2026 Winter Conference Brochure

LIGHTS. CAMERA. CALL TO ACTION!

February 24-25, 2026 Iowa Events Center | 730 3rd St. Des Moines, IA

Ryan Leak 2

This year, we’re bringing together thought leaders, industry experts, and passionate professionals from all across the country — all ready to inspire, motivate, and share new ideas.

Over the next two days, you’ll hear from incredible keynote speakers, take part in hands-on workshops, and connect with others who share your drive to make a difference. Whether you’ve been in the industry for years or you’re just getting started, there’s something here for everyone.

This conference is all about connection — embracing challenges together, building relationships, and finding fresh purpose in the work we do every day.

So, mark your calendars & get ready to be inspired! We can’t wait to see you February 24–25 at the Iowa Events Center in downtown Des Moines for an experience you won’t forget.

Join Us at the Winter Conference as we

Embrace Challenge. . .

Ignite Purpose. . .

Inspire Connection. . .

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Event App

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Sponsors

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Event Schedule

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The Build Iowa Breakfast

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The Ryan Leak Experience

AI Accelerator for Construction

Project Management Bootcamp

The Power Up with Purpose Luncheon

Safety Professionals Masterclass

Wednesday PM Session

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Tuesday AM Sessions

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Construction Job Site Awareness Training for Architects & Office Staff

Tuesday PM Sessions

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The Industry Excellence Celebration Luncheon

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Construction Industry Reception

Master Builder Designation Program Members ONLY

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The Built to Perform Breakfast

Meet the Speakers

Wednesday AM Sessions

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Performance Track Package Members ONLY

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Hotel Information

EVENT APP Enhance Your

Conference Experience

Full Access to Everything Winter Conference!

We are pleased to bring back the official Winter Conference Event App! Designed to enhance your conference experience, the app is your go-to resource for all things related to the event.

FEATURES INCLUDE •

Personalized Agenda: Your registered itinerary can be populated into the event app creating your own personalized agenda for the two days. Never miss a moment of the action!

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Real-Time Updates: Stay informed with instant notifications about schedule changes, special announcements, and important reminders throughout the conference.

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Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow attendees, speakers and exhibitors. Use the app to send messages, set up meetings, and expand your professional network.

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Interactive Maps: Navigate the venue with ease using the app’s interactive maps, ensuring you find your way to all sessions and activities without a hitch.

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Session Feedback: Share your thoughts on sessions in real time! Your feedback is valuable and helps us improve future events.

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Resource Library: Access presentations, handouts, and additional meeting materials from speakers, all in one convenient location.

HOW TO DOWNLOAD

The Winter Conference Event App is available for download on both iOS and Android devices. Simply search for “Winter Conference Event App” in the App Store or Google Play Store.

We encourage all attendees to download the app before the event to make the most of your experience. Stay connected, informed, and engaged at the MBI Winter Conference.

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Conference Details At Your Fingertips www.MBI.Build/EventApp

SPONSORS

GOLD EVENT

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EVENT SCHEDULE

TUESDAY

6:30 am

Registration Open

7:00 am - 6:30 pm

Exhibits Open (Visit over 100 exhibits & displays)

7:30 - 8:45 am

THE BUILD IOWA BREAKFAST Keynote: Make the Impossible Possible Sponsored By: Holmes Murphy & Associates, LLC

9:00 - 11:30 am

Safety Professionals Masterclass - 2 Day Course Sponsored By: Carroll Construction Supply

9:00 - 11:30 am

Project Management Bootcamp - 2 Day Course Sponsored By: Baker Group

9:00 - 11:30 am

Construction Job Site Awareness Training for Architects & Office Staff - 1 Day Course

9:00 - 11:30 am

AM Sessions

From Inspiration to Action: Designing Your Impossible with the Bucket List Journal Motivated to Stay: 5 Habits to Keep Your Top Talent High Trust, High Execution

11:45 am - 1:45 pm

THE INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE CELEBRATION LUNCHEON Sponsored by: Merchants Bonding

2:00 - 4:00 pm

Safety Professionals Masterclass - 2 Day Course (continued)

2:00 - 4:00 pm

Project Management Bootcamp - 2 Day Course (continued)

2:00 - 4:00 pm

Construction Job Site Awareness Training for Architects & Office Staff 1 Day Course (continued)

2:00 - 4:00 pm

The Ryan Leak Experience Sponsored By: McGill Junge Wealth Management

2:00 - 4:00 pm

PM Sessions

Closing the Skilled Trades Gap: Engaging the Next Generation Glad to Be Here® - 5 Dynamics of High Performing Teams

4:00 - 6:30 pm 6

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THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY RECEPTION Sponsored By: RSM US LLC | Turner Construction | Whitfield & Eddy Law

WEDNESDAY 6:30 am

Registration Open

7:00 am - 2:00 pm

Exhibits Open (Visit over 100 exhibits & displays)

7:30 - 8:45 am

THE BUILT TO PERFORM BREAKFAST

9:00 - 11:30 am

Safety Professionals Masterclass - 2 Day Course (continued)

9:00 - 11:30 am

Project Management Bootcamp - 2 Day Course (continued)

9:00 - 11:30 am

AI Accelerator for Construction - 1 Day Course Sponsored By: Creative Planning Business Services

9:00 - 11:30 am

AM Sessions The Community Quotient™ Deep Dive Bridging the Generational Divide in Construction The Surprising Productivity of Self-Care: Using Mindfulness to Combat Burnout and Fatigue

11:30 am - 12:00 pm

Exhibits Open (Visit over 100 exhibits & displays)

12:00 - 1:15 pm

THE POWER UP WITH PURPOSE LUNCHEON Keynote: Fearful to Fear(Less) Sponsored By: Veit

1:30 - 3:30 pm

Safety Professionals Masterclass - 2 Day Course (continued)

1:30 - 3:30 pm

Project Management Bootcamp - 2 Day Course (continued)

1:30 - 3:30 pm

AI Accelerator for Construction - 1 Day Course (continued)

1:30 - 3:30 pm

PM Session Fear Intelligence IN ACTION

Keynote: The Community Quotient™ Sponsored By: Basepoint Building Automations

REGISTRATION SPONSOR

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BREAKFAST February 24, 2026 7:30 AM - 8:45 AM

Fee: $45 per person

SPONSORED BY:

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KEYNOTE MAKE THE IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBLE

What if “impossible” was just a mindset waiting to be shattered? Ben Nemtin’s journey—from debilitating depression to achieving 100 seemingly impossible dreams—reveals a powerful truth: impossible is merely a starting point. Ben shares how The Buried Life grew from a simple list into a global movement, and how his achievements—from a hit MTV show to playing basketball with President Obama and becoming a #1 New York Times bestselling author—came from a repeatable system for success. This isn’t just another inspirational talk—it’s a practical guide to achieving the extraordinary. Ben outlines the framework that helped his team defy impossible odds, showing how small, consistent actions compound into momentum. He demonstrates that personal growth fuels professional growth, purpose ignites the impossible, and giving back amplifies impact.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES •

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Learn Ben’s proven ‘5 Steps to Impossible’ framework.

Discover how purpose-driven action fuels momentum.

Build a resilient, high-performing team.

Grow through the power of giving.

Embrace a growth mindset.

Create lasting impact through shared purpose.

MAKE THE IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBLE

The Build Iowa Breakfast is an excellent opportunity for attendees to network with industry colleagues and friends in preparation for an educational and inspiring day of seminars, exhibitors and awards. As part of this event, MBI will share new 2026 initiatives for the association. The highlight and namesake of this event is the presentation of the 2026 Build Iowa Award that will honor an individual who best exemplifies the tenets of our organization: Skill, Responsibility, and Integrity throughout their career in Iowa’s commercial building industry.

