Podcast - Southern Utah Home Builders Association

"The Housing Advocate" - SUHBA Podcast

28: Hard Hats, Heavy Burdens: The Reality Behind Construction’s High Suicide Rates

EPISODE 28, Jun 17, 2026

We are joined by Scott Carlson of Utah Safe Company, and founder of ⁠Safes for a Cause⁠ to discuss the profession that is most at risk for mental health struggles: the construction industry.

According to the CDC, construction is the leading industry for suicide: Deaths by suicide occur at a rate of 45.3 per 100,000 for men in construction versus 14 per 100,000 for the general population. High levels of job strain, physical pain, stoic cultures, and isolation are just some of the root causes attributed to the diverse mental health challenges workers face.

Scott has worked closely with SUHBA to develop the Wellness Playbook, which helps contractors, subcontractors, and team members put in to practice practical tips, and to find mental health resources. This playbook does not replace professional care. It makes it easier to find help, start conversations, and take the first step.

*Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide, substance abuse, mental health challenges, and other sensitive topics that some listeners may find difficult. If these topics may be triggering for you, please listen with care.

If you or someone you know is in crisis: Call or Text 988 – A 24/7, Free, and Completely Confidential suicide and crisis line.

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The Housing Advocate is brought to you by the Southern Utah Home Builders Association. It is hosted by SUHBA’s Government Affairs Director, Stacy Young.

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27: A City in Demand: Mayor Hughes on St. George Boom

EPISODE 27, Apr 23rd 2026

In this episode, St. George Mayor Jimmie Hughes shares what it’s like leading one of the fastest-growing cities in the region. From the surge of new residents during COVID to the growing pains that followed, he discusses how the city is working to keep up with demand. Tune in for a candid conversation on growth, opportunity, and the future of housing in Southern Utah.

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The Housing Advocate is brought to you by the Southern Utah Home Builders Association. It is hosted by SUHBA’s Government Affairs Director, Stacy Young.

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26: Meet SUHBA’s 2026 President, Ashlee Weller Preston

EPISODE 26, Mar 10th 2026

We’re joined by SUHBA’s 2026 President, Ashlee Weller Preston, of Sunterra Construction. Coming from a long line of builders, Ashlee discovered her passion for construction at a young age and is now making history as the organization’s first female president. During her service, she is focusing on inspiring the next generation of builders and bringing more awareness to mental health in the industry.

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The Housing Advocate is brought to you by the Southern Utah Home Builders Association. It is hosted by SUHBA’s Government Affairs Director, Stacy Young.

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25: Land Use, Legislation & Utah’s Housing Challenges (w/ Representative Neil Walter)

EPISODE 25, Nov 19th 2025

Utah is growing fast—and lawmakers like Representative Neil Walter play a crucial role in shaping the landscape. In this episode, Neil discusses his recent legislative work, including a new law sparked by one municipality’s attempt to block a homeowner from participating in the St. George Area Parade of Homes. From protecting private property owners’ rights, to strengthening land use and housing policy, Neil and Stacy discuss how the collaboration of all stake holders is vital to resolving Utah’s housing challenges (including Home Builders Associations, the League of Cities and Towns, and lawmakers alike.)

Tune in for a grounded, candid conversation about what’s changing, what needs work, and where Utah goes next.

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The Housing Advocate is brought to you by the Southern Utah Home Builders Association. It is hosted by SUHBA’s Government Affairs Director, Stacy Young.

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24: End of an Era: Ivins & Santa Clara Mayors Reflect on Years of Service, Utah’s Housing Outlook

EPISODE 24, Oct 13th 2025

In this episode of The Housing Advocate Podcast, host

Stacy Young sits down with Mayor Chris Hart of Ivins and Mayor Rick Rosenberg of Santa Clara as they prepare to retire after many years of dedicated public service. Both leaders share insights from their time in office, reflect on the growth and challenges their communities have faced, and discuss what they see for the future of housing and development in Southern Utah.

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23: From Idea to Impact: Spotlight on Innovation Parade Home (w/ Skyler Stephens & Kaelen Gulbranson)

EPISODE 23, Aug 7th 2025

In this episode of The Housing Advocate Podcast, host Stacy Young leads a discussion to introduce the new Spotlight on Innovation Parade Home category. Joining Stacy are two key voices that helped shape this new Parade position: SUHBA Board Members Skyler Stephens and Kaelen Gulbranson.

[ Skip to Spotlight on Innovation Parade Home main discussion: 20:00 ]

Learn how SUHBA’s Board of Directors came to the decision to create this new category, and why they believe it’s a strategic move forward that will help bridge the gap between builders and city leaders.

