Mount Vernon — Louis Genuario, Jr., a native of Mount Vernon and second generation home builder and developer, has been elected by his peers in the home building industry to lead the 3,237-member Home Builders Association of Virginia. His election comes at a critical juncture in the history of the association because of economic, regulatory, and political issues.

Genuario, a graduate of Fort Hunt High School and Virginia Tech where he earned a B.S. in business administration, was installed on June 22 as the 2013-14 Home Builder’s Association president at the Gaylord National Harbor Resort. No novice to the political rough and tumble in Richmond before the Virginia General Assembly, Genuario has been an active member of the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association since 1990.

Setting the tone for his tenure as president, Genuario said in his acceptance remarks: “Going forward in 2014 we need to continue our rise out of the recent recession and focus on legislation and regulations that restrict, impede, or raise the cost of development and home building … Storm water management, land use, traffic, adequate public facilities, and impact fees will be our focus. This is an important election year for Virginia’s Executive offices and all 100 delegates in the House. We need to elect those candidates that best promote and support our industry and improving Virginia’s economic base and quality of life.”

Asked what gives him his greatest satisfaction as a builder and businessman, Genuario replied: “I receive great personal satisfaction from developing home sites/subdivisions and building quality homes for customers. Then providing quality and attentive service to their needs over the years. As an example, two years ago we added an addition on to a home in Mount Vernon on the Potomac that my father built and sold in 1978 to the original purchasers. I worked on the house when I was in college during my summer break. That is very satisfying to know people trust you and your family to continue to do work for them for over 30 years. I also enjoy mentoring college students and employees to give them guidance for their career either with my company or for their future. In that connection I also serve on a few Boards at Virginia Tech where I work with students in the engineering and business schools.”

Craig Havenner, president of the Christopher Companies, said, “I am very pleased to see Lou’s election to the presidency of HBAV. His experience working with the Northern Virginia Home Builders Association on legislative and regulatory issues that affect our industry, and his longstanding commitment to the industry along with his brother and before them their father make him an excellent choice to lead us during this recovery phase of our industry.”