The power of a builder network

For independent builders, purchasing decisions affect much more than the initial cost of a product. The right supplier relationship or product expertise can help builders make informed choices, avoid delays and deliver a better experience for clients.

Those ideas were highlighted in a recent CBUSA webinar, The Power of Your CBUSA Builder Network. The discussion explored how independent builders can use a network to strengthen supplier relationships, share knowledge and gain access to resources that can support their businesses.

That’s where a strong builder network can make a difference. Drew Ondrey, Partner at Southern Green Builders in Houston and a CBUSA member for nearly 10 years, says the value of being part of a network extends well beyond group purchasing for builders. It gives his team access to other builders, manufacturer expertise and relationships that can help them make better decisions.

Building a stronger network

Before joining CBUSA, Drew knew there had to be a better way to access products at a lower cost. His research led him to CBUSA, where he connected with founder Bill Smithers at a conference and eventually joined the network.

Nearly a decade later, the value he sees goes beyond the original purchasing opportunity. A builder community gives independent builders a way to share challenges and learn from others who understand the realities of running a construction business.

That can change how a builder approaches everyday decisions:

1. Compare experiences: Builders can learn what products, processes and suppliers have worked for others.
2. Ask better questions: Conversations with other builders can surface considerations that might otherwise be missed.
3. Move with more confidence: Access to shared knowledge can help builders evaluate options without starting from scratch.

A small or independent builder can gain access to knowledge and support that would be difficult to develop alone. That shared experience is one of the ways a network can create value beyond purchasing.

Shared knowledge makes better decisions

A home builder network can also become an informal source of education. Builders bring different experiences, markets and project types to the table, creating opportunities to learn from one another.

Drew describes the value of that support from the perspective of a smaller builder: “Just the support of the network versus being by myself as the small builder. That was part of where the value really grew in our evaluation.”

That support can help builders share information about suppliers, products and processes instead of each company having to figure everything out independently. Conversations with other builders can also surface solutions and considerations that might otherwise take more time to uncover.

The value becomes even clearer when builders can connect that shared knowledge to the supplier relationships behind their purchases.

Stronger relationships with manufacturers and suppliers

Relationships with manufacturers and suppliers are another important part of the network. CBUSA can create opportunities for builders to connect directly with people who have deep expertise in the products they’re using.

Drew explains why those relationships matter: “The deeper part for us and where I really like it, I love the relationship at the manufacturer level.”

Manufacturer representatives know their products in detail and can educate builders about what products can and can’t do. Those relationships can support several parts of the building process:

1. Product education: Manufacturer representatives can explain product details, applications and options.
2. Faster decisions: Builders can get questions answered directly by people with specialized knowledge.
3. Risk management: Better information can help builders understand lead times, procurement and potential challenges.
4. Project schedules: Reliable supplier support can help builders address issues before they create larger delays.

That expertise can also extend to the client experience. Drew explains, “That relationship helps all the way down to who we serve.”

Drew also points to brand partners such as Kohler and Andersen, as well as GAF products supplied through QXO. These relationships can support the builder and client throughout the selection process.

For example, product education can give Southern Green Builders a way to explain why a particular brand or product was selected without turning the client experience into a sales pitch. With windows, roofing products and other selections, direct access to supplier and manufacturer expertise can also help the builder present options and answer questions more efficiently.

Those connections can become especially valuable when a challenge requires more support.

Turning a builder community into collective strength

A single builder has one voice when dealing with a supplier, manufacturer or industry challenge. A network can give that builder access to a much larger group of peers facing similar circumstances.

Drew describes the difference for a smaller builder:“My number combined with Houston’s number … and then combined with the national network … now we have a louder voice.”

He adds that the network has helped builders have candid conversations and get help when they need it. That collective strength can matter when circumstances change quickly.

A supplier issue, product question or procurement challenge can affect schedules, costs and client expectations. Having relationships already in place gives builders another resource to turn to when they need answers.

Drew describes CBUSA as, “an extension of our team to help navigate the challenges that existed.”

The network also creates a feedback loop. Builders share what they’re experiencing, manufacturers and suppliers can respond with expertise and the broader community benefits from what gets learned.

That creates value that reaches beyond the original purchasing decision.

A stronger network creates stronger business opportunities

Drew’s experience shows how the value of a builder network can grow over time. What starts with an opportunity for better purchasing can develop into relationships with manufacturers, knowledge shared between builders and support when challenges arise.

For independent builders, those connections can provide another resource for making informed decisions and serving clients well.

Watch the full webinar here: The Power of Your CBUSA Builder Network

Hear Drew discuss his experience with CBUSA and the relationships that have helped Southern Green Builders. Builders interested in joining the network can also submit a CBUSA membership inquiry.