What Wisconsin Builders Association does

Wisconsin Builders Association (WBA) is a nonprofit professional trade association founded in 1954 (per the company's own historical timeline; one third-party firmographic source cites 1947) and headquartered at 660 John Nolen Dr, Madison, Wisconsin. The association represents approximately 4,000 home building industry members across 21 federated local associations statewide, operating as the Wisconsin state-level federation of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Its core function is state-level advocacy on housing affordability, regulatory burden, and workforce development, paired with member education, affinity benefits, and consumer-facing services.

WBA's product and service portfolio is built around a platform-plus-benefits model. Core offerings include advocacy representation, the BLAR Fund (Builder Legal Action and Research Fund) for legal action, quarterly housing permit data and impact studies, and recognition programs (Badger Craftsman Awards, Builder of the Year, Hall of Fame, Rising Star). Member benefits include the HBA Rebate Member Rebate Program (~50 manufacturers, ~$1,472 per quarter per active participant), the WBA Association Health Plan underwritten by WPS Health Insurance, discounted business insurance through Frankenmuth Insurance, Kwik Trip fuel discounts, and business coaching through Small Business Growth Partners. Communications comprise the quarterly Badger Builder Magazine, the biweekly Blueprint newsletter, the From the Ground Up podcast, and the WBA Buyers Guide consumer directory. The Wisconsin Builders Foundation is the wholly-owned charitable arm funding trades scholarships (over $20,000 awarded in 2024) and online continuing education, including Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (DCQ) certification.

The business model is subscription-dues-funded (recurring membership dues from ~4,000 builder and associate members) supplemented by advertising and sponsorship in Badger Builder Magazine, event revenue (B4 Conference at Kalahari Wisconsin Dells, Advocacy Day at the Capitol, local Parade of Homes and home shows), and affinity partner programs. The 3-in-1 membership structure delivers local, state, and national (NAHB) benefits. Revenue is not publicly disclosed. The association is led by Executive Director Brad Boycks and President Mike Howe, with a 36-person staff and no external investors, parent company, or funding rounds.

Name

Wisconsin Builders Association

Legal name

Wisconsin Builders Association

Website

https://wisbuild.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1954

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Wisconsin Builders Association is a nonprofit trade association representing approximately 4,000 home building industry members across 21 local associations in Wisconsin, delivering state-level advocacy, member benefits, education, and consumer-facing services as the state's NAHB federation.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

NAICS

New Housing For-Sale Builders (236117)

SIC

General Bldg Contractors - Residential Bldgs (1520), Operative Builders (1531)

akta.pro primary industry

Spec Home / Production Homebuilding (Tract & Volume Builders) (IMAFABAD)

Keywords

• Trade association advocacy
• Home builder membership
• Construction industry education
• Housing affordability advocacy
• Residential construction services

Headquarters

HQ city

Madison, WI

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: The primary revenue stream is membership dues from 4,000 home building industry members across Wisconsin's 21 local associations. The association advocates for members to keep housing affordable and accessible.
2. Advertising & Sponsorship: The WBA generates revenue by offering advertising opportunities in the Badger Builder magazine (quarterly print publication mailed to all members), sponsorship packages at various price points, and affinity partner program participation. Advertising reaches 4,000 industry professionals statewide.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Wisconsin Builders Association is a statewide nonprofit trade association serving approximately 4,000 home building industry members through 21 local associations. Its core offerings are state-level legislative and legal advocacy, continuing education and certification (including Dwelling Contractor Qualifier courses), member benefit programs such as the HBA Member Rebate and WBA Association Health Plan, the quarterly Badger Builder Magazine and Blueprint newsletter, the B4 Conference, the WBA Buyers Guide consumer directory, and industry recognition through the Badger Craftsman Awards and Builder of the Year.

