The Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains (BABRM) enters 2026 with a familiar face at the helm. Longtime BABRM member Mark Gould, a licensed contractor with Gould Properties, LLC and vice president at Cason Companies, steps into the presidency at a time when the Association is advancing major initiatives in workforce development, disaster recovery, and member engagement.
As he begins his term, Gould is focused on ensuring that BABRM remains a trusted resource for builders and partners throughout the region. We spoke with Gould about the year ahead.
Q: What motivated you to step into the role of president at this moment for BABRM?
Mark: I’ve been involved with the Association for as long as I can remember and have seen firsthand the challenges our industry faces. I’ve also seen what the Association can do, especially in recent years, through COVID and Hurricane Helene. Stepping into the presidency felt like a way to help continue that work and give back to an organization that’s meant a lot to me.
Q: You’re taking the helm after a year marked by major challenges and strong collaboration. What lessons from the past presidency are you carrying forward?
Mark: One of the biggest takeaways for me was how important alignment is between the board, staff, and committees. During our strategic planning session, it was clear that we all had a similar vision for where the Association should be headed, even though we came at it from different perspectives. I want to carry that forward by keeping communication strong and making sure we’re working toward shared goals.
Q: What are your top priorities as president in 2026?
Mark: One of my main priorities is getting the Association’s new office completed and fully functional. Our staff has been working out of a temporary space, and I want to help get them into an environment that supports their work and gives members and committees a place to meet and collaborate.
Workforce development is also a major focus, along with continuing the work of the Disaster Recovery Task Force.
Q: Workforce development remains a critical issue for builders and trades across the region. How do you see the Association supporting the next generation of industry professionals?
Mark: The Association is already involved with schools, community colleges, and workforce programs, and I think that work is only going to grow in importance. We’re supporting everything from programs at area high schools to initiatives with colleges like Blue Ridge Community College and A-B Tech.
One challenge is that workforce development takes time. You don’t always see immediate results, but it’s still essential. These are careers that aren’t going away. The trades offer solid opportunities without student debt, and for a lot of people, they’re a better fit than a traditional office job. Our role is to help make those pathways visible and accessible.
Q: Housing affordability also continues to be a major issue across Western North Carolina. Why is this an important focus for the Association?
Mark: Housing affordability is critical to the long-term health of our communities. As our region continues to grow, we have to make sure we’re not just building high-end homes, but also housing for the people who live and work here.
Our local economy depends on balance. We need housing for tradespeople, service workers, and young families—everyone who helps keep our communities running. If people can’t afford to live where they work, that creates challenges across the board, from workforce shortages to strained infrastructure.
The Association plays an important role in those conversations. By working with local governments and industry partners, we can help advocate for thoughtful solutions that support growth while keeping our communities livable and sustainable.
Q: Why does growing the Association matter?
Mark: When you join BABRM, you’re also part of the state and national associations, which gives our members a much stronger voice. North Carolina is a leader nationally, and having a larger, engaged membership matters when it comes to advocacy and policy decisions.
Q: For builders, tradespeople, or industry partners who aren’t yet involved with BABRM, what would you say is the most compelling reason to join now?
Mark: The biggest value is the network. You meet people you wouldn’t otherwise meet—suppliers, trades, and other builders who can help you solve problems, share insight, or step in when you need support.
