Educational Offerings

Overview

The Leadership Experience is a leadership training program that addresses the areas of communication, collaboration, culture, and customer. These four areas are critical in all levels of leadership and attendees are challenged to take the learning of previous leadership classes to the next level. Becoming an effective leader requires an understanding of people, personalities, attitudes, goals, and more. The Leadership Experience stresses to attendees that the most important person they will ever lead is themselves.

The Leadership Experience program provides a great opportunity to connect with leaders in our industry as well as a time to self-reflect both personally and professionally. The interaction amongst the group facilitated by David Rabiner was incredible while still focusing on the content to grow leaders in our industry. MBI hit a homerun with this course and it's very evident that David genuinely cares about and wants to make a long-standing impact with each individual in the program. I would recomment The Leadership Experience to anyone willing to challenge themselves personally and professionally - you will not be disappointed!. -Owen Teeling, Schumacher Elevator Company | Denver, IA

In addition to the classroom training, attendees receive one-on-one executive leadership coaching from our Executive Coach, David Rabiner. Becoming a great construction leader does not boil down to what you know technically, nor is it about who you know. It is about you, your character; your ability to lead yourself and others; your influence in good times and bad; and your individual career journey. This program changes individuals on multiple levels as leaders in their company, home and community.

For additional information about this program, please contact Tom Fulcher at TFulcher@MBI.Build or (515) 657-4395.

Program Details

Class of 2023

Corey Anderson, Baker Group
Rob Berger, Russell
Jason Bersch, Mortenson
Chuck Danner, Hy-Vee Construction
Thomas Derry, Western Specialty Contractors
Corey Hackett, Seneca Companies
Ryan Harter, Pirc-Tobin Construction, Inc.
Tim Hertel, WRH Inc.
Nate Inman, Estes Construction
Mike Kirby, Tri-City Electric Co.
Brad Klinkefus, Performance Contracting Inc.
Zach Koester, Koester Construction Company, Inc.
Joe Lercara, The Graham Group, Inc. Construction Division
Michael Martin, Keen Project Solutions, LLC.
Keegan Parizek, Boomerang
Steve Pennock, Bush Construction Company, Inc.
Elizabeth Sauter McLain, King's Material, Inc. - Block Division
Ella Sherman, Pirc-Tobin Construction, Inc.
Ben Spilde, Woodruff Construction
John Taft, Nelson Construction & Development
Nate Womble, HRTLND Companies
Mitch Zeman, Breiholz Construction Co.

Overview

The Leadership Summit is designed for industry professionals who have reached the pinnacle of leadership training through Master Builders of Iowa, and are looking to take what they have learned to the next level. This out of state retreat will give leaders and future leaders a unique opportunity to learn from some of the brightest minds in construction leadership development while interacting with like-minded industry professionals. A combination of presentations, workshops, and outdoor activities will introduce and reinforce high-performing leadership topics that attendees will be able to apply immediately

The intended audience for the this MBI Exclusive opportunity is individuals who meet at least one of the following criteria:

•  Completed The Leadership Experience 
• Captured the Master Builder Achievement Award
• Executive officer or shareholder for an MBI member firm
• Has previously attended The Leadership Summit     

Below are the testimonials from industry professionals who attended The Leadership Summit that was held August 25-29, 2021 in Denver, CO:                                                               

"The Leadership Summit was a great opportunity to be surrounded by high-performing leaders within our industry. It's not often we get to take the gloves off and figure out how to improve together. I left with the tools needed to intentionally refocus my professional growth, to lead with purpose, and establish a lasting personal brand."                                                       -Jeff Scandrett, Keen Project Solutions, LLC

"The MBI Leadership Summit was a great program! With topics ranging from coaching and mentoring staff, strategic thinking, and building your personal brand of leadership, this program has something for everyone in an executive leadership role within their company. Whether you're preparing for a new role, or if you've been doing it for several years, you will learn valuable techniques to help you become a better leader."   -Eric Simon, SHYFT Collective

For additional information, contact MBI Director of Education Tom Fulcher at TFulcher@MBI.Build or (515) 657-4395.