Product overview

Wisconsin Builders Association offers a portfolio of member services organized as a platform-plus-benefits model. Core offerings include advocacy representation, housing data research, and awards programs (Badger Craftsman Awards, Builder of the Year). The association provides educational services through the Wisconsin Builders Foundation, including WB Foundation Online Courses and Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (DCQ) continuing education, along with the annual B4 Conference. Member benefits include the WBA Member Rebate Program providing quarterly cash rebates from 50+ manufacturers, the WBA Association Health Plan, and affinity partner discounts through programs with Kwik Trip and business coaching services. Communications include the quarterly Badger Builder Magazine, biweekly The Blueprint newsletter, and the From the Ground Up podcast. The WBA Buyers Guide serves as a consumer-facing directory connecting members with prospective clients. All offerings are delivered through a three-part membership structure supporting 21 local associations and 4,000 member companies statewide.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Wisconsin Builders Foundation: Charitable arm of WBA committed to improving housing in Wisconsin by supporting students going into the trades and offering continuing education opportunities for builders.
• Badger Builder Magazine
• Badger Craftsman Awards
• BLAR Fund
• WBA Buyers Guide

Quantifiable outcome

• Members can earn approximately $1,472 per quarter through the Member Rebate Program
• +1 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Frankenmuth InsurancecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness insurance partner specializing in industry-specific, customizable packages for contractors including errors and omissions coverage, workers' compensation, and commercial auto insurance. WBA members receive discounted rates. Contact through The Brehmer Agency.
• Small Business Growth PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMilwaukee-based national business coaching and consulting company helping small business owners focus on working 'on' their business rather than just 'in' it. Members receive complimentary business assessment services annually.
• Kwik TripminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFuel discount program offering WBA members $0.06 cents off every gallon of fuel plus 10% off most in-store purchases. No minimums, no monthly or annual fees.
• The Insurance Center of WisconsincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for the WBA Association Health Plan, underwritten by WPS Health Insurance, exclusive to WBA members. Allows members to offer employees high-quality coverage and networks at affordable rates.
• HBA Rebate / HBA Rebate's WBA Member Rebate ProgramcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCash back program on materials, appliances, and more for builder and remodeler members. Over 50 manufacturers participate offering same rebates as 'Top-5' builders. No receipts required. Participants earn approximately $1,472 per quarter.
• On3 LearningminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLearning management system (LMS) designed by homebuilders for homebuilders. Combines micro-learning, construction knowledge, and educational testing. WBA members get 5% off 20 onboarding videos.
• Strategic Value MediaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOverland Park, Kansas-based provider of print and digital media solutions for trade and membership associations. Produces the WBA Buyers Guide connecting consumers with member builders.
• Professional Warranty Service Corporation (PWSC)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPowers the WBA Quarterly Newsletter with content related to warranty service and builder industry insights.
• National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational parent organization providing NAHB membership reports, housing market data, legal advocacy, and resources. WBA is the Wisconsin state federation of NAHB.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights8 records

Broad incumbents

• National Association of Home Builders: The national parent federation of which WBA is the Wisconsin state affiliate. Operates the same trade-association model for home builders across the U.S., delivering advocacy, education, and member benefits at the federal level.
• American Institute of Architects (AIA): National professional association for architects with state and local chapters. Operates the same federated trade-association model (state + local + national membership tiers) that WBA uses for home builders.
• Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC): National trade association for commercial and merit-shop construction contractors with state chapters. Comparable nonprofit association model delivering advocacy, education, and member benefits to the construction industry, though its focus skews commercial.

Direct peers

• Minnesota Home Builders Association: Direct Midwest state peer of WBA. Operates the same state HBA federation model serving builders, remodelers, and associate members in Minnesota with advocacy, education, and rebate/benefit programs.
• Illinois Home Builders Association: State-level HBA in a neighboring Midwest market with a comparable member-driven trade association model, advocating for residential builders and remodelers in Illinois. Highly comparable structure: local association federations, dues, advocacy, and member benefits.
• Michigan Homebuilders Association: Another Midwest state-level HBA providing direct comparability — same trade association structure (state federation + local chapters), advocacy at state capitol, and similar member benefit offerings for residential builders.

Regional players

• Wisconsin Realtors Association: Wisconsin state-level trade association for real estate professionals. Adjacent to WBA in the housing value chain (brokers vs. builders), serving the same Wisconsin geography with a comparable advocacy and member-benefit model.

Others

• HBA Rebate / HBA Rebates: Vendor partner that powers the WBA Member Rebate Program. Operates the manufacturer rebate aggregator model used by HBAs nationally; comparable enabling service for state builder associations.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/wisconsin-builders-association

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Wisconsin Builders Association