Ben Nemtin is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of What Do You Want to Do Before You Die? and The Bucket List Journal. Ben is ranked the #2 Motivational Speaker in the World by Global Gurus and starred in “The Buried Life”, MTV’s highest rated show on iTunes and Amazon. As the co-founder of The Buried Life movement, Ben’s message of radical possibility has been featured on “The Today Show,” “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “CNN,” “FOX,” and “NBC News.”

President Obama called Ben and The Buried Life “inspiration for a new generation” and Oprah declared their mission “truly inspiring.”

When I finally hit my first year of university, life was good. I had an academic scholarship to a top-tier school & my dream of making the U-19 Canadian Rugby Team had just become a reality. Then, everything went south. In an attempt to feel alive again, he created the world’s greatest bucket list with his three best friends.

They borrowed a rickety old RV & crisscrossed North America, achieving the unthinkable. And most importantly, every time they accomplished a dream of their own, they helped a stranger accomplish their dream. From playing basketball with President Obama & having a beer with Prince Harry to reuniting a father & son after 17 years & surprising a young girl with a much needed bionic arm, Ben’s message of radical possibility has inspired millions to unlock their true potential.

Ben has achieved 96 of 100 dreams& he’s set to cross off “#100: Go to Space” next year. 9

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FEBRUARY PROGRAM: 9:00 - 11:30 AM

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From Inspiration to Action: Designing Your Impossible with the Bucket List Journal Ben Nemtin | Nemtin International, Inc. - Venice, CA

You’ve heard the keynote—now it’s time to put the principles into practice. In this interactive breakout session, Ben Nemtin takes the lessons from Make the Impossible Possible one step further, guiding participants through his proven “5 Steps to Impossible” framework using The Bucket List Journal as a powerful resource. This isn’t about dreaming passively—it’s about actively mapping your goals and building a roadmap to make them happen.

Master Builder Designation 2.5 LEADERSHIP CREDITS

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: • Identify what truly matters most to you - personally and professionally.

• Break down ambitious goals into small, achievable steps that build unstoppable momentum.

• Explore how purpose drives performance and fulfillment.

• Create a personal action plan with your Bucket List Journal that connects directly to your growth and impact.

You’ll leave not just inspired, but equipped with a clear plan, a practical tool, and the confidence to begin turning your own “impossible” into reality.

Fee: $250 per person (fee includes session and The Bucket List Journal)

SEMINAR ROOM SPONSOR

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Motivated to Stay: 5 Habits to Keep Your Top Talent Dr. Sharon Grossman | Turnkey Retention Solutions - Surfside, FL

A humorous yet practical session that tackles the real reason good employees quit—and it’s not what you think. Using relatable workplace stories and surprising statistics, this presentation reveals why talented people mentally check out long before they physically leave, and why most retention strategies completely miss the mark.

Participants will discover how simple daily practices can create genuine connection, prevent burnout, and turn potential flight risks into your most loyal advocates.

Because the difference between companies that keep great people and companies that lose them isn’t luck—it’s having the right systems in place.

Master Builder Designation 2.5 LEADERSHIP CREDITS

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: • Immediate Understanding: Participants can identify the 5 real reasons employees leave and calculate their organization’s true turnover costs.

• System Mastery: Participants can explain and demonstrate the HABIT system components.

• Cultural Clarity: Participants develop specific “ Rules of the Game” for their desired workplace culture.

• Implementation Readiness: Participants leave with a concrete 30-day implementation plan.

Fee: $250 per person

High Trust, High Execution

Greg ‘BOSS’ Wooldridge | John Foley Inc. - Vancouver, WA At the highest levels of performance — whether flying 18 inches apart at 500 mph or leading complex construction projects — trust is everything. It’s the invisible contract that binds teams together and the foundation that allows them to move with precision, make bold decisions, and perform flawlessly under pressure.

In this dynamic session, the presenter shares how elite teams build and sustain unshakable trust — and why that trust is the ultimate competitive advantage. Greg reveals how clear communication, radical accountability, and a purpose larger than oneself transform groups of talented individuals into cohesive, unstoppable units.

Master Builder Designation 2.5 LEADERSHIP CREDITS

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: • Understand the critical role of trust as the foundation.

• Recognize and reinforce the “implicit contracts” that underpin team relationships and drive accountability.

• Apply communication strategies that build clarity, reduce friction, and enable precise execution under pressure.

• Adopt practices that foster mutual respect and consistency.

• Develop a mindset of purpose-driven performance, where trust and shared mission align teams to deliver at their peak.

Fee: $250 per person

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CONSTRUCTION JO February 24, 2026

Fee: $300 per person

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

This interactive, instructor-led course is for architects, designers, and office staff who occasionally visit active job sites but have little field experience. Participants will gain essential safety knowledge to navigate sites confidently, recognize hazards, and follow safety protocols. Learners will practice selecting and using PPE, interpreting site signage, moving safely in active work areas and identifying high-risk situations.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES •

Recognize common construction site hazards and safety requirements.

Properly select, inspect, and use required PPE. Interpret site signage and follow safe movement practices in active work zones.

Apply basic OSHA and site-specific safety protocols for visitors.

Increase confidence and awareness when entering and observing job sites.

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CONSTRUCTION JOB SITE AWARENESS TRAINING FOR ARCHITECTS & OFFICE STAFF 1 DAY COURSE SCHEDULE Tuesday, February 24, 2026 9:00 – 11:30 AM

Construction Job Site Awareness Training for Architects and Office Staff

11:45 am – 1:45 PM

The Industry Excellence Celebration Luncheon

2:00 – 4:00 PM

Construction Job Site Awareness Training for Architects and Office Staff

4:00 – 6:30 PM

Construction Industry Reception

This course is approved for 4.5 AIA continuing education credits Master Builder Designation - 4.5 SAFETY CREDITS

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$300 / Person (includes 1 day course, The Industry Excellence Celebration Luncheon and the Construction Industry Reception)

OB SITE AWARENESS TRAINING FOR ARCHITECTS & OFFICE STAFF

Presenter

Anna Copeland

Construction Safety Specialists, Inc. Moline, IL Anna started her career in safety over a decade ago in the heavy and civil construction environment. After graduating from Black Hawk College and Western Illinois University with degrees in Business, Anna has found a passion for safety and the core belief that safety is fundamental to all aspects of business operations. Having experience in multiple facets of the heavy and civil construction industry such as facility management, program development and implementation, quality control, project management, construction materials production, insurance, and risk management positions Anna to be able to connect the ‘why’ and the ‘how’. Anna is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and Associate Safety Professional (ASP) through the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) and has earned several technical certifications related to the construction industry. Through working with organizations like the National Safety Council, she has earned the Advanced Safety Certificate and was named to their class of 2021 Rising Stars of Safety. Anna believes in servant leadership and demonstrates this through her work with the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) and the Moline Second Alarmers Association.

With a dedication for continuous improvement, she hopes to inspire others to bridge the gap between safety and operations. As stated on the ASSP challenge coin, Anna truly believes that safety, health, and well-being are the inherent right of all.

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FEBRUARY PROGRAM: 2:00 - 4:00 PM

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Closing the Skilled Trades Gap: Engaging the Next Generation Andrew Brown | CEO, Trades Media - New York, NY

The skilled trades are the foundation of our economy, yet they face a historic workforce shortage. With an aging workforce and fewer young people entering the pipeline, every contractor, educator, and industry leader is feeling the strain.

