Found! Young Guns & Legends Class of 2025

Lauren Browne

Co-owner/Director of Operations, Larsen, Denver

"Over the past 15 years, Layren has helped grow Larsen from a small design-build firm focused on $1–2 million homes into a powerhouse of $4–12 million custom homes, delivering architecture, interior design, and construction all under one roof. Her impact isn’t just felt in the homes she builds, but also in the culture, teams, and community she uplifts along the way. When she joined Larsen full-time, she implemented a client relationship builder called 'Show Me You Know Me,' which takes information about what our clients do for fun, their favorite things, and is designed to make every step of the client experience feel intentional and personalized. As Board Chair for the Denver chapter of Professional Women in Building (PWB), she regained the spirit of our chapter by re-engaging those who felt unheard or uninspired. She brought a passion for speaking to women’s issues and how they reflect in our work lives with ‘A Seat at the Table,’ a series of presentations featuring local women leaders sharing their journeys. I truly don’t know how she does it while caring for a special needs child and all the demands that comes with it in her daily life. She maintains a level of passion and dedication that I’ve rarely seen in my over 30 years in this business." —Beth Avedis, VP-Builder Services, Heritage Title Company

Lauren's online profile

Matthew Byington

Manager of Sustainability (Carolinas), Mattamy Homes, Raliegh, NC

"Matthew has been pivotal in developing Mattamy’s approach to sustainability. Within six months of joining the company’s Raleigh division, he delivered a presentation on that topic that led to him becoming a go-to resource for other divisions seeking guidance and training on new technologies. He has been at the forefront of multiple technological advancements, assisting all divisions in adopting those he first brought to Raleigh. His contributions have resulted in approximately 800 homes per year becoming at least 10% more energy-efficient, helping homeowners routinely save hundreds of dollars annually on their utility bills. Under his leadership, both the Raleigh and Charlotte divisions have achieved notable reductions in Home Energy Rating System (HERS) scores, carbon emissions, and construction waste. He’s also leading an internal initiative to construct eight affordable housing units for a charity supporting individuals transitioning out of homelessness and domestic violence." —James Sinanis, VP of purchasing, Mattamy Homes

Matthew's online profile

Myles Cardenas*

Land Planning and Development Manager, Taylor Morrison, Atlanta

"Myles has an extraordinary blend of technical expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering commitment to service. As the chair of NAHB’s Student Chapter Advisory Board, he has been a driving force shaping the future of the construction industry. His leadership with NAHB’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities Leadership Program has opened unprecedented pathways for underrepresented talent, directly addressing workforce development with scalable, innovative solutions. He has mentored hundreds of emerging professionals, fostered partnerships between industry leaders and academic institutions, and championed diversity, equity, and inclusion in ways that are measurable and lasting. He is an exemplar of servant leadership, blending business acumen with a genuine commitment to community advancement, consistently raising the bar for professional excellence and social impact.” —Dr. Charner L. Rodgers, adjunct professor, NewSchool of Architecture & Design

Myles' online profile

Cooper Conger

President, NewPad Building Company, Ft. Worth, Texas 

"As a freshman at Texas Christian University, Cooper noticed something few others did: a surplus of empty infill lots scattered across established Fort Worth neighborhoods. Larger-volume builders had ignored these lots—too small, too complex—but he saw potential. With support from his father, a land developer, and his mother, a VP at Idaho’s largest home builder, he bought his first lot, hired a superintendent off Craigslist, and built a spec home in 2020. It sold quickly, and he did five more the following year. By the time he graduated with a finance and real estate degree in 2023, Cooper had built a business that this year is projected to close 50 units for first-timers, young families, renters seeking ownership, or small investors. He is proof that the next generation of home builders can be both practical and progressive." —Paul Deffenbaugh, president, Deep Brook Media 

Cooper's online profile

Jessica Corbett*

Owner/Lead Architect, J.Cor Architecture, Phoenix

In 2020, seven years after beginning her career as a residential architect, Jessica opened J.Cor Architecture, using Revit BIM 3D technology to help home builders create more cohesive drawing sets from a single 3D model and deliver accurate renderings that J.Cor can produce in-house. Now, a material takeoff model for construction budgeting is currently being evaluated with national builders. J.Cor also participates in Arizona State University’s Handshake program, which produced all of her firm’s employees; she also developed a training program for architecture graduates to move up, become licensed, and thrive in this profession. Jessica also serves on the advisory committee for the Sojourner Center, a domestic violence shelter in Phoenix.

