Staff and Leadership
Karen J. Schroeder was the Vice President and co-founder of Mayberry Homes in East Lansing, Michigan. She was instrumental in chartering and is the past chair of the Greater Lansing Professional Women in Building Council. She is also a past chair of the NAHB PWB Executive Board and the 2019 Past Chair of NAHB 55+ Housing Council. Karen was the first woman (along with her business partner) to be inducted into the Michigan Construction Hall of Fame. They were named the #1 Builder in North America in Customer Service by Avid Ratings (formerly NRS) and continue to be awarded the Gold Award for Customer Experience annually. Karen was named the 2017 Advisory Board Member of the Year by NAHB as a result of her service with Michigan State University. Karen and her business partner were named the 2017 Greater Lansing Business of the Year and in that same year Karen was named the NAHB PWB Woman of the Year. Karen resides in East Lansing, Michigan. She has three grown children and two grandchildren.
Michael Tucker brings a unique dual perspective to the building industry as both the President of Kingsley Lumber and Hardware and an active builder/remodeler in Northwest Michigan. This combination of associate and builder member allows him to deeply understand and advocate for the full spectrum of his membership's needs. After attending Northwest Michigan College, Mike began his career in commercial banking before passionately entering the construction industry in 2006. His commitment to the trade is demonstrated through his leadership, having served as the 2021 President of the Grand Traverse Area Home Builders Association (GTAHBA) and the 2022 President of the GTAHBA Foundation.
Ben Templeton is the Co-President of Templeton Building Co. After obtaining a degree from Lawrence Technological University, Ben joined his father in business. His ability to quickly understand the challenges of both large and small projects while maintaining positive relationships with those around him creates an enjoyable experience for his customers. Ben holds a Michigan Builders License and is a Certified Graduate Builder, Certified Graduate Remodeler, and Certified Green Professional through the National Association of Home Builders. Ben was awarded Professional Remodeler Forty Under 40 in 2012 and served as the HBA of Southeastern MI President in 2021 and 2022.
Stephen D. Roberts is the President of Roberts Development Group, Inc., a custom residential home building company he founded in 1997. With a lifelong background in construction and deep roots in the industry, Steve represents the second generation in a family of builders, steel workers, and framers. A 1992 graduate of Western Michigan University with a degree in Business Management, Steve began his career working in the family construction business before launching his own company. Steve has over 25 years at the helm of Roberts Development Group, Inc. and decades of hands-on industry experience. Steve has also been a dedicated leader in the building community, having served more than 12 years on the board of his local Home Builders Association of Western Michigan, including two terms as President. His leadership and advocacy have contributed to the growth and professionalism of the residential construction industry at the local level. Steve has been married to his wife, Pam, for 31 years. They have three adult children and one grandchild.
Michael Tribble is a seasoned professional with more than 35 years of work experience in accounting and organizational leadership. He retired from Yeo & Yeo CPAs in 2018, after a distinguished career. Since retiring, Mike has dedicated his ability to supporting numerous nonprofits, helping them gain a stronger understanding of their financial position and guiding them toward sustainability. He has also served as interim CEO for two organizations, demonstrating his versatile leadership skills. Mike's commitment to the home building industry is evident through his extensive involvement in various associations. He is a past president of the Home Builders Association of Saginaw and the immediate past president of the Home Builders Association of Great Lakes Bay Region, formerly known as HBA of Midland and HBA of Saginaw. Currently, Mike serves as the Associate Senior Officer for the Home Builders Association of Michigan and is the state of Michigan on NAHB’s Board of Directors. His ongoing contributions continue to strengthen the industry and support its growth throughout the region.
Aaron Hovestadt is a licensed home builder with 24 years of experience in the building industry. He is the CEO of the HBA of Western Michigan and managing partner at LandMark Homes of Michigan. Aaron attended Western Michigan University and Spring Arbor University where he graduated with a degree in management and organizational development. Following graduation, he worked in the advertising and promotions industry but, with encouragement from his wife, ventured out and got his builder’s license in 2002. Aaron has been an active member of the HBA of Michigan, serving on the Board of Directors since 2022. He also serves on the HBAM Codes Committee, Convention Committee, Skilled to Build Michigan Foundation and was the 2024 chair of the Legislative Committee. Before becoming CEO at the HBA of Western Michigan, he served on its Board of Directors for 8 years. Aaron is married to his wife Krista and they reside in Kalamazoo, Michigan.Â
Bob Filka is a Hope College graduate and Muskegon native and has served in his current role since 2006. Filka has more than 35 years of government and policy experience in both Washington, D.C. and Lansing. Early in his career, he was a legislative aide to the late Grand Rapids-area Congressman Paul Henry on Capitol Hill. Upon returning to Michigan, he served as a policy advisor to Governor John Engler. He was appointed by Engler as President of the Michigan Strategic Fund and became part of the original executive leadership group that created the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Bob is active in numerous organizations and has served stints as Chair of the Habitat for Humanity of Michigan Board of Directors and the Michigan Virtual University among others. Bob remarried last year (wife Karen) and has two adult daughters (Elise and Isabel) and a new granddaughter (Lily).