Iraq war veteran and "Dancing with the Stars" champion J.R. Martinez will talk about his work with Operation Finally Home, a charitable program providing new homes for injured soldiers, when he visits the International Builders' Show (IBS) in February.
Sponsored by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the annual show is expected to drawn more than 50,000 home builders, remodelers, developers, architects and suppliers to the home building industry.
Martinez will raise awareness of the program through appearances at the Operation Finally Home and the NAHB Building Systems Councils (BSC) booths. The BSC represents the concrete, log, modular and panelized home industries, and its members have partnered with Operation Finally Home to build a home near Camp Lejeune, N.C., for an injured U.S. Marine staff sergeant, his wife and their five children.
During the war Martinez suffered extensive injuries, including burns over 40 percent of his body, when the left front tire of his vehicle hit a land mine. After he recovered and was discharged from the Army, he became an actor and motivational speaker before captivating the "Dancing with the Stars" audience with a stellar performance.
Martinez will also speak to attendees at IBS Live, an event space in the middle of the show floor featuring targeted presentations on topics including consumer preferences, green building trends, entertainment and other special attractions.
,br>"J.R. Martinez won the hearts of many viewers with his can-do attitude and spirit even before he won the dance competition," said NAHB Chairman Bob Nielsen, a home builder and developer in Reno, Nev. "Having the opportunity to hear his inspiring story is another great reason to attend the Builders' Show."
The International Builders' Show will also feature exhibits from more than 800 suppliers to the building industry and more than 165 education sessions, panel discussions and seminars on topics from multifamily financing to new home design trends. The IBS also serves as the annual meeting for NAHB members. The show takes place Feb. 8-11 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. For additional information and to register, visitwww.buildersshow.com.