Program Details

Class of 2021

Ryan Andresen, Russell
Adam Day, Eick & Day Construction, LLC
Aaron DeCamp, Henning Companies
Nate Hagberg, The Waldinger Corporation
Dan Hampton, The Waldinger Corporation
Jeremy Harder, The Hansen Company, Inc.
Michael Johnson, Bush Construction Company, Inc.
Doug Kumm, Baker Group
Mike Lipp, Baker Group
Greg Martin, The Weitz Company
Nic Merfeld, HRTLND Companies
Laura Merz, Koester Construction Company, Inc.
Jacob Pesek, The Hansen Company, Inc.
Joe Porepp, The Waldinger Corporation
Jamie Rich, WRH Inc.
Jeff Scandrett, Keen Project Solutions, LLC.
Rob Schwarzenbach, HRTLND Companies
Eric Simon, SHYFT Collective
Colton Taylor, Koester Construction Company, Inc.
Tom Wengert, Baker Group

Overview

Building Future Leadership

This program offers attendees a tremendous opportunity to continue their path of success and become more involved as current and future leaders of the construction industry in Iowa.Participants are encourages to step outside of their comfort zones while gaining communication and relationship-building skills. 

A main component of the MB EYE on the Future program is the ‘The Leaders Course’® presented by Ken Bradford of Dallas, Texas. Ken works with the class the first five months of the program, boosting their confidence, communication and leadership skills, as well as leading each participant to become a more effective and charismatic leader. Ken focuses on learning by doing, by participating, taking risks, and applying the materials he teaches on a daily basis.

MB EYE on the Future is the only program that MBI offers that has an application process, which requires an employer recommendation and selection procedure. Participants are nominated by their company’s executive management and complete an application for consideration in the program. Careful consideration of all nominations and applications is then made by a selection committee.

For additional information about this program, please contact Tom Fulcher at TFulcher@MBI.Build or (515) 657-4395.

I was able to improve my abilities to genuinely connect with people and build meaningful relationships. I was taken out of my comfort zone and learned how to be a better, more confident leader. - Russ Acton, Baker Group

This class does an excellent job of getting you out of your comfort zone in the best way possible. It challenges you and allows you to gain confidence in yourself in many ways, such as public speaking, small stalk, remembering names, running effective meetings, etc... Ken does a great job at making everyone feel included (and confident while they're included). I would recommend this to anyone looking to better themselves. - David Warner, Neumann Brothers, Inc. 

If a company is looking to grow great, enthusiastic and confident leaders, MB EYE on the Future is a ‘must’ class to have. The class will do wonders for an employee’s confidence. Ken does an excellent job of developing people into confident employees with his teaching of this class. It is worth the time and money for the future of your company to send employees through this class. - Kevin Larsen, Woodruff Construction

Program Details

Class of 2023

Samantha Blettner, HRTLND Companies
Brandon Bratz, The Waldinger Corporation
Jim Comisky, The Weitz Company
Pat Crosby, Hubbell Construction Services
Ben Harriman, Keen Project Solutions, LLC
Austin Horner, Ball Team, LLC
Scott Hoskins, Koester Construction Company, Inc.
Ben Hott, General Constructors, Inc.
Ryan Iburg, Ryan Companies US, Inc.
Alec Jensen, Russell Construction
Kingsley Jewett, Neumann Brothers
Brandon Johnson, Lang Construction
Braxton Lewis, Hansen Company, Inc.
Ryan Palmer, Tri-City Electric Co.
Nic Plecker, Rinderknecht Associates, Inc.
Cory Reierson, Woodruff Construction
Nicole Schmidt, Turner Construction
Kyle Sievers, Henkel Construction Company
Cole Van Ryswyk, DCI Group
Justin Wenger, Seedorff Masonry, Inc.
Eric Wos, Baker Group

Overview

A Solid Foundation for Construction Professionals

This construction leadership development program is designed to introduce attendees to several facets of the commercial construction industry, while providing them with a wealth of valuable information and priceless resources. A solid understanding of the topics included in this program are vital to the success of every commercial construction company, therefore also critical for the success of the employees who are part of these firms. This is an excellent opportunity to see a detailed overview of many important aspects of the commercial construction industry, as well as receive fundamental information. 

Topics may include: Insurance; finance; safety; construction ethics and law; human relations; workforce issues; influential leadership; environmental issues; leadership; project management technology; industry education; and public affairs. Presenters include industry experts who have a wealth of knowledge, experience and understanding, based on years of working in Iowa’s construction industry. Each presenter provides the group with recommended resources to assist attendees with building a comprehensive supply of reference materials for future use.

