunteers were nominated as the chair, vice chair, and secretary/treasurer. Then people started volunteering for committee chairs, and before the meeting was over, they had a Board and steering committee, as well as education, membership, sponsorship, and programs/social committees.
That isn’t the only success. Last year, the RoadShow helped to start two SMCs. In addition to Polk County, the RoadShow has started another SMC this year and has two to three more in the works.
Dale Roberts, the chairman of the RoadShow, credits the program's success to “the human element.” Not only is it “exciting for us and extremely rewarding on a personal level,” but “it’s all about individuals taking a vested interest in the success of others in our industry... individuals who have experienced all the elements of success in our own SMCs.”
The RoadShow started when the Florida State SMC felt there was a need for more SMCs and wanted to do something positive for SMCs on a statewide level. Tom Jarosik, the 2004 state SMC president/chairman, conceived the RoadShow as an opportunity to grow SMCs across the state and to assist struggling SMCs.
If the RoadShow hears of a local interested in starting an SMC, they begin to coordinate a trip about three to four months in advance. “When appropriate, we invite guest speakers to participate,” says Roberts. “We put on mini presentations as examples of a typical SMC breakfast or lunch meeting.”
To help cover some of their costs, the RoadShow has started to offer State SMC Annual Partnerships. “We plan to get at least 10 partners to offset the costs to maintain our website, produce materials, help RoadShow travelers, promote educational programs, and make a bigger presence at the South Eastern Builders Conference,” says Roberts.
One potential stumbling block comes from EOs who “perceive an SMC as extra work on an already overworked staff, and aren’t aware of all the benefits to the association, including revenue streams,” says Roberts. Sometimes, they must sell the idea to the EO. By showing that the RoadShow understands and appreciates their concerns, they help the EO become more comfortable and open to the idea. From the start, this forward-thinking and problem-solving helps counteract any potential opposition.
What advice does this successful Florida program offer for other SMCs? Because every association is different, Roberts advises to “evaluate your situation on a local, regional, or statewide level. Then make a strong commitment to make a difference and create a plan.” Other important factors include getting grass roots support, expanding upon the success of local SMCs, and identifying and involving future leaders, and mentoring them along the way, according to Roberts.
Meredith Oliver, MIRM, and past president of the Metro Orlando SMC, also credits the hard work of volunteers in running a RoadShow program. “What really makes the road shows successful is the grassroots effort by volunteers who really care about the success of sales and marketing councils,” says Oliver. “I am honored and humbled to work with such amazing people who are working hard to promote the importance of having an SMC. They are making a huge difference in our state!”
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