The Home Builders Association of Monroe has appointed Tom Bell to its Board of Directors. Bell teaches the construction trades program at Monroe High School and launched the innovative Trojan Build projects which involve MHS students building entire homes from the ground up.
The HBA promotes the housing industry through education, advocacy, and professional development. The local chapter is committed to growing the skilled trades workforce and supports efforts to bring young people into the building trades.
“The HBA has been very involved in Monroe High School’s construction trades program,” President David Swartout stated. “Inviting Tom to be part of the Board was a natural next step.”
“Tom is the only construction trades teacher to be appointed to an HBA Board in the state of Michigan,” Swartout noted.
Bob Polk, an HBA past president who recently passed in November, played an important role in connecting the two organizations. “Bob met with me in the planning stages for the first Trojan Build and served on our advisory committee,” Bell shared. “He also worked with students over the years to bring their work to the Expo.”
For the past three years, Monroe High School has showcased the Trojan Build at the HBA Show. The booth also featured drawings from the HBA Student Design Competition and a silent auction of student work. In 2019, the Association co-sponsored a fall fundraiser with Monroe Public Schools to benefit a new HBA student chapter.
The appointment is expected to be mutually beneficial, leading to increased collaboration and opportunities. “Tom will be an integral part of HBA going forward,” Swartout said. “We want to help young people move forward in the industry and get involved in community organizations, not just HBA but also the Chamber of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau.”
The HBA wants young people to understand both the opportunities available to them and the pitfalls to avoid, such as accumulating huge student loans. “You can’t obtain a license if you have issues with credit,” Swartout said. He stressed the importance of letting students know they have options. “There are alternate routes to a successful career,” he asserted. “You can make a good income in the trades without college. Or you can choose to attend community college. You don’t have to take on huge debts.”
Bell enjoys teaching and appreciates the opportunity to pass on his skill and expertise. He began framing houses in high school and had 20 years of trades experience when he was hired at Monroe Public Schools five years ago. Bell spent 12 years in home construction before moving to commercial carpentry where he worked on high-profile construction projects including Tiffin Hospital, Wood County Hospital, Bowling Green State University dormitories, and shops at Fallen Timbers and Franklin Park.
Understandably, Bell is proud of the full-house Trojan Build program he researched, developed, and leads. MHS students frame, add roofing and siding, set windows and doors, trim, do drywall, lay flooring, and build cabinets. Bell coaches his students on life skills as well as technical skills to help them gain and keep employment. “I try to tell them what they need to know and share my life experiences,” Bell summarized.
Bell shares the HBA’s commitment to guide and mentor and is eager to work with the Board. “I look forward to working with HBA leaders to strengthen the skilled trades in southeast Michigan and expand local opportunities that will benefit area builders, our students, and the Monroe community,” Bell said.
“We are proud of the work Mr. Bell is doing in our schools and our community,” Superintendent
Dr. Julie Everly said. “We value our partnership with the Home Builders Association and appreciate
their support which has contributed to our construction program’s success. We welcome the opportunity for additional collaboration.
