Tall Pines & Artisan Builder Collective

At the end of September, I joined my fellow members of the Artisans Builder Collective for our 2025 Fall Meeting in Park City, Utah. It was another inspiring week filled with collaboration, fresh industry insight, and an up-close look at some truly exceptional craftsmanship. The trip, hosted at the St. Regis Deer Valley, brought together some of the top custom home builders from across the country for tours, discussions, and workshops centered around growth, leadership, and innovation in residential construction.

One of the highlights for me was visiting Tall Pines Construction, led by Garrett Strong. Garrett welcomed our group with such openness and passion, taking us through two completed custom homes and two active job sites. Each stop gave us a different perspective on process, precision, and the leadership principles that clearly drive his team’s success.

For me, the experience went far beyond seeing beautiful homes—it was a chance to reflect on my own leadership at Meg & Co. here in Twin Falls. In this blog, I’m sharing what I learned from Garrett’s approach, how the visit reshaped my thinking about culture and systems, and what ideas I’m bringing home to continue strengthening my team and our projects.

What I Learned at Tall Pines:

After we spent the day touring two of Tall Pines Construction’s finished homes and two more still in progress with the Artisan Builder Collective, I left feeling completely reenergized, inspired, and (if I’m being honest) a little convicted, in the best possible way.

There’s just something about walking through another builder’s job site that hits differently. You start noticing the details, the systems, and the culture that make everything click. Garrett runs a tight, intentional operation, and you can feel it in every step of the build.

What We Toured in Utah

We visited two completed homes, both high-end custom builds with incredible architectural details and spot-on execution. Garrett builds for architects and clients who care about intentional design and functional integrity, and that balance was obvious from the moment we walked in.

We also toured two projects still in progress, which honestly might have been my favorite part. Seeing how his team truly operates through every phase of construction, not just when it’s time to hand over the keys.

Garrett’s Sites Were Dialed

Let’s just start here: the job sites were clean. But more than that—they were protected. Floors were carefully covered, doors were removed, boxed, and labeled, and every cabinet was wrapped with care. Materials weren’t just dropped off and left where they landed; they were neatly stacked and intentionally placed. There wasn’t a single trash pile in sight or a hint of a “we’ll get to it later” attitude. Every inch of the site reflected order, pride, and respect for the work being done. You could tell this was a team that valued craftsmanship at every stage — not just the final reveal.

One thing that stood out to me was how incredibly well Garrett collaborates with architects. If I were an architect, I’d want a builder like him every single time. He’s not just following plans—he’s thinking through them. These projects weren’t straightforward; they came with complex elevations, intricate materials, and design challenges that require real skill to execute. Garrett approaches those moments with curiosity and problem-solving, not shortcuts.

He doesn’t just build what’s on paper—he builds what the architect envisioned. And that difference shows in every square foot.

Garrett’s Leadership Style

Garrett leads in a calm, steady way. He’s clear about expectations, and the people around him trust him because he follows through. There’s no chaos, no micromanaging—just a strong sense that everyone knows what they’re responsible for and takes pride in doing it right.

That kind of leadership doesn’t just create strong projects—it builds loyalty. His team genuinely cares. You could see it in the way they talked about their work, how they walked the homes, and how they took initiative without being asked.

The homes themselves were thoughtfully designed—layered levels, intentional use of space, excellent lighting integration, and the kind of detailing that only happens when a builder, architect, and designer are fully aligned.

One of the homes even featured an oxygen-controlled primary suite—a system that allows you to adjust oxygen levels to simulate different elevations for recovery or better sleep. I’ve never seen that in a private home before. It was sleek, smart, and seamlessly integrated into the rest of the home’s systems.

What I’m Bringing Back to Meg & Co

Builder 20 trips always leave me inspired—but this one sparked real, immediate change. After seeing how Garrett runs his operation, I came home with a list of things I want to implement right away.

1. Better Surface Protection

We already take pride in keeping our sites clean and protected, but this trip showed me how much more we can do—especially early in the build. I’m having our Project Managers tighten up protection systems starting at rough-ins, not just during trim and finishes.

Every interior door I saw at Tall Pines’ builds was boxed and stored with care. It’s such a small thing, but it sends a big message to both trades and clients: we’re not winging it.

We’re putting a new system in place across every job—one that clearly labels each item, phase, and room. It’ll help our teams stay organized, save time, and protect our materials (and budgets) in the long run.

2. The Job Site as a Brand Statement

This trip reminded me that every job site is our brand. When a client stops by or a partner drives past—what do they see? Is it organized? Protected? Does it reflect the level of care we promise?

We’re now adding weekly job site audits—not just to check progress, but presentation. I want anyone who steps onto a Meg & Co site to immediately see the quality and care we’re known for, even before the home is finished.

3. Rethinking My Role

Watching Garrett lead was eye-opening. He leads with clarity and trust—no micromanaging, just alignment. It made me pause and ask myself: am I giving my team the space and tools to take full ownership, or am I unintentionally getting in the way?

That question has stuck with me, and it’s shaping how I want to lead back home. My goal isn’t to do everything—it’s to empower the right people to do what they do best, and to keep building a culture where everyone takes pride in the details.

Why This Artisan Builder Group Matters

Builder 20 isn’t just another networking group—it’s a vetted circle of builders who share the good, the bad, and the “here’s where we messed that up so you don’t have to.”

We all run similar companies, but in different markets. There’s no competition—just collaboration. Every person in this group shows up to learn, improve, and support. No egos. No fluff. Just accountability and honest conversations.

We talk about things most business owners would never say out loud—missed margins, bad hires, client challenges, burnout. And we also share what is working—like Garrett’s surface protection system that saves thousands, or another member’s lean precon process that still delivers exceptional quality.

The real value isn’t just in the strategies—it’s in the honesty. It’s in knowing you’re not the only one who is striving to lead well, run a strong company, and build something that truly lasts.

What This Group Has Done for Me Personally

Professionally, Builder 20 group helps me lead Meg & Co better. I’ve implemented countless ideas and systems from our conversations. But the personal impact might be even greater.

• I’ve built a company that doesn’t rely on me for every decision.
• I’ve reclaimed more time with my family.
• And I’ve rediscovered joy in my work.

I’ve learned that delegation isn’t weakness—it’s leadership. You don’t have to burn out to build something meaningful. You just need the right people in the right seats, and systems that support them.

And when you hit a wall? It changes everything to know you’ve got a circle who’s been there—and is willing to share the playbook.

Building Something That Lasts

There’s no perfect builder. Every company faces challenges, pressures, and growing pains. But seeing Garrett’s work reminded me that the best builders are the ones who:

• Stick to their standards
• Lead without chaos
• Protect what they’re building
• Build trust with their team and clients

That’s the kind of business I want to run. Not for recognition or awards—but because it’s the right way to build.

Garrett, thank you for letting us step into your world. Your work speaks for itself, and your leadership leaves a mark.

And to the Artisan Group—thank you for being the kind of circle that sharpens me, challenges me, and reminds me that we don’t just build homes, but businesses and lives we are proud of.