Diane started the Baum Environmental in 1995 after leaving the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) with a vision to assist small businesses with the maze of new environmental regulations with lowered costs and better procedures. Diane is a licensed residential and commercial contractor and has credentials in LEED AP, Accredited Green Verifier, Certified Professional in Municipal Stormwater Management (CPMSM) and a Third-Party IECC/Energy Code inspector.

Brandon is a Baton Rouge native, grew up in Central and attended Victory Christian Academy, Central High School and LSU. Brandon, his lovely wife Andria, and their five precious children are members of Victory Harvest Church. With over 12 years new construction and reconstruction experience, reaching from Baton Rouge to North Carolina, Brandon moved back to his hometown in 2013 to launch Ivey Construction, LLC to serve the people in his community and state. The place he’s proud to call home.

M&M Glass Company has been providing South Louisiana with custom shower doors and mirrors since 1984.

After the original salvage store burned to the ground in 1967, the facility was demolished and remodeled into a brand new home center, which laid the groundwork for the company you see today. Under the current leadership of father-son duo, John and Matthew Holmes, Holmes Building Materials has expanded its reach and services to include two full-line hardware stores, three showrooms, a specialized contractor division, a fleet numbering 100 strong, a Do it Best seal of approval and a staff who is trained, committed and ready to help with all of your building needs.

Cameron Miller practices primarily in the areas of general business and commercial real estate. He has a background in finance and previous experience working with a local real estate brokerage giving him first-hand knowledge into the issues facing businesses today. This insight allows him to offer creative solutions for a variety of client needs. Cameron’s representative experiences encompass all phases of commercial real estate practice, including entity formation and structuring, financing and drafting contracts, purchase agreements, restrictive covenants and servitude agreements. He assists both buyers and sellers in the acquisition and divestiture of all manner of commercial properties. Cameron represents local, regional and national real estate developers and investors offering advice on a variety of projects, including new and existing residential subdivisions, in-fill developments, mixed use, hotels, multi-family and retail developments. He also has experience drafting commercial retail and office leases for both landlords and tenants.

Karen Zito was named President and CEO of the Home Builders Association of Greater Baton Rouge in August 2017. Karen has dedicated her work for over 20 years in association management, strategic planning, fundraising, and member engagement. She is a two-time graduate of Louisiana State University with a BS in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Karen received the Army Achievement Medal while serving honorably for eight years in the Louisiana Army National Guard 415th MI BN. Her passion is people and making sure that everyone has the opportunity to be included in the mission of the organization she helps lead. Connecting people to the best resources to grow their business allows her to develop meaningful relationships with those in the industry. Karen is committed to enhancing the services and programs provided to association members. She is married to Devin Zito and a proud mother of three children.

Diane started the Baum Environmental in 1995 after leaving the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) with a vision to assist small businesses with the maze of new environmental regulations with lowered costs and better procedures. Diane is a licensed residential and commercial contractor and has credentials in LEED AP, Accredited Green Verifier, Certified Professional in Municipal Stormwater Management (CPMSM) and a Third-Party IECC/Energy Code inspector.

Brandon is a Baton Rouge native, grew up in Central and attended Victory Christian Academy, Central High School and LSU. Brandon, his lovely wife Andria, and their five precious children are members of Victory Harvest Church. With over 12 years new construction and reconstruction experience, reaching from Baton Rouge to North Carolina, Brandon moved back to his hometown in 2013 to launch Ivey Construction, LLC to serve the people in his community and state. The place he’s proud to call home.

M&M Glass Company has been providing South Louisiana with custom shower doors and mirrors since 1984.

After the original salvage store burned to the ground in 1967, the facility was demolished and remodeled into a brand new home center, which laid the groundwork for the company you see today. Under the current leadership of father-son duo, John and Matthew Holmes, Holmes Building Materials has expanded its reach and services to include two full-line hardware stores, three showrooms, a specialized contractor division, a fleet numbering 100 strong, a Do it Best seal of approval and a staff who is trained, committed and ready to help with all of your building needs.

Cameron Miller practices primarily in the areas of general business and commercial real estate. He has a background in finance and previous experience working with a local real estate brokerage giving him first-hand knowledge into the issues facing businesses today. This insight allows him to offer creative solutions for a variety of client needs. Cameron’s representative experiences encompass all phases of commercial real estate practice, including entity formation and structuring, financing and drafting contracts, purchase agreements, restrictive covenants and servitude agreements. He assists both buyers and sellers in the acquisition and divestiture of all manner of commercial properties. Cameron represents local, regional and national real estate developers and investors offering advice on a variety of projects, including new and existing residential subdivisions, in-fill developments, mixed use, hotels, multi-family and retail developments. He also has experience drafting commercial retail and office leases for both landlords and tenants.

Karen Zito was named President and CEO of the Home Builders Association of Greater Baton Rouge in August 2017. Karen has dedicated her work for over 20 years in association management, strategic planning, fundraising, and member engagement. She is a two-time graduate of Louisiana State University with a BS in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Karen received the Army Achievement Medal while serving honorably for eight years in the Louisiana Army National Guard 415th MI BN. Her passion is people and making sure that everyone has the opportunity to be included in the mission of the organization she helps lead. Connecting people to the best resources to grow their business allows her to develop meaningful relationships with those in the industry. Karen is committed to enhancing the services and programs provided to association members. She is married to Devin Zito and a proud mother of three children.

