Pro Builder & Pro Remodeler's U40 Leadership Summit

What It's About

Learn how to turn ideas into action at the 2024 U40 Leadership Summit co-hosted by Pro Builder and Pro Remodeler magazines! Engage with speakers, panelists and your peers to hear real-world applications of technology (including AI), best practices for managing people and projects and communication skills that turn conflict into win-win resolutions. Plus, our Unconference, where attendees run the show. We’re also celebrating our Forty Under 40 Classes of 2023, the next generation of housing industry leaders, innovators and disruptors. Join us for a full day of discovery (and a reception to follow) before the official kick-off of the NAHB International Builders’ Show!

Schedule

8:00 am – 8:30 am | Check In at the Welcome Table outside of Room 222, South Building

You MUST have your IBS badge to check in for U40. If you did not receive your badge in the mail, visit IBS registration in the Central Exhibit Hall, C2.

8:30 am – 8:35 am | Welcome to U40!

Speaker(s):

• Rich Binsacca - Editorial Director, Pro Builder Media
• Caroline Broderick - Managing Editor, Pro Remodeler
• James McClister (Moderator) – Editor, Custom Builder & Digital Content Director, PRODUCTS

8:40 am – 9:15 am | Unleashing SuperHero Leadership: Embrace Your Power, Inspire Your Team

Join Cory Charles as we dive into the dynamic world of superhero leadership and discover the keys to unlocking your full potential. With captivating stories, practical strategies, and interactive exercises, this session will empower you to lead with confidence, influence, and impact. Embrace your inner SuperHero, inspire your team, and embark on a transformational leadership journey like never before.

Speaker(s):

• Cory Charles - Founder/CEO, The SuperHero Mindset

9:20 am – 9:50 am | Building the Sales Funnel of the Future

The way people buy products, big and small, is changing, and residential construction is changing along with it. Spurred by a surge of tech adoptions that gained significant traction during the pandemic, builders and remodelers are becoming more reliant on the digital space to improve sales. For this panel, our tech-forward experts will discuss the increasing roles that social media, the web, and artificial intelligence play to build new-home and residential remodeling sales funnels, as well as how business owners can best leverage those platforms and technologies for sales success.

Speaker(s):

• Greg Bray - President, Blue Tangerine
• Sean Collinsgru - Owner and Chief Vision Officer, Premier Outdoor Living
• Genevieve Benson - Director of Business Development, Milesbrand

9:55 am – 10:05 am | The Picket Fence & NewLook

We'll present and provide insights into two of Pro Builder's Idea Homes for 2024, specifically a modular-built home on an ifill lot in Pittsburgh (The Picket Fence) and a stunning custom home on a challenging lot in Northfield, Ill. (NewLook)

Speaker(s):

• Project Team/Editorial

10:05 am – 10:15 am | Break

10:20 am – 11:30 am | Unconference

Attendee-generated and led roundtable discussions on the topics most impactful to your business today.

11:30 am - 11:33 am | 3 Minutes with ECI

Get to know one of our Platinum Sponsors, ECI.

11:35 am - 12:55 pm | Lunch

12:20 pm – 12:55 pm | From Recognition to Resilience: Nurturing Inner Validation for Lasting Fulfillment

In a world that often celebrates external achievements and accolades, it's easy to fall into the trap of seeking validation from others. This keynote will challenge conventional notions of success and provide a roadmap for cultivating a sense of self-worth that comes from within. Discover how to embrace self-awareness as a cornerstone of personal growth, reframe failures as stepping stones to resilience, and celebrate your unique journey rather than comparing it to others. Learn the art of self-compassion, positive self-talk, and mindfulness as tools to create a strong foundation of internal validation. Attendees will leave with a renewed sense of purpose, armed with actionable techniques to foster gratitude and appreciation for their own progress and efforts. Join us for a keynote that will not only change the way you perceive success but will also empower you to craft a life fueled by authenticity, fulfillment, and lasting joy. The time for inner validation is now—come embark on this inspiring journey with us.

Speaker(s):

• Chad Sanschagrin - Founder, Cannonball Moments

1:00 pm – 1:10 pm | Break

1:15 pm – 1:40 pm | Presenting the National Housing Quality Award Recipients for 2024

We'll recognize two outstanding home builders—Camelot Homes of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Stone Martin Builders of Opelika, Ala.—as the 2024 recipients of the prestigious National Housing Quality Award for operational excellence and discuss the value of applying for NHQA and cultivating a culture of continuous improvement.

Speaker(s):

• Rich Binsacca - Editorial Director, Pro Builder Media

1:45 pm – 2:10 pm | 50 Shades of Cray: How to Identify and Protect Yourself from Crazy Clients

Construction is an invasive and often highly emotional experience for clients. The process can bring out the very best – and the very worst – of you and your clients. By the end of this session, you will have learned how to identify red flags of troublesome clients, best practices for becoming an influencer on your projects, and how to use your contractual language to avoid catastrophic disagreements with your clients and facilitate a positive, professional project experience.

Speaker(s):

• Allyson Anderson - Founder/CEO, Integro Builders

2:15 pm – 2:40 pm | Memorable Marketing: The Best of The Nationals

We'll showcase two award-winning marketing campaigns from The National Sales and Marketing Awards (The Nationals) that hit all their marks in terms of creativity, design execution, strategy, and, ultimately, brand awareness and sales.

Speaker(s):

• Karen McCaffrey - Vice President, McCaffrey Homes
• Stephanie Walker - VP of Marketing,  Rancho Mission Viejo
• Lyda Akin - VP of Brand, David Weekly Homes

2:45 pm – 2:55 pm | Break

3:00 pm – 3:10 pm | Panorama + AHV Built-for-Rent

We'll present and provide insights into two of Pro Builder's Idea Homes for 2024, specifically a custom, net-zero energy, carbon-neutral home in Breckeridge, Colo. (Panorama) and a community of single-family built-to-rent homes in Texas.

Speaker(s):

• Project Team/Editorial

3:15 pm – 3:40 pm | People + Process: How to Avoid Conflict with Technology and Your Team

Great processes can be foiled by imperfect people. Unfortunately, we have zero perfect people to use in our processes, so how do we setup ourselves, our teams, and clients for success. With a million different tools at our disposal and a million different personalities to deal with, Tom will share guidance on best practices and common pitfalls to avoid when implementing proven processes in your business. 

Speaker(s):

• Tom Houghton - Owner, Round Peg Solutions

3:45 pm – 4:15 pm | Communication Intelligence

93% of communication is non-verbal. In a survey conducted by Workforce Solutions Group, it was revealed that more than 60% of employers say that applicants are not demonstrating sufficient communication and interpersonal skills to be considered for jobs. On top of this, communication between genders can be tricky.  Ally knows just how crucial it is to be able to meet and serve our clients, co-workers and families where THEY are. 

You will learn:

1. Tips and techniques to communicate better  
2. The differences in gender communication styles
3. Be more observant as to what others need from us 
4. Create healthier work and personal relationships

Speaker(s):

• Ally Jencson - Owner, Frontline Floor Coating; Founder, Girder Skirts

4:15 pm | Closing Remarks and End of Day Wrap-Up

4:30 pm – 6:00 pm | Networking Reception

Share your perspectives and engage in discussions about the day's happenings while connecting with new individuals over a drink and hors d’oeuvres at the evening’s networking event.