Through thoughtful design, innovation, and collaboration, this new category aims to inspire policy change, highlight cutting-edge construction practices, and foster meaningful conversations about the future of housing in our communities.

The group also touches on some major challenges builders are facing in national politics, including immigration, the rising cost of materials, and public lands.

Episode Resources:

Statement of Purpose: Spotlight on Innovation Parade Home

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22: Can City Councils and Builders Find Game-Changing Housing Solutions? (w/ Dannielle Larkin & Jordan Wall)

EPISODE 22, July 9th 2025

In this episode of The Housing Advocate, we’re diving into the red-hot homebuilding market in Washington County, Utah. Join host Stacy Young as he talks with St. George City Council Member Dannielle Larkin and urban in-fill developer Jordan Wall (Wall 2 Wall Construction) about growth, downtown building, ADU regulations, water, and more unique challenges and opportunities facing Southern Utah.

They also touch on the new “Spotlight on Innovation” Parade Home that will be featured for the first time in the 2026 St. George Area Parade of Homes.

The trio explores what’s driving transformation in our expanding desert community—and what needs to happen to keep Washington County livable for everyone.

🎧 Tune in for a candid, insightful discussion about the future of one of Utah’s fastest-growing areas.

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The Housing Advocate is brought to you by the Southern Utah Home Builders Association. It is hosted by SUHBA’s Government Affairs Director, Stacy Young.

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21: “Member Voices” Women in Construction (with Amanda Pectol, Interstate Homes)

EPISODE 21, May 27th 2025

In this inspiring episode of The Housing Advocate’s “Member Voices” series, Host Stacy Young sits down with Amanda Pectol of Interstate Homes—a dedicated SUHBA member and a powerful voice in the construction industry. Amanda shares how it was navigating her entry into a traditionally male-dominated field, and the support and advocacy she received that helped launch her into the leadership position she now holds. She also reveals some of the unexpected strengths and benefits she discovered along the way.Stacy and Amanda also touch on the bright outlook of more women choosing careers in construction, and talk about the Utah PWB (Utah Professional Women in Building), the group behind The House That She Built – a groundbreaking project showcasing the skill, strength, and leadership of women in construction through an entirely women-built home that was featured in the 2021 Utah Valley Parade of Homes.
They also dive into some hot button topics, such as the cost of building, attainable housing and the harmful notions that surround anti-growth mentality.

From design work to high-level leadership, Amanda’s story in the building industry is a testament to the impact of representation and collaboration in elevating the future of housing.

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The Housing Advocate is brought to you by the Southern Utah Home Builders Association. It is hosted by SUHBA’s Government Affairs Director, Stacy Young.

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20: “Member Voices” Launching a Business at 20 Years Old (w/ Josh McCourt, IGOTPOOP.COM)

EPISODE 20, Apr 29th 2025

In this episode of The Housing Advocate’s new “Member Voices” series, Host Stacy Young sits down with Josh McCourt, the driving force behind IGOTPOOP.COM and an active member of the Southern Utah Home Builders Association (SUHBA). At just 20 years old, Josh started a Southern Utah branch of his dad’s waste disposal company, and he’s here to share his journey – complete with challenges, triumphs, and invaluable lessons learned along the way.

Josh opens up about the importance of community, mentorship, family, and the rewards that come from stepping outside your comfort zone. Josh serves on both SUHBA’s Board of Directors and Young Professionals Committee. He is an outspoken advocate for inspiring youth to see the boundless benefits of a career in the construction industry.

Whether you’re an aspiring builder, a seasoned contractor, or just curious about the entrepreneurial spirit, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration. Tune in to discover how taking risks can lead to great rewards and why it’s never too early to chase your dreams.

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The Housing Advocate is brought to you by the Southern Utah Home Builders Association. It is hosted by SUHBA’s Government Affairs Director, Stacy Young.

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19: Experience “Home Sweet…WOW” at the 2025 St. George Area Parade of Homes

EPISODE 19, Feb 2nd 2025

Today’s episode of The Housing Advocate covers a very exciting annual event for SUHBA, the 2025 St. George Area Parade of Homes. Erik Sorenson sits down with Stacy Young on today’s episode to preview this year’s event and give some background on its theme, “Home Sweet…WOW”. He also highlights the economic development aspect of the Parade, its impact on the local community and how purchasing a ticket to the Parade helps local programs.