Jessica's online profile

Graham Davis

Senior Building Performance Specialist, IBACOS, Colorado Springs, Colo.

"Starting as a volunteer for his local Habitat for Humanity chapter, Graham soon joined the national organization, leading initiatives to standardize high-performance building practices across the U.S. and beyond. He then transitioned to lead the training program at Quality Built, later joining John Laing Homes as its quality assurance manager. Now, as a senior building performance specialist with IBACOS, he has helped construction professionals across the country make meaningful, lasting improvements in housing quality and durability, leaving a legacy of servant leadership and industry impact driven by a passion for better-built housing." —Jenny Simon, director of marketing, IBACOS

Graham's online profile

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Ed. Note: Thanks for posing for the cover of this issue, Graham, hardhat and all!

Ashley De Young-Seibert

EVP, Sales and Marketing, De Young Properties, Fresno, Calif.

"Ashley leads a high-performing, award-winning marketing and sales team in a traditionally male-dominated field, bringing an inclusive, collaborative style that inspires creativity, curiosity, and growth. Amng herf many accomplishments, she shifted the company to a virtual-first sales process within a week of the pandemic shutdown, creating efficient online tools that maintained momentum and elevated the customer experience; led a complete overhaul of our website with enhanced filtering, urgency features, and stronger calls-to-action that increased “Contact Us” submissions by 28.3%; and improved milestone-based communications with videos from trade partners, significantly boosting buyer satisfaction before, during, and after construction. A trusted mentor and strategic communicator, she develops her team’s skills, empowering them to take on new responsibilities and achieve professional milestones." —Celeste Zavala, PR communications, Cohen Communications

Ashley's online profile

Ugo DiBiase*

Director, DiBiase Companies, Reading, Mass.

Since joining DiBiase Companies full-time in 2017, Ugo has taken on increasing responsibility for investment strategy, development execution, and organizational direction. He now leads the firm’s most complex residential and mixed-use projects, managing the full cycle from acquisition and entitlement to financing, construction, and sales, encompassing over $150M in active and completed development. In 2025, he played a pivotal role in shaping Massachusetts’ new home inspection law, helping secure an exemption for new construction homes that averts delays and unnecessary regulation for builders and buyers. His leadership bridged policy and field realities, resulting in a more balanced law. He also frequenty contributes to municipal zoning reform discussions, offering practical feedback from a developer’s perspective to help communities modernize their bylaws.

Ugo's online profile

Edison Ding

Co-Founder and COO, Bundle, Oakland, Calif.

"Edison exemplifies the qualities of a rising star and future career legend in the housing industry through his visionary leadership, impact-driven execution, and deep service to both the industry and the broader community. His career trajectory, spanning architecture, real estate investment, and construction technology, reflects a rare combination of design excellence, financial acumen, and entrepreneurial innovation." —Janna Colucci, CEO and co-founder, Bundle; pro Builder Forty Under 40 class of 2024

Edison's online profile

Albert Donadio

Owner and Partner, Alair Homes, Orillia, Ont., Canada

"With over 50 years of self-employed experience, Albert has built a career defined by leadership, craftsmanship, and community impact. He has delivered award-winning custom homes, transformative outdoor spaces, and landmark public projects for the Toronto Zoo, Canadian National Exhibition, hospitals, and more. His influence extends beyond his building achievements. Through his interior design business, he donated $60,000–$80,000 worth of design drawings for Barrie’s “A New Home for Youth Haven, a new homeless shelter for youth, while his Alair Homes team also contributed over 100 volunteer hours to the project. A natural mentor, he has guided countless emerging professionals, generously sharing his deep knowledge of building science, design, and client care. He leads with integrity and fosters a culture of collaboration within his team and the wider Alair network." —Jacqueline Tyler, PR consultant and regional community manager, Alair Homes

Albert's online profile

Dejan Eskic

Senior Research Fellow, Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute & Director of Research, Ivory Innovations, Salt Lake City

