Sunbelt Sessions & Speakers
Monday, July 28th
8:30 - 11 a.m.
Monday Briefing
Topic: TAB's 89th Legislative Session Recap: New Laws Coming Your Way Sept. 1, 2025
Speakers: Scott Norman, CEO, Texas Association of Builders and a Panel of Experts
Location: Yellow Rose Ballroom - Atrium
Come listen to a panel of experts on their recap of the 89th Legislative Session that ran from Jan. 14 and concluded on June 2, 2025. They will provide you with all the details concerning new laws that you need to be aware of in the residential construction industry. These new laws will be in effect starting on Sept. 1, 2025.
Tuesday, July 29th
10 - 11 a.m.
TUESDAY KEYNOTE
Title: Creating SuperFans: Turning Customers into Enthusiastic Advocates
Speaker: Brittany Hodak, Entrepreneur, Speaker, Author
Location: Grapevine Ballroom - 3rd Floor
Sponsored by Great American Insurance Group
We’re living in an Experience Economy. Customer experience, or CX, drives over two-thirds of customer loyalty; that’s more than brand and price combined. This keynote will explain why the best marketing on the planet doesn't cost anything; how to consistently elevate ordinary customer moments into extraordinary ones; and why superfans are the key to thriving businesses now and in the future. This keynote offers a memorable proven five-step framework to attract and keep superfan customers.
12:45 - 1:30 p.m.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CENTER SESSION
Title: From Jobsite to Inbox: Using AI to Build Smarter Marketing in Construction
Speaker: Morgan Molitor, Co-Founder, construction2style
Location: Tradeshow Floor
AI isn’t just for tech companies, it’s a game-changer for contractors, builders, and remodelers. In this session, we’ll break down exactly how to use AI tools to streamline your marketing, attract ideal clients, and stay ahead in a competitive market. From content creation and client communication to lead generation and time-saving systems, this is your no-fluff playbook to working smarter, not harder. Walk away with real tools, examples, and quick wins you can start using immediately.
12:45 - 1:30 p.m.
THE HUB: CONVERSATION STARTER
Title: Built to Last: How the Right Tech Future-Proofs Your Business
Speaker: Andrew Brinkman, Senior Director of Product, Buildertrend
Location: Tradeshow Floor
Technology doesn’t need to be flashy to be transformative. In this session, Andrew Brinkman will demo how today’s leading builders are using technology to streamline communication, simplify project management and gain visibility across their operations. With firsthand insights from the field, you’ll learn how you can reduce risk, save time and help your team stay on track – without overwhelming your process.
2 - 2:45 p.m.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CENTER SESSION
Title: Help Wanted! Solving the Labor Issue
Speaker: Ron Rohrbacher, Chairman TAB's Workforce Development Committee
Location: Tradeshow Floor
The residential construction industry is facing a labor shortage. To address the issue, we need all hands-on deck. Join the Texas Association of Builders’ Workforce Development Committee chair, Ron Rohrbacher, to examine current workforce data and projected industry growth, review resources that the Texas Association of Builders has available to support statewide workforce development and learn what you can do in your community to help develop the future of the residential construction industry.
2 - 2:45 p.m.
THE HUB: CONVERSATION STARTER
Title: Master Your Margins: The Power of Confident Construction Accounting
Speaker: Carla Merrill, Owner, Builder's GoTo
Location: Tradeshow Floor
With over 30 years of accounting experience in construction, Carla Merrill knows what it takes to build a financially sound business. As a Certified Advanced QuickBooks ProAdvisor specializing in construction job cost accounting, Carla brings a clear-eyed view of what your books are really telling you. In this session, she’ll share tips to help builders gain confidence in their numbers, improve project profitability and take control of their cash flow.
3 - 3:45 p.m.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CENTER SESSION
Title: The Well-Built Builder: Prioritizing Health in a Demanding Industry
Speaker: Mark D. Williams, Founder, The Curious Builder Podcast, and Custom Home Builder
Location: Tradeshow Floor
The construction industry is known for its long hours, physical demands, and high-stress environment – but how often do we talk about the toll it takes on health and well-being? In this session, Mark Williams, host of The Curious Builder podcast and founder of Mark D. Williams Custom Homes, explores the importance of prioritizing mental and physical wellness in construction. Learn how small shifts in mindset, daily habits and company culture can create healthier, more sustainable careers for builders and their teams.
3 - 3:45 p.m.
THE HUB: CONVERSATION STARTER
TBD
4 - 4:45 p.m.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CENTER SESSION
Title: Brand Power: Turning Your Team into Your Biggest Asset
Speaker: Brad Robinson, Owner/CEO, Bradford Custom Homes
Location: Tradeshow Floor
Your brand is more than a logo – it’s your reputation, your people and the experience you deliver. In this session, Brad Robinson of Bradford Custom Homes and Remodeling shares how intentional brand building and a strong company culture can drive business growth. Learn how to align your team with your brand’s mission, foster genuine engagement and create a reputation that attracts both clients and top talent.
