Next New Concept: Who We Are

CEO & Founder

Michael Niemann

As CEO of Next New Concept, Inc., Michael Niemann is well respected for his ability to forge corporate strategies, key management, marketing, top-level sales, and lead robust R&D to launch products, projects and enterprises. He has the unique skill sets of engineering, manufacturing, construction and marketing to bring practical, economical solutions for today’s builders.

Niemann demonstrates an unwavering lifetime commitment to the design, efficient manufacturing, and marketing of quality products. With over 25 years of experience specifically introducing building components for residential construction, Niemann is well known within the industry for his acumen, expertise, product, and marketing skills.

In December 2017, Niemann was honored by Builder Magazine as one of the HIVE 50: “The Best Ideas & Innovators in Housing” for HercuWall® that he invented and marketed. A panelized, hurricane-rated wall system, it included breakthrough technology in how to reinforce concrete without rebar. Link

PUBLICATIONS

Michael Niemann and his products have appeared in numerous publications and hundreds of online blogs and articles over the years.

Leah Demirjian, “Under One Roof, The reNEWable Living Home,” Builder Magazine, pp. 100-122, January 2018 [Niemann p109, ad p92].
By Builder Staff, “HIVE 50 This Year’s Honorees are Transforming the Conversation Around Housing,” Builder Magazine, pp. 48-57, December 2017 [Niemann p50].
“Florida Builder Uses New Concrete Stud Wall System,” ProudGreenHome.com, July 25, 2017.
Sam Rashkin, “ICP Building Blocks for Starters,” BuilderOnline.com/Big Builder, July 25, 2016.
Kelly Stokes, “Doing More With Less/ A Small Habitat for Humanity Home in Sedona Delivers Big Cost Savings,” Concrete Homes, pp. 13-19, August 2015.
Candice Chandler, “Meritage Spins the Future of Net Zero,” Builder and Developer, pp. 34-36, May 2013.
Donn Thompson, “Myth Busting Concrete Home: Affordable and LEED for Homes Certified,” Concrete Homes, pp. 8-12, December 2009/January 2010.
“The Envelope, Please/ Better Building Envelope and LEED-rated Points Drive ICF Usage,” Builder News, August 2009.
Michael Niemann, “Affordable Green Alternative for Builders,” HB/ Homebuilders-Arizona, pp. 38-41, May-June 2009.
“HercuWall to Be Used in First Habitat for Humanity Concrete Home/Project will be showcased at the Greenbuild International Conference & Expo.,” ForConstructionPros.com, November 11, 2009.

I found Michael to exemplify deep strategic thinking, creative problem solving, advocating for ethical business dealings, and most importantly, raise the level of the industry by bringing 21st century materials and techniques into the construction industry, which is normally stuck in the 19th century. Syed Waqar Ali, Ph.D., President, Hurricane Engineering & Testing, Inc.

I have found him to be one of the most creative and inventive thinkers in the residential construction industry. I have enjoyed working with Michael because of his energy and enthusiasm for trying to “find a better way”. I would identify Michael as a leader in change management and market disruption of the residential construction industry. Brian M. Juedes, P.E., S.E., Architect, Vice President, Product Design, Meritage Homes

I have observed his ability to develop strategic initiatives, accommodate strategic business proformas, coordinate with divergent stakeholders, and lead a team. In each instance, I found Mike to exemplify strategic thinking, creative problem solving, advocate for ethical business dealings, and most importantly, exemplify trusted expertise in the application of new materials and techniques into the construction industry. C.R. Herro, Vice President, Innovation, Meritage Homes

I realized that he was much more than an inventor. He had the ability to provide solutions regardless of the challenge. He was able to explain goals, financial projections, and strategies better than anyone I knew. As a person, integrity, honesty, and a true man of his word come to mind when I speak of Michael Niemann. Mike Bernal, President, MAB Construction Systems, LLC

Advisory Board

TOM GARDO

Public Relations

Tom has worked as a senior executive and consultant in marketing communications and public relations for more than 40 years mostly promoting major real estate development clients and tourism destinations. His work has earned numerous awards for strategic communications including a Silver Anvil from the Public Relations Society of America, considered the PR industry’s “Oscar”. Among his more prominent clients have been three Del Webb Sun Cities, Weyerhauser Real Estate, Marriott Vacation Resorts, Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island and Snowmass Village/Colorado. He has promoted several nationally televised golf and tennis tournaments plus two HGTV Dream Homes.

Ann Niemann

Marketing & Sales

With 30 years of nonprofit and for-profit corporate experience, Ann has demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills, exceptional follow-through, and a comprehensive grounding in management across several industries. Previously, she was Executive President of an international adoption agency, working primarily in Russia and China. In the homebuilding sector, Ann prepares research and proposals on key topics; compiles policy and procedural manuals, creates marketing collateral and serves as a liaison with builders, suppliers, consumers, and as a media spokesperson. She has an MBA in International Management from Thunderbird School of Global Management, Arizona, conferred with honors. She is a published writer and public speaker.

Jerry Washburn

Finance & Compliance

Jerry is a seasoned strategic C-Suite executive with over 35 years of operating-finance-information technology experience in a variety of senior level roles (CFO, COO, CEO, Advisory and Fiduciary Boards) across multiple industry sectors spending most of his career actively participating in and leading early-stage and emerging market companies through rapid scale and transition. Jerry’s experience spans all crucial facets of rapid growth companies including capital acquisition (debt/equity), strategic planning, business development, operations management, technology and business process optimization, back office infrastructure implementation, mergers and acquisitions, reorganization and restructuring, exit planning and execution (strategic/financial sales), and private-to-public (IPO) transactions. He is active with the Arizona Wing of the Commemorative Air Force as a crew member on a vintage B-17 (shown in photo).