"Dejan is involved in housing, construction and real estate research, fiscal impact studies, and economic and demographic analysis. His career is focused on providing the best information to key decision makers, whether they be local or state officials, executives of national retailers or publicly listed REIT’s. He is frequently featured in media, addressing Utah's housing market conditions, and has also researched and presented on innovation in the home building industry. He also shapes research strategy on housing affordability and innovation, fostering partnerships with industry nonprofits and government." —Kimberly Burnett, executive director, Ivory Innovations

Dejan's online profile

Neil Freidberg

Building Science Manager, LP Building Solutions, Nashville, Tenn.

"In addition to inventing the future of high-performance home building materials that improve energy efficiency, Neil is also mentoring the next generation, advocating for equity in STEM, and driving impact across the construction industry. Diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD, he overcame academic and personal challenges to become a first-generation college graduate with a degree in architectural engineering. He’s now a respected contributor to ASHRAE, ASTM and RIMA-I, helping shape technical standards and best practices for insulation, air barriers, and moisture control. He also actively mentors early-career professionals, supports youth from underserved communities, and shares his journey to encourage students to pursue careers in construction and engineering." —Jen Bowman, senior corporate communications specialist, LP Building Solutions

Neil's online profile

Sarah Haynes

Chief Marketing Officer, Shared Drive

"Sarah is not just a problem solver, she’s a solution architect. She listens to every idea with intention and care, and then elevates it, often turning a rough concept into beautifully executed, on-brand collateral that feels custom-built and incredibly thoughtful. She has a unique ability to make you feel like your ideas are brilliant (even if you suspect they weren’t that great to begin with)! One of the things I admire most about Sarah is the professional maturity and poise she brings to every interaction. Her work ethic, instinct, and ability to drive results speak volumes—earning the trust and respect of colleagues and leadership alike." —Jenna Skuza, VP-Sales & Marketing, M/I Homes; Pro Builder Forty Under 40 class of 2024

Sarah's online profile

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Koy Huxford

National Trainer, NoviHome, Cedar City, Utah

"Koy’s role at NoviHome has not just been about delivering software, it’s been about delivering transformation. He has become a trusted adviser to some of the nation’s top home builders, helping them implement digital tools that fundamentally change the way their teams work and communicate. Through his trainings, Koy introduces not just a new platform, but a new mindset, most notably to bridge the disconnect between construction teams and sales teams. For builders, it means fewer dropped balls, improved customer satisfaction, and a more streamlined sales process. For agents, it means they can sell with confidence, knowing they’re backed by timely and accurate information. For buyers, it means less stress and more clarity during one of life’s most important purchases." —Kody Smith, president/owner, NoviHome

Koy's online profile

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Julie Jarnagin

COO, Do You Convert, Tulsa, Okla.

"Julie has been a trusted partner over the past few years. She brings a powerful combination of deep industry knowledge, sharp digital strategy, and a calm confidence that makes everyone around her better. She’s helped us transform our digital marketing strategy by offering a national perspective and practical, data-backed insights that have translated into measurable results. She is generous with her time, thoughtful in her feedback, and deeply aligned with our values, promoting transparency, educational content, and customer focus. What sets her apart is her ability to coach instead of just consult. She doesn’t hand us generic templates; she teaches us how to think for ourselves and create content that reflects who we are, making our messaging stronger and aligned across the board." —Katie Detwiler, chief experience officer, Berks Homes

Julie's online profile

Brooke Jock

VP of Sales and Marketing-Huntsville, Davidson Homes, Hunstville, Ala.

"In just three years at Davidson Homes, Brooke Jock now leads the company’s largest sales team, driving transformative initiatives, and shaping the future of sales leadership within the organization and beyond. She has built and institutionalized a mentorship program to develop future sales leaders, launched an 8-week onboarding program for all sales roles (in the process of scaling companywide), and launched sales mastermind groups, bringing together peers for coaching, fast problem-solving, and innovation.She is not just a high-performing sales leader, but a builder of people, systems, and results. She has redefined what’s possible for a sales organization in home building, implementing scalable processes, creating a culture of accountability and collaboration, and consistently delivering record-breaking results." —Chad Sanschagrin, founder and CEO, Cannonball Moments; Pro Builder Young Guns and Legends class of 2025

Brooke's online profile

Ed. Note: Thank you, Brooke, for posing for the cover of this issue, safety glasses and all!