St. George Area Parade of Homes

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18: Getting to Know Shaun Sullivan, SUHBA’s 2025 President

EPISODE 18, Jan 16th 2025

Shaun Sullivan, the President of SUHBA, joins Stacy Young on today’s episode of The Housing Advocate. Shaun reminisces about his early days in home-building, such as the first home he ever built and dealing with the Housing Crisis in the late 2000s. He also discusses his 2025 term as SUHBA’s president and some of the issues he’s focusing on this year.

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17: The Intricacies of Governing the Colorado River and Its Crucial Role in Utah’s Water Supply

EPISODE 17, Dec 19th 2024

Today’s episode of The Housing Advocate features a keynote presentation from the Utah Building Industry Conference this past October. Amy Haas, the Executive Director of the Colorado River Authority of Utah, steps to the podium to give an overview of the Colorado River and its importance to Utah and the other states with access to its basins. She outlines the historical legislation that has governed the use of the river and future water rights negotiations that could impact Southern Utah.

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16: Technology’s Impact on the Future of Construction: Insights from Ross Ford

EPISODE 16, Nov 20th 2024

Join Stacy on today’s episode as he sits down with Ross Ford, executive director of the Utah Home Builders Association, to explore exciting advancements in the homebuilding industry. From a cutting-edge VR training program piloted at a Cedar City high school to the promising role of AI in streamlining building plan approvals, Ross shares how technology is transforming construction training and processes across Utah. He also highlights legislative efforts on critical housing issues, including stormwater management and site inspections, offering a glimpse into the future of homebuilding.

Utah Home Builders Association

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15: Why Housing Matters When it Comes To Economic Development

EPISODE 15, Oct 16th 2024

Darren Prince, the Executive Director of Economic Development for Washington County, joins Stacy Young on today’s episode of The Housing Advocate. Darren discusses the relationship between economic development and housing and how his organization is factoring housing into their plans going forward. Their conversation also touches on housing affordability and how that factors into Darren’s goals and economic development as a whole.

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14: How Jonah Joines Benefits From SUHBA\’s Scholarship Program

EPISODE 14, Sep 9th 2024

Jonah Joines, a student at BYU and a SUHBA scholarship recipient, joins Stacy on today’s episode to talk about his family’s connection to SUHBA, the construction industry, and the business that he and his friend co-founded. Jonah also discusses his studies at BYU and his goal to enter into the school’s entrepreneurship program. He then talks about how he found out about the SUHBA scholarship program, its impact on his education and the scholarship application process.

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13: How Career Tech High School is Shaping the Future of Home Builders

EPISODE 13, Sep 4th 2024

In this episode of The Housing Advocate, host Stacy Young talks with Dave Gardner, Director of Career and Technical Education at Washington County School District. They discuss the district’s career and technical education advancements, focusing on the new Career Tech High School. Dave highlights the school’s innovative programs, industry partnerships, and students’ success in internships and job placements. The episode also covers the district’s participation in the Parade of Homes, showcasing the construction program’s impact on students’ career readiness and the community’s support in fostering these educational initiatives.

Career Tech High School

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12: Tips and Tricks for Navigating the Planning Process in St. George with Nathan Fisher

EPISODE 12, Sep 4th 2024

In addition to being SUHBA’s legal counsel, Nathan Fisher also serves as a planning commissioner for St. George, UT. Nathan joins Stacy on today’s episode of The Housing Advocate to talk about his role and give a brief overview of what a planning commission does for its city. Later in the episode, they give out some great insights on the planning process and advice for applicants and developers looking to work with St. George.

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11: Discussing The Utah Housing Crisis: A Panel with Utah’s Homebuilding Leaders

EPISODE 11, Sep 4th 2024

In this episode, Stacy shares a panel discussion with several leaders in the Utah housing industry. They discuss the current challenges in the industry, such as the decreased housing supply, labor shortages, and the difficulty of advancing higher-density developments in communities hesitant about growth.

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10: Governor Cox Speaks at SUHBA Luncheon on a Plan to Build Affordable New Starter Homes

EPISODE 10, Sep 4th 2024

In this episode, Utah Governor Spencer Cox discusses the challenge of housing affordability in Utah. Governor Cox stresses a need to increase housing supply rather than curb demand through interest rates to solve the housing affordability crisis. He highlights the importance of homeownership for community strength and social mobility, noting the scarcity of affordable starter homes. Cox outlines legislative efforts to fund starter home construction and illustrates the broader societal benefits of increased housing supply.

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9: Considering Upcoming Legislation Affecting Utah Home Builders with Ross Ford

EPISODE 9, Sep 4th 2024

Ross Ford, the Executive Officer of the Utah State Home Builders Association, joins Stacy on today’s episode to discuss some new bills covering topics affecting Utah builders, such as stormwater inspection and third-party building inspectors. Tune in for insights and a comprehensive rundown on these bills and the discussions in the planning process.

