Our CBUSA Building Network Summit Recap
The CBUSA Summit is a can’t-miss building network event that was recently hosted right here in Minneapolis. We had 300 builders from across the country gather for a chance to share knowledge, gain insights, pool resources, and ultimately grow together!
What Makes CBUSA Valuable?
CBUSA is the fifth-largest builder network in the country, assembling over 800 builders nationwide as a cooperative. The co-op model is a powerful resource, allowing us as builders to buy materials like lumber, windows, and roofing at rates comparable to national builders. This levels the playing field, ensuring that smaller builders can keep up (and even excel) in an increasingly competitive market. In fact, we learned that one in seven people are involved in some kind of co-op. It's more than just buying power—it's about building relationships, learning from peers, and improving together!
Highlights From the Summit Builders Event
Day one of the summit was packed with keynote speeches and breakout sessions, which made it hard to pick a favorite moment. I may be a little biased (okay, more than a little), but I really enjoyed the panel I participated in on AI in construction. We dove into how artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way we build homes—from enhancing project management through platforms like Buildertrend, to streamlining communication and documentation using tools like Otter for transcription. My fellow panelists included John Walker, the CTO of Buildertrend, Morgan Molitor from Construction2Style, and Katie Kath from JKath Design. It was exciting to discuss how AI is not just a futuristic idea but something many builders are already incorporating into their daily operations!
That being said, another standout session was the interview with Dante Culpepper, the former quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings. Hosted by Dan Houghton, CEO of Buildertrend, it was fascinating to hear Dante share his personal adoption story and the relationships that shaped his life. It was a reminder that success, whether in football or building, is deeply rooted in the people you surround yourself with.
Panel Discussions and Networking
One of the great things about this builders network event was the variety of panels. I had the pleasure of joining Mike Weaver from Esmer Tile, Tim Coughlin from Aldervue Construction, Brad Robinson from Bradford Custom Homes, and Brad Leavitt from AFT Construction for a panel on relationships. We talked about how strong connections with vendors, clients, and fellow builders are invaluable. It’s easy to focus on the bottom line, but camaraderie, trust, and collaboration in business are worth more than any amount of money you could save by cutting relational corners!
The Power of Community
CBUSA isn’t just about cost savings (though that’s certainly a significant advantage). The real benefit lies in the network and growth-oriented community we build. As a member of CBUSA, you're constantly surrounded by other builders who are willing to share insights, learnings, and best practices. For me, it’s been a game-changer—not only in terms of profitability but also in improving work-life balance.
For more on the power of networking events, check out this post!
Join Us
If you are a builder who values collaboration and growth, I highly recommend joining us for the next summit! These events used to be an exclusive opportunity for the top 30 builders in the country, but now they’re open to anyone in the CBUSA network. It's a fantastic opportunity to network with builders from all over the U.S. and learn about the latest trends in construction for your upcoming projects!
Photos from the event are courtesy of Brad Robinson, Owner/CEO of Bradford Custom Homes & Remodeling.
For more information, or to join us at the next Summit, check out the CBUSA website!