Crystal Lazar*

President and CEO, Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco County, Dade City, Fla.

Crystal has dedicated her career to advancing affordable housing in one of Florida’s fastest-growing—and most housing-challenged—regions. She has led policy conversations, built partnerships with municipalities, and championed equitable housing solutions, ensuring low- and moderate-income families have a pathway to homeownership. She is a recognized voice in advocating for systemic changes to zoning and financing structures that disadvantage small developers and nonprofits. She has served on the Pasco County Affordable Housing Advisory Council for over 10 years. Under her leadership, the Habitat affiliate has seen record-breaking growth in fundraising, home production, and community engagement. She has expanded donor outreach, improved transparency, and introduced digital tools to streamline applications, volunteer engagement, and project management.

Crystal's online profile

Andy Lindus

COO, Lindus Construction, Baldwin, Wisc.

"Andy doesn’t gauge success on numbers; instead, his focus is on employees as he believes the best leaders put their people first, prioritizing their happiness, success, and security. In 2021, the company developed a proprietary customer relationshiop management (CRM) program (ContractorFlow) the eliminates blind spots and allowed Lindus Construction to scale from $15 million to $40 million without increasing staff. The call center also runs with a staff of two instead of five and sets more than 150 appointments in a single day, and roughly 50 contractors and companies, including top competitors, use ContractorFlow. In addition, Any personally provides about 40 to 50 hours of leadership training every year with the goal of giving employees all the tools they need to make good decisions. Case in point: the average tenure at Lindus Construction is 17 years. Andy credits this strong retention to putting decision-making power in the hands of employees, and the transparency at Lindus." —Kelly Plummer, media relations specialist, SuperStarPR

Andy's online profile

Eric Lupardi

Chief Digital and Operations Officer, Rhoads Creative, Middletown, NJ

"Since joining Rhoads Creative in 2020 as the SEO Director, Eric has shown he isn’t just here to do a job but to truly make a difference. Over time, he has become a vital part of the leadership team, managing daily operations, mentoring team members, and working closely with me to guide the company’s future. People naturally turn to Eric for support, not just because of his title but because of the deep trust he has built and his genuine presence with the team every day. Colleagues often turn to him for advice, creative ideas, or simply someone to bounce thoughts off of, and he’s helped foster a culture at the agency that values trust, teamwork, and ongoing growth." —Jason Rhoads, CEO and owner, Rhoads Creative; Pro Builder Forty Under 40 class of 2024

Eric's online profile

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Misty Martin

EVP Corporate Services & Experience, Esperanza Homes, McAllen, Texas

"Since joining us nearly six years ago, Misty has redefined how we work. She spearheaded the creation of our human capital management system, a robust recruitment and onboarding process, and a staff development program that have collectively fueled our growth from 50 employees to nearly 200 and propelled us to four consecutive years as a certified Great Place to Work and earning national recognition on Fortune’s Best Workplaces lists. She also built our data department from the ground up, providing actionable insights that have directly driven performance gains and profitability. More recently, she assumed leadership of our marketing division, bringing a data-driven, digital-first strategy that aligns brand storytelling with real-time analytics, ensuring every campaign is targeted, measurable, and impactful in a fiercely competitive market. Misty’s leadership resonates deeply in our culture and community engagement. She has elevated our workplace into a hub of collaboration, trust, and purpose." —Nick Rhodes, president & CEO, Rhodes Enterprises & Esperanza Homes; Pro Builder Forty Under 40 class of 2023

Misty's online profile

Chase Marvil*

Director of Marketing and Online Sales, Bay to Beach Builders, Greenwood, Del.