In this session, Andrew Brown — national trades advocate, speaker, and host of The Lost Art of the Skilled Trades podcast shares a proven, practical framework to attract and retain Gen Z talent (ages 13–28). Through real stories, fresh data, and a five-step system, you’ll learn what truly motivates today’s young people, how to shift outdated perceptions, and how to create a culture that makes them want to stay.

Master Builder Designation 2 LEADERSHIP CREDITS

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: • The reality of the skilled trades shortage and its long-term impact on business and community growth.

• What drives Gen Z—and why perception, not passion, is often the biggest barrier.

• A practical 5-step roadmap (Awaken, Explore, Choose, Prepare, Elevate) for building a sustainable pipeline of new talent.

• Examples of successful programs, mentorship models, and storytelling strategies that are working today.

• Immediate actions you can take to inspire, recruit, and engage the next generation—starting tomorrow.

Attendees will walk away with a renewed sense of optimism and a toolkit of actionable ideas to strengthen the workforce.

Whether you’re leading a company, teaching in a CTE classroom, or guiding students toward career choices, you’ll leave with clear, realistic steps to help close the trades gap in your community.

Fee: $250 per person

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Glad to Be Here® - 5 Dynamics of High Performing Teams Greg ‘BOSS’ Wooldridge | John Foley Inc. - Vancouver, WA

What makes elite teams like the U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform flawlessly under pressure? It’s not just skill — it’s the debrief. More than a post-mission recap, the debrief is a transformative process that drives continuous improvement by creating space for honest communication, radical accountability, and unwavering trust. It’s where high-performing teams are forged — and where “good enough” becomes “world-class.”

Greg’s leadership philosophy - refined through decades of leading elite teams where every second counts - shows how communication, humility, and shared purpose create a culture where people and performance soar.

Master Builder Designation 2 LEADERSHIP CREDITS

Guided by the 5 Dynamics of a High-Performance Team — creating a safe environment, checking egos at the door, laying everything on the table, owning and fixing mistakes, and embracing the Glad To Be Here® mindset - teams will learn how to communicate openly, build trust quickly, and align around a purpose greater than themselves.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: • Experience the power of the Blue Angels debrief process.

• Understand how open communication and psychological safety create the foundation for innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Practice the core dynamics of high-performance teamwork.

• Recognize the impact of belief and mindset on individual and team performance, and how to cultivate a “spiraling up” culture of excellence.

• Adopt the Glad To Be Here® approach. precise execution under pressure.

Fee: $250 per person

WIFI SPONSOR

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February 24, 2026

SPONSORED BY:

11:45 AM - 1:45 PM

Fee: $55 per person

This year, Master Builders of Iowa is bringing all our awards together for one extraordinary event — the Industry Excellence Celebration Luncheon.

Join us as we combine the excitement of the: Masters Awards; Safety Awards; Master Builder Achievement into a single, unforgettable celebration of our industry’s best.

Enjoy lunch and an engaging presentation that challenges conventional thinking and unveils a new paradigm for recognizing the everyday heroes who elevate our industry. During this celebration, we will honor the recipients of the 2026 Masters Awards, recognizing construction teams that demonstrate outstanding skill, collaboration, and excellence in project execution.

The program will also highlight Safety Excellence, featuring the presentation of the Outstanding Company Safety Achievement Awards, the Safety MVP Award, and the WORKSAFE Project of the Year. In addition, we will applaud those who have achieved the highest distinction in the Master Builder Designation Program by earning the prestigious Master Builder Achievement Award.

This newly transformed luncheon is a true showcase of talent, dedication, and innovation across Iowa’s construction community.

Seats sell out quickly — register early to secure your spot at this can’t-miss celebration of industry excellence!

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CELEBRATION LUNCHEON

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HOW TO WORK WITH COMPLICATED PEOPLE February 24, 2026 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Fee: $400 per person

THE RYAN LEAK EXPERIENCE SCHEDULE

SPONSORED BY:

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 11:45 AM – 1:45 PM

The Industry Excellence Celebration Luncheon

2:00 – 4:00 PM

The Ryan Leak Experience

4:00 – 6:30 PM

Construction Industry Reception

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$400 / Person (includes session, a best-selling book, Industry Excellence Celebration Luncheon and Construction Industry Reception)

Chances are, their name popped into your head instantly.

You know their quirks, their habits, their flaws — and you’ve probably felt the frustration and mental exhaustion they leave in their wake. You’ve seen the challenges their complexity creates for everyone around them.

You can’t ignore them. You can’t fix them. And you definitely can’t teleport them to another dimension.

You could quit- but your next job will have another complicated person waiting for you. The reality is- you have to work with them.

So how do you turn friction into function? How do you collaborate effectively with the picky, the prickly, and the problematic — not just survive working with them, but actually succeed because of them?

In this engaging and entertaining session, author, speaker, and leadership consultant Ryan Leak shares proven, practical strategies from global experience advising teams from the worlds of sports, entertainment, finance, construction, and beyond, Ryan shows how to reframe how you see difficult people — from problems to solve into humans to understand. Through humor, stories, and research, he equips you with tools to detox unrealistic expectations, communicate effectively in complex environments, embrace healthy conflict, and set boundaries that protect your energy without sacrificing collaboration.

Whether you lead a team, contribute to one, or simply want to make work more enjoyable and productive, this session will help you build stronger relationships, reduce tension, and create workplaces that thrive — even when people are complicated.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES • • • • •

Recognize and understand different personality types and behavioral patterns that often lead to workplace challenges.

Apply practical strategies for navigating difficult interactions, managing conflict, and turning challenging conversations into productive outcomes.

Enhance communication skills to foster clarity, empathy, and alignment across diverse personalities and work styles.

Embrace healthy disagreement as a tool for innovation and better solutions.

Strengthen collaboration and team cohesion by setting clear boundaries, building trust, and cultivating workplace harmony.

Master Builder Designation - 2 PROJECT MANAGEMENT CREDITS

GETTING COMFORTABLE WITH COMPLICATED

Who’s the most complicated person you work with?

k a e L n a Ry

Ryan Leak is a dynamic speaker, best-selling author, and strategic advisor renowned for his ability to inspire and transform individuals and organizations.

As the CEO of a leadership development firm based in Dallas, Ryan and his team train over 30,000 leaders annually — from Fortune 500 companies to professional sports teams. His unique talent for turning setbacks into opportunities, emphasizing the importance of resilience and the value of learning from failure, makes his teachings impactful and actionable with a splash of humor.

Ryan’s passion is helping leaders push past autopilot and level up in their lives and careers. He spreads this empowering message through coaching, speaking, and leveraging the power of video to reach thousands through his online platforms. He is the author of the USA Today bestselling book Chasing Failure, the Wall Street Journal bestselling book Leveling Up, and his latest work, How to Work with Complicated People. His work has been featured in numerous media outlets, including “Good Morning America” and “The Today Show.”

With an engaging personality and a deep understanding of human dynamics, Ryan continues to motivate and equip people to overcome challenges and succeed in their endeavors. He is also widely known for planning a viral proposal and wedding on the same day.

Most importantly, Ryan is married to his best friend Amanda and is the proud assistant coach for his son’s basketball team. Whether through his powerful keynote speeches, best-selling books, or social media presence, Ryan Leak inspires over 50,000 individuals every month to chase their dreams and achieve their 19 full potential.

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FEBRUARY 24 - 25, 2026

Fee: $950 per person

Today’s construction leaders need more than technical skills—they need strategic vision, communication mastery, and the ability to lead people. This two-day bootcamp helps project managers and superintendents connect preconstruction strategy to field execution while building teams that thrive under pressure.

