The strongest builder networks are those that don’t just serve their members – they listen to them, elevate them and empower them to help drive the future. That’s why CBUSA created the select Builder Advisory Council, a new initiative built around the belief that the best ideas come directly from those in the industry doing the hard work day in and day out.
This hand-selected group of experienced builders from across the CBUSA network represents a critical voice in how we grow together. These are the individuals who’ve earned the respect of their peers, shown excellence in their local markets and demonstrated a consistent commitment to collaboration. Their insight will help shape everything from how we operate day to day to where the network is headed long-term.
From the beginning, CBUSA has been built on insights from the field. In 2004, our founder Bill Smithers – an experienced builder himself – joined with a group of independent home builders in Northern Virginia to level the playing field. Together, they sought the buying power and vendor influence that larger contractors had long enjoyed. By uniting their efforts, they laid the foundation for a network rooted in shared success. That same mindset continues today through the Builder Advisory Council, a modern evolution of our founding vision to keep builder voices at the center of everything we do.
The Builder Advisory Council is a two-year commitment for some of our top members to serve as a bridge between the builder community and the CBUSA team, ensuring our path forward is always informed by those who live and breathe construction every day.
Why we created the Builder Advisory Council
The Advisory Council exists to make sure CBUSA’s evolution stays in lockstep with the needs of its builders. These members are not here to rubber-stamp decisions – they’re here to influence them, challenge us and co-create solutions that benefit the entire builder network.
Council members meet quarterly, with one annual in-person session, to share insights across markets, provide strategic input on partnerships and help shape the future direction of CBUSA. This isn’t a ceremonial group. It’s a working council made up of respected construction professionals who are ready to lead with action.
They’ve already gotten to work
The Council held its first in-person meeting earlier this year in Salt Lake City, Utah, setting the tone for what will be an active and impactful group.
The energy was high, the conversations were honest and a unified vision was shared: let’s keep pushing this network forward, together.
From that kickoff meeting alone, new ideas were surfaced to increase vendor transparency, streamline group buys and strengthen communication and collaboration between members nationally. And that’s just the beginning.
Meet the 2025 Builder Advisory Council
These individuals come from all corners of our network and bring with themselves deep market expertise.
| Company | Name | State(s) |
| Ascent Builders | Jason Brown | Colorado |
| Boone Homes | Mitchell Bode | Virginia |
| Brightwater Homes | Steven Sanders-Myers | Georgia / South Carolina |
| Engelsma Homes | Ryan Knibbe | Michigan |
| Garner Homes | Trey Garner | Texas |
| Hearthside Homes | Dennis Shriver | Missouri |
| Homes By Dickerson | Jon Showalter | North Carolina / South Carolina |
| Kent Homes | Ashley Kent | North Carolina |
| Magleby Construction | Chad Magleby | Utah / Idaho |
| Southern Green Builders | Drey Ondrey | Texas |
| Westwood Homes | Brian Fanning | North Carolina |
A new kind of leadership
This Advisory Council formalizes the role builders have played in shaping CBUSA’s direction and brings more even more voices into the fold. By creating a consistent, dedicated space for strategic input, we’re reinforcing what has always set this network apart: CBUSA is one of the few group purchasing organizations that is actually centered on builders lifting each other up and putting collaboration above competition.
“This group isn’t just to validate our direction – they’re here to influence it. These are builders who know the business, know our network and know how to drive meaningful change. They’re shaping where we go next.”
– Brian Pavlick, President of CBUSA
Job site challenges. Vendor partnerships. Opportunities to save clients money while upholding quality craftsmanship. These are some of the things that matter most to builders in our network and the very things the Advisory Council will ensure CBUSA’s roadmap stays connected to.
Looking ahead
We’re proud to launch the Builder Advisory Council and of the builders who’ve stepped up to lead it. Their involvement is a testament to what makes this network special – the people, the passion and the pursuit of something bigger than any one company.
As the Council continues to meet and shape our future, we’ll keep the broader network informed on what’s being discussed and what’s changing. Because at CBUSA, transparency is key and progress is something we build together.
Whether you’re a longtime member or just getting started, we hope this Council inspires you to stay engaged. If you’re looking to connect with more members from across the nation and stay on the cutting edge of what’s next in residential construction, you won’t want to miss The Summit. This is our annual conference, held this year in Washington D.C. Registration is open now for all members!