The Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA) has been making waves with its What’s Your Why campaign—an initiative designed to bring industry members together by sharing their personal motivations for being involved in the association. This movement has sparked engagement across the association, with members reflecting on what drives them to contribute to the industry and advocate for its future.

One of the campaign’s key voices is OHBA Chair, Mike Memme, who recently sat down to discuss his journey within the organization, the importance of collaboration, and his deep-rooted passion for making a difference.

Getting Involved: Mike’s Journey with OHBA

When asked how he first got involved with OHBA and his local chapter, Mike acknowledged that his participation wasn’t a carefully planned decision—it was simply something that felt necessary. Being part of OHBA gave him opportunities to build relationships within the industry, connect with like-minded professionals, and gain a broader understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing home builders.

He shared that one of the most rewarding aspects of his role has been getting to know the people behind OHBA’s success, including both staff and corporate sponsors. He highlighted the tremendous impact of working closely with OHBA’s dedicated team, noting how their combined efforts have helped the association “move mountains” in terms of advocacy and industry support. The level of teamwork and alignment within OHBA’s leadership has been particularly inspiring for him, as he recognized how seamlessly the team could come together to drive change.

Mike also spoke about how his position as Chair has allowed him to better understand and appreciate OHBA’s relationship with its corporate sponsors. While he had always been aware of their role, stepping into this leadership position gave him firsthand insight into the mutual support system that allows the association to thrive. He expressed gratitude for being able to serve as a spokesperson in strengthening these connections, acknowledging that OHBA’s work wouldn’t be possible without strong industry partnerships.

Mike’s “Why”: A Commitment to Positive Change

When it came to the central question of the campaign, “What’s your why?” Mike’s response was both straightforward and deeply personal.

“I have no choice,” he said. “There’s no ‘not being involved.’”

For Mike, being part of OHBA and the broader home building industry is not just a job—it’s a calling. Every morning, he wakes up with a sense of purpose, eager to tackle the day’s challenges and contribute to something bigger than himself. While the home building industry is highly regulated and often frustrating, he believes in working hard to improve it rather than complaining about its difficulties.

He described his natural inclination to “fix things that are broken,” a mindset he has carried since childhood. In an industry where many moving parts—regulations, policies, and market forces—often create obstacles, he sees an opportunity to help streamline processes, advocate for better solutions, and ultimately make homeownership more accessible. His motivation is clear: if those within the industry don’t step up to address these issues, the next generation may find homeownership even further out of reach.

A Unified Voice for the Industry

Mike’s passion for the campaign aligns with the broader vision of OHBA—bringing people together to create one voice in the industry. The What’s Your Why campaign has already generated tremendous enthusiasm, with members stepping forward to share their own reasons for being involved.

As OHBA moves into the next phase of the campaign, there is a growing sense of excitement and momentum. The overwhelming support and engagement show that this initiative is more than just a campaign—it’s a movement that reinforces the passion, purpose, and dedication that drives OHBA members every day.

Mike closed by expressing his eagerness to see more “why” stories come to life as members continue to share their experiences and insights. It’s clear that this campaign is fostering a sense of connection and shared responsibility among OHBA professionals, inspiring them to keep pushing forward for a stronger, more sustainable residential construction industry.

Share your “why” with us. Contact our membership team to get involved and discover your “why.”