Rob & Kate,
With all the excitement at the end of our fabulous membership drive in Nebraska, I’m not sure if I thanked you. So, thank you. I realize that this is your job and the way you make your living, but I also believe that you truly LOVE what you do. You bring excitement into what you are doing which in return puts excitement into others. The 2 of you have helped put excitement back into our local HBA (MOBA) and for that I am truly grateful. I love what we stand for and the people we help and it is great to have new life blown into our organization with new members and have the old ones excited again. Thanks again.
Tom Hegarty, Membership Chair, Metro Omaha BA, NE
We were so pleased with the results and feel like we can manage the growth we experienced during this DIRECT Drive. It is wonderful knowing Rob, Kate and the group will continue to be a resource for us. To those other associations considering a DIRECT Drive, do not go very long without giving The Oliver Group a call. They are wonderful to work with. Rob really inspired and motivated our membership. He is an incredible leader and I wish we could have him around always!
Tiffany Williams, Executive Officer, Missoula BIA, MT
Rob and Kate,
Thank you for bringing out the potential for growth that we knew was there. You lit the fuse and it exploded! I am left speechless – thank you. It was great to see you in Norfolk.
Terry Wolfe, President, HBA of the Norfolk Area, NE
Thank you, Rob and Kate, for everything that you did, have done, and will do for our State and local associations. I had many pessimistic members in the beginning and had to push really hard! You two were right on target with your foresight and wisdom of how to pull this off. I have never seen so much excitement in our local for two days straight. I have received a lot of credit for our local success and it all goes to you. I have taken you two out of the category of ‘business associates’ and placed you in my heart as FRIENDS. What you have done is an act of friendship, not
business. Forever in your debt, Jim.
Jim, Umpqua Valley HBA, OR
A lot of work, but so incredibly worth it. I cannot stress enough of the importance of having volunteer leaders at the training. Without their buy-in and enthusiasm, we wouldn’t have been successful. Plus they backed up staff on the hard calls. An awesome experience for both volunteers and staff. Our association needed a great activity like this drive to get members excited again. The Oliver staff keeps you pumped!!!
Tess, Assistant EVP, BIA of Lancaster County, PA.
A no brainer - Great program!
Tim, Central Oregon HBA, OR
Incredible results!! Challenging and fun, yes…I did say fun!
Laurie, Executive Officer, Wayne County Builders Association, PA.
The Oliver Group was so great to work with.
June, Executive Director, Queens & Bronx Building Association, NY
The membership drive energized all of us, reminding us why we’re part of such a great organization.
Lori, President, NDBA, ND
The DIRECT Drive process works very well . . . it is a good concept and works when followed.
Allison, Membership Coordinator, HBA Bucks & Montgomery Counties, PA
We just did an Oliver Group membership drive and it was phenomenal. We estimated 300 new members but got 552! Not only did it bring in new members, but it brought enthusiasm and partnership to current members who worked together for a common goal. The EO’s said they had never seen such teamwork on a project and everyone is pumped because of this.
Doreen, Executive Officer, North Dakota Association of Builders, ND
The training was informative and really set the table. It took the guess work out of the process - just follow the “yellow brick road” and succeed. The process was great and it worked. If your membership buys in, you’ll double your results. We had great support from The Oliver Group - they were always there and always available. Be excited, buy in, Enthusiasm! Enthusiasm! Enthusiasm! Follow the Rules, don’t create new ones. It works!
Chuck, Co-Chair Long Island Builders Institute, Long Island Builders Institute, NY
Wonderfully successful statewide. We were really blown away by how many new members we were able to bring into our association.
Karen, HBA of Josephine County
Our Kick-Off party was great, the location was great, and the timing was perfect. We got ‘Double Spikes’ for all those members for May’s National Membership Day. Decorations were the best (it’s nice to have friends at Lockheed Martin). We had a great ending, great competition, and a great time. From the staff point of view, it went very smoothly thanks to you guys. It was a lot of fun.
Home Builders Association of Tri-Cities, WA
The Oliver Group staff was very helpful and accessible whenever there was a question or a need for modification.
