The Build Up Series
Equipping Leaders Who Build Our World
Leadership Development for Emerging Construction Professionals
The Construction industry faces a stark talent and leadership gap. You don’t lose good people because of pay; you lose them when they can’t see a future at your company.
The Build Up Series equips your rising leaders with the confidence, tools and real-world leadership skills to take your business forward.
During this one-year development program, emerging construction leaders will participate in both in-person and virtual sessions with peers in the industry to master essential skills like handling conflict, building trust on the jobsite, and more.
Build the leaders who are going to take your business to the next level. Nominate one of your team members today to become part of this select peer group.
Spots are limited
This twelve-month program kicks off
October 2, 2025
ACTIONABLE & PRACTICAL
This isn’t a ‘someday’ skillset. It’s a right-now upgrade to key skills like how you handle conflict, run meetings, and get buy-in from your crew.
Every session is rooted in a construction context, no generic lectures, just real-world leadership for real-world work.
Explore the sessions and their outcomes in more detail here. (Put a link to the PDF.)
Session 1
November 6-7
Onsite
Master Emotional Intelligence for Stronger Leadership
Build self-awareness and emotional mastery to navigate difficult conversations, reduce conflict, and strengthen relationships on the jobsite and in the office.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the components of emotional intelligence.
- Assess your own EQ strengths and gaps.
- Build strategies for managing emotional reactions on the job.
Leaders will walk away with greater self-awareness and actionable tools to navigate tough people situations on site and in the office — strengthen relationships, reduce conflict, and improve decision-making under pressure.
Session 2
December 10
Virtual
Thrive Amid Change and Challenge
Develop the skills to lead effectively through change, shifting client demands, and project setbacks, using a mix of directive and coaching approaches.
Learning Objectives:
- Develop your own leadership voice.
- Learn to flex between directive and coaching approaches.
- Leverage adaptable strategies to guide teams through uncertainty.
Leaders will gain the skills to stay steady when projects shift, clients push back, or crews hit setbacks — showing up as a stabilizing force who can pivot and still drive results.
Session 3
January 7
Virtual
How to Delegate, Empower and Build Trust
Learn how to delegate effectively, build team trust, and extend leadership reach by empowering others to take ownership and deliver results.
Learning Objectives:
- Master the art of delegation.
- Identify and build trust within your team.
- Develop tools to extend your leadership reach.
Leaders will leave with practical strategies to stop bottlenecking work at the top and start building confident, capable teams who own outcomes — freeing leaders to focus on what only they can do.
Session 4
February 4
Virtual
Turn Adversity into Advantage
Reframe challenges as leadership opportunities, strengthen personal resilience, and chart a clear path to guide teams through tough seasons.
Learning Objectives:
- Reframe adversity as a leadership proving ground.
- Strengthen personal resilience.
- Map a clear plan for leading teams through tough seasons.
Leaders will gain a mindset shift and hands-on tools to face adversity head-on, helping their teams stay motivated and aligned even when margins are thin, timelines are tight, or projects hit unforeseen obstacles.
Session 5
March 5-6
Onsite
Lead With Strategy and Purpose
Apply strategic frameworks to set direction, align teams, and connect everyday actions to the company’s long-term success.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand core strategic frameworks used in business.
- Learn how to create a clear and shared direction for your team.
- Practice linking short-term tasks to long-term company goals.
Leaders will walk away with tools to help their teams understand not just what they’re doing but why it matters — improve alignment, boost motivation, and strengthen the company’s future.
Session 6
April 1
Virtual
Lead With Impact and Integrity
Learn to leverage influence, not authority, to align teams, gain buy-in, and drive action — even across tough personalities and competing priorities.
Learning Objectives:
- Build influence by strengthening trust and credibility.
- Practice strategies to align and motivate people, even when they don’t report directly to you.
- Learn how to navigate politics and competing priorities on projects.
Participants will gain practical strategies to move people and decisions forward — not by force, but by trust, relationships, and smart positioning — critical in cross-functional and client interactions.
