The Summit recap 2024: Key takeaways from our biggest event of the year

The Summit 2024 has officially wrapped, and what an incredible event it was! Our annual builder conference brought together some of the brightest minds and top talents in the construction industry.

Over the course of three days, builders, brand partners and industry experts gathered to exchange ideas, explore new business opportunities and forge lasting relationships. From insightful keynote presentations to hands-on workshops, every moment was packed with opportunities to learn, grow and network.

Here’s a quick recap of the highlights from this year’s event.

And the award goes to … this year’s CBUSA winners

Welcome to this year’s newest brand partners

Four new brand partners joined CBUSA this year, and they presented their offerings to conference attendees. They showcased their brands and explained what their exclusive programs will offer.

• Broan NuTone: A leading manufacturer of residential ventilation products, offering a wide range of solutions designed to improve indoor air quality and enhance comfort in homes.

• Deako: The industry’s first and only modular lighting system. They’re rapidly becoming an industry standard in new home construction, and their backplates can be found in one of every six new homes in the U.S.

• Lansing: A leading distributor of exterior products that include decking, roofing, siding and gutters. They have a national footprint and outstanding long-term supplier partnerships that allow them to bring an unmatched level of inventory to their customers.

• Sherwin-Williams: A leading provider of high-quality paints, coatings and floor coverings, offering a wide range of colors and innovative solutions to enhance surfaces and bring lasting beauty to professional, commercial and retail customers.

If you’re interested in enrolling with these new brand partners, log in to the CBUSA Member Portal and go to Contracts Central.

In addition to the celebrations and vendor expo, there were also several insightful breakouts and keynotes that builders were able to choose from. Here are some of the key takeaways from a few of the top sessions.

1. Building a sustainable future: Integrity, innovation and staying relevant

Laura Kohler, chief sustainable living officer at Kohler Co., had a meaningful conversation with Bill Smithers, former president of CBUSA, about excellence and innovation in a changing business landscape.

Here are a few of the key takeaways:

• Kohler’s adaptation to sustainability in a changing industry: Kohler has made sustainability a core part of its business strategy, not just as a response to environmental challenges but as a driver for innovation.

• Innovation through sustainable practices: By focusing on environmental responsibility, the company has introduced products that meet sustainability targets without sacrificing performance. This push for innovation has required rethinking product design and manufacturing processes, aligning with both market demands and environmental goals.

• Creating impact for customers and employees: Kohler emphasizes sustainability goes hand-in-hand with customer satisfaction and employee well-being. The company ensures its products address evolving consumer needs – such as water efficiency and environmental impact – while maintaining quality.

2. Brand as an investment: 5 ways to improve your strategy tomorrow

Courtney Mattern, senior director of content and brand at Buildertrend, and Morgan Molitor, co-founder and creative director at construction2style, shared how cultivating a strong brand identity can yield significant returns – from enhanced market recognition and customer loyalty to increased profitability and scalability.

Here are the top insights from the session:

• Branding isn’t just a buzzword
  • A strong brand can be invaluable for a company’s long-term goals. Brand strategy supports business goals, such as driving down cost of acquiring new customers and increasing customer loyalty.
• Five ways to improve your brand strategy
  • Know who you are and who you serve: This is your brand positioning. Evaluate your competitors and lean into what sets you apart.
  • Build a digital presence: It takes .05 seconds for people to form an opinion about your website. You want to make sure people can find you and that your branding is consistent.
  • Collect social proof: Don’t be afraid to as for reviews and share client testimonials on your website.
  • Tell your story: People want to feel connected to the company and people who are building or renovating their home. Give them something to connect with.
  • Collaborate: A partner in creation is a partner in promotion. Working with other professionals in the industry can be a strategic win for everyone involved.

3. From data to decisions: Understanding the economic outlook for home builders

Another highlight from this year’s lineup of speakers was the market forecast presented by Tim Sullivan, chief advisory officer at Zonda. Tim is a major influencer in the field of real estate market research and community development.

Here are some things you should keep in mind:

We’re almost in a winter period: This means things are slowing down with the upcoming election and builders and buyers are being cautious with the market.There are three big points factors to keep in mind.

• Inflation is softening
• Job growth is softening
• Perception is pausing due to the upcoming election and decrease in interest rates

Economy has slowed, but it’s not a recession: Although the economy is slowing, the housing market is the pillar that’s hold strong.

• Demand is still there with the aging population and growing families
• The housing market might grow in 2025, so that’ll put pressure on supply
• Price makes all the difference, especially for younger buyers

Want to be included in next year’s event?

As we reflect on The Summit 2024, it’s clear that the collaboration and innovation displayed will continue to drive the success of our industry. We want to extend a sincere thank you to all the builders, partners and sponsors who made this event possible. Your participation not only strengthens the CBUSA network but also helps push the boundaries of what’s possible in the home building world.

And we’re already looking forward to next year! We’re excited to announce that The Summit 2025 will be held in Washington D.C.! Mark your calendars for another year of insightful discussions, networking and growth opportunities in the nation’s capital.

Want to be in on next year’s event? Apply to become a CBUSA member today. We’re always looking to grow our network of professional builders, preferred local vendors, brand partners and manufacturers.