The U.S. is facing a double crisis: a shortage of affordable housing and a massive gap in skilled trades talent.
Few people sit at the intersection of both challenges quite like Dan Knoup. From serving in the Navy to building more than 700 homes over two decades, Dan now leads the Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines—where he’s championed initiatives that have already introduced over 30,000 Iowa students to careers in construction.
In this episode, Dan shares how resilience and vision have shaped his journey, why the definition of “affordable housing” is shifting toward “attainable housing,” and how programs like the Skilled Trades Academy and Build My Future are creating real pathways for the next generation
5 Takeaways:
• How Dan’s Navy discipline and hands-on framing experience laid the foundation for building over 700 homes and a career of leadership in home construction.
• Why the Home Builders Association is more than an advocacy group—it’s a catalyst for collaboration, education, and innovation in Des Moines’ housing market.
• The skilled trades gap: why closing it is critical for Iowa’s economy and how Dan’s programs are bringing thousands of students into construction careers.
• How interest rates, costs, and shifting demand are redefining “affordable housing” into a new era of attainable housing—and what that means for families.
• Why strong relationships—between builders, trades, and the community—remain the cornerstone of long-term success in the homebuilding industry.
About Dan Knoup:
Dan Knoup is the Executive Officer of the Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines, with over 22 years of experience building custom homes and leading industry growth.
After serving in the U.S. Navy, Dan transitioned into home construction, eventually overseeing divisions that built hundreds of homes. Today, he champions the importance of skilled trades, launching initiatives like Iowa Skilled Trades, the Skilled Trades Academy, and Build My Future, which has introduced over 30,000 Iowa students to opportunities in the trades.
Contact Info:
Website | https://www.dsmhba.com/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-knoup-b8660ba/