I have the privilege of driving the company’s growth in the Delmarva housing market, with a passion for both innovation and tradition. As the sole person responsible for all marketing and online sales activity for the company, I’ve developed effective systems and routines to manage a constant flow of campaigns, social media content, lead follow-up, and client communication, ensuring that no opportunity is missed and that every initiative reflects our brand’s commitment to quality. I also spearheaded the integration of artificial intelligence into our operations, researching and implementing tools that improve team productivity and provide clients with innovative ways to visualize their dream homes. My work extends into community involvement; for Bay to Beach Cares, I’ve delivered teacher appreciation gifts, packaged and distributed meals at local shelters, and partnered with Cape Henlopen High School’s carpentry program, coordinating a $1,000 tool donation to equip future builders and introduce our company to the next generation of tradespeople. I also helped launch our Building Futures Scholarship, which awards two local students each year who are pursuing careers in construction or trade.

Chase's online profile

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Brad McIntyre

Production Manager, Alair Homes Sanibel, Ft. Myers, Fla.

"Brad’s story with Alair began as a homeowner, giving him a unique lens into client needs. That experience fuels his empathetic leadership style. He joined Alair Homes Sanibel in September 2022 as a project coordinator, just weeks before Hurricane Ian devastated Southwest Florida. In the wake of this historic disaster, his project manager left, leaving Brad to step up and manage six beachfront custom home rebuilds. He not only kept the projects on track, but he guided clients and teams with clarity and compassion. Brad isn’t just managing projects; he’s shaping the future of Alair Sanibel. With a long-term goal of becoming a partner, he’s deeply invested in developing the next generation of construction leaders and raising the standard of what client service should look like in the custom home industry." —Jennifer Kis, regional marketing and brand manager, Alair Homes

Patrick Moore

Construction Manager, Amor Construction, Waterville, N.Y. & Founder, Professional School of Practical Stereotomy, Nepean, Ont., Canada 

"Patrick has spent his career elevating every team and project he’s touched, streamlining workflow, eliminating costly delays, and consistently beating schedule targets by applying rigorous project‑management best practices and hands‑on mentorship. His founding of the Professional School of Practical Stereotomy has provided over 200 students worldwide with advanced carpentry and layout skills directly applicable to high‑quality new‑home framing, while his global workshops and keynote appearances have fostered innovation and raised skill standards across the industry." —Becky Cooke, manager, Amor Construction

Patrick's online profile

Craig Neal*  

VP of Sales and Marketing, Stancil Services, Concord, NC

"Craig has worked in the industry for over 12 years, and in that time he has helped hundreds of homeowners find their dream home at multiple different companies. His passion for company culture and the betterment of his team are at his core, and is what sets him apart from his peers. Giving back to the community is part of his mission in life. He founded and is president of "On The Rock" Foundation, a faith-based non-profit organization dedicated to providing support, establishing resources, and creating opportunities for individuals with special needs. Since its creation, he has spearheaded raising funds in excess of $500,000 which has since been used to build homes to house those in need. He believes that being the best version of yourself is the most important thing in helping those around you, and he in inspirational to everyone he meets through his vulnerability." —Christopher Hartley, area president, K. Hovnanian Homes DFW; Pro Builder Forty Under 40 class of 2022

Craig's online profile

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Tom O'Brien

Owner, Urbn Development & Heritage Woodworks, Greater Boston

Tom champions innovation and elevates industry standards as the Owner of Urbn Development and Heritage Woodworks. He blends hands-on craftsmanship with a modern, design-focused approach that has led Urbn to multiple award-winning projects in its first year. At Urbn, he introduced QR-enabled digital plans that provide subcontractors with room-specific details and real-time updates, reducing delays and miscommunication across job sites. Beyond construction, Tom partners with national building material manufacturers to create informative and educational content that supports better building practices. He also serves in leadership roles within the Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Boston, helping strengthen and modernize the industry. Tom’s work reflects a commitment to quality, innovation, and redefining what today’s residential builders can achieve.

Tom's online profile

Paolo Pironi

Partner & Director of Construction, Pironi Homes, Franklin Square, NY

"Paolo is one of the most dynamic and well-rounded leaders in Long Island’s construction industry—the kind of professional who not only achieves excellence but inspires it in others. His leadership is evident in the way he guides diverse project teams from concept to completion, fostering collaboration while setting uncompromising standards for quality and accountability. He is an innovator, embracing cutting-edge building technologies and sustainable practices that have raised the bar for efficiency, environmental stewardship, and design. He also tirelessly and successfully advocates for policies that strengthen the sector, mentors up-and-coming professionals within our community, and shares best practices that benefit builders across the region." —Jake Blumencranz, New York State Assemblyman

Paolo's online profile

Briana Rader

Director of Land Acquisition, Mattamy Homes, Tucson, Ariz.