Participants will leave with tools to run effective preconstruction meetings, manage risk early, communicate clearly, and lead with purpose. Expect actionable tools for communication, risk management, and team leadership that deliver stronger results and lasting relationships.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT BOOTCAMP

LEARNING OBJECTIVES 1. Utilize communication strategies to meet the needs of different audiences and ensure clarity across all stakeholders.

2. Define project success holistically—expanding beyond “on-time, on-budget, on-quality” to include communication, trust, and long-term client value.

3. Align scope, schedule, budget, and team expectations during preconstruction to create a unified project roadmap.

4. Identify and mitigate project risks early by distributing responsibilities to the parties best equipped to manage each specific risk.

5. Set expectations and communicate big-picture strategies to stakeholders and project teams with clarity by aligning actions with the Project Charter.

6. Establish open communication loops that capture Plus/Delta feedback at key project milestones—such as underground completion, topping out, dry-in, and inspections—to continuously improve project performance.

7. Facilitate and report with impact — run focused, outcome-driven meetings, communicate project status proactively, and manage contingency with an understanding of what adds real value to the Owner.

Master Builder Designation - 8.5 PROJECT MANAGEMENT CREDITS

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TWO DAY SCHEDULE

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 7:30 – 8:45 AM

The Build Iowa Breakfast

9:00 – 11:30 AM

Project Management Bootcamp Session

11:45 am – 1:45 PM

Industry Excellence Celebration Luncheon

2:00 – 4:00 PM

Project Management Bootcamp Session

4:00 – 6:30 PM

Construction Industry Reception

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 7:30 – 8:45 AM

The Built to Perform Breakfast

9:00 – 11:30 AM

Project Management Bootcamp Session

12:00 - 1:15 PM

The Power Up with Purpose Luncheon

1:30 – 3:30 PM

Project Management Bootcamp Session $950 / Person (includes 2 day course, 2 breakfast events, and 2 lunch events)

SPONSORED BY:

Dan Rondinelli

Construction Mastery Institute Centennial, CO Dan Rondinelli, a passionate construction leader and educator dedicated to sharing and serving others interested in advancing their construction careers. Dan holds a “Class A” General Contractors License, is a Certified Cost Professional (CCP), as well as a LEED Accredited Professional with over three decades of commercial construction experience. Half of his career has been dedicated to estimating, preconstruction, and business development.

Dan continues to teach Plan Reading/ Estimating and has been doing so since 2000 for Colorado State University’s Construction Management Certificate Program. “My goal is to connect next generation constructors with world class subject matter experts and industry best practices to move the needle towards safer and more productive jobsites.”

Co-Presenter

Scott Ready

GH Phipps Construction Companies Windsor, CO

Co-Presenter

Alicia Ready Elder Construction Fort Collins, CO

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FEBRUARY 24 - 25, 2026

Fee: $950 per person

The role of the construction safety professional is changing, fast. Today’s leaders are expected to do more than enforce compliance - they’re being called to influence culture, build trust, and secure support from both the front office and the frontline. The ability to lead with clarity, communicate with influence, and coach others through change is no longer optional - it’s essential.

This Masterclass is built for Safety Managers and Safety Directors who want to elevate their impact and become true catalysts for cultural transformation. Through real-world scenarios, peer conversations, and proven leadership frameworks, participants will sharpen the “soft skills” that drive hard results.

SAFETY PROFESSIONAL MASTERCLASS TWO DAY SCHEDULE

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 7:30 – 8:45 AM

The Build Iowa Breakfast

9:00 – 11:30 AM

From Compliance to Catalyst

11:45 am – 1:45 PM

The Industry Excellence Celebration Luncheon

2:00 – 4:00 PM

AI in Construction Safety

4:00 – 6:30 PM

Construction Industry Reception

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 7:30 – 8:45 AM

The Built to Perform Breakfast

9:00 – 11:30 AM

Building Tomorrow: The Future of Construction Safety

12:00 - 1:15 PM

The Power Up with Purpose Luncheon

Master Builder Designation - 4 SAFETY CREDITS | 2.5 LEADERSHIP CREDITS | 2 PROJECT MANAGEMENT CREDITS

Zach Giglio

Founder & CEO, GCM Charleston, SC

Zach Giglio is CEO of GCM, an award-winning agency that shows organizations how to leverage cutting-edge AI technology to become more efficient and profitable. He is certified by the Wharton School of Business in AI strategy for business, is a faculty member on AI at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Organization Management, an upcoming TEDx speaker and was recently honored as one of Charleston’s Forty under 40. A frequent speaker at conferences, he provides insights into the practical applications of AI in small- and medium-sized businesses and organizations and runs in-depth ‘AI in Business’ workshops. Beyond work, Zach is involved in his community and is a passionate traveler, wine enthusiast, and storyteller.

He lives in Charleston, S.C., balancing an active professional life with his love for family and culture.

1:30 – 3:30 PM

Talking the Talk: How to Navigate (and Champion) the Mental Wellness Conversation at Work

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$950 / Person (includes 2 day course, 2 breakfast events, and 2 lunch events)

SPONSORED BY:

Jason Kunz

Founder & CEO, The Kunz Company Minneapolis, MN With over a decade of experience with the 3M company in a variety of technical, sales, and leadership roles, and keynotes/workshops delivered for more than 20,000 people across 36 countries, Jason Kunz demonstrates his passion for the safety and health profession across multiple platforms.

A forward-thinker, with the objective to elevate the safety, health and wellbeing of all workers, Jason uses his voice to amplify the profession and the professional. His life journey, blessings, and struggles have inspired a commitment to building professional communities that ensure an empowerment of their people.

Jason is a husband, co-founder of Best Christmas Ever, speaker, coach, and community advocate. He’s a CIH and CSP, but mostly grateful to have a J-O-B and work with some of the most passionate people on the planet.

Married since 2019, Jason and his wife Malia recently welcomed their first child and call Minneapolis-Saint Paul home.

Johnny Crowder Founder & CEO, Cope Notes Tampa, FL

The founder and CEO of the globally-utilized, positive psychology startup Cope Notes, Johnny Crowder gives audiences practical self-care tools and mental health strategies that people can start using now to improve their emotional health and wellbeing. With infectious positivity, humor, and authenticity, this trauma survivor and Certified Recovery Peer Specialist shows audiences why talking about mental health topics is key to coping, and why the most resilient organizational cultures proudly prioritize and support mental health for all.

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INDUSTRY CONSTRUCTION

February 24, 2026 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM

RECEPTION

SPONSORED BY:

ADMITTANCE TO THE RECEPTION IS ABSOLUTELY FREE! The Construction Industry Reception is an excellent opportunity to catch up with old friends, talk shop with industry partners, and enjoy the camaraderie and networking that MBI events are known for – all while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Visit the many exhibits and displays, offering the ultimate in comparison shopping and face-to-face meetings with vendors. Experience the latest technologies and innovations in commercial construction equipment, products and services.

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Meet with industry colleagues and peers

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Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks

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Over 1,000 attendees in 2025

Register in advance to skip the lines and have a name badge waiting for you when you arrive!

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Fee: $45 per person

BREAKFAST February 25, 2026 7:30 – 8:45 AM

Fee: $45 per person

SPONSORED BY:

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KEYNOTE COMMUNITY QUOTIENT™

Liz will teach you how to harness the power of community to create a workplace culture (and life) marked by connection, collaboration, and growth. This isn’t just talk. It is a transformational experience that will help our community exercise the muscles they need to embrace the importance of social health and build a culture of connection, interdependence, and collaboration.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES • Understand the concept of The Community Quotient™ and why relational and social health are as essential to success as strategy or skill.