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8: Discussing Governor Cox’s 35,000 Starter Home Initiative and the Utah Housing Landscape with Steve Waldrip

EPISODE 8, Sep 4th 2024

In late 2023, Utah Governor Spencer Cox appointed Steve Waldrip as the Senior Advisor for Housing Strategy and Innovation. On today’s episode of The Housing Advocate, Steve sits down with Stacy to discuss some of the issues he’s looking at involving housing in Utah, including the need for starter homes. Tune in for insights into the housing landscape of Utah and some of the housing-related projects that Steve is working on.

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7: “Ignite Your Imagination” at the 2024 St. George Area Parade of Homes

EPISODE 7, Sep 4th 2024

Today’s episode of The Housing Advocate is all about the Parade of Homes happening in Washington County later this month. Skyler Stephens and Erik Sorenson join Stacy Young to talk about the parade, what they’re looking forward to seeing at this event and the Parade of Homes’s economic impact on our community. They also talk about the showcase aspect of a Parade home and how these same contractors build less expensive attainable housing. The Parade of Homes is a show that includes the best of the best in home design, construction, and technologies.

St. George Area Parade of Homes

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6: Exploring the Homebuilding Process with Skyler Stephens

EPISODE 6, Sep 4th 2024

In this episode of the Housing Advocate Podcast, Skyler Stephens, Construction Manager at SunRiver Construction and President of SUHBA, joins host Stacy Young to discuss the complexities of the home construction process. He emphasizes the importance of water conservation in their projects and shares the impact of community infrastructure developments. Skyler and Stacy also explore the impact of these challenges on housing affordability and the demand for efficient homes. The conversation highlights SunRiver’s commitment to sustainable development and the positive community impact of upcoming projects in Southern Utah.

SunRiver Construction

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5: The State of Real Estate in Utah

EPISODE 5, Sep 4th 2024

Emily Merkley, the CEO of the Washington County Board of Realtors, is our guest on today’s episode of The Housing Advocate! Emily details her background in the housing industry and how she got into real estate in Utah. The discussion also explores different housing market trends, such as affordable housing, new construction and accessory dwelling units. Tune in for tons of insights into the housing market as well as a look into the relationship between SUHBA and the Washington County Board of Realtors.

Washington County Board of Realtors

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4: Understanding Trust Land in Utah

EPISODE 4, Sep 4th 2024

In this episode of The Housing Advocate, Kyle Pasley, managing director of real estate at SITLA, joins host Stacy Young to discuss trust lands in Utah. Kyle talks about the history of trust lands in the United States and dispels some common myths surrounding these assets. Stacy and Kyle also discuss how Washington County has used trust land and how SITLA has helped facilitate this use over the past several decades.

Learn more about SITLA here!

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3: Updating Land Use Plans in Ivins City with Mayor Chris Hart

EPISODE 3, Sep 4th 2024

Mayor Chris Hart from Ivins, UT joins Stacy on today’s episode to discuss his history with homebuilder’s associations in Utah and Idaho. The conversation shifts to Ivins’ general land use plan and how Mayor Hart utilized his residents when updating the strategy. Mayor Hart and Stacy also touch on some trends in the housing industry that might be impactful in the future.

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2: Washington County’s 20-Year Water Plan

EPISODE 2, Sep 4th 2024

On today’s episode of The Housing Advocate, Stacy sits down with Zach Renstrom the general manager of the Washington County Water Conservancy District. Tune in to learn about the history of the Colorado River Basin and how water has been divided throughout the Western United States. Zach goes in-depth on Washington County’s plan to have a safe, reliable source of drinking water for the next 20 years.

Washington County Water Conservancy District

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1: Introducing SUHBA: Your Washington County Utah Housing Advocate

EPISODE 1, Sep 4th 2024

In this pilot episode of The Housing Advocate, host Stacy Young and special guest Mari Krashowetz, Executive Officer of the Southern Utah Home Builders Association (SUHBA), discuss the mission and goals of SUHBA. They highlight that SUHBA is not only a representative of its members but also a resource for residents in the community. Learn about the various programs and committees SUHBA offers including education, monthly luncheons, and scholarships. Understand the challenges of the housing market and the importance of building homes for every stage of life. Mari and Stacy also discuss the need for skilled workers in the construction industry. Welcome to The Housing Advocate!

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The Housing Advocate is brought to you by the Southern Utah Home Builders Association (SUHBA).