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THE POWER OF THE ROOM
This year’s theme, Building a Life, Not Just a Living, came to life in ways we couldn’t have anticipated.
From outstanding keynotes to practical education and some truly remarkable conversations, these two days reminded us what happens when our industry comes together.
It all began Wednesday evening at AJ Madison, and do they EVER know how to throw a shindig! Fantastic food and drinks, gracious hosts and wonderful company set the stage for an incredible conference.
But the evening was about more than celebrating. Guests came together to assemble new-home toolkits using tools generously donated by PRO members Case Architects & Remodelers, P.A. Portner Inc., InSite Builders & Remodeling & Tart Lumber with bags provided by AJ Madison. The completed kits were donated to Habitat for Humanity and will be given to families moving into their much-needed new homes.
A wonderful evening with an even better purpose, made possible made possible by the generosity and teamwork of PRO members. ❤️
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THE MASTERMIND ROUNDTABLES
If there was one thing we heard again and again, it was how much everyone loved the Mastermind Roundtables.
Around every table, remodeling professionals shared their experiences, tackled real business challenges and offered one another ideas and solutions. No presentations. No spectators. Just honest conversations among people who understand the work.
Afterward, one representative from each group shared a problem and a solution the team talked through. And we’re thinking, why should those conversations end when the conference does?
We’re exploring ways to help participants stay connected with their original table groups, creating small peer cohorts that can continue sharing ideas, exchanging advice and supporting one another throughout the year.
More on that soon!
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SKILL SESSIONS: BREAKOUT PANELS
Our panel discussions brought together experienced industry professionals for candid conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing our businesses.
Attendees had the opportunity to ask specific questions, hear different perspectives and learn from both our panelists and one another. The discussions were lively, practical and exactly the kind of exchange we hoped to inspire.
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Bridging Design, Sales & Production – Panelists shown: Denny Lewis, Jonathan Guandique, Bob Gallagher, Hannah Goldberg, Stacy Peters (moderator)
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Business Transitions – Panelists shown: Andrew Schroeder, Greg Antonioli (moderator) Peter Feinmann, Eric Keyes
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Navigating Zoning, Permitting and Regulations -Panelists shown: Merci Mesa, Rabbiah Sabbakhan, Ethan Landis
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SKILL SESSIONS: DEEP DIVES
Our Deep Dive sessions took learning a step further with focused, in-depth instruction designed for immediate application.
These weren’t just ideas to think about someday. Attendees walked away with practical knowledge and strategies they could bring directly back to their businesses.
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Remodeling in 2030 Speaker: Doug Horgan | BOWA
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THREE LIFE LESSONS. THREE OUTSTANDING KEYNOTES.
Our keynote speakers brought this year’s theme, Building a Life, Not Just a Living., to life in a deeply personal way.
Michael Sauri, Bruce Case, and Mary Gordon each shared stories from their own journeys, reflecting on the successes, challenges, unexpected turns and lessons that have shaped who they are today.
Their stories were different, but each reminded us that some of the most important lessons we learn in business aren’t really about business at all. They’re about the people we become along the way, the choices we make and what we ultimately decide matters most.
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‘Opening our hearts/minds to Transformation’ by Michael Sauri, President & Co-Owner TriVistaUSA Design + Build
“Transformation begins when we become willing to stop proving what we know, start listening again, and become students of what comes next.”
“What do I believe about my work that I’m willing to question?”
“What change have I been avoiding?”
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‘Earning the Room’ by Mary Gordon,
Co-FoUnder
Insite Builders & Remodeling
“A few years ago, I arrived at our office building early one morning carrying the
weight of our lead pipeline. It was thin that month, and I didn’t have a clear
answer for why that was or what to do next.
I stepped into the elevator alone and sank into the back corner as it began its slow
climb to our floor.
Somewhere between the lower level and the first floor, a thought came to me,
very gently and very quietly: “Mary, you know an entire community of professionals who would stop everything to help you.”
And just like that, the weight lifted.
By the time the doors opened three floors later, I felt like a different person.
The problem had not changed, but I realized I didn’t have to carry it alone.
I never even called anyone that day.
The community did not have to do anything.
Knowing it was there changed the
way I saw the problem.”
