The Housing Advocate

We are joined by Scott Carlson of Utah Safe Company, and founder of Safes for a Cause to discuss the profession that is most at risk for mental health struggles: the construction industry.According to the CDC, construction is the leading industry for suicide: Deaths by suicide occur at a rate of 45.3 per 100,000 for men in construction versus 14 per 100,000 for the general population. High levels of job strain, physical pain, stoic cultures, and isolation are just some of the root causes attributed to the diverse mental health challenges workers face.Scott has worked closely with SUHBA to develop the Wellness Playbook, which helps contractors, subcontractors, and team members put in to practice practical tips, and to find mental health resources. This playbook does not replace professional care. It makes it easier to find help, start conversations, and take the first step.*Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide, substance abuse, mental health challenges, and other sensitive topics that some listeners may find difficult. If these topics may be triggering for you, please listen with care.Episode Resources: SUHBA Wellness PlaybookUtah & National ResourcesSafe Pillar Series If you or someone you know is in crisis: Call or Text 988 – A 24/7, Free, and Completely Confidential suicide and crisis line.---The Housing Advocate is brought to you by the Southern Utah Home Builders Association. It is hosted by SUHBA’s Government Affairs Director, Stacy Young.

In this episode, St. George Mayor Jimmie Hughes shares what it’s like leading one of the fastest-growing cities in the region. From the surge of new residents during COVID to the growing pains that followed, he discusses how the city is working to keep up with demand.Tune in for a candid conversation on growth, opportunity, and the future of housing in Southern Utah.Connect with us on social media:InstagramFacebookYouTubewww.suhba.comThe Housing Advocate is brought to you by the Southern Utah Home Builders Association. It is hosted by SUHBA’s Government Affairs Director, Stacy Young.

Utah is growing fast—and lawmakers like Representative Neil Walter play a crucial role in shaping the landscape. In this episode, Neil discusses his recent legislative work, including a new law sparked by one municipality's attempt to block a homeowner from participating in the St. George Area Parade of Homes. From protecting private property owners’ rights, to strengthening land use and housing policy, Neil and Stacy discuss how the collaboration of all stake holders is vital to resolving Utah's housing challenges (including Home Builders Associations, the League of Cities and Towns, and lawmakers alike.) Tune in for a grounded, candid conversation about what’s changing, what needs work, and where Utah goes next. Connect with us on social media:⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠www.suhba.com⁠⁠The Housing Advocate is brought to you by the Southern Utah Home Builders Association. It is hosted by SUHBA’s Government Affairs Director, Stacy Young.

In this episode of The Housing Advocate Podcast, host Stacy Young leads a discussion to introduce the new Spotlight on Innovation Parade Home category. Joining Stacy are two key voices that helped shape this new Parade position: SUHBA Board Members Skyler Stephens and Kaelen Gulbranson.[ Skip to Spotlight on Innovation Parade Home main discussion: 20:00 ]Learn how SUHBA's Board of Directors came to the decision to create this new category, and why they believe it’s a strategic move forward that will help bridge the gap between builders and city leaders.Through thoughtful design, innovation, and collaboration, this new category aims to inspire policy change, highlight cutting-edge construction practices, and foster meaningful conversations about the future of housing in our communities.The group also touches on some major challenges builders are facing in national politics, including immigration, the rising cost of materials, and public lands.Episode Resources:Statement of Purpose: Spotlight on Innovation Parade Home: https://d1a8dioxuajlzs.cloudfront.net/accounts/8906/original/2027_Spotlight_on_Innovation__Parade_Home_Criteria_and_Application_070125__yNrcglCDuVVIolb.pdf?1752684069

In this inspiring episode of The Housing Advocate’s “Member Voices” series, Host Stacy Young sits down with Amanda Pectol of Interstate Homes—a dedicated SUHBA member and a powerful voice in the construction industry. Amanda shares how it was navigating her entry into a traditionally male-dominated field, and the support and advocacy she received that helped launch her into the leadership position she now holds. She also reveals some of the unexpected strengths and benefits she discovered along the way. Stacy and Amanda also touch on the bright outlook of more women choosing careers in construction, and talk about the Utah PWB (Utah Professional Women in Building), the group behind The House That She Built – a groundbreaking project showcasing the skill, strength, and leadership of women in construction through an entirely women-built home that was featured in the 2021 Utah Valley Parade of Homes.They also dive into some hot button topics, such as the cost of building, attainable housing and the harmful notions that surround anti-growth mentality.From design work to high-level leadership, Amanda’s story in the building industry is a testament to the impact of representation and collaboration in elevating the future of housing.Connect with us on social media!InstagramFacebookwww.suhba.comThe Housing Advocate is brought to you by the Southern Utah Home Builders Association. It is hosted by SUHBA’s Government Affairs Director, Stacy Young.