Scott Bardwell is the President and founder of Bardwell Homes. With a BBA in Finance from Texas A&M University and experience working in high-level real estate investment banking at the headquarters of Bank of America in Charlotte, North Carolina, Scott moved back to Baton Rouge in 1999 with a vision to build homes with a thoughtful, bottom-up approach to planning that eliminates the small mistakes that irk designers and homebuyers. With the idea that great design should be a fundamental feature of every home, Scott has developed relationships with the best architects and designers in the Baton Rouge area that have resulted in the construction of homes for many families in some of the most well-respected, exclusive communities in Baton Rouge. In addition to his professional career, Scott is most proud of the work done outside the office serving in various leadership roles at his alma mater, The Dunham School, First Presbyterian Church and the Baton Rouge Growth Coalition.

Scott Bardwell is the President and founder of Bardwell Homes. With a BBA in Finance from Texas A&M University and experience working in high-level real estate investment banking at the headquarters of Bank of America in Charlotte, North Carolina, Scott moved back to Baton Rouge in 1999 with a vision to build homes with a thoughtful, bottom-up approach to planning that eliminates the small mistakes that irk designers and homebuyers. With the idea that great design should be a fundamental feature of every home, Scott has developed relationships with the best architects and designers in the Baton Rouge area that have resulted in the construction of homes for many families in some of the most well-respected, exclusive communities in Baton Rouge. In addition to his professional career, Scott is most proud of the work done outside the office serving in various leadership roles at his alma mater, The Dunham School, First Presbyterian Church and the Baton Rouge Growth Coalition.

Gorman Brothers owners, Doug and Mike Gorman, grew up helping their grandfather Harry Laurent, who wore many hats, including that of the mayor of Merryville, Louisiana, for 24 years.

Gorman Brothers owners, Doug and Mike Gorman, grew up helping their grandfather Harry Laurent, who wore many hats, including that of the mayor of Merryville, Louisiana, for 24 years.

Results-oriented external relations executive with experience in sales, economic development, and nonprofit sectors. A focus on exceeding client expectations, excellence, integrity, mentoring and listening. Leads team by fostering autonomy and creativity. Strategically aligns tasks and personnel with organizational goals. Cultivates vision for progress that challenges and motivates others. Clear, persuasive, engaging and informative written and verbal communication. Generates revenue through the execution of successful fund-raising campaigns, sponsorships and development. Significantly contributes to the reputation and financial goals of the organization. Ability to establish strategic and collaborative partnerships. Attract, build and maintain long-term business relationships.

Current Graduate student in the Manship School of Mass Communication at Louisiana State University and Director of Governmental Affairs at the Home Builders Association of Greater Baton Rouge. I received a Bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University in public relations with a minor in business administration and history. As an undergraduate student, I worked as an intern for United States Senator Bill Cassidy and as an intern for Harris, DeVille and Associates Inc. After completing my Bachelor's degree in May of 2016, I became an Associate at HDA. I spent three years with HDA before accepting my current role at the HBA.

Results-oriented external relations executive with experience in sales, economic development, and nonprofit sectors. A focus on exceeding client expectations, excellence, integrity, mentoring and listening. Leads team by fostering autonomy and creativity. Strategically aligns tasks and personnel with organizational goals. Cultivates vision for progress that challenges and motivates others. Clear, persuasive, engaging and informative written and verbal communication. Generates revenue through the execution of successful fund-raising campaigns, sponsorships and development. Significantly contributes to the reputation and financial goals of the organization. Ability to establish strategic and collaborative partnerships. Attract, build and maintain long-term business relationships.

Current Graduate student in the Manship School of Mass Communication at Louisiana State University and Director of Governmental Affairs at the Home Builders Association of Greater Baton Rouge. I received a Bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University in public relations with a minor in business administration and history. As an undergraduate student, I worked as an intern for United States Senator Bill Cassidy and as an intern for Harris, DeVille and Associates Inc. After completing my Bachelor's degree in May of 2016, I became an Associate at HDA. I spent three years with HDA before accepting my current role at the HBA.

Scott Bardwell is the President and founder of Bardwell Homes. With a BBA in Finance from Texas A&M University and experience working in high-level real estate investment banking at the headquarters of Bank of America in Charlotte, North Carolina, Scott moved back to Baton Rouge in 1999 with a vision to build homes with a thoughtful, bottom-up approach to planning that eliminates the small mistakes that irk designers and homebuyers. With the idea that great design should be a fundamental feature of every home, Scott has developed relationships with the best architects and designers in the Baton Rouge area that have resulted in the construction of homes for many families in some of the most well-respected, exclusive communities in Baton Rouge. In addition to his professional career, Scott is most proud of the work done outside the office serving in various leadership roles at his alma mater, The Dunham School, First Presbyterian Church and the Baton Rouge Growth Coalition.

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