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‘Distill to Propel’ by Bruce Case, President
Case Architects & Remodelers
Five Things Worth Doing This October:
- Dashboards – have key team members develop and distribute them regularly.
- Morale – attitude is the foundation of results. Get that right for you and for your team.
- Levers – identify your weakest area and take steps to improve it—(not just sales).
- AI – play with it, look for small wins and practical solutions.
- 2027 – challenges and turbulence will continue. Plan accordingly.
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Bruce awarded Vlatko Demrovski, Owner of Element – Design – Build, the Fred Case Remodeling Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Congrats, Vlatko!
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BUILDING OUR INDUSTRY’S FUTURE
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One of the most exciting announcements of the day centered on workforce development and the role we can play in building a stronger future for our industry.
Rob Medley & Daniel Carrero shared an exciting look ahead: the upcoming PRO Foundation, which will create new opportunities to raise funds and support PRO initiatives that serve and strengthen the remodeling industry. This foundation was set into motion through our relationship with PRO New England Executive Director, John Marchiony.
Rob Medley donated $10,000 to set up the foundation, with several other members of the audience joining in to pledge donations, as well. It was truly an inspirational moment to see evidence of such community and generosity.
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NEXT LEVEL REMODELING – From the classroom to something bigger.
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Chris Katkish of InSite Builders brought us up to speed on the second cohort of Next Level Remodeling, PRO’s 12-week program designed to help remodeling professionals strengthen their businesses and grow as leaders.
He also shared some exciting news. Chris and a few members of the first cohort have collaborated on a new book inspired by the lessons and principles they explored together throughout the program, originally taught by Bruce Case of Case Architects & Remodelers and Michael Sauri of TriVistaUSA Design + Build.
It’s an exciting next chapter for a program built around something we saw throughout the conference: when industry professionals share what they’ve learned, that knowledge has a way of growing.
Stay tuned for more on both the next cohort and the book!
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OUR EXPO SPONSORS BROUGHT THEIR A-GAME
Our Expo was buzzing throughout the day, giving attendees a chance to connect with the companies that support our industry, discover new products and solutions, and build relationships with the people behind them.
And then there was the Best Tabletop Display competition. Our sponsors did not disappoint!
🥇 Daltile
🥈 ABW
🥉 Digital Polygon
Thank you to every one of our Expo sponsors for showing up, getting creative and helping make this conference possible.
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THIS IS WHAT PRO IS ALL ABOUT.
To our speakers, panelists, sponsors, volunteers and every attendee who brought their experience, curiosity and willingness to share: thank you. A very special thanks to our New England brothers and sisters and the PRO, Inc. Board Members who came out to help us ensure this event was a success. It was amazing to collaborate with you all and spend a couple of days sharing ideas and getting to know one another better.
You made this conference something special.
The education was outstanding. The ideas were plentiful. But what we’ll remember most is the willingness of everyone in the room to help someone else succeed.
That’s the power of this community.
And we’re looking forward to what we can build together next – right here in DC and across the country. We are better together.
THANK YOU ALL! See you next year!
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PRO Metro DC Board, PRO, Inc. Board, PRO Metro DC Staff: (front) Kimmie Hollon, Jacqueline Stonis (2nd row) Greg Antonioli, Eric Goetz, Mary Gordon, Ken Clark, Libby Fritsch, (standing) Thomas Croessmann, Justin Zeller, Bob Gallagher, Bruce Case, John Marchiony, Bob Williams, Ben Becker, Rob Medley, Asif Choudhury, Michael Sauri
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With Very Special Thanks to our Sponsors & Vendors
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Contact: Dick De Chant | 301.875.6061
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Notebook & Snack Sponsor – Many thanks to our friends at BOWA!
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Surveys are a drag, we know.
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Please help shape next year’s conference. Whether you attended as a speaker, panelist, sponsor, vendor or attendee, we’d love your feedback. It’s anonymous and will take less than two minutes.
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Want to see
more awesome conference photos?
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All of these memorable moments were captured by Kevin Kennedy – one of our incredibly talented Silver Annual Sponsors.
If you use these photos, please credit Kevin Kennedy Photography where appropriate.
Check out his website for more information about headshots or group photos.
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