[Left to right: Higher Echelon’s Dr. Donnie Horner, VP Human Capital Solutions, Dr. Angie Winter, Director of Leadership Development, Dr. Eric Bean, Director of High Performance]

Sixty-six strategic leaders – CEOs, presidents, principal owners, and key operational chiefs – from 45 U.S. public and private homebuilding firms, a dozen leaders from six sponsor-partner solutions providers, and 21 intrepid thought leader speakers took a leap this week.

They invested money, time, and themselves in something they may know they need, but — on a knife’s edge of uncertainty over whether the new-home market begs for an unbridled growth push or a hyper-cautious risk mitigation mindset —they scarcely have time to think about replicating their leadership skills for the near-, mid-, and long-term future.

Still, they did so this week in Austin, at the inaugural

A Collective Thank You

Our gratitude goes out to the remarkable homebuilding leaders who made this inaugural event a success through their openness, commitment, and collaborative spirit. Every attendee’s thoughtful participation made the transformative sessions, challenging conversations, and shared visions possible.

A special thank you goes to our six sponsor partners: audience town, Builder Advisor Group, Boise Cascade, Constellation HomeBuilder Systems, New Home Star, and Westwood Insurance Agency. Their support was instrumental in bringing this event to life and ensuring that our attendees had the resources and insights they needed to maximize the experience.

Lastly – but not least – we thank the 21 industry thought leaders and experts who served as speakers, facilitators, and mentors throughout the summit. Their dedication to the future of high-performance leadership in homebuilding provided the inspiration and insights that will carry our community forward.

Testimonials and Reflections

Participants shared their reflections and key takeaways, adding personal insights that enriched the discussions. Gregory Monette Jr., co-founder and VP of Land at Houston-based Hart Homes, captured the essence of the event, posting:

Here are a few key takeaways:”

Building a High-Performance Culture & Teams

🌟 Your company is defined by what you tolerate. Ready to elevate your culture?

🕺🏽Why Culture Matters
Culture isn’t something to delegate; it’s the responsibility of every chief executive. The first step? Define your culture—it’s how we do things around here.

👏🏽Characteristics of High-Performance Teams:

  • An ambitious and compelling focus on purpose
  • A vision that drives action, not an obsession fueled by ego

👨‍💼The Leader’s Role in Shaping Culture:

  • Identify disconnects and communicate with your team
  • Lead by example
  • Clearly communicate the vision

👷🏽‍♂️ Key Insights from Builders:

  • Don’t automate broken processes.
  • Actively seek referrals and reviews.
  • Remember: we are what we tolerate.
  • Understand what’s important to your community; share the vision.
  • Hire top talent and pay them well.
  • Reputation matters—especially for new builders.
  • Treat others the way you want to be treated.
  • Apply sound systems to minimize mistakes.
  • Share knowledge—mentor and guide your colleagues.
  • Recognize contributions with shared awards.
  • Guard your reputation; it can be lost quickly.
  • Collaborate with each other, not just work for each other.

🤔 5 Thoughts to Tell Your 35-Year-Old Self (from [Adrian Foley, CEO of Brookfield Property Development Group] a Multi-Billion Dollar Real Estate Development Company):

  • It’s all about people. Build an authentic, approachable style; show your team you care. Celebrate their efforts.
  • Be prepared for constant change and stay curious. Keep an open mind for what lies ahead.
  • Grow one step at a time—invest in systems and processes.
  • Embrace positivity. Stay humble and focused.
  • Prioritize your reputation over mere success.htag#CompanyCulture

Monette’s insights echo many themes explored in the workshops, from defining culture to cultivating trust and team cohesion.

Similarly, Rachel Eaton, Chief Marketing Officer at LGI Homes, highlighted the summit’s impact on her own leadership journey:

The discussions were both insightful and inspiring, highlighting the importance of cultivating leadership in homebuilding. The connections made and lessons learned will undoubtedly shape our approach as we strive for excellence in our industry.”

These testimonials, along with feedback from other attendees, reflect the transformative experience the Focus On Excellence summit aimed to provide. Each participant walked away with a renewed sense of purpose, armed with the tools and insights needed to guide their teams through both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Moving Forward

The inaugural Focus On Excellence event proved to be more than a workshop—it became a catalyst for change within the homebuilding industry. Through immersive discussions, practical strategies, and personal connections, we began to cultivate a new standard of leadership in homebuilding. As we look ahead, we’re excited to continue the conversation and build on the foundation laid here in Austin.

Get details on our 2025 Focus On Excellence event, and join the interest list by clicking here: Focus On Excellence 2025

The Focus On Excellence summit will return, armed with new insights, deeper industry connections, and a strengthened resolve to empower leaders across the U.S. homebuilding community to face challenges with resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to high performance.

Together, we’ll set the stage for a future where our industry thrives through leadership that’s as dynamic, resilient, and purpose-driven as the homes and communities we build.