Where Did Collaboration Over Competition Come From?

While I have always had a tendency to want to learn about and work with others (I always was a curious builder!), it was Morgan Molitor from C2S who first introduced me to the phrase. It quickly became a cornerstone of my business philosophy and brand!

While I've always enjoyed mingling with people and fellow builders throughout my career, it wasn't until I attended the CCS in Nashville two years ago that my perspective on collaboration truly transformed. What started as occasional chats with local builders in Minnesota evolved into daily conversations with business owners and entrepreneurs across various fields. These interactions cover everything from business ideas and developments to speaking engagements and collective brainstorming sessions.

Now, half of my week is dedicated to planning gatherings, and the other half to making them exciting, beneficial, and deeply educational. The magic happens when we put aside our competitive spirit and discussions go beyond surface-level topics and dive deep into the essence of our work.

Why Would You Collaborate with Competitors?

Collaborating with businesses that might be considered competitors may seem counterintuitive, but it’s full of advantages! this approach to business introduces new ideas, infuses fresh energy into stale patterns or processes, and fosters a creative exchange of thoughts. Working together takes entrepreneurship from a sometimes lonely journey into a shared adventure!

You might expect people to resist working with so-called competitors, but I’m a firm believer that humans are made for connection and want to be together, and the results speak for themselves! Seeing our community support one another by attending events, engaging socially, and celebrating each other's successes is a truly inspiring example of the beauty in collaboration.

The Impact on My Business and Personal Growth

Embracing the element of collaboration has opened new doors both professionally and personally. A prime example is my partnership with Aspect Design Build on our joint neighborhood concept, Honey Hill. This venture emerged from open, honest connections with another builder and has been like a shot of adrenaline for me and my work! Collaborating with such a skilled team has given me a burst of energy and creativity akin to consuming six cans of Red Bull- and I’m not someone known for lacking energy!

The Birth of The Curious Builder

Another example is The Curious Builder itself. After being featured on Brad Leavitt’s podcast, I got the idea to turn my natural curiosity about others into a platform where we can all learn and grow together. It’s been such a natural extension of my personality and philosophy that it hardly feels like work. I don’t have to, I get to interview incredible individuals, share their stories, and learn from them. Thankfully our listeners love it just as much as I do!

Growth from Collaboration

As the Bible says, "Iron sharpens iron," and this has proven true time and time again for me! Working with, elevating, and learning from others in my field has made me better in every area and inspired countless new ideas I never would have come up with on my own! Connecting with other builders and “competitors” has led to some of my favorite opportunities. For instance, connecting with Bel Cruz led to the creation of the Spanish version of TCB!