"Briana’s story is one of passion, perseverance and purpose. She has made an indelible mark on our division, leading the acquisition and development of Montelena, an 81-lot community acquired during a time of market uncertainty; her strategic thinking and negotiation skills turned a $5.265-million investment into a lucrative development. She also spearheaded the division’s largest single-year acquisition, securing 457 lots and investing $21.3 million across seven land deals, setting the foundation for our division’s growth for years to come. In addition, she pioneered a wheeling agreement to deploy water (an unprecedented move in the region) and navigated complex municipal relationships to keep the project on track and on budget." —Anjela Salyer, president, Mattamy Homes, Tucson Division

Briana's online profile

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David Renard

President, RPM Team, San Francisco

"David has not only demonstrated exemplary leadership within the industry and his own firm, but has also pioneered innovative solutions for one of society's most pressing challenges: homelessness. After an executive role at a structural engineering firm, he identified a critical gap in the market and saw the need for a design firm that could link owners directly with manufacturers to produce high-quality results with unmatched speed and efficiency. He has earned his expertise through direct, hands-on program management on groundbreaking projects, successfully executeing 24 navigation centers across the country and the development of the country's first three-story shipping container homeless shelter, a monumental feat that demonstrated the power of modular construction. In an industry often bogged down by bureaucracy and traditional methods, David has consistently demonstrated an ability to innovate and lead with a clear sense of purpose. He is driven by his mission to positively impact lives, a conviction he developed after seeing firsthand how efficient design practices could accelerate the delivery of shelters for those most in need." —Marcellus Holmes, marketing, RPM Team

David's online profile

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Erick Saks*

Founder/Executive Director, Operation Lifeline, Saint Johns, Fla. 

In addition to leading a nonprofit dedicated to veteran housing, vocational training, and community reinvestment and operating a general contracting firm that donates labor to support mission-aligned development, Saks’ SkillBridge program offers training at no cost to transitioning service members and supports their pursuit of licensure or apprenticeships. In 2025, he was selected by the George W. Bush Institute for its Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program in recognition of this work, and he and his team are expanding the model to include foster youth and others facing systemic barriers to employment. He also serves on the St. Johns County Housing Finance Authority to help deploy public capital to create affordable housing opportunities countywide; serves on the board of NEFBA Builders Care, which delivers free critical home repairs to low-income and elderly homeowner; and is a member of the Northeast Florida Continuum of Care board, where he helps oversee homelessness strategy and federal housing funds across a seven-county region. 

Erick's online profile

Chad Sanschagrin*

Founder & CEO, Cannonball Moments, Fallston, Md.

"In 2014, Chad launched Cannonball Moments with a clear vision: create a ripple effect of growth, leadership, and purpose that would extend far beyond the closing table. Since then, he has worked with some of the largest and most respected homebuilders, developers, and business leaders in the country. His programs are not cookie-cutter; they are deeply customized to the needs of the client, whether it’s developing a championship sales team, building a culture of high performance, or coaching executives through transformational leadership practices—in short, a transformative force in the home building industry and beyond, driving measurable results, inspiring thousands, and living every day with a mission to ‘contribute to the well-being of every human he interacts with.’ His work transcends sales metrics and leadership frameworks, creating lasting personal and professional impact for individuals, teams, and entire organizations." —Morgan Lurz, president, Cannonball Moments; Pro Builder Forty Under 40 class of 2023

Chad's online profile

Nick Scroggs*

Owner, Scroggs Construction Services, Asheville, NC

"Following Hurricane Helene, a 1,000-year storm that devastated Western North Carolina last fall, Nick transformed his company’s office into a logistics hub for collecting and delivering supplies to hard-hit communities. He also launched a dedicated restoration division, hiring more than a dozen employees and taking on over 40 rebuilds, enabling families to avoid prolonged displacement. Under his leadership as president, the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains earned five national awards for its coordinated disaster response to Helene. He also uses that platform advocate for vocational training and support policy solutions that increase affordable housing stock." —Stephanie Richie, HR & marketing generalist, Scroggs Construction

Nick's online profile

Scott Sedam

Principal, True North Consulting/MiTek, South Lyon, Mich.