Lori, Acting Executive Officer, South Central Home Builders Association, TN
The training workshop made us believers and laid out a system which was easy to follow and truly works. We could have done more! Only about half of the Board helped out and the ones who did were surprised by the great results. Recruiting 65 new members was a great addition, but I wonder what we could have done if more members bought into the program. My suggestion: Sell your Board - The more
participation from your Board, the more successful the drive will be!
Gino, Membership Chairman, BIA of NEPA, PA
It was great - very entertaining!! You guys ROCK!
Amanda, Klamath Basin HBA, OR
The DIRECT Drive exceeded our expectations. Do it and get as many people involved as possible.
Guy, Executive Director, Builders Association of Central Mass., MA
As an unsolicited testimonial for those of you considering working with the Oliver’s, their program works. More importantly, we had a blast. Not only did we grow our membership and budgets nicely, but we pulled together as a team with everyone working and competing for the same thing statewide. Lots of phone calls and text messages between the locals, lots of friendly-but-pointed competition, and everyone gathering around computers for the 2 hour shift change updates to see what the new numbers looked like.
Jon, Chief Executive Officer, Oregon HBA
The DIRECT Drive was everything you said it would be and more!
Tracy, Executive Officer, Springfield Area HBA, IL
The DIRECT Drive experience helped us to be very organized. It takes time but is fun and well worth it!
Lisa, Executive Officer, HBA of Greater Peoria, IL
You really will get what you give. The more effort you put into the drive, the more you will take away. It was great, the best thing to happen to our Association in a long time, if not ever…and it was fun!
Catie, Membership Coordinator, BA of Greater Boston, MA
The drive is well worth the time and money. Not only did we bring in 82 new
members, but we also had members help out that usually aren’t active.
Katie, Membership Coordinator, HBA of Berks Co, PA
The percentage increase in membership was unbelievable.
Ann, Executive Officer, Lakeland BA, WI
There is no question that the results of the drive made the experience very positive. We anticipate that our drive in 2007 will be very good as well.
Brad, Executive Director, HBA of Western Mass., MA
Be prepared ahead of time to process a lot of applications. Be certain that members fill out forms completely and clearly.
Follow the program and you will succeed!
Dave, Director of Membership, HBRA of New Hampshire
Content was excellent and the members we attained are very credible.
Rita, Executive Officer, East Central, IL
Ultimately we got 32 new members – 17 Associates and 15 Builders!! Nationally there is an average of two associates for each builder. This is GREAT, 30% growth in two days is phenomenal! You delivered what you promised and delivered on time and on budget. Your staff is terrific, timely and most responsive.
Ron, Executive Officer, Bristol Norfolk HBA, MA
We were surprised at the number of members willing to participate and pleased with the cooperative, fun atmosphere. We were amazed at the results and being able to accept credit card payments was very helpful!
Marion, Co-EO, West Branch Susquehanna BA, PA
You all are great at what you do and offer. The DIRECT Drive is a very worthwhile and exciting experience!
Karyn, Executive Officer, Rutherford Co HBA, TN
Team meetings prior to Kick-Off Party were helpful to our success, I believe. We had an 84% increase, our Builder Members went from 60 to 102! The overall process was very organized - takes time, but fun and well worth it!
Lisa, Executive Officer, HBA of Greater Peoria, IL
The increase was way beyond what we expected. The DIRECTDrive gives quite an education and experience . . . it’s well worth it.
Irene, Executive Officer, Dickinson Area BA, ND
Our association did better than what I personally thought it would do. The quality of our members is great
Debbie, Executive Director, Will-Grundy HBA, IL
The drive was fast and furious. It was great to see new faces get involved and work towards a common goal. We are very happy with our member increase and the quality of our new members.
Betty, Executive Officer, Forx BA, ND
A Blast!! Lots of work, but well worth it. Communication was the key to keeping all the locations involved. Your well-thought out materials were professionally provided, and your proven process worked for us even with the small size of our Association. Thanks for your cheerleading, it meant a lot to us. And we had 95 people attend our general meeting, we normally have 50. It was awesome!
Melody, HBA SW Oregon, OR
The membership increase was better than I could have imagined. It was a great experience. The Oliver Group staff was very informative and helpful with all my questions and concerns. Thank you!