Today's episode of The Housing Advocate covers a very exciting annual event for SUHBA, the 2025 St. George Area Parade of Homes. Erik Sorenson sits down with Stacy Young on today's episode to preview this year's event and give some background on its theme, "Home Sweet...WOW". He also highlights the economic development aspect of the Parade, its impact on the local community and how purchasing a ticket to the Parade helps local programs.St. George Area Parade of Homes Follow SUHBA on Social Media!WebsiteYouTubeTwitterFacebookThe Housing Advocate is brought to you by the Southern Utah Home Builders Association (SUHBA). It is hosted by Stacy Young and produced by Brand Revolt. Music provided by juqboxmusic/Pond5.

Today's episode of The Housing Advocate features a keynote presentation from the Utah Building Industry Conference this past October. Amy Haas, the Executive Director of the Colorado River Authority of Utah, steps to the podium to give an overview of the Colorado River and its importance to Utah and the other states with access to its basins. She outlines the historical legislation that has governed the use of the river and future water rights negotiations that could impact Southern Utah.Follow SUHBA on Social Media!WebsiteYouTubeTwitterFacebookThe Housing Advocate is brought to you by the Southern Utah Home Builders Association (SUHBA). It is hosted by Stacy Young and produced by Brand Revolt. Music provided by juqboxmusic/Pond5.

Darren Prince, the Executive Director of Economic Development for Washington County, joins Stacy Young on today's episode of The Housing Advocate. Darren discusses the relationship between economic development and housing and how his organization is factoring housing into their plans going forward. Their conversation also touches on housing affordability and how that factors into Darren's goals and economic development as a whole.Follow SUHBA on Social Media!WebsiteYouTubeTwitterFacebookThe Housing Advocate is brought to you by the Southern Utah Home Builders Association (SUHBA). It is hosted by Stacy Young and produced by Brand Revolt. Music provided by juqboxmusic/Pond5.

In this episode of The Housing Advocate, host Stacy Young talks with Dave Gardner, Director of Career and Technical Education at the Washington County School District. They discuss the district's career and technical education advancements, focusing on the new Career Tech High School. Dave highlights the school's innovative programs, industry partnerships, and students’ success in internships and job placements. The episode also covers the district's participation in the Parade of Homes, showcasing the construction program's impact on students' career readiness and the community's support in fostering these educational initiatives.Career Tech High SchoolFollow SUHBA on Social Media!WebsiteYouTubeTwitterFacebookThe Housing Advocate is brought to you by the Southern Utah Home Builders Association (SUHBA). It is hosted by Stacy Young and produced by Brand Revolt. Music provided by juqboxmusic/Pond5.

In this episode, Stacy shares a panel discussion with several leaders in the Utah housing industry. They discuss the current challenges in the industry, such as the decreased housing supply, labor shortages, and the difficulty of advancing higher-density developments in communities hesitant about growth.Follow SUHBA on Social Media!WebsiteYouTubeTwitterFacebookThe Housing Advocate is brought to you by the Southern Utah Home Builders Association (SUHBA). It is hosted by Stacy Young and produced by Brand Revolt. Music provided by juqboxmusic/Pond5.

Ross Ford, the Executive Officer of the Utah State Home Builders Association, joins Stacy on today’s episode to discuss some new bills covering topics affecting Utah builders, such as stormwater inspection and third-party building inspectors. Tune in for insights and a comprehensive rundown on these bills and the discussions in the planning process.Follow SUHBA on Social Media!WebsiteYouTubeTwitterFacebookThe Housing Advocate is brought to you by the Southern Utah Home Builders Association (SUHBA). It is hosted by Stacy Young and produced by Brand Revolt. Music provided by juqboxmusic/Pond5.

Today’s episode of The Housing Advocate is all about the Parade of Homes happening in Washington County later this month. Skyler Stephens and Erik Sorenson join Stacy Young to talk about the parade, what they’re looking forward to seeing at this event and the Parade of Homes's economic impact on our community. They also talk about the showcase aspect of a Parade home and how these same contractors build less expensive attainable housing. The Parade of Homes is a show that includes the best of the best in home design, construction, and technologies.St. George Area Parade of HomesFollow SUHBA on Social Media!WebsiteYouTubeTwitterFacebookThe Housing Advocate is brought to you by the Southern Utah Home Builders Association (SUHBA). It is hosted by Stacy Young and produced by Brand Revolt. Music provided by juqboxmusic/Pond5.

Emily Merkley, the CEO of the Washington County Board of Realtors, is our guest on today’s episode of The Housing Advocate! Emily details her background in the housing industry and how she got into real estate in Utah. The discussion also explores different housing market trends, such as affordable housing, new construction and accessory dwelling units. Tune in for tons of insights into the housing market as well as a look into the relationship between SUHBA and the Washington County Board of Realtors.Washington County Board of RealtorsFollow SUHBA on Social Media!WebsiteYouTubeTwitterFacebookThe Housing Advocate is brought to you by the Southern Utah Home Builders Association (SUHBA). It is hosted by Stacy Young and produced by Brand Revolt. Music provided by juqboxmusic/Pond5.