“As Pulte Homes’ first-ever VP of Quality, Scott pioneered lean manufacturing principles in home building in the late 1980s, long before such rigor was the norm in the industry. He founded TrueNorth Development in 1997 and has since advised over 220 builders and led hundreds of Lean transformation initiatives designed to reduce inefficiencies in the production process. He also is a longtime examiner of Pro Builder’s National Housing Quality Award and contributed compelling, actionable, and entertaining articles to the publication for more than 25 years. He’s also been involved in countless community betterment programs throughout his life, including Wings of Mercy, for which he transports rescue dogs all over the country using his personal time, money, and aircraft." —Charlie Scott, Woodland, O’Brien & Scott (retired)

Scott's online profile

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Brad Southern

Chair and CEO, LP Building Solutions, Franklin, Tenn.

"From his first day as CEO, Brad led the development of LP’s first unified growth strategy—a cultural and operational turning point in the company’s 50-year history. Under his leadership, LP committed to transforming from a commodity OSB supplier into a leading manufacturer of high-performance, specialty building products, positioning the company for long-term growth and success, The results speak for themselves: share prices have skyrocketed nearly 300%; net income has risen more than 180%; and the company has returned almost $4 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, resuming dividends after nearly a decade of suspension. Equally important was his work to transform LP’s culture, embedding accountability, empowerment, and integrity into the company’s DNA. Also during his tenure, LP has invested in disaster relief, environmental stewardship, workforce development, and housing equity, donating materials, funding trade skill programs, and rebuilding homes after natural disasters." —Breeanna Straessle, senior director, corporate communications, LP Building Solutions

Brad's online profile

Brett Steele

Vice President of Home Builder Partnerships, Foundation, West Hartford, Conn.

"Brett began his career in financial services before pivoting into new construction sales at Zillow in 2016. What started as a role focused on outbound sales quickly evolved into a mission to bring deeper value to builder partnerships. Rising to sales director, he led a team that tripled in size, doubled revenue, and launched several builder-first initiatives, including the Zillow Advantage Program, the Regional Advisory Council, and the Leadership Development Program to invest in future industry talent. Today, Brett serves as VP of Homebuilder Partnerships at Foundation, where he’s continuing to push the envelope. He stands out as a leader who not only rises to the occasion but elevates everyone around him, making an undeniable impact on his companies, his colleagues, and the broader homebuilding community." —Anya Chrisanthon, chief communications officer, Anewgo; Pro Builder Forty Under 40 class of 2022

Brett's online profile

Laura Sterr

Founder & Principal, Everson Works, Waco, Texas

"What sets Laura apart is her leadership style—equal parts high standards and high support. She has built a culture of accountability and pride, creating an environment where sales professionals don’t just hit goals, they grow, stay, and thrive. Her retention rates are among the best in the business, giving organizations stability and strength in a competitive industry. Adaptability has been one of her superpowers. She’s navigated fluctuating market conditions, changing buyer behaviors, and the complexities of managing dispersed teams without missing a beat. Whether she’s de-escalating a customer concern or presenting strategy to executives, she brings professionalism, composure, and results." —Chad Sanschagrin, founder & CEO, Cannonball Moments; Pro Builder Young Guns & Legends class of 2025

Laura's online profile

Emily Studenmund

Director of Marketing, Wayne Homes, Uniontown, Ohio

"Under Emily's guidance, Wayne Homes has adopted a content strategy centered on real homeowners, candid moments, and authentic storytelling. This change has significantly improved customer engagement metrics. Website session duration is now nearly six minutes, 42% above the industry average. She also made creative production more efficient, reducing costs by 15% while increasing campaign output by 25%, allowing the company to reinvest in tools and initiatives that enhance customer experience. She is also an ambassador for the She Built Foundation, where she advocates for gender equity and representation in the building industry, inspiring the next generation of women leaders in construction and homebuilding. Emily is a positive, committed, and responsible leader who gives her team members the freedom to be creative and take responsibility for their work. She has curated a marketing team that works well together, is flexible, and is dedicated to getting results." —Paula Huggett, partner, Bokka Group