Karen, Executive Officer, Southwest Suburban HBA, IL
It worked well! It was great to have your support and help with the forms. You guys did a wonderful job. Get as many people to the training as possible so they are involved from the start and can buy in to process.
Melanie, Umpqua Valley HBA, OR
The whole process was amazing. Everything went very smoothly with the preparation. Our training attendees came back very enthusiastic and we doubled our goal! We hoped for 40 new members and got 85! Can’t beat that!
Bette, Executive Officer, Pike Co BA, PA
We are overwhelmed! 72% membership increase – we never imagined! The overall DIRECT Drive Experience was awesome.
Carol, Executive Officer, So Central Wisconsin BA, WI
Rob & Kate did an excellent job. We left with so many ideas and energy - Thank you! The DIRECT Drive experience was an incredible amount of fun. It took a lot of energy but we got the right people with the right attitudes and our numbers are where we want them!
Wendy, Admin Assistant, Finger Lakes HB&R, NY
It was a great training, very informative & got everyone excited. A very team-building event. We hit our overall goal and everyone was surprised and impressed.
Constance, Membership Director, HB&RA of Northern Vermont, VT
The Oliver Group knows what they’re doing when it comes to organizing a membership recruiting plan. We followed their directions and increased our membership by 49%. Rob’s humor made the training fun for everyone. Our increase in membership was more than we ever imagined we were capable of recruiting in 2 days!!! It was hectic, chaotic, but it was worth it.
Linda, Executive Officer, BA Greater Lafayette, IN
Training went well – very thorough, easy to digest and prioritize.
Alexis, Membership Director, HBA of Greenville, SC
Thank you Rob & Kate! You have a great staff and great energy. It was fun and exciting, people got competitive, and our members were energized and excited even up to the end of the last day.
Kate, Manager of Operations, BA of Minnesota, MN
Our increase in membership was far beyond our expectations. Just super!
Nick, Executive Officer, Lakeland HBA, SC
For those considering a DIRECT Drive: Get Ready! It takes a lot of enthusiasm and hard work, but is definitely worth it.
Pam, Executive Vice President, BA Victoria, TX
It was a very productive and rewarding experience. There was so much excitement! The training process helped to keep the drive going – they believed! We are very happy with the percentage of growth and the DIRECTdrive was fun, exciting and very beneficial.
Tamilee, Executive Officer, Arrowhead BA, MN
Our VP attended the training and came back very excited. The preparation material from The Oliver Group was a huge help to us. Our membership increased 38% and these new members will add strength and diversity to our organization.
Jerry, Executive Officer, Niagara Co BA, NY
The DIRECT Drive Training workshop was very impressive. We had our board meetings last week, and the talk in every committee meeting was the membership drive and what a great thing it was for the association. Thank you, Oliver Group, for your hands-on work with each of the locals and for all you continue to do for us!
Lorraine, Education Manager, Texas Association of Builders, TX
DIRECT Drive is an awesome process. These guys know membership! I was blown away. On Day 2 at 3:00pm, we had 550 new members. Rob and Kate kept saying “Wait and see, wait and see.” By 5:30 we had 850 - 300 new members in two hours! The Oliver Group is the best. Following our DIRECTDrive at our Annual Convention, there was so much talk about the drive, membership and more drives to come. Thank you so much for making the Members in my State realize it can be done. The Oliver Group kicks BUTT!
Steve, Association Services Director, HBA Mississippi
Attendance at the training workshop is so important! It was lots of hard work but the networking on the teams was great.
We are so happy with our increase!
Shayne, Membership Specialist, Utah Valley HBA, UT
Training was fun and easy to understand.
Michelle, Membership Coordinator, HBA of Fargo-Moorhead, ND
This was a very positive experience and we received more members than anticipated.
Donna, Executive Officer, HBA of Southern Indiana, IN
The training workshop was extremely well done! Rob & Kate stayed focused and covered everything.
Barbara, Executive Officer, HBA of St Joseph Valley, IN
We gained high-quality members who have displayed an interest in getting involved with various committees.
Sharon, Executive Officer, Suburban Northwest BA, MN
The DIRECT Drive was a blast and it worked! We overshot my goal for increasing membership, which was great.
