The Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains (BABRM) received five STARS Awards this year, earning recognition for charitable outreach, education, digital innovation, community service, and leadership. Presented by the North Carolina Home Builders Association, the STARS Awards celebrate excellence across the home building industry.
This year’s wins reflect not only the strength of BABRM’s programs, but also the resilience and collaboration that defined our region after Hurricane Helene.
“Our members showed extraordinary heart and leadership this year—lifting each other up, serving their communities, and showing what the building industry can achieve together,” said Megan Carroll, Executive Officer of BABRM. “These awards are a testament to their dedication and the impact they make across Western North Carolina.”
This year’s honors:
Best Charitable Event: Strings of Hope
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, BABRM organized Strings of Hope, a benefit concert created to support members and the broader community. Pulled together in just two weeks, the event paired quick coordination with a sincere desire to help, resulting in an afternoon of music, connection, and support.
Hosted at Pisgah Brewing Co., the concert featured performances by Cuberow, The Asheville Mountain Boys, Red Clay Revival, and Fireside Collective. Attendees from across the region contributed an average of $10 per person, helping raise nearly $7,500 for BABRM members who lost tools, equipment, and business assets during the storm.
Best Educational Program: Advanced Contractor Education Series
BABRM runs the Advanced Contractor Education (ACE) program to give members accessible, high-quality professional development. Offered monthly at no cost to members, the series covers everything from marketing and communications to navigating insurance claims following a natural disaster.
Built for flexibility, classes are offered in person and virtually, recorded for later viewing, and led by industry experts who bring real-world experience to each session. The result is a program that meets members where they are.
Two long-standing members of the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains (BABRM) have received $25,000 disaster relief grants to help rebuild their businesses after Hurricane Helene.
Best Website: WNC Parade of Homes
BABRM maintains the official website for the WNC Parade of Homes, the region’s premier home showcase. The site serves as the central hub for visitors, spotlighting participating homes, virtual tours, a digital magazine, and timely event updates.
Since 2023, the website has seen more than 218,000 pageviews and about 13,000 reads of the digital magazine. With clear navigation, strong visuals, and year-round access to Parade content, the site makes it easy for both consumers and industry professionals to explore local homes and stay connected to the event well beyond Parade weekends.
Best Community Project or Program: Rebuilding Hope
In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene, BABRM partnered with BeLoved Asheville to launch a rapid-response relief effort. With power, internet, and cell service down across vulnerable communities, communication became a major hurdle. Supported by the National Association of Home Builders, BABRM deployed two Starlink satellite systems—one lent to BeLoved Asheville for use at their headquarters and another taken on supply runs to maintain connectivity in the field.
BABRM staff and members also delivered essential supplies such as water, food, hygiene items, and cleaning materials, often traveling to neighboring states to source what local stores couldn’t provide. In some cases, members traveled by foot to ensure that even the most isolated residents received support. This effort filled an urgent gap before larger relief organizations could respond.
Executive Officer of the Year: Megan Carroll
BABRM Executive Officer Megan Carroll was also recognized with a STARS Award of her own, earning the title of Executive Officer of the Year.
Since joining BABRM in 2019, Megan has guided the organization through COVID-19, inflation, a complex regional merger, and, most recently, the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Under her leadership, membership has grown from roughly 800 to 1,300, making BABRM the 13th largest builders association in the nation.
Megan played a key role in the successful merger of the Asheville HBA and Henderson-Transylvania HBA and led the rebrand into the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains. She also championed advocacy efforts for affordable housing and helped organize the historic Builder Blitz with BeLoved Asheville, during which members framed four deeply affordable homes in four days.
Following Hurricane Helene, Megan coordinated immediate response efforts, established a disaster relief fund, and worked alongside members to deliver critical supplies across the region.
“Megan is the kind of leader who puts her whole heart into the work that she does,” said BABRM Board Treasurer Stephanie Chapman. “She is a dedicated and passionate person whose energy and enthusiasm inspire those around her.”
Join an Award-Winning Network
Across Western North Carolina, BABRM members are setting a new standard for quality, resilience, and industry leadership. Be part of an award-winning network that leads with purpose. Join today.