Emily's online profile

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Matthew Szalecki

Co-founder & CEO, Family Building Company, Raleigh, NC

"Since shifting exclusively to new homes in 2020, we’ve gone from five to eight homes a year to about 80 in 2025, with 150 lots in the pipeline. Matt’s leadership has led us to focus on what we do, making us operationally efficient and financially predictable; on why we do what we do, which is to provide achievable homeownership and long-term affordability; and how we do it, putting thoughtful features into our homes for first-time buyers. He’s also come up with a strong financial model that allows us, with limited resources, to partner with local investors (a win-win relationship) and acquire way more projects than we could on our own." —John Szalecki, partner & chief construction officer, Family Building Co.

Mathew's online profile

Gracy Weil 

Principal/Founder, Graceland Research & Consulting, Denver 

"Gracy leads a growing firm that supports builders, developers, and public-sector clients with entitlement services, marketing and operational strategy, and policy-informed market analysis. Within just four months of launching, Graceland became a self-sustaining business—an impressive feat that reflects both her entrepreneurial mindset and her reputation for delivering results. Her role as Events and Professional Development Chair for the Denver HBA's Young Leaders Council demonstrates her commitment to nurturing emerging talent. Her initiative to create the framework for an Ethics in Homebuilding class at the University of Denver further illustrates her commitment to elevating professional standards and preparing the next generation of industry leaders. In short, she represents emerging professional talent: technically competent, strategically minded, ethically grounded, and genuinely committed to positive impact." —Eric Holt, Associate Professor, University of Denver 

Gracy's online profile

Alex Wolfe*

President, Wolfe Homes, Greensboro, NC

"When Alex stepped into ownership, one of his first major moves was writing a bold and detailed Vivid Vision—a three-year strategic and cultural roadmap for the company. The Vivid Vision is not a vague mission statement or a marketing document. It’s a fearless and transparent articulation of where Wolfe Homes is headed and how it will get there. Alex knew that successfully executing this vision meant betting on the strength of his team, the loyalty of his clients, and the hope that a company could do more than just build homes—it could build employees, build communities, and model faith and excellence in every corner of its operations." —Josie Wolfe, owner and secretary, Wolfe Homes

Alex's online profile

Dave Yelovich

Owner, Homes Built Right, Friendswood, Texas

Decades ago, I learned to work with my hands in wood shop. Today I look back on four decades of service to the home building industry that started back in those classes. Besides personally building over 1,200 homes, I’ve trained numerous superintendents not just in the company I worked, for but as an industry trainer at home building associations all around Texas. Some of the most fulfilling work has been volunteering after natural disasters have struck the Texas coast and Oklahoma. My expertise in home building allowed me to share a unique skill when home owners had questions about their damaged homes. I now focus my time on consulting with home builders and homeowners, training the latter who truly want to improve their talents and home building skills. I truly believe that it is up to us "older" folks to seek out the ones who will fill our shoes.

Dave's online profile

Rodney Hall has over 30 years of experience providing executive search and recruitment solutions in the residential construction industry through Rodney Hall Executive Search. He’s held leadership positions at the local and national level of the Urban Land Institute and is an active sponsor for the Housing Innovation Alliance and Ladies in Land. 

Kelby Hamilton (Forty Under 40 Class of 2022) is the director of homeowner relations at The Dragas Companies in Coastal Virginia. For the past seven years, she has enhanced the customer experience and upheld quality standards while supporting the needs of homeowners. 

Shari Morton (Forty Under 40 Class of 2022) is the chief growth officer and founder at Shared Drive, where she helps home builders connect sales, marketing, and technology into seamless buyer experiences. An award-winning online sales counselor turned industry strategist, she specializes in CRM adoption, sales process optimization, and digital transformation. 

Dennis Steigerwalt (Forty Under 40 Class of 2020) is president of the Housing Innovation Alliance and an advocate for transforming how homes and communities are imagined, built, and experienced. He leads a national network of housing innovators, driving strategic partnerships and embracing emerging technologies.