Registration for the 2023-24 class will be available in August 2023. For additional information about this program, please contact Tom Fulcher at TFulcher@MBI.Build or (515) 657-4395.

2023 Sponsorship Opportunities

The Cornerstone Academy course hits a homerun for leaders at their companies to attend with the variety of classes that you need in the construction industry for today. Every speaker leaves their contact information so you can reach out to them whenever you want to ask questions, to have instructors do this is really great because everyone is busy, and they are willing to take their time to help you out is something special. Meeting other leaders out in our industry at this course is truly awesome and have made a lot of new friends and great people to keep in touch throughout my life! - Chuck Danner, Hy-Vee Construction, LC

Cornerstone Academy provides a lot of valuable information from very good presenters who are knowledgeable and keep the sessions interactive.  The program also provides a great opportunity to meet a lot of good people and resources while also being a lot of fun. - Todd Langel, Cedar Valley Steel

“The MBI Cornerstone Academy was a great forum for professional growth, networking, and creating industry relationships.  I recommend this program to anyone trying to further their industry community reach.” - Mike Norris, A. J. Allen Mechanical Contractors, Inc.

From project finances to leadership techniques, the MBI Cornerstone Academy is a great way to further expand your knowledge on new industry topics.  However, the largest take-away and long lasting impact was the people I met and the relationships that were created with other industry professionals.” - Eric Bridgewater, Ryan Companies US, Inc.

Program Details

Class of 2023

Adam Aljets, Keen Project Solutions, LLC.
Steven Baridon, DCI Group
Andy Brown, Greiner Construction
Adam Byrne, DCI Group
Max Erpelding, Russell
Joseph Esser, Graham Construction Co.
Leilani Hammel, McGough
Francis Hart, WRH Inc.
Kyle Hartzell, The Weitz Company
Jace Henderson, Hubbell Realty Co.
Michael Huff, Dean Snyder Construction
Lydia Jones, Elder Corporation
Brennan Karber, Russell
Brad Klinkefus, Performance Contracting Inc.
Kyle Millner, Breiholz Construction Co.
Sam Munsell, Baker Group
Praveen Rajasekar, Heartland Companies
Wilson Reynolds, The Weitz Company
CJ Sherzan, Elder Corporation
Joshua Slaubaugh, WRH, Inc.
Justin Stanley, Point Builders, LLC
Aaron Willard, Turner Construction
Kayla Youngblood, Baker Group
Joe Zahn, Elite Glass and Metal
Clayton Zeller, Rinderknecht Associates, Inc.

Overview

An Interactive Program That Focuses on the Project Team

Success of a construction team, project or company often boils down to a few key components that, if carefully combined, can lead to great accomplishments where everybody wins. Employees, companies and customers can all win with the proper combination of teamwork, leadership, communication, accountability, personal responsibility, budgeting and quality control on every project, every day. A large portion of the responsibility for these areas falls on the project’s leadership team of project managers and project supervisors. This integrative leadership program will challenge members of the project team to understand project budgets, elevate individual and team performance, understand customer dynamics, and even have a little bit of fun in the process. This is an outstanding opportunity to put members of your project team in a teamwork atmosphere of learning and professional growth.  

If you have any questions, please contact Tom Fulcher at TFulcher@MBI.Build.

"I feel this class was a great way to see the different perspectives from both sides of construction...office and field. I would recommend this class to all Field Superintendents and Project Managers to help them better understand both sides of construction projects. " - Chad Orr, US Erectors - 2023 Attendee

“My bit takeaway from this series that was a recurring theme from all of the sessions was the importance of planning and pre-planning in construction. This includes improving productivity, increasing job profits, safety, and scheduling. I plan to take this information back to my company and start implementing a more robust pre-planing process on each project I work on moving forward."           - Cole Jordan, Russell - 2023 Attendee

“This program really opened my eyes to new ways to look at the construction industry. All of the presenters had an immense knowledge base and were eager to take questions and openly discuss topics." - Stephen Van Beek, Hy-Vee Construction - 2023 Attendee

Items addressed in this program are viewed from the perspective of the project manager and the project supervisor to assure a high level of understanding. This exciting series combines the experiences and knowledge of project managers, project supervisors and presenters, focusing on team building workshops to address common construction roadblocks to effectiveness.