Gretchen, Executive Officer, BA Elkhart Co, IN
We are very pleased with our membership increase which has given us top-quality companies. The Drive was a little crazy, but we had a great time and have great results. It was worth the work and we look forward to the retention program.
Kathryn, Membership Director, Madison Area BA, WI
To get TOP Quality members, simply work The Oliver Process – it’s Top notch. Kate and Rob covered the critical parts of the training most effectively. Membership is a daily job and the increase from the Direct Drive was a good beginning and will result in a grand finish.
Ron, Executive Officer, Bristol Norfolk HBA, Inc., MA
The Training was very informative and exciting and everyone was pleased with the whole process. We added 109 members during our DIRECT Drive…we had so much fun. It is a great tool to bring excitement and energy to your membership. We did!!
Helen, Executive Officer, HBA of Grayson, Fannin and Cooke Counties, TX
Everything in the Drive Process was perfectly planned, forms were delivered right on time, and with great members, we were bound to do well. Our members worked so hard and proved themselves beyond expectations!! Everyone was in complete “AWE” at the number of new members (160% increase). The staff at The Oliver Group was so gracious to work with. They were quick to respond to our needs and were excited for us – yes, it showed!!! Thank you!
Jimmie, Executive Vice President, East Texas BA, TX
I would highly recommend the DIRECT Drive process to others. I loved the forms and “template” for doing a successful drive.
David, Membership Chair, HBA of Central Michigan, MI
Drive Process was very hectic but it worked. We saw results and overall, we’re happy. The Oliver Group Staff provided lots of help and was always quick to reply with answers to my questions.
Jenn, Dir Member Services, York Co BA, PA
This was the largest, most successful drive to recruit new members in the history of the (Indiana) Builders Association. It was great to be a part of history in the making, and to share the enthusiasm with so many members as they grew their membership radically overnight. It was a terrific experience.
Carlie, Member Services Dir, Indiana Builders Association, IN
It’s an amazing system! We increased our membership by 26% in two days and I STILL have applications trailing in. It was a great experience…
a lot of work for staff but it was worth it
Lisa, Membership Director, BIA Desert Chapter, CA
The DIRECT Drive experience was very successful and we were pleased! It was great to have Rob & Kate drop by too - very nice, genuine people.
CJ, Executive Officer, So Tier HBRA, NY
Getting more members involved will get more new members. The training was great, the Drive went great, keep up the good work Oliver Group.
Sonny, Executive Officer, Jackson Area HBA, TN
The DIRECT Drive concept worked very well. Our membership increase was great and it was a great experience - a ton of work in a short period of time.
Marci, Membership Director, Greater Grand Rapids, MI
The DIRECT Drive was fun and successful! Thank you for everything…it was great working with you.
Jaime, Membership Specialist, HBA of Jackson, MS
Your DIRECT Drive staff and assistance was great - very supportive!
Christine, Membership Director, Washtenaw, MI
The DIRECT Drive training and the concept of team recruitment created an atmosphere of fierce competition which resulted in success. We got our builder team members together at the same time during the drive, and they ended up recruiting the majority of our new members. Thank you!
Jan, Executive Director, Johnson City Area HBA, TN
Trainers were very good and materials very helpful. The Oliver group staff did a super job staying in touch and getting material out.
Charlotte, Executive Officer, Washington County BA, PA
Loved many of the anecdotal stories in the training. The staff did a great job helping the local associations with all questions and concerns . . . you had them all motivated to bring in the members.
Bob and Pam, CEO and Director of Events and Board Management, MAHB, MI
Staff was great and did a good job. Our membership increase was more than we had expected. As the day went on, the excitement grew.
Phyllis, Executive Officer, North Mississippi HBA, MS
The DIRECT Drive is an excellent concept.
Judy, Executive Vice President/CEO, Greater Grand Rapids, MI
The process works!
BJ, Executive Officer, Pueblo Association of Home Builders, CO
Thank you for all your help. You’re right – “Ya just gotta believe it’ll work.” We recruited a broad range of members – builders, lenders, suppliers and sub-contractors and gained a 10% increase – WOW!
