Reflections from Zonda’s 2026 Builder 100 Summit: Leadership, Innovation, and the Power of Community

HomeAid was honored to participate in Zonda’s 2026 Builder 100 Summit, one of the premier gatherings of leaders across the homebuilding industry. Over three impactful days, the conference brought together builders, developers, financial leaders, strategists, and innovators from across the country to discuss the current state and future direction of housing in America.

One of the highlights of the conference was hearing from Ali Wolf, whose economic insights continue to provide tremendous value to the industry. Her ability to translate complex market data into practical implications for builders, developers, and housing organizations remains invaluable. Discussions surrounding affordability, consumer confidence, labor pressures, and long-term housing demand reinforced the importance of collaboration and forward-thinking leadership as our industry navigates an evolving landscape.

I was especially proud to see several HomeAid America board members sharing their expertise and leadership on stage throughout the event. Ken Balogh of Ashton Woods, Sheryl Palmer of Taylor Morrison, and Elena Bennett of Wells Fargo each contributed thoughtful perspectives that reflected both professional excellence and a deep commitment to the future of housing. HomeAid is fortunate to have leaders like these helping guide our mission and expand our impact nationally.

The conference also included meaningful moments of celebration and recognition. Congratulations to Sekisui House U.S. on being named the 2026 Builder of the Year. This recognition reflects not only exceptional business performance, but also a commitment to innovation, quality, and long-term community impact.

In addition, congratulations to Beazer Homes for receiving the prestigious 2025 Hearthstone Builder Humanitarian Award. The Hearthstone Award represents the very best of our industry’s philanthropic spirit and commitment to serving others. It was inspiring to see this recognition spotlight the importance of corporate leadership in giving back to communities and supporting those most in need.

A special thank you goes to the entire Zonda team for organizing and leading such a dynamic and impactful conference. Events like Builder 100 create opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and meaningful dialogue that move our industry forward. Special appreciation also goes to Tim Sullivan, who once again served as the ultimate emcee and host throughout the event. His leadership, energy, humor, and deep understanding of the industry helped make the conference both engaging and memorable.

For HomeAid, one of the greatest values of attending Builder 100 was the opportunity to connect with so many of our national partners, HomeAid board members, supporters, and affiliate leaders from across the country. These conversations continue to reinforce the importance of partnership and collaboration in addressing housing insecurity and homelessness in our communities.

At HomeAid, we often say that we are building more than housing, we are building hope. Conferences like Builder 100 serve as an important reminder that when leaders across industries come together with shared purpose, meaningful impact is possible.

Thank you again to Zonda and everyone who helped make the 2026 Builder 100 Summit such a success. We look forward to continuing these conversations and partnerships in the months and years ahead.