For additional information about this program, please contact Tom Fulcher at TFulcher@MBI.Build or (515) 657-4395.

Program Details

Class of 2023

Mike Alfstad, The Hansen Company, Inc.
Erik Borchert, Conlon Construction Co.
Alonso Castaneda-Vazquez, Keen Project Solutions
Robby Droeszler, Woodruff Construction
Darin Eckels, McAninch Corporation
Mike Egenberger, Estes Construction
Gavin Gardner-Marlow, Keen Project Solutions
Luke Hartnett, The Hansen Company, Inc.
Adam Hawxby, Estes Construction
Cody Heaton, Conlon Construction Co.
Matt Hoch, Murray Company
Brandon Johnson, Lang Construction Group, Inc.
Cole Jordan, Russell
Chase Juhl, McAninch Corporation
Ginger Kaufman, Architectural Arts Millwork
BJ Kelly, Bush Construction Company
Brad Klepper, Performance Contracting Inc.
John Knight, Architectural Arts Millwork
Tony Kollasch, McAninch Corporation
Melvin Lambert, Mortenson
T.J. Lint, McAninch Corporation
Adam Lytle, Integrity Construction
Will McAllister, Woodruff Construction
Mike McCuddin, Koester Construction Company
Jason Morton, Baker Group
Keaton Mullins, The Hansen Company, Inc.
Ryan Nelson, Estes Construction
Chadd Orr, US Erectors, Inc.
Jeff Promo, R&R Realty Group
Matt Rusch, Conlon Construction Co.
Ryan Scovill, Lang Construction Group, Inc.
Chris Septer, Architectural Arts Millwork
Roger Sparks, Hy-Vee Construction
Justin Squier, Henkel Construction Co.
Ron Statler, Performance Contracting Inc.
Jackson Steburg, Baker Group
Brian Steffen, Pirc-Tobin Construction, Inc.
Clayton Stuart, Koester Construction Company
Stephen Van Beek, Hy-Vee Construction
Greg Wisecup, Integrity Construction
Nick Yeast, Elder Corporation

Overview

Laying the Groundwork for Effective Field Leadership

This field leadership development program is designed to provide attendees with a host of tools and information to help them excel as leaders in the areas of leadership, risk management, communication, and personal effectiveness. Leading a team, crew, or group of individuals in a commercial construction project environment takes an exceptional person with the right skill set and personality, along with construction knowledge and awareness. Leaders in the field must be able to manage time, equipment, materials, and most importantly, people. This program will provide the tools and help develop the skills of attendees in becoming successful leaders.

The audience for this program are individuals who show promise as a potential field leader, or those who are currently in a leadership role and would like to improve in the areas of leadership, risk management, communication and personal skills, such as time management, prioritizing, and goal setting.

For additional information about this program, please contact Tom Fulcher at TFulcher@MBI.Build or (515) 657-4395.

Program Video

As a new project superintendent, I have found the classes for Foundations of a Field Leader very helpful in my day to day operations on the job. With a whole day on communication, which I feel is key on any job, it was a very instructional course. For contractors who feel they have an up and coming lead person, I highly recommend this course before they are in that position. - Richard Firmstone, Neumann Brothers, Inc.

The Foundations of a Field Leader program renewed my excitement to keep moving forward in my communication and leadership skills.  It was nice being around a people who have had similar situations and experiences and in the end being able to open up.  It has built a community outside of my four walls. - Doug Ralston, Kingland Construction