• Reframe community and social health as a leadership core competency rather than a soft skill - essential for building high-performing, purpose-driven organizations.

• Feel inspired and equipped to begin fostering a culture of connection, interdependence, and shared purpose within your teams.

CULTURE OF CONNECTION

The Built to Perform Wellness Breakfast is an excellent opportunity to join co-workers and industry colleagues for breakfast and networking ahead of a busy day of educational breakout sessions.

Highlighting this event are MBI’s 8 Dimensions of Wellness. We are pleased to bring to the stage Liz Forkin Bohannon, international keynote speaker, the founder of Sseko Designs, an award-winning social entrepreneur, and the author of Beginner’s Pluck.

Liz Forkin Bohannon is a serial social entrepreneur, founder of Sseko Designs, and Chief Growth Officer at Noonday Collection.

She’s the best-selling author of Beginner’s Pluck and host of the leadership podcast “Plucking Up.” A Forbes Top 20 Public Speaker, Liz has inspired more than one million leaders in over 110 countries and has been featured in outlets such as Vogue, Inc., O Magazine, Redbook, and Fortune.

A leading expert on workplace connection, Liz teaches that you don’t “find” your village—you build it. Drawing from her experience as a Top 1% VC-backed founder and leader of internationally recognized, community-driven companies, she equips teams to design cultures that prioritize human connection, collaboration, and impact.

Her signature framework, The Community Quotient™, offers practical strategies for building organizations where people feel seen, valued, and supported.

Through her Community Agreements and transformative approach to organizational design, Liz helps leaders cultivate workplaces rooted in authenticity, empathy, and strong relationships.

Her bestselling book Beginner’s Pluck: Build Your Life of Purpose & Impact Now has inspired a successful podcast called “Plucking Up,” where Liz delves deeper into authentic and vulnerable conversations that explore how the most successful people turn “Pluck Ups” into opportunities for growth and deeper connection with 27 themselves and others. 27

FEBRUARY PROGRAM: 9:00 - 11:30 AM

The Community Quotient™ Deep Dive

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Liz Forkin Bohannon | Founder/CEO of Sseko Designs. - Portland, OR In this session, Liz expands on the core principles of The Community Quotient™ and shares how leaders can intentionally strengthen relationships, foster trust, and cultivate a sense of belonging within their organizations. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how community and social health directly influence engagement, innovation, and long-term success.

Designed to bridge inspiration with practical insight, this workshop challenges attendees to see connection as a measurable and strategic advantage — leaving them equipped with a renewed vision for creating workplaces where people thrive together.

Master Builder Designation 2.5 LEADERSHIP CREDITS

LEARNING OBJECTIVES • Dive deeper into the foundational principles of The Community Quotient™ and how they apply to leadership and organizational culture.

• Learn the Foundations of Generative Conversation and how to implement in both personal and professional settings.

• Commit to fostering environments that prioritize empathy, inclusion, and shared purpose.

Fee: $250 per person

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Bridging the Generational Divide in Construction Andrew Brown | Podcast Host/Trades Advocate - New York, NY

The construction industry is facing one of the biggest transitions in its history. Nearly 40% of today’s workforce will retire in the next decade, while Gen Z is entering the trades with new values, tools, and expectations. That shift is creating friction on jobsites but also an opportunity. In this session, Andrew Brown — national trades advocate, speaker, and host of The Lost Art of the Skilled Trades podcast, explores how generational differences can become strengths instead of obstacles. Through stories and lessons gathered from hundreds of conversations with tradespeople, he shares how to connect veteran experience with next-gen energy to build stronger, more collaborative teams.

Master Builder Designation 2.5 LEADERSHIP CREDITS

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: • Identify generational values, motivators, and communication styles that influence today’s multigenerational construction workforce.

• Recognize common sources of tension between older and younger workers — and how they can be reframed as opportunities for growth.

• Understand the urgency of workforce transition as a large portion of skilled tradespeople near retirement.

• Gain strategies to transfer skills and knowledge from experienced tradespeople to the next generation through mentorship, collaboration, and shared purpose.

• Adopt an open-minded approach to teamwork that values both tradition and innovation, ensuring a strong future for the industry.

Fee: $250 per person

The Surprising Productivity of Self Care: Using Mindfulness to Combat Burnout and Fatigue Johnny Crowder | Founder & CEO Cope Notes - Tampa, FL

In the high-stakes, physically demanding world of construction, fatigue, stress, and burnout aren’t just buzzwords—they’re operational risks. The pressure of deadlines, long hours, safety demands, and often emotionally charged environments can weigh heavily on crews, supervisors, & leaders alike. When compassion for your crew, clients, or yourself becomes another source of stress, productivity and morale suffer.

Johnny will bring actionable mindfulness & self-care principles to the job site. He uses storytelling, science, humor, and real-world tactics that can be integrated into the rigid schedules & rough conditions of construction.

Master Builder Designation 2.5 LEADERSHIP CREDITS

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: • Recognize the warning signs of burnout, compassion fatigue, impaired mental wellbeing, and how they manifest uniquely in construction settings • Understand the cost of ignored fatigue — on safety, quality, efficiency, absenteeism, turnover, and crew morale.

• Reframe mental and emotional wellness as not “soft stuff” but central to sustaining performance, safety, and craftsmanship on site.

• Learn practical mindfulness and self-care habits that can be integrated into a construction workday • Develop strategies for leadership to support mental wellness, such as creating an open culture, reducing stigma, embedding recovery resources, and encouraging vulnerability without sacrificing toughness.

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AI ACCELERATOR FO February 25, 2026

SPONSORED BY:

9:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Fee: $500 per person Construction firms across the country are already using practical, off-the-shelf AI tools to save time, cut costs, and improve project outcomes. Drawing on GCM’s work with thousands of professionals, the session highlights where companies are seeing the biggest wins, how AI adoption is taking root, and which strategies actually deliver results. Participants will gain hands-on experience through live demos, prompt-writing practice, and real construction-focused workflows they can immediately apply in their own businesses.

The afternoon will dive deeper into high-impact applications, from preconstruction and project management to marketing and governance. Attendees learn actionable prompts and plug-andplay workflows for estimating, documentation, communication, and field coordination; they also explore how to use AI to create on-brand content and build a CustomGPT. Additional guidance on AI governance helps leaders develop responsible policies around data privacy, accuracy, and risk mitigation—ensuring their companies adopt AI safely and effectively.

AI ACCELERATOR FOR CONSTRUCTION COURSE 1 DAY COURSE SCHEDULE

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 7:30 – 8:45 AM

The Built to Perform Breakfast

9:00 – 11:30 AM

AI Accelerator for Construction

Co-Presenter

Emma Giglio Founder & COO, GCM Charleston, SC

12:00 – 1:15 PM

The Power Up with Purpose Luncheon

1:30 – 3:30 PM

AI Accelerator for Construction $500 / Person (includes 1 day course, The Built to Perform Breakfast and The Power Up with Purpose Luncheon)

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Master Builder Designation - 4.5 LEADERSHIP CREDITS

Co-Presenter

Kathy Serenko AI Efficiency Labs Pittsburgh, PA

OR CONSTRUCTION Zach Giglio

Founder & CEO, GCM Charleston, SC Zach Giglio is CEO of GCM, an awardwinning agency that shows organizations how to leverage cutting-edge AI technology to become more efficient and profitable. He is certified by the Wharton School of Business in AI strategy for business, is a faculty member on AI at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Organization Management, an upcoming TEDx speaker and was recently honored as one of Charleston’s Forty under 40.

