‘How can I help’ mantra, supportive Costen Floors leadership provide foundation for Brooke Selden’s statewide impact.
The only thing greater than Brooke Selden’s kindness is her creativity.
Sometimes that creativity takes the form of delivering teddy bears to children receiving heart care at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. Other times, it means becoming a certified Narcan trainer after hearing builders discuss a growing need on job sites. More often, the sales manager at Richmond-area-based Costen Floors arrives with a simple question.
“How can I help?”
That mindset has carried Selden from committee meetings and advocacy efforts to charitable campaigns and job site safety initiatives across Virginia. This summer, it also earned her recognition as the 2026 HBAV Woman of the Year.
The award, presented during HBAV’s Annual Conference and Housing Excellence Awards in Virginia Beach, recognized Selden’s leadership throughout Virginia’s home building industry. Among her many roles, she has served on numerous HBAV committees, held leadership roles within the Home Building Association of Richmond, mentored industry professionals, and supported charitable organizations including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the American Heart Association, and the American Cancer Society. Judges also recognized her collaborative leadership style and commitment to helping others succeed.
Those values took root long before Selden joined Costen Floors nearly three years ago.
The mother of three grew up around the home building industry as the daughter of Richmond builder and developer Jerry Selden. After her father died unexpectedly at age 47, the support her family received left a lasting impression.
“I remember very, very vividly how much the home building industry rallied around my family,” Selden said. “I will never forget that.”
Today, she views her work as an opportunity to carry forward those relationships while representing a company that shares the same commitment.
“I’m very fortunate that I work for a company who believes in that relationship just like I do,” she said. “Costen Floors has given me the platform to do what I’m able to do.”
That support has helped transform ideas into initiatives reaching far beyond flooring.
When Selden suggested creating Costen Cuddlers, Costen Floors partnered with the American Heart Association in Richmond to provide soft teddy bears to children receiving treatment. The company has distributed nearly 250 bears and continues expanding the effort after hearing stories from families whose children asked for another bear during return visits.
Another idea grew from a conversation with builders. Recognizing a need, Selden became a certified Narcan instructor and helped organize training sessions in Richmond and Southwest Virginia for anyone in the industry who wanted to attend.
“It was a calling from our builders that they needed help out there,” she said. “It was something that I thought we could do.”
That commitment to service extended to Costen Floors as well. During the conference, the company also earned Outstanding Trade Contractor honors and received the Builders Mutual Safety Program of the Year award for expanding employee safety training to include Narcan administration, CPR, and proper personal protective equipment while preparing employees to respond to emergencies on and off the job site.
Selden’s recognition also comes as more women continue entering residential construction.
According to NAHB Eye on Housing, women represented 11.2% of the construction workforce in 2024, the highest share in two decades. HBAV has built on that momentum through Women Building Virginia, a statewide initiative connecting women across the industry while introducing the next generation to construction careers. This year, members have read “The House That She Built” to more than 100 students in Virginia classrooms, which highlights the wide range of opportunities available throughout home building.
“I love my job, and I love the industry that I get to be part of. I really do,” she said.
That appreciation continues to shape the way she approaches every opportunity to serve.
“How can I help?”
