The members of the Pennsylvania Builders Association honored their own on July 25 during the PBA Summer Board of Directors meeting with the PBA Annual Awards.
Honors were passed out in individual, group projects, and for local home builder association communications efforts.
PBA Awards Chair Jim Brown presented the honors that were judged by a panel of members including two PBA Past Presidents, two Builder members, two Associate members, and one local HBA Executive Officer.
Media Project of the Year (awarded to a local HBA) – The Membership Resource Guide produced by the Lebanon County Builders Association.
While the association has produced a membership guide for several years, they decided to completely change the design and direction of the guide. Instead of producing it just for members, the association was determined to make it a resource for consumers as well. The result brought rave reviews from members and the community as well.
The award was presented by PBA Awards Chair Jim Brown (right) to by LCBA President Paul Weidman.
Community Service Project of the Year – The Centre County Institute of Science & Technology 2024 Everything Home Expo Grand Entry
CPI Carpentry Instructor Marty Craine wanted to provide students with a real-world opportunity to showcase their skills while educating the community about home construction. Mr. Craine connected with BA of Central PA Executive Officer Keri O’Shea and developed a partnership with the Everything Home Expo committee to build an entry structure for the show. The result was a collaborative achievement that highlighted student talent, celebrated industry craftsmanship, and engaged Expo attendees at the Nittany Valley Sports Centre with a memorable, hands-on learning experience.
BA of Central PA member Don O’Connell accepted the award on behalf of the Centre County Institute of Science and Technology.
Associate of the Year – Frank Vargish III, BIA of Lancaster County
Frank Vargish III has been a member of the BIA of Lancaster County for nearly 40 years. During that time, Frank has served as PBA Associate Vice President, PBA Regional Legislative Officer South Central region, Associate VP of Lancaster County BIA; Board Member Lancaster County BIA; Chair of Lancaster County BIA Governmental Affairs 
committee among many other positions.
He is a PBA Life Director and has received honors from the BIA of Lancaster County including the Industry Award, President’s Award, and the Association Award.
As a retired attorney from Blakinger Thomas, Frank has championed causes for the home building industry and advocated for issues such as the overreaching DEP regulatory requirements in Lancaster County, County Comprehensive plans and proposed zoning ordinance rewrites.
Frank worked alongside Hap Campbell on the impact fee lawsuit that ultimately resulted in an amendment to the MPC on transportation impact fee regulations. And so much more.
Frank Vargish has been an asset to the home building industry.
Hurley Kane (right), last year’s PBA Associate of the Year, presented the award to Frank Vargish (center).
Builder of the Year – Cole Brewer, Lebanon County BA
Cole Brewer is a member of the Lebanon County Builders Association and has served as president in 2021, 2022, and 2023 – and he is slated to serve in that capacity again in 2026. Pro-Remodeler magazine named Cole as one of the 40 under 40 up and coming leaders in the remodeling industry.
According to Lebanon Executive Officer Ashley Fickel, Cole brings a kind of dedication and passion to everything he does. He’s not just a builder; he’s a problem-solver, a mentor, and someone who makes every project feel like a personal mission.
Cole is a big advocate for getting students into the trades and pushing as hard as he can to raise money for scholarships to provide students with a leg up for going to a trade school and furthering their education. He takes co-op students from his local Career and Technology Center and provides them with on-the-job training.
Cole Brewer (left) accepts the award from PBA Awards Chair Jim Brown.
Distinguished Achievement Award – Gene Kreitzer, Lebanon County BA
The Lebanon County BA is holding a special event to reveal the honor to Gene’s family. PBA and the LCBA asks that members do NOT mention the honor to the family until after that celebration.
PBA’s Distinguished Achievement Award is presented to an individual who has made significant contributions, benefiting members of PBA and the housing industry.
Since the late 1970’s, Gene was the owner and operator of Gene Kreitzer General Construction. He was joined the Lebanon County Builders Association in 1980. He served as the LCBA President in 1990, 1999, and 2007, and was the Chairman of the Membership and Governmental Affairs Committee. He served as the PBA President in 2009 as well as either the RVP or RLO for the Mideast Region throughout his four decades as a member. He won the Small Contractor of the Year Award in 1991, the Regional Vice President of the Year Award in 1999, and he was the PBA Builder of the year in 2001. Gene was a life member of the National Association of Home Builders.
Gene was a tremendous advocate for membership. He actively recruited members and stressed the importance of joining their local HBA. He was a constant presence at PBA and Lebanon County BA events and meetings offering his advice and experience.
Gene was an expert at mentoring new members, promoting the home building industry, encouraging involvement, and so much more.
To quote Gene, “Membership is like a five-gallon bucket. If you do not put anything in the bucket, you surely are not going to get anything out.”
Mr. Kreitzer passed away in November 2024. We all miss Gene, and we thank him for all his years of dedication and tenacity.
Patrick Brewer (left) accepts the PBA Distinguished Achievement Award on behalf of the Gene Kreizter family.