Program Details

Class of 2023

Jamie Chalupa, WRH, Inc.
John Davis, The Weitz Company
Halden Drake, Seneca Companies
Mark Egland, Koester Construction Company, Inc.
Ryan Gustin, Estes Construction
Mike Hamilton, W.A. Klinger, L.L.C.
Shane Hansen, Henkel Construction Co.
Erik Hanssen, Russell
Jake Heck, Edge Commercial, LLC
Enrique Herrera, Koester Construction Company, Inc.
Dean Hixenbaugh, Graham Construction Co.
Doug Holmes, Kingland Construction Services
Jeff Kress, Woodruff Construction
Stoney Leonard, WRH Inc.
Justyn Lindner, Henkel Construction Co.
Kolton Magers, Performance Contracting Inc.
Jason McAninch, McAninch Corporation
Chad McAuliffe, Skold Commercial Contracting, Inc.
Mitch Monroe, Turner Construction
Greg Oxendine, Russell
Edward Sheldahl, Kingland Construction Services
Brandon Stevens, Elder Corporation
Zach Sutton, The Graham Group, Inc. Construction Division
Brad Terhune, Hy-Vee Construction
Mark Thomas, Hy-Vee Construction
Nicklaus Turner, Woodruff Construction
Anne Van Kirk, Estes Construction
Luis Venales, Seneca Companies
Justin Warnock, SHYFT Collective
Jason Warren, McAninch Corporation
Nick Yeast, Elder Corporation

Overview

Designed to help enhance the safety culture within a company by empowering managers and safety leaders, Building a Safety Champion is MBI’s newest leadership development program. This program will attract those individuals who are not only safety conscious for themselves and every member of their team, but who are also in a position to create fundamental changes with their company. The curriculum for this program will guide attendees through subject matter that will enhance and change their approach to individual and company-wide safety practices.

I really enjoyed this course. It wasn't solely focused on safety. It was about building leaders. The safety aspect was tied in. Joe gave tools and resources to build and coach safe leaders. I LOVE that it was applied and reiterated in different ways. He applied to both work life and personal life. Going through this class gavbe me knowledge foundation and confident to start my new role as a safety coordinator - Kassidy Duart, WRH, Inc. 

This class has shown me the connection between Safety and Influential Leadership and how they go hand in hand. I hope to apply these skills and tools learned over the last three months on my job sites in the future. Joe's passion for teaching safety makes it easy to learn.  - Shaun Rydl, Eick and Day Construction  

This session is SOLD OUT.

For additional information about this program, please contact Joe Melton at JMelton@MBI.Build or (515)-298-1535.

2023 Sponsorship Opportunities

Program Details

Class of 2023

Dave Allers, Dave Schmitt Construction Co., Inc.
Kirk Bradley, W.A. Klinger, L.L.C.
Ray Breeding, Graham Construction Co.
Austin Brune, Larson Construction Co., Inc.
Justin Callies, Downing Construction Inc.
Kevin Cocks, Koester Construction Company
Mike Egenberger, Estes Construction
Chris Francois, Hubbell Construction Services, Inc.
Jared Jones, Elder Corporation
Justin Kingkade, Elder Corporation
Chris Klink, Academy Roofing and Sheet Metal
Paige Naber, Synergy Contracting, LLC
Pat O' Neal, Hy-Vee Construction
Marty Osmundson, Estes Construction
Jason Pates, Schumacher Elevator Company
Kurt Reihmann, WRH, Inc.
Rich Rieken, Graham Construction Co.
Ray Schmid, Baker Group
Daniel Strank, Woodruff Construction
Sully Streeby, Carl A. Nelson & Company
Tim Weeks, The Weitz Company
Ed Wriedt, W.A. Klinger, L.L.C.

Overview

Designed to help enhance the safety culture within a company by empowering managers and safety leaders, Building a Safety Champion is MBI’s newest leadership development program. This program will attract those individuals who are not only safety conscious for themselves and every member of their team, but who are also in a position to create fundamental changes with their company. The curriculum for this program will guide attendees through subject matter that will enhance and change their approach to individual and company-wide safety practices.

For additional information about this program, please contact Joe Melton at JMelton@MBI.Build or (515)-298-1535.

Program Details

Overview

An Interactive Program That Focuses on the Project Team 

Success of a construction team, project or company often boils down to a few key components that, if carefully combined, can lead to great accomplishments where everybody wins. Employees, companies and customers can all win with the proper combination of teamwork, leadership, communication, accountability, personal responsibility, budgeting and quality control on every project, every day. A large portion of the responsibility for these areas falls on the project's leadership team of project managers and project supervisors. This integrative leadership program will challenge members of the project team to understand project budgets, elevate individual and team performance, understand customer dynamics, and even have a little bit of fun in the process. This is an outstanding opportunity to put members of your project team in a teamwork atmosphere of learning and professional growth. 

If you have any questions, please contact Tom Fulcher at TFulcher@MBI.Build. 

Program Details