4 - 4:45 p.m.
THE HUB: CONVERSATION STARTER
Title: Create Tomorrow's Homes That Stand Out with Smart Home Energy Technology
Presented and Sponsored by: Home IQ Solutions
Location: Tradeshow Floor
Energy is the backbone of every home, and today’s buyers expect more than just a place to live—they want homes that offer power resiliency, reliability, and seamless integration with smart home automation. In this session, you will discover the components of an integrated energy management system, including power load management, and how these systems work hand-in-hand with home automation to enhance energy efficiency and overall reliability. Home IQ Solutions leads the way in combining cutting-edge smart energy technologies with home automation, providing homeowners with greater control, peace of mind, and an energy-efficient, connected lifestyle. Join us to learn how we can collaborate to deliver homes that blend luxury, practicality, and next-level energy solutions, helping your projects stand out in a competitive market and leave a lasting impression on your buyers.
Wednesday, July 30th
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
WEDNESDAY KEYNOTE
Title: The State of Housing and the Economy: National Trends and the Texas Market
Speaker: Tim Sullivan, Chief Advisory Officer & Bryan Glasshagel, Sr. VP, Zonda
Location: Grapevine Ballroom - 3rd Floor
The housing market is constantly evolving, influenced by broader economic forces that impact everything from affordability to supply chains. In this session, Tim Sullivan, Chief Advisory Officer of Zonda, will break down the latest national trends and explain what they mean for Texas home builders. Learn how shifting demand, interest rates and economic uncertainty are shaping the industry—and what you can do to stay ahead.
11:30 - 12:15 p.m.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CENTER SESSION
Title: Builders Deserve Better: Why You Can’t Build the Future with Yesterday’s Tools
Speaker: Jon Walker, Chief Technology Officer, Buildertrend
Location: Tradeshow Floor
Let’s be honest—construction’s reputation for lagging behind in tech is no longer acceptable. But the good news? That narrative is ready to flip. In this session, Jon Walker, Chief Technology Officer of Buildertrend, shares the top tools defining how jobs get done – and why the builders who embrace them today will dominate tomorrow. This isn’t a tech demo. It’s a rally cry for builders who want to lead the future of construction.
12:45 - 1:30 p.m.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CENTER SESSION
Title: From Supplier to Strategic Partner: Turning Vendor Relationships into Competitive Advantages
Speaker: Mike Weaver, David & Angela Pencsak and Mark D. Williams
Location: Tradeshow Floor
Discover how custom home builders partner with vendors to drive efficiency, improve margins and build smarter. In this session, Mike Weaver, Vice President of Sales at Emser Tile, sits down with David and Angela Pencsak, Pencsak custom Home Builders, San Antonio and Mark D. Williams, MDW Custom Homes, Minnesota, to share real-world strategies for transforming everyday vendor relationships into long-term business advantages. Whether you're a builder or supplier, you’ll gain actionable insights to strengthen collaboration and grow your business.
12:45 - 1:30 p.m.
THE HUB: CONVERSATION STARTER
Title: Don't Go With Your Gut - Let Your Data Drive the Decisions
Speaker: Brett Jones, Senior Manager of Strategic Execution, Buildertrend
Location: Tradeshow Floor
Too often, builders are forced to make business decisions based on instinct, not insight. In this session, Brett Jones explores how data-driven tools can transform your decision-making process – from estimating and scheduling to team performance and job profitability. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of how to uncover the hidden truths in your business and use them to drive smarter outcomes. No sales pitch – just actionable ideas for builders who want to run a tighter, more informed operation.
2:00 - 3:15 p.m.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CENTER SESSION
Title: TAB 2025 - 2027 Contracts Package Update
Speaker: Don Shelton & Tyler Hood, Bush/Rudnicki/Shelton
Location: Tradeshow Floor
With the 2025 Regular Session of the Texas Legislature under our belts, TAB will release its contracts package for the 2025 – 2027 license cycle on September 1, 2025. This is your opportunity to learn about the new required Texas-specific forms and revisions to existing contracts. Talk with two of the attorneys who have been instrumental in the writing and updating of TAB’s form contracts and other industry forms. The new contracts package is mandatory to comply with the 2025 legislative session.
2:00 - 3:15 p.m.
THE HUB: CONVERSATION STARTER
Title: Reclaimed Karma, Control the Chaos, and Perfect Your Process
Speaker: Chris & Yvonne Johnson, Owners, Reclaimed Karma
Location: Tradeshow Floor
Join Chris and Yvonne Johnson of Reclaimed Karma as they share how they went from overnight success to organized success. Faced with rapid growth, they had to quickly find the right systems and tools—including Buildertrend—to bring structure to their business. In this conversation, they’ll walk through the mindset shifts and tactical moves they made to take back control, improve outcomes, and stay inspired along the way. It’s a story about purpose-driven process, creative energy, and building with intention.