HBI’s New ‘Ed Talks’ Podcast Addresses Ongoing Labor Shortage

In its debut episode, host and president of the Home Builders Institute Ed Brady speaks with HBI Board of Trustees chairman Eugene Graf about the challenging labor market and the resources currently available to promote construction careers

May 7, 2026

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Eugene Graf and Ed Brady in conversation for Ed Talks podcast — In the debut episode, host Ed Brady (right) spoke witih Eugene Graf (left) about current labor challenges across the housing industry.

The Home Builders Institute (HBI) recently launched Ed Talks, a new podcast that addresses the skilled labor shortage in residential construction. In the debut episode, host and HBI president Ed Brady speaks with Eugene Graf, builder and HBI Board of Trustees chairman about workforce development, the challenges of the current labor market, and resources offered by HBI.

Graf shared his involvement with HBI and explained how its programs connect NAHB members with motivated students eager to excel and build careers in residential construction. Graf detailed how and why NAHB members can engage with HBI, support students locally, and strengthen the talent pool.

“Students who complete the HBI program have a consistent skill set that we can depend on,” says Graf. “HBI graduates can travel anywhere in the country, and we know that if they’ve gone through our program, they are capable of performing the task that we are hiring them for.”