The Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains welcomed members, sponsors, and partners to Sierra Nevada Brewing Company’s High Gravity space on Thursday, January 15 for its 2026 Annual Meeting. The evening marked a time for celebration, reflection, and a clear look at the year ahead for Western North Carolina’s building industry.
This year’s meeting carried special significance as BABRM officially enters its 60th year of service. Executive Officer Megan Carroll opened the program by reflecting on the Association’s legacy.
“For six decades, this organization has brought professionals together to share knowledge, advocate for our industry, support workforce development, and strengthen the communities we build and live in,” Carroll said during her presentation. “Tonight is both a moment to reflect and a moment to look forward.”
Reflecting on 2025: A Year of Growth and Collective Leadership
The Annual Meeting put a spotlight on a year of meaningful progress for BABRM. In 2025, the Association finished the year as the 13th largest builders association in the nation, with statewide leadership drawn directly from its local membership.
Over the course of the year, BABRM also hosted more than 25 membership and community events, creating consistent opportunities for members to connect, learn, and collaborate. Meanwhile, members convened more than 150 committee, task force, and council meetings, demonstrating the depth of volunteer leadership that drives the Association forward.
That engagement translated into growth. More than 170 new members joined BABRM in 2025, strengthening its reach, broadening its perspective, and reinforcing the value of a unified industry voice.
The Association’s momentum earned recognition well beyond the region. BABRM received five awards from the National Association of Home Builders and five awards from the North Carolina Home Builders Association, including Executive Officer of the Year.
A Milestone Investment in BABRM’s Future
One of the evening’s most powerful moments came during remarks from the North Carolina Home Builders Association, when Executive Vice President Tim Minton presented a $75,000 gift to BABRM in support of its ongoing work.
The contribution represents a significant investment in the Association’s ability to expand education, advocacy, workforce development, and member services across the region.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Incoming President Mark Gould, with Gould Properties, LLC and Cason Building Supply, outlined priorities for the year ahead, shaped by BABRM’s newly developed strategic plan.
“In 2026, we’ll focus on strengthening our membership, supporting professionalism and education, and being a strong voice for builders across Western North Carolina,” he said during his remarks.
The evening concluded with a keynote presentation from housing market expert Vaike O’Grady, who shared timely insights into regional and national trends as members plan for 2026. Read more about O’Grady’s presentation.
Thank You to Our Annual Meeting Sponsors
BABRM extends its sincere thanks to the members and partners who helped make the 2026 Annual Meeting possible. Their support plays a critical role in bringing members together for education, connection, and forward-looking conversations about the future of WNC’s building industry.
Thank you to Edward Jones – Leslie J. Apple, Event Sponsor; Best Buy Metals, LLC, Keynote Speaker Sponsor; and Cason Builders Supply, Food Sponsor.
BABRM also thanks its Table Top Sponsors: Advanced Business Equipment, Build Modular, Carter Lumber, Designing Spaces by Lyn, Flooring America WNC, HomeSource Design Center, Inc., loanDepot, ProSource Supply, and Sherwin-Williams.
BABRM is grateful for the continued investment of these sponsors and partners, whose involvement helps strengthen the industry and support meaningful member engagement across the region.
