Homebuilding Leaders Embrace Focus On Excellence Lifelong Learning: A Reflection

John McManus -

[Left to right: Higher Echelon's Dr. Donnie Horner, VP Human Capital Solutions, Dr. Angie Winter, Director of Leadership Development, Dr. Eric Bean, Director of High Performance]

Sixty-six strategic leaders – CEOs, presidents, principal owners, and key operational chiefs – from 45 U.S. public and private homebuilding firms, a dozen leaders from six sponsor-partner solutions providers, and 21 intrepid thought leader speakers took a leap this week.

They invested money, time, and themselves in something they may know they need, but — on a knife's edge of uncertainty over whether the new-home market begs for an unbridled growth push or a hyper-cautious risk mitigation mindset —they scarcely have time to think about replicating their leadership skills for the near-, mid-, and long-term future.

Still, they did so this week in Austin, at the inaugural Focus On Excellence leadership summit and workshop. In so doing, they breathed first life into a lifelong leadership learning and discovery lab designed as a high-performance team leadership incubator.

Homebuilding's leaders – and there are many – share three distinct characteristics, evident in word and action: Bravery, humility, and an uncanny way to translate complexity into simplicity. And yet, they and their rising-star leaders-in-the-making – gifted with energy, digital native instincts about applied data, tech, and AI – need one another now as never before.

In an industry where unpredictability is a constant companion, taking time to focus on building high-performing teams and resilient leaders requires not only commitment but also a sense of vision. This week, the participants in Austin brought just that. Together, they launched what we hope will be a long-standing tradition — a high-performance team leadership platform owned and driven by homebuilding leaders.

Embracing Resilience and Adaptability

As the challenges in today’s homebuilding market prove unrelenting, leaders are recognizing that resilience isn’t just about withstanding change — it’s about thriving within it. Angie Winter, a speaker from Higher Echelon, offered practical advice on maintaining composure in fast-paced environments:

There are things you can do in the moment throughout the day… so that you are in a very calm, centered, and ready-to-deal-with-whatever-is-thrown-at-you place.” Dr. Donnie Horner underscored the importance of instilling adaptability, saying, “This isn't just about surviving change; it’s about staying adaptable, thriving in it, and helping your people do the same.”

Attendees left with the message that resilience is a muscle that leaders and their teams can build and strengthen daily. Applying these insights means prioritizing adaptability in company cultures—something participants discussed in workshops and strategy sessions throughout the event.

Developing a High-Performance Mindset

A recurring theme in the summit was the need to cultivate a high-performance mindset across all levels of an organization. As Dr. Horner noted,

We’re not just talking about goals. This is about building energy and excitement—setting a table for people to engage at the highest level they can.”

Angie Winter reinforced this idea, pointing out that a high-performance culture isn’t just about setting high expectations but about teaching teams to achieve them sustainably.

This mindset fosters an environment where teams can strive for excellence while maintaining resilience. Building energy and a collective focus isn’t just a motivational idea; it’s essential to navigating the uncertainty that looms over the homebuilding sector.

Building and Sustaining High-Performing Teams

At the heart of any successful organization are teams that function cohesively and trust one another. Participants engaged in sessions on strengthening team dynamics and establishing mutual trust. Winter emphasized that building high-performing teams requires clarity from leaders, stating,

The difference in our approach is creating that sense of team and trust early on.” Dr. Horner added, “From day one, it’s about putting those connective pieces in place to keep the team moving forward.”

This message resonated with leaders who understand the challenges of managing geographically dispersed teams and coordinating across silos. The workshops provided a hands-on approach for leaders to evaluate their current team structures and implement the trust-based communication practices necessary for building cohesion.

Practical Strategies for Stress Management

The pressure on homebuilding leaders is immense, with stakes that affect both business outcomes and individual well-being. A key takeaway was the necessity of equipping leaders and their teams with practical strategies to manage stress. As Winter pointed out,

You don’t have to become a meditation guru… there are techniques for calm that leaders can integrate right before their next big presentation or meeting.”

Horner highlighted that these techniques serve as tools to help leaders remain focused under pressure, enabling their teams to function at a high level even in challenging circumstances.

The session underscored that simple but effective techniques can help leaders create a culture where stress doesn’t dictate performance. Attendees left with tangible strategies to bring back to their teams, reinforcing the idea that maintaining calm is a critical factor for any high-performing organization.

Addressing Unconscious Bias

Creating an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives is more than an HR initiative; it’s a strategic necessity. Winter addressed this, stating,

Unconscious biases are real, and the impact on team performance is significant.”

