The Power of Builder 20 Club

Being part of the Builder 20 Club has truly been a transformative experience for the owner of Meg & Co, Meghan Billings. It has helped shape her professional journey and connected her with a network of talented builders from across the country. Recently, Meghan had the opportunity to travel to Texas for the latest Builder 20 meeting, hosted by Rob Sell of V Fine Homes. This gathering has provided a great platform for collaboration and idea-sharing. Moreover, Meghan gained some great insights and inspiration to bring back to her team in Twin Falls, Idaho. In this blog, we’ll chat about Meghan’s experience as a current member of Builder 20, the highlights of the Texas meeting, and the lessons she’s learned from fellow colleagues.

What Is Builder 20 About?

A Builder 20 group is a network of builders from across the country who come together to focus on improving their businesses. The name originates from the idea of having 20 builders in a group, though the number isn’t always exact. These groups, organized by chapters nationwide, meet twice a year to share knowledge and expertise, rotating the location of the meetings between the members of the group. 

This particular group that Meghan belongs to is called Artisan Builder Collective. It is made up of passionate custom home builders who are committed to great design and continuous growth.

At each meeting, the host builder gives a tour of their projects, providing valuable insights into their work. For example, the most recent meeting Meghan attended was hosted by V Fine Homes. Builder 20 groups consist of like-minded professionals who specialize in remodels, custom homes, or production homes. Meghan is a part of custom home builder group.

Builder 20: Learn and Grow Together

One key aspect of these groups is that all members operate in separate markets, ensuring open and transparent discussions without fear of competition. This setup encourages full sharing of ideas, challenges, and solutions. Every spring, they meet to review the previous year’s financials. These meetings help everyone learn and grow. The shared experiences improve both personal and professional outcomes.

The best part? They all use the same format, so it’s an apples-to-apples comparison—it’s not about competing to be “better” than anyone else (though a little friendly competition never hurts to push us all forward!).

This process really fine-tunes the businesses of all members. It helps everyone find gaps, streamline operations, and uncover areas for growth. Plus, it’s a great way to learn from each other and make sure everyone is always improving. It’s not just about crunching numbers—it’s about leveling up together!

Builder 20: Spring Meeting in Texas

The most recent meeting was held in Dallas, Texas, hosted by Rob Sell, the president of V Fine Homes. Rob’s company specializes in high-end custom homes, and he also runs a more accessible line called Blue Quail Craft Builders, which also produces stunning and well-crafted homes. During the event, the attendees were able to tour Rob’s projects, including completed homes and job sites, to get a closer look at the quality of his work.

These meetings are incredibly valuable yet daunting for the host. To begin with, they require extensive preparation, ensuring job sites are clean, homes are ready for viewing, and the business is prepared to be examined in detail. As part of the process, attendees dive into every aspect of the host’s business, from the craftsmanship of the homes to how the team operates and what could be improved.

This collaborative environment fosters learning for everyone involved. The host receives constructive feedback on areas for improvement, while attendees gain insights into different approaches, techniques, and ideas from the host’s business practices. It’s not just about the homes themselves but about understanding and improving the entire business model.

The Dallas meeting was packed with valuable insights for everyone in the Builder 20 group and marked another successful milestone for Meghan. She’s already looking forward to the next big event—the fall meeting in Park City hosted by Tall Pines Construction.

Sharing Knowledge and Expertise Within The Group

The members in the Builder 20 group are incredibly responsive and resourceful. Meg loves that if she were to reach out to the group right this moment for something like a custom home cost-plus contract, she would receive examples within minutes. Their unmatched willingness to share knowledge and expertise fosters quick learning, growth, and the implementation of best practices. These builders are committed to excellence, constantly exchanging ideas, tools, and strategies to elevate client experiences and businesses alike. They even organize SWOT (Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) meetings, where members dedicate time to dive deep into each other’s operations, offering invaluable insights. This level of collaboration and support truly sets the members of the Builder 20 group apart.

These meetings are truly inspiring—when you’re surrounded by people who share the vision and drive, it’s impossible not to feel motivated. It’s also an opportunity to step away from the daily grind, think big-picture, and see new possibilities for your business and its growth.

What makes Builder 20 even more special is its inclusive nature. Spouses are an integral part of the group, building strong connections and contributing to the family-like atmosphere. These relationships create a support system where everyone genuinely cares about each other, both professionally and personally. It’s a space where they discuss the challenges they are facing, share ideas, and realize they are not alone in navigating the tough parts of building a business.

The Process of Joining

The vetting process to join Builder 20 is thorough and highly selective, ensuring that only dedicated and qualified candidates become part of the group. Meg Billings, for example, decided to apply the moment she heard about it. As an entrepreneur who often felt isolated while building her business, she saw Builder 20 as an invaluable opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and gain support.

However, getting in wasn’t easy. After submitting her application, she waited quite some time before hearing back. Once she did, the process involved multiple steps. Candidates typically go through initial Zoom interviews, one with a membership representative and another with additional members to assess their fit for the group. The final step involves attending an in-person meeting as a prospect, where candidates meet the group, experience a meeting firsthand, and determine if it’s the right fit for both parties. Meg’s persistence and enthusiasm ultimately paid off, allowing her to join this exclusive community.

Meeting Format

The bi-annual Builder 20 meetings follow a structured yet dynamic format designed to foster collaboration, education, and club growth. Each gathering typically begins with a casual welcome dinner, that allows attendees to connect and network in a relaxed setting. The next day often includes half a day of tours, offering insights into local projects or topics of interest.

The core of the meeting spans two days, with one day dedicated to financial discussions. This involves reviewing financials, analyzing performance, and addressing key business metrics. The second day focuses on topical sessions, discussions, or workshops tailored to the group’s interests and goals.

The final morning centers around club business, where members assess the health of the club, discuss its structure, assign membership roles, and divide responsibilities for setting and achieving goals. This session ensures alignment and accountability within the group.

In addition to these in-person events, Builder 20 members meet monthly to maintain momentum and address ongoing matters. The group is also launching educational classes for employees, expanding learning opportunities beyond the owners and spouses who traditionally attend the bi-annual meetings. This evolving structure aims to enhance engagement and professional development across the organization.

Why Should A Builder Join?

If you’re a builder looking to grow and improve your business, joining a Builder 20 cohort is a game-changer. It’s one of the fastest ways to learn from others and see what’s working in markets beyond your own. Whether your market is smaller or less competitive, being part of this community gives you access to strategies, insights, and ideas. At the same time, learning from top builders and seeing how they’re implementing changes has been transformative for so many members. Builder 20 is about collaboration, innovation, and raising everyone to the next level. Join a cohort and see the difference it can make for you!