Building Strong Businesses (and Relationships) at The Boston Contractor Coalition Summit

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the Boston Contractor Coalition Summit. As someone who's been to most of the Contractor Coalition Summits, I can confirm that each one offers a unique and valuable experience! This Summit had some of my favorite moments, from catching up with good friends to hosting a live podcast event, every moment of the Summit was unforgettable!

House Tours and Builder Connections

We kicked off the summit with a house tour that included builders from all over the country. I’d been hearing about Nick Schiffer’s jaw-dropping $10 million spec home for a while now, but seeing them up close was a totally different story! It's one thing to hear about a home in progress, but to see it firsthand, especially when you know the craftsmanship behind it, is another level of appreciation.

The Needham project (which he did with Steve Tiek) was equally impressive. It was a beautiful home that Nick Schiffer publicized extensively over the past year. Connecting with builders like Brad Leavitt, Morgan Molitor, Nick, and Tyler throughout the day felt like catching up with old friends. That’s one of the best parts of these summits—forming relationships with building industry professionals I greatly respect, and just like as people!

Teaching, Podcasting, and Future-Proofing Businesses

Day two was packed with valuable content and business strategies, and I had the chance to help teach. After a full day of classes, we recorded a live podcast with Curious Builder, where we dove into some big topics important to the building craft, like innovation and future-proofing businesses. Because we all know each other so well, there was great chemistry on stage. We joked around, but we also got real about the ups and downs of running a business and shared some relevant business stories.

We talked a lot about balancing work in the construction industry and life, and one of the questions that came up was, "How do you manage it all?" That conversation felt refreshing because it was honest. Being open about the real struggles of running a business in the building industry resonated with a lot of people. After the session, several attendees came up to me, appreciating how we discussed the realities of balancing business growth with personal well-being.

Haven’t heard all the episodes? Check out this round up of our favorites!

Making Deeper Connections

What I’ve come to realize after attending so many of these awesome events is that the standout moments often happen outside the official sessions. It’s the dinners, lunches, and casual conversations where you really connect with other business owners on a deeper level, building community. A lot of times, it’s during these informal chats where the best insights come out.

Applying What I’ve Learned to My Business

I keep coming back to the Contractor Coalition events because every time I attend, I get something new out of it. Over the past two years, I’ve applied about 50-60% of what I’ve learned to my own business, and it’s made a real difference. One of the great things about attending these events year after year is that you can start to give real-time feedback on what’s worked and what hasn’t. You hear a lot of great ideas, but actually implementing them takes time and effort. Each time I come back, I can dig a little deeper into the material and get more out of it.

I’ve also enjoyed being part of the teaching side of these events, especially through the live podcasts. I’ll be doing another one next year at Buildertrend in Omaha!

Stand Out Moments

I’ve watched Morgan’s public speaking skills improve tremendously, and seeing her own that stage was a proud moment as her friend and colleague. Another highlight was getting to know Drew from Slash, a brand agency that works with NS Builders and The Modern Craftsman. His passion for branding is infectious, and it was great to chat with him about the impact branding can have on a business!

Why Attend a Contractor Coalition Summit?

If you’re a builder looking to grow your business, I can’t recommend these events enough. Every year, I pick up a new, invaluable insight, whether it's a fresh idea for contracts, branding, or marketing. The depth of the content is like going from a bachelor’s degree to a PhD—you keep learning, and it gets richer with each experience. Every speaker gives actionable insights intended to help you level up your business! It's an amazing time, and it’s not just about the education; it’s about the relationships you build with industry peers!

The Boston Atmosphere

Lastly, I have to give a shoutout to the food and atmosphere. Morgan really knocked it out of the park with the food, keeping all of us builders from getting too hangry. The places we went out to eat were also top-notch, and the weather was perfect for exploring the city on foot.

The Boston Contractor Coalition Summit was a great mix of learning, connecting, and fun. If you’re serious about growing your business and want to connect with builders from across the country, these events are an invaluable resource. See you at the next one in Omaha!

Photos provided by Brad Robinson, Owner/CEO of Bradford Custom Homes & Remodeling.

Special thanks to the event sponsors: Anderson Windows, Buildertrend, and Esmer Tile,