A frequent speaker at conferences, he provides insights into the practical applications of AI in small- and mediumsized businesses and organizations and runs in-depth ‘AI in Business’ workshops.

Beyond work, Zach is involved in his community and is a passionate traveler, wine enthusiast, and storyteller. He lives in Charleston, S.C., balancing an active professional life with his love for family and culture.

Due to high interest and capacity, this session is anticipated to SELL OUT QUICKLY. We recommend registering early to secure your seat.

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THE

LUNCHEON February 25, 2026 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM

Fee: $55 per person

SPONSORED BY:

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KEYNOTE FEARFUL TO FEAR(LESS)

Imagine working in a place where change is constant, new technologies are always emerging, and the rules of the game are forever shifting. This is the reality for many professionals today. In this fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, anxious, and even afraid.

But what if there was a way to turn those fears into fuel for growth and innovation? This keynote helps organizations and leaders navigate change with courage and resilience, and how to use fear as a catalyst for success.

OBJECTIVES • Taming Fear with the UFC Framework: Discover how to turn fear from a roadblock into a stepping stone for personal and organizational growth.

• Building Stronger Connections: Learn how to forge meaningful bonds with colleagues, creating a sense of teamwork, shared goals, and mutual support.

• Taking Fearless Action: Get inspired and equipped with practical steps to confidently face change and embark on bold, transformative initiatives within your organization.

• Nurturing Self-Compassion and Empathy: Understand the importance of self-acceptance and empathy in navigating challenges, building resilience, and fostering a safe and supportive work environment.

ACTION THROUGH UNCERTAINTY

The Power Up with Purpose Luncheon is an excellent opportunity to join co-workers and industry colleagues for lunch and networking. Highlighting this event is the chance to turn Fearful into Fearless. We are pleased to bring to the stage Darryl Bellamy Jr., with a background in financial services and consulting, he understands how fear impacts individuals and organizations. For over a decade, he has studied fear and collected thousands of written fears from people across five generations, using these insights to teach practical strategies that help people build confidence and take action, even in uncertain and changing times.

Darryl Bellamy is a husband, father of three, and founder of FearLESS Inside, a movement helping leaders embrace fear and fear less. His journey began when he asked an audience to write down their fears—only to discover that many shared the same ones and that his own fears were reflected back at him.

That moment launched a mission that led him to collect thousands of written fears across five generations, revealing that while fear is universal, so is the ability to move forward.

Darryl has used these insights to teach practical strategies that help leaders build confidence and take action amid uncertainty and change. His FearLESS Framework offers a step-by-step approach to navigating fear, enabling teams to adapt, grow, and make bold decisions. As a keynote speaker, he’s known for his interactive style and for inspiring “FearLESS Moments,” empowering people to step out of their comfort zones and lead with confidence and resilience in a constantly evolving world.

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FEBRUARY PROGRAM: 1:30 - 3:30 PM

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Fear Intelligence IN ACTION

Darryl Bellamy Jr. | Founder, Speaker, Author of Fearless Inside - Charlotte, NC Building on the inspiration and insights from his keynote, this interactive workshop invites participants to go beyond simply understanding fear — and instead, actively transform it into a tool for growth, leadership, and impact.

In this real-time practice, Darryl Bellamy Jr. guides attendees through a handson exploration of the fears that hold them back in their professional and personal lives. Using his proven Fear Intelligence Framework, participants will identify their most common fear patterns and learn strategies to reframe them into opportunities for confidence and action.

Master Builder Designation 2 LEADERSHIP CREDITS

This workshop moves from theory to practice. Through guided exercises, group discussions, and real-world scenarios, attendees will: LEARNING OBJECTIVES • Apply the Fear Intelligence Framework in a more personal and practical way to overcome barriers and build resilience.

• Develop actionable plans to approach change and uncertainty with courage and clarity.

• Strengthen connection and collaboration by exploring how shared vulnerability and empathy create stronger teams.

• Leave with tools and techniques they can immediately use to lead fearlessly, embrace bold decisions, and drive meaningful results.

This session is ideal for anyone who wants to turn the inspiration of the keynote into tangible next steps — walking away fear-ing a little less.

Fee: $250 per person

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“To try is to risk failure.

But risk must be taken because the greatest hazard of life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing does nothing, has nothing, is nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn, feel, change, grow, live, and love.”

-Leo Buscaglia

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MASTER MBI Members ONLY

EARNING CREDITS AT THE WINTER CONFERENCE

MBI’s mission is to be the essential resource for improving member performance and promoting a business environment favorable to the construction industry. A key component of facilitating our mission is our education and training program. MBI has demonstrated a history of offering quality education and training programs for industry leaders, managers, supervisors, and craft workers. This history has been driven by our membership to aid in the continuing quality improvement of their human capital. The high performing members that are part of MBI have long understood the value of making sure that they and their employees are continually engaged in learning in order to remain high-performing organizations.

In an effort to recognize those individuals in the industry who believe in the importance of lifelong learning and have demonstrated their desire for personal growth through their participation in the wide array of education and training activities offered by Master Builders of Iowa, we have established the Master Builder Designation (MBD).

Master Builder Designation credits are awarded in the areas of Leadership, Project Management, Ecological, Ethics, and Safety with virtually every education program that MBI offers providing credits in one or more of these critical areas.

The MBD program is a great tool that will benefit employees and companies by developing a well-rounded, high-performing workforce.

LEADERSHIP

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PROJECT MANAGEMENT

ECOLOGICAL

SAFETY

ETHICS

Available credits are indicated next to each seminar description.

BUILDER

DESIGNATION PROGRAM

Individuals interested in being awarded the MBI Master Builder Achievement Award need to meet or exceed 150 education and training credits. Upon completion of the required 150 credits by December 31st, the individual will be recognized at the next MBI Winter Conference and will be presented with a remarkable award that was specifically designed for this program. MBI member firms are encouraged to showcase the accomplishments of employees who have captured the Master Builder Achievement Award to industry partners and owners, as well as on company websites and social media platforms.

HOW TO ENROLL To enroll in the Master Builder Designation program and start your journey toward earning the Master Builder Achievement Award, please complete an application and submit it to MBI. To download the fillable application, visit www.MBI.Build/mbd. There is no fee to enroll in the program.

For questions or assistance enrolling into the MBD Program, please contact Tara Rinehart at TRinehart@MBI.Build.

To view a complete list of MBI Members enrolled, visit www.MBI.Build/MBD.

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Andrew Brown CEO, Trades Media

Darryl Bellamy Jr.

Founder, Speaker, Author of Fearless Inside

New York, NY Andrew Brown is the CEO of Trades Media, a storytelling and advocacy platform committed to inspiring the next generation into the skilled trades. A former CEO of a national industrial distributor, he spent over two decades empowering tradespeople across America. He also co-founded STAC (Skilled Trades Advisory Council), a nonprofit tackling the trade workforce crisis through education and awareness. Through his podcast, The Lost Art of the Skilled Trades, and his keynote speaking, Andrew shares bold, real-world narratives and actionable strategies to reignite pride in craftsmanship, attract new talent, and transform the perception of hands-on careers.

Charlotte, NC Darryl Bellamy is the founder of FearLESS Inside™, a movement helping leaders embrace fear to fear LESS. With a background in financial services and consulting, he understands how fear impacts individuals and organizations. For over a decade, he has studied fear and collected thousands of written fears from people across five generations, using these insights to teach practical strategies that help people build confidence and take action, even in uncertain and changing times.