Paula, Executive Officer, Vikingland BA, MN
Rob and Kate – Thank you for all the help! Without your services and advice, I’d probably be asleep right now, but I’m too pumped for sleep. Last fall, I remember cautiously going out on a limb anticipating a 10 – 15% growth in membership. West Texas topped out at 59% growth and Texas as a whole is pushing 25%! What a weenie I was to see your past results and be such a negative Nellie?! You definitely know membership drives and have really turned a mole hill into a mountain. I don’t know what your schedule is, but multiple hugs and High Fives may be in your future.
Andy, VP, Texas Association of Builders, TX
Rob & Kate – Thank you so much for putting together such an awesome membership drive. Our whole association is just in shock at what we did – 180 new members in just two days! It was so much more than we ever anticipated. And the best part was the members working together to achieve a goal. We had such great participation and they had such fun! Thanks for making it all possible, you two are the best and your staff too. They kept us on task in such a positive, fun way – we would never have gotten everything ready without them.
Sandy, Executive Officer, Rochester Area Builders Inc, MN
The Michigan Association of Home Builders has completed its most successful membership drive in its history. During a two-day blitz this past week, nearly 600 new companies and organizations joined the Association. There has been
tremendous consolidation and difficulty in the home building industry across
Michigan over the past few years. Yet, as the results of this drive show, there is still much interest and hope that the homebuilding sector will make a comeback and grow and thrive in our great state.
Michigan Association of Home Builders, MI
Rob and Kate – how can we thank you for this membership drive? We had no idea that we could gain all these new members in just two days. THANK YOU!!! You moved us out of our “Comfort Zone” and showed us possibilities we had never dreamed of. Thank you to all of your staff for their phone calls, e-mails and support during the drive. Every word of encouragement was important to us. From all of your new friends in Dickinson, thank you again and again.
Irene, Executive Officer, Dickinson Area BA, ND
Thank you for leading us through a terrific membership drive. We are so excited to have 2,397 new members, as well as new friends in The Oliver Group team. We appreciate all you did for us from the special mailings to the moral support you provided to all of us during the DIRECTDrive.
Lorraine, Education Manager, Texas Association of Builders, TX
WOW! 93 new members! This is a lot of work but well worth the efforts.
Carolyn, Council Director, HBA of Greater Grand Rapids, MI
Kate & Rob did a great job and everyone was super to work with. They made the workshop training fun and enjoyable.
Carolyn, Executive Officer, HBA of Greater Kingsport, TN
Great job on the drive but I suggest sending us MORE CANDY!!! Drive results are completely in the hands of the folks that attend the training. You start the process and provide the glue and it’s up to us to keep it moving and participate.
Bill, Membership Director, Spokane HBA, WA
This was the largest, most successful drive to recruit new members in the history of the (Indiana) Builders Association. It was great to be a part of history in the making, and to share the enthusiasm with so many members as they grew their membership radically overnight. It was a terrific experience.
Carlie, Member Services Dir, Indiana Builders Association, IN
Rob and Kate – as usual you were superb. You’ve taken a great program and moved it up a notch to excellence. The antidotes and membership tips for success were amazing. I hope everyone was listening.
Jane, Director of Membership Services, Wisconsin BA, WI
Great information…the “PowerPoint” was a 10!
Jeanette, Executive Director, LCCA, WA
The Oliver Group DIRECT Drive was a success! Rob, Kate, Ali and staff were
terrific - their energy level was very motivating. We recruited more builder members and are quite pleased with our increase.
Diane, Executive Officer, Livingston, MI
The Drive was more successful than we could have imagined. It is a well
thought-out process and a very successful way to recruit.
Tommy, Local President and Red Folder Holder, Augusta HBA, VA
Everything was laid out for us which was great! All we had to do was follow the steps that were given to us. The emails were extremely helpful too! It was a great way to bring our members together. They all enjoyed the drive. We did not expect
to bring in 180 new members…what a great surprise to us!
Rebekah, Membership & Education Dir, Rochester AB, Inc, MN
The DIRECTDrive process was weven better the 2nd time!
Kate, Member Services Coordinator, BATC, MN
The DIRECTDrive was outstanding! It was a lot of work but it paid off! Boy, did it pay off. We got so many people excited about our BIA again! Everyone is so committed to committees and they want to participate in our functions. We are blown away by the numbers!
