These days, it seems new technologies, processes, and methodologies are popping up like a pesky, unbeatable game of Whac-a-Mole. Once we master one, another appears, ready to challenge the way we manage our businesses.
Rather than hanging our heads in defeat, we must develop new strategies and lean on our tried-and-true processes to tackle the ever-evolving world of home building. This year’s Executive Summit tackled this very theme — Building Success: From Frustration to Triumph; Proven Leadership Strategies to Optimize People & Technology.
Since 2000, the Executive Summit has helped building professionals across North America gain a competitive edge and act as agents of change throughout the industry. This year was no different. Over three action-packed days in Cape Coral, Florida, attendees experienced presentations from an incredible lineup of guest speakers, participated in breakout sessions, and formed a network among their peers.
Insights and Strategies from Industry Pros
This year kicked off with an insightful presentation from our keynote speaker: “Achieving Consistent Change Success: Building a Strong Foundation of Change Skills for Disruptive Times.” Presented by April K. Mills of Engine-for-Change, this session tackled the intimidating, but inevitable factor of change. As the world continues to evolve, it’s imperative that our processes also evolve. In order to establish effective, long-lasting change, one must learn how to become an agent for it. Throughout the presentation, Mills discussed the seven change agent essentials and how to implement them into all aspects of our lives.
Additional presentations covered everything from the economic outlook with chief economist at Piedmont Crescent Capital, Mark Vitner to understanding the importance of incorporating AI technology into our sales and marketing processes with president of Meredith Communications, Meredith Oliver, president of New Homes Sales Plus, Roland Nairnsey, and senior vice president of sales and marketing at Builder Partnerships, Brian Wildermuth.
Our powerful lineup of guest speakers included an expansive array of leading builders and service providers who skillfully shared their insights, strategies, and expertise relevant to this year’s theme:
- April K. Mills, Founder, Engine-for-Change
- Don Chesney, Executive Vice President, Davis Homes
- Kim Cobb, Director of Field Operations, GreenTech Homes
- Aaron Eidson, Senior Director of Operations, Schuber Mitchell Homes
- JC Gatlin, Customer Service Manager, FTQ360
- Kevin Jewell, President, French Brothers Homes
- Rich Kashian, Vice President of Technology Development, Clayton Homes
- Jeremy Knicely, Vice President, StyleCraft Homes
- Alan Looney, Founder & President, Castle Homes
- Ben Minks, President, Capstone Homes
- Jeff Muir, Lead Consultant, ECI Software Solutions
- Roland Nairnsey, President, New Homes Sales Plus
- Meredith Oliver, President, Meredith Communications
- Mark Vitner, CBE, Chief Economist, Piedmont Crescent Capital
"This was my first Executive Summit with the Shinn Group," said Kim Cobb, director of field operations at GreenTech Homes. "The contacts and knowledge I gained from this Summit was definitely priceless. The Shinn Group always helps us in individual trainings, but the Executive Summit was a step above, from the Shinn representatives, the Product systems representatives, to the other Home Builders. We were able to connect with Builders from Custom to Production home building to help guide us on new process and procedures ideas to start applying to our two companies. This was truly beneficial to our leadership teams and we look forward to next year."
Celebrating Excellence
As we do at every Executive Summit, we proudly presented a select group of builders with the annual Shinn Consulting Achievement Awards at our Awards Banquet. Set among a stunning Florida sunset, we had the honor of celebrating these exceptional industry leaders and showcasing their dedication to excellence. Click here for a full list of award winners.
“I feel honored to be recognized with the Lee Evans Award for Management Excellence,” said Alan Looney, founder and president of Castle Homes. “We have invested a lot of years working on our process and procedures to help us be more efficient and profitable. I'm so thankful for Chuck and Emma for their continued guidance and support that has helped shape my company. My company wouldn't be where we are today without the knowledge I have gained working with Chuck and Emma and being a part of the Foundations Builder Group.”
A Heartfelt Thank You
We are infinitely grateful for such an outstanding group of attendees, speakers, and sponsors for the success of this year’s event. Your energy, expertise, and commitment to improving our industry inspire us to continue to establish connections and provide support to home builders across the continent.
“I want to express how awesome the experience was,” said Eric Tiffin, production director at TK Design. “Even being there on the vendor side, I learned a ton and connected with a lot of great people. I took way more out of the event than I had expected, and I stopped Chuck before I left and told him how great your team did on running the show. You have a great thing going and I’m grateful for the invitation to be a part of the group.”
Plans for the 2025 Executive Summit are underway. Stay tuned for more information on how you can take advantage of this one-of-a-kind opportunity.