As a keynote speaker, Darryl is known for his engaging, interactive style, making fear easier to understand and work through. His talks inspire FearLESS Moments-times when people step outside their comfort zone and take bold action.

His work has helped thousands worldwide reframe fear as a tool for growth rather than a roadblock and develop the mindset needed to adapt and lead in an uncertain future.

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SIGNAGE SPONSOR

Anna Copeland Construction Safety Specialists, Inc (CSSI)

Moline, IL Anna started her career in safety over a decade ago in the heavy and civil construction environment. After graduating from Black Hawk College and Western Illinois University with degrees in Business, Anna has found a passion for safety and the core belief that safety is fundamental to all aspects of business operations. Having experience in multiple facets of the heavy and civil construction industry such as facility management, program development and implementation, quality control, project management, construction materials production, insurance, and risk management positions has helped Anna to be able to connect the ‘why’ and the ‘how’. Anna is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and Associate Safety Professional (ASP) through the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) and has earned several technical certifications related to the construction industry. Through working with organizations like the National Safety Council, she has earned the Advanced Safety Certificate and was named to their class of 2021 Rising Stars of Safety. Anna believes in servant leadership and demonstrates this through her work with the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP). With a dedication for continuous improvement, she hopes to inspire others to bridge the gap between safety and operations. As stated on the ASSP challenge coin, Anna truly believes that safety, health, and well-being are the inherent rights of all.

Johnny Crowder

Founder & CEO Cope Notes Tampa, FL The founder and CEO of the globally-utilized, positive psychology startup Cope Notes, Johnny Crowder gives audiences practical selfcare tools and mental health strategies that people can start using now to improve their emotional health and well-being. With infectious positivity, humor, and authenticity, this trauma survivor and Certified Recovery Peer Specialist shows audiences why talking about mental health topics is key to coping, and why the most resilient organizational cultures proudly prioritize and support mental health for all.

But in the years leading up to these incredible leaps in advocacy, every day was a battle against schizophrenic hallucinations and suicidal ideation.

After a lifetime of resisting professional care and shying away from sharing his story, Johnny’s curiosity flowered, and the healing slowly began.

Armed with 10 years of clinical treatment, a psychology degree from the University of Central Florida, and a decade of peer support and public advocacy through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Johnny’s youthful vigor for mental health has impacted millions of lives across the globe.

Since his first keynote in 2011, Johnny’s refreshingly vulnerable and candid perspective has attracted praise from hundreds of outlets, including Upworthy, CNN, and Forbes. Even when commanding a virtual stage or touring with his metal band, Prison, his infectious positivity and firsthand experience with multiple mental illnesses (ranging from bipolar disorder and PTSD to OCD and beyond) uniquely equip him to provide realistic, yet hopeful insight into the pains of hardship with authenticity, levity, and unconventional wit.

Refreshments Throughout Each Day Are Compliments of

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Liz Forkin Bohannon Founder/CEO of Sseko Designs Portland, OR Liz Forkin Bohannon is a serial social entrepreneur, founder of Sseko Designs, and Chief Growth Officer at Noonday Collection.

She’s the best-selling author of Beginner’s Pluck and host of the leadership podcast “Plucking Up.” A Forbes Top 20 Public Speaker, Liz has inspired more than one million leaders in over 110 countries and has been featured in outlets such as Vogue, Inc., O Magazine, Redbook, and Fortune.

Emma Giglio

Founder & COO, GCM Charleston, SC Originally from South Africa, Emma Giglio is a globalminded AI strategist whose leadership has positioned GCM as a national leader in practical AI training for construction companies, associations, and chambers of commerce.

A leading expert on workplace connection, Liz teaches that you don’t “find” your village—you build it. Drawing from her experience as a Top 1% VC-backed founder & leader of internationally recognized, community-driven companies, she equips teams to design cultures that prioritize human connection, collaboration, & impact.

Under Emma’s direction, GCM has trained and presented to thousands of professionals nationwide and developed a suite of nationallyaccredited AI training programs delivered in both live and self-paced formats. She regularly delivers keynotes, workshops, and panels focused on demystifying AI and showing realworld strategies for adoption, implementation, and impact.

Her signature framework, The Community Quotient™, offers practical strategies for building organizations where people feel seen, valued, & supported. Through her Community Agreements & transformative approach to organizational design, Liz helps leaders cultivate workplaces rooted in authenticity, empathy, and strong relationships.

Beyond her professional work, Emma is a devoted mom to three children and an active member of the Charleston community. In her free time, she teaches spin classes and volunteers with organizations like Postpartum Support Charleston, helping mothers navigate the challenges of postpartum recovery.

Her bestselling book Beginner’s Pluck: Build Your Life of Purpose & Impact Now has inspired a successful podcast called “Plucking Up,” where Liz delves deeper into authentic and vulnerable conversations that explore how the most successful people turn “Pluck Ups” into opportunities for growth and deeper connection with themselves and others.

SIGNAGE SPONSOR

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Zach Giglio

Founder & CEO, GCM

Charleston, SC Zach Giglio is CEO of GCM, an award-winning agency that shows organizations how to leverage cuttingedge AI technology to become more efficient and profitable. He is certified by the Wharton School of Business in AI strategy for business, is a faculty member on AI at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Organization Management, an upcoming TEDx speaker and was recently honored as one of Charleston’s Forty under 40. A frequent speaker at conferences, he provides insights into the practical applications of AI in small- and medium-sized businesses and organizations and runs in-depth ‘AI in Business’ workshops.

Beyond work, Zach is involved in his community and is a passionate traveler, wine enthusiast, and storyteller. He lives in Charleston, S.C., balancing an active professional life with his love for family and culture.

Dr. Sharon Grossman

Turnkey Retention Solutions

Ryan Leak

CEO, The Ryan Leak Group, LLC. Dallas, TX Ryan Leak is a dynamic speaker, best-selling author, and strategic advisor renowned for his ability to inspire and transform individuals and organizations.

Surfside, FL Dr. Sharon Grossman is an executive coach, international keynote speaker, and author of seven books, including Motivated to Stay and The Burnout Solution. A former psychologist, she brings decades of experience helping leaders and organizations boost performance without burning out their people. Her upcoming TEDx talk explores the human advantage in the age of AI, highlighting how leaders can harness uniquely human strengths to thrive at work.

As the CEO of a leadership development firm based in Dallas, Ryan and his team train over 30,000 leaders annually — from Fortune 500 companies to professional sports teams. His unique talent for turning setbacks into opportunities, emphasizing the importance of resilience and the value of learning from failure, makes his teachings impactful and actionable with a splash of humor.

Sharon is a trusted expert on employee retention, leadership, workplace wellbeing, and sustainable performance. She is known for transforming cultures plagued by turnover, low engagement, and burnout into environments where people feel motivated, valued, and ready to contribute at their best. With her blend of research-based insights and practical strategies, Sharon equips leaders with tools they can use right away to strengthen teams and build lasting success.

Ryan’s passion is helping leaders push past autopilot and level up in their lives and careers. He spreads this empowering message through coaching, speaking, and leveraging the power of video to reach thousands through his online platforms. He is the author of the USA Today bestselling book Chasing Failure, the Wall Street Journal bestselling book Leveling Up, and his latest work, How to Work with Complicated People. His work has been featured in numerous media outlets, including “Good Morning America” and “The Today Show.“

Jason Kunz

Founder, CEO The Kunz Company Minneapolis, MN With over a decade of experience with the 3M company in a variety of technical, sales, and leadership roles, and keynotes/workshops delivered for more than 20,000 people across 36 countries, Jason Kunz demonstrates his passion for the safety and health profession across multiple platforms. A forwardthinker, with the objective to elevate the safety, health and well being of all workers, Jason uses his voice to amplify the profession and the professional.