Shannon, Executive Officer, PVBIA, VA
The fun and excitement are very contagious. If you truly believe, it does happen.
Tari, Membership, BIA of Whatcom Co, WA
We are very pleased with our members. It’s a lot of work and we can say we did our best! Get your members behind you to push it through and you’ll be successful.
Danielle, Membership Coordinator, Northern MN BA, MN
We had a great outcome. There is lots to learn. Follow the checklists!
Emily, Member Services & Events Director, HBA Greater Kalamazoo, MI
I’m excited for next year. First time associations should attend the training.
Stephanie, Membership Coordinator, Greater Grand Rapids, MI
The Training Workshop was an important step and we wouldn’t have been as successful without it! Get as many members to the training as possible. Involve all your members in all pre-planning, especially membership committee and board...staff representation is not enough! I loved having The Oliver Group produce the forms and provide daily encouragement and help staying on track.
Rayna, Membership Director, Skagit/Island Counties BA, WA
The Support from The Oliver Group was awesome! We were hoping for at least 1 new member so 66 was impressive. We have a new member who has been in business for over 50 years and never asked to join…we are thrilled to have him as part of our membership.
Melissa, Executive Officer, Lincoln Trail HBA, KY
The Oliver Group staff was great to work with and so helpful.
Kathie, Director of Member Services, HBA of Louisville, KY
Those that were skeptics became believers - the believers were rewarded! To other Associations considering a DIRECTDrive, Go for it - it will be the best decision you make.
Mike, Executive Officer, Oklahoma State HBA, OK
Make sure you have plenty, I said, plenty of leads available, get your team captains to get all of their members involved, and don’t be afraid to use new members on teams.
Doug, Membership Marketing Dir, Olympia Master Builders, WA
We were amazed by the increase in membership. After the first day, we were dissappointed, but on the second day, all the new members came in - almost all in the last hour! It was great to get the staff, board and even some members who never participate in membership involved. Although the incentives were helpful, we believe the participation of our members was the key to our success.
Janis, Membership Director, Northern KY, KY
Everyone that is a member of an Association needs to go through this Drive Process and Training. It is motivating, exciting and inspiring.
Charlotte Jones, Vice President, Ocoee Region Builders Association, TN
MOBA is delighted to have the increase in light of the economy and the state of the industry. The DIRECT Drive Experience was very positive and brought out lots of new members participating as well as “seasoned” members.
Barbara, Executive Vice President, Metro Omaha Builders Association, NE
The DIRECTDrive is a very professional program with lots of support. Our membership increase was great considering the economy.
Katie, Executive Officer, Flathead BA, MT
The Training Workshop was great…even better than the one we attended in 2007. Our group was energized, and overall, the Drive was good and as effective as anything could be in Michigan right now.
Judy, Executive Vice President / CEO, H&BA of Greater Grand Rapids, MI
The assistance we got from The Oliver Group was incredibly helpful and made the process seem easy! If you are considering a membership drive for your organization, consider The Oliver Group DIRECT Drive, their assistance is invaluable and takes a lot of the guess work out of the process. This is our second year with them and both times our membership has grown remarkably more than it would have had we tried to pull it off ourselves. Thank you Kate and Rob!
Kelle, (acting) Executive Officer, HBA of Livingston County, MI
The process worked well. Thank you for the Leader Board – that was a great addition to last year. A BIG thank you to The Oliver Group Staff for all her help in customizing forms to fit our needs. We had a great experience.
Marci, Membership Director, HBA Greater Grand Rapids, MI
People need to know that this DIRECT Drive Process works! I am floored with the caliber of new members. I doubt that many could stay as focused without the support. It’s exhausting but it works. We need the deadlines, encouragement and pushing to keep on task.
Kathy, Executive Officer, HBA of Greater Traverse Area, MI
It is always good to work with the staff at The Oliver Group!!
Pam, Director of Events and Board Management, Michigan AHB, MI
Plan early and prepare prospective members ahead of time. The Oliver Group was a great help and cheerleader. Great Job!
Jarret, VP Membership, BIASC – Baldy View Chapter, CA
Our increase in membership was AMAZING. Rob is certainly motivational and the overall DIRECT Drive experience was excellent – so fun.
Elaine, Executive Officer, Helena BIA, MT
