As the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains (BABRM) celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, Mark Gould finds himself thinking about a circular saw.
The Makita saw sits in his workshop, decades after he won it in a raffle at a home builders association event in Hendersonville. Gould was about 10 years old at the time, attending with his father, Chip.
“Winning the saw is something I will never forget,” Gould says. “Experiences like those helped spark my interest in the construction industry and gave me an appreciation for the work, craftsmanship, and relationships that are such an important part of the homebuilding community.”
Gould is now a licensed contractor with Gould Properties, LLC, and vice president of Cason Companies. He also serves as this year’s president of BABRM, leading an organization that has grown far beyond what he remembers from his childhood.
From Local Gatherings to a Regional Voice
BABRM’s history begins with two organizations: the Asheville Home Builders Association, which was founded in 1966, and the Henderson-Transylvania Home Builders Association, which was founded in 1983.
For decades, the groups operated independently, bringing together builders, suppliers, subcontractors, and other industry professionals through educational programs, networking events, and advocacy efforts. Though they served different corners of Western North Carolina, both shared a commitment to strengthening the homebuilding industry and supporting the people who worked within it.
In 2021, the organizations came together to form the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains, creating a unified regional voice for the industry.
Megan Carroll, executive officer of BABRM, says the merger strengthened the association in a number of ways.
“The merger expanded both our reach and our capacity,” Carroll says. “Many of the challenges facing the building industry don’t stop at county lines. By bringing our members together under one organization, we’ve been able to share resources and create more opportunities for builders and industry partners to learn from one another.”
Growing the Network, Expanding the Mission
Today, BABRM represents more than 1,300 builders, remodelers, suppliers, and industry professionals across Buncombe, Henderson, Transylvania, and Madison counties. Earlier this year, the association received a National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Grand Award for membership growth after adding more than 170 members in 2025, helping make it the 13th-largest local home builders association in the nation.
As the organization has grown, so has its impact. Members invest their time and expertise in a variety of ways, from supporting disaster recovery efforts and workforce development initiatives to helping shape conversations about housing and economic development.
“Advocacy has become one of the association’s most important responsibilities,” Gould says, noting that BABRM members and staff regularly meet with elected officials at the local, state, and national levels.
The association also serves as a resource for homeowners throughout Western North Carolina. One of its most visible consumer-facing initiatives is the WNC Parade of Homes. Now in its 45th year, the tour helps homeowners connect with trusted local builders, explore new ideas, and gain confidence as they plan their own homebuilding and remodeling projects.
“The Parade of Homes gives people an opportunity to see the quality of work being produced across our region while also getting to know the professionals behind it,” Carroll says. “For many homeowners, it serves as both a source of inspiration and a valuable resource as they begin thinking about their own building or remodeling projects.”
A Culture of Collaboration
While much has changed over BABRM’s 60-year history, its emphasis on relationships hasn’t.
“One thing that has remained constant over the years is the camaraderie among the members,” Gould says. “Even among competitors, there has always been mutual respect and a willingness to support one another. The association has helped build lasting relationships throughout the industry, many of which extend beyond business.”
Carroll says that sense of connection continues to drive the organization today.
“The programs, events, and initiatives may have evolved over the years, but the heart of the association has remained the same,” Carroll says. “Our members genuinely want to see one another succeed. That spirit of collaboration is what has sustained this organization for six decades.”