His life journey, blessings, and struggles have inspired a commitment to building professional communities that ensure an empowerment of their people. Jason is a husband, co-founder of Best Christmas Ever, speaker, coach, and community advocate. He’s a CIH and CSP, but mostly grateful to have a J-O-B and work with some of the most passionate people on the planet. Married since 2019, Jason and his wife Malia recently welcomed their first child and call Minneapolis-Saint Paul home.

With an engaging personality and a deep understanding of human dynamics, Ryan continues to motivate and equip people to overcome challenges and succeed in their endeavors. He is also widely known for planning a viral proposal and wedding on the same day.

Most importantly, Ryan is married to his best friend Amanda and is the proud assistant coach for his son’s basketball team. Whether through his powerful keynote speeches, best-selling books, or social media presence, Ryan Leak inspires over 50,000 individuals every month to chase their dreams and achieve their full potential.

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Alicia Ready

Ben Nemtin

Elder Construction

Nemtin International, Inc. Venice, CA Ben Nemtin is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of What Do You Want to Do Before You Die? and The Bucket List Journal. Ben is ranked the #2 Motivational Speaker in the World by Global Gurus and starred in “The Buried Life,” MTV’s highest rated show on iTunes and Amazon. As the co-founder of The Buried Life movement, Ben’s message of radical possibility has been featured on “The Today Show,” “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “CNN,” “FOX,” and “NBC News.” President Obama called Ben and The Buried Life “inspiration for a new generation” and Oprah declared their mission “truly inspiring.”

In university, Ben was unexpectedly hit with a depression that forced him to drop out of school. In an attempt to feel alive again, he created the world’s greatest bucket list with his three best friends. They borrowed a rickety old RV and crisscrossed North America, achieving the unthinkable. And most importantly, every time they accomplished a dream of their own, they helped a stranger accomplish their dream. From playing basketball with President Obama and having a beer with Prince Harry to reuniting a father and son after 17 years and surprising a young girl with a much needed bionic arm, Ben’s message of radical possibility has inspired millions to unlock their true potential. Ben has achieved 96 of 100 dreams and he’s set to cross off “#100: Go to Space” next year.

general contractor.

Fort Collins, CO An interior design dropout turned construction management major (CSU 2008), Alicia spent 14 years in operations as a project engineer and project manager for a commercial construction

As the Director of Training and Development with Elder Construction, Alicia works with project teams to help foster better teamwork through creating a common language and exploring different skills together. In addition, she is the “people person” in the organization and is charged with finding, keeping and growing strong team members.

Empowering others with the tools to be confident and succeed is what drives her.

Alicia is passionate about advancing the industry through workforce development and championing women in construction. She leads the group BuildHER Collaborative in Northern Colorado, which hosts events to foster the growth of industry professionals while also uplifting the entire construction community.

When she’s not wearing a hardhat, she loves spending time with her family, running, reading, and spending time in the sunshine.

Scott Ready

GH Phipps Construction Companies

SIGNAGE SPONSOR

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Windsor, CO Scott Ready has over 20 years of hands-on construction experience. Scott has worked every phase of a project- from framing homes to leading teams as a Superintendent, Project Manager, and VP of Operations. Now a Preconstruction Project Manager with GH Phipps, Scott brings a 360-degree view of how great projects and great teams are built. He’s passionate about sharing his field-based knowledge and helping grow tomorrow’s construction leaders.

Dan Rondinelli Construction Mastery Institute

Centennial, CO Meet Dan Rondinelli, a passionate construction leader and educator dedicated to sharing and serving others interested in advancing their construction careers. Dan holds a “Class A” General Contractors License, is a Certified Cost Professional (CCP), as well as a LEED Accredited Professional with over three decades of commercial construction experience. Half of his career has been dedicated to estimating, preconstruction, and business development. Dan continues to teach Plan Reading/Estimating and has been doing so since 2000 for Colorado State University’s Construction Management Certificate Program. “My goal is to connect next generation constructors with world class subject matter experts and industry best practices to move the needle towards safer and more productive jobsites.”

Kathy Serenko AI Efficiency Labs

Pittsburgh, PA Kathy Serenko is an AI governance strategist who translates technical complexity into actionable frameworks for business leaders and professional service organizations. In fall 2022, before ChatGPT’s public release, she published an article in Forbes examining AI’s transformative impact across industries.

Greg “BOSS” Wooldridge John Foley, Inc.

Vancouver, WA The only three-time Commanding Officer of The Blue Angels, Greg Wooldridge, also known as “Boss”, is a highly respected leader known for his ability to build high-performing teams based on communication, trust, and teamwork. His heartdriven approach proved to be a perfect match for the Blue Angel’s culture of excellence, where he successfully led three teams through times of difficult transition. Inspired by his success, Greg now shares his methods to empower individuals and teams on their journey towards high performance.

In flight candidate school, he learned camaraderie from his classmates, an emotion that helped elevate individual performance through team effort.

Later, as commander of a carrier squadron, Greg recognized the potential of a motivated team and its ability to perform at maximum efficiency. After being selected as Blue Angel’s CO, Greg experienced taking his dreams and beliefs to new heights.

His success illustrates how any organization can redefine high performance.

She has written technical articles for The Manufacturer, Stainless Steel Americas, and other national and industry publications, with a focus on robotics, IT infrastructure, additive manufacturing, and emerging technologies. With experience in corporate communications and enterprise training at a Fortune 500 financial institution, she specializes in distilling technical concepts into practical guidance for nontechnical business leaders.

As AI-generated errors, malpractice claims, & financial losses accelerated, Kathy expanded beyond AI efficiency training to governance frameworks. She now helps organizations identify AI-related risks, establish accountability structures, adjust workflows, & develop

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PRICING

The more employees you send from your company, the more money you save! All you have to do is pay a flat fee and gain admittance to the seminar selections that best fit your needs.

PERFORMANCE TUESDAY TRACK

SPECIAL TUESDAY PRICING AVAILABLE TO MBI MEMBERS ONLY

The Performance Track Package fee entitles participants to choose the seminar combination that provides the best value. Pay only $2,700 and have as many employees attend the performance track seminars held on Tuesday that you want!

The Performance Track seminars are denoted with an asterisk on the registration form. You must register separately for the breakfast and lunch events, which are not included in this package additional fees apply.

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• 1st Person

$825

• 2nd Person

$725

• 3rd Person

$625

• 4th Person

$525

• 5th Person

NO CHARGE for each additional person from the same company

LANYARD SPONSOR

HOTEL INFORMATION

HILTON DES MOINES DOWNTOWN 435 Park Street Des Moines, IA 50309 Phone Number: 1-800-HILTONS

Master Builders of Iowa has reserved a block of rooms for your convenience. Please note the cutoff date of February 2, 2026. Also, remember to provide the Group Code to receive the group pricing rate. After the date noted, all blocked rooms will be released and sold at the regular room rate.

For questions or assistance with registration, contact Nichole Fry at NFry@MBI.Build.

ROOM RATE: CUTOFF DATE: GROUP CODE:

$145 FEBRUARY 2, 2026 9AM or mention “Master Builders of Iowa room block”

Booking Link: www.MBI.Build/WCHotelBooking2026 *This link is case sensitive

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Master Builders of Iowa 4100 Westown Pkwy | West Des Moines, IA www.MBI.Build

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