She and Horner both emphasized the importance of recognizing and mitigating these biases to create a cohesive team environment.

Horner observed,

Part of building a resilient team is ensuring that biases don’t stand in the way of trust and collaboration.”

This session struck a chord with many attendees, as inclusivity in leadership remains an area with room for growth. Leaders discussed actionable steps to identify and address biases in their organizations, recognizing that doing so leads to more effective decision-making and more robust team cohesion.

Here's how that looks.

A Collective Thank You

Our gratitude goes out to the remarkable homebuilding leaders who made this inaugural event a success through their openness, commitment, and collaborative spirit. Every attendee's thoughtful participation made the transformative sessions, challenging conversations, and shared visions possible.

A special thank you goes to our six sponsor partners: audience town, Builder Advisor Group, Boise Cascade, Constellation HomeBuilder Systems, New Home Star, and Westwood Insurance Agency. Their support was instrumental in bringing this event to life and ensuring that our attendees had the resources and insights they needed to maximize the experience.

Lastly – but not least – we thank the 21 industry thought leaders and experts who served as speakers, facilitators, and mentors throughout the summit. Their dedication to the future of high-performance leadership in homebuilding provided the inspiration and insights that will carry our community forward.

Testimonials and Reflections

Participants shared their reflections and key takeaways, adding personal insights that enriched the discussions. Gregory Monette Jr., co-founder and VP of Land at Houston-based Hart Homes, captured the essence of the event, posting:

Here are a few key takeaways:"

Building a High-Performance Culture & Teams

🌟 Your company is defined by what you tolerate. Ready to elevate your culture?

🕺🏽Why Culture Matters
Culture isn’t something to delegate; it’s the responsibility of every chief executive. The first step? Define your culture—it’s how we do things around here.

👏🏽Characteristics of High-Performance Teams:

  • An ambitious and compelling focus on purpose
  • A vision that drives action, not an obsession fueled by ego

👨‍💼The Leader’s Role in Shaping Culture:

  • Identify disconnects and communicate with your team
  • Lead by example
  • Clearly communicate the vision

👷🏽‍♂️ Key Insights from Builders:

  • Don’t automate broken processes.
  • Actively seek referrals and reviews.
  • Remember: we are what we tolerate.
  • Understand what’s important to your community; share the vision.
  • Hire top talent and pay them well.
  • Reputation matters—especially for new builders.
  • Treat others the way you want to be treated.
  • Apply sound systems to minimize mistakes.
  • Share knowledge—mentor and guide your colleagues.
  • Recognize contributions with shared awards.
  • Guard your reputation; it can be lost quickly.
  • Collaborate with each other, not just work for each other.

🤔 5 Thoughts to Tell Your 35-Year-Old Self (from [Adrian Foley, CEO of Brookfield Property Development Group] a Multi-Billion Dollar Real Estate Development Company):

  • It’s all about people. Build an authentic, approachable style; show your team you care. Celebrate their efforts.
  • Be prepared for constant change and stay curious. Keep an open mind for what lies ahead.
  • Grow one step at a time—invest in systems and processes.
  • Embrace positivity. Stay humble and focused.
  • Prioritize your reputation over mere success.htag#CompanyCulture

Monette’s insights echo many themes explored in the workshops, from defining culture to cultivating trust and team cohesion.

Similarly, Rachel Eaton, Chief Marketing Officer at LGI Homes, highlighted the summit’s impact on her own leadership journey:

The discussions were both insightful and inspiring, highlighting the importance of cultivating leadership in homebuilding. The connections made and lessons learned will undoubtedly shape our approach as we strive for excellence in our industry.”

These testimonials, along with feedback from other attendees, reflect the transformative experience the Focus On Excellence summit aimed to provide. Each participant walked away with a renewed sense of purpose, armed with the tools and insights needed to guide their teams through both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Moving Forward

The inaugural Focus On Excellence event proved to be more than a workshop—it became a catalyst for change within the homebuilding industry. Through immersive discussions, practical strategies, and personal connections, we began to cultivate a new standard of leadership in homebuilding. As we look ahead, we’re excited to continue the conversation and build on the foundation laid here in Austin.

Get details on our 2025 Focus On Excellence event, and join the interest list by clicking here: Focus On Excellence 2025

The Focus On Excellence summit will return, armed with new insights, deeper industry connections, and a strengthened resolve to empower leaders across the U.S. homebuilding community to face challenges with resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to high performance.

Together, we'll set the stage for a future where our industry thrives through leadership that’s as dynamic, resilient, and purpose-driven as the homes and communities we build.