Session 7
May 6
Virtual
Develop Talent While Driving Results
Build the mindset and skills of a coach, helping your people grow, solve problems, and deliver — all while keeping projects moving.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn the basics of the leader-as-coach mindset.
- Practice simple coaching tools to help team members solve problems and grow.
- Balance coaching and performance so projects stay on track.
Leaders will leave with easy-to-use coaching techniques they can apply in the field, helping their teams improve performance while building future leaders — not just managing tasks.
Session 8
June 8
Virtual
Confident Communication for Leaders
Gain practical tools for handling conflict, delivering feedback, and communicating with clarity so your teams stay focused, engaged, and aligned.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn a clear framework for giving feedback and addressing issues.
- Practice staying calm and clear in emotionally charged conversations.
- Build confidence in handling conflict and correcting course.
Participants will gain real-world tools to stop avoiding the hard conversations and start addressing issues head-on — protecting relationships while keeping projects and people on track.
Session 9
July 16-17
Onsite
Build a Culture of Ownership and Results
Establish clear expectations, follow through with consistency, and foster a team culture where accountability isn’t forced — it’s owned.
Learning Objectives:
- Set and communicate clear expectations.
- Practice following through consistently on commitments.
- Learn how to hold teams accountable without micromanaging.
Leaders will come away with strategies to create a team environment where accountability becomes part of the culture — reducing finger-pointing, raising performance, and improving jobsite results.
Session 10
August 5
Virtual
Targeted Development for your next step #1
The final stretch of the Build Up Series is designed to meet you where you are and help you level up from there. These sessions will be tailored based on each cohort’s unique strengths and growth goals.
Participants will break into smaller learning tracks focused on real-world roles and challenges, whether that’s stepping into people leadership for the first time, evolving from bookkeeper to strategic finance leader, or sharpening influence in cross-functional teams. We call it Leading with Expertise, and it’s built to help you lead with confidence, clarity, and skill in the seat you’re in.
Session 11
September 2
Virtual
Targeted Development for your next step #2
The final stretch of the Build Up Series is designed to meet you where you are and help you level up from there. These sessions will be tailored based on each cohort’s unique strengths and growth goals.
Participants will break into smaller learning tracks focused on real-world roles and challenges, whether that’s stepping into people leadership for the first time, evolving from bookkeeper to strategic finance leader, or sharpening influence in cross-functional teams. We call it Leading with Expertise, and it’s built to help you lead with confidence, clarity, and skill in the seat you’re in.
Sessions 12
October 2
Virtual
TARGETED DEVELOPMENT FOR YOUR NEXT STEP #3
The final stretch of the Build Up Series is designed to meet you where you are and help you level up from there. These sessions will be tailored based on each cohort’s unique strengths and growth goals.
Participants will break into smaller learning tracks focused on real-world roles and challenges, whether that’s stepping into people leadership for the first time, evolving from bookkeeper to strategic finance leader, or sharpening influence in cross-functional teams. We call it Leading with Expertise, and it’s built to help you lead with confidence, clarity, and skill in the seat you’re in.
Meet the Facilitators
Mary Ivon Montgomery
Mary Ivon knows that leadership isn’t just about strategy—it’s about people. With a background as a marriage and family therapist and deep experience working with construction teams, she helps leaders improve how they communicate, connect, and lead under pressure.
As a certified coach, she partners with construction clients to strengthen teams, boost performance, and build leadership that sticks on the jobsite and beyond.
Nick Dubuisson
With over a decade of experience advising contractors on strategy, growth, and operational health, Nick understands the challenges it takes to run a successful construction business—and the kind of leadership it demands.
Whether it’s guiding owners through big decisions or coaching team members through everyday challenges, he is about helping rising professionals connect the dots between financial clarity, team performance, and personal growth.
FAQs
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How long is the program?
The Build Up Series is a one-year leadership development experience. We begin in October 2025 and wrap up with a capstone event in September 2026. Leaders can expect one dedicated session each month, designed to build momentum and skills over time.
What if I can't attend all the sessions?
You’ll get the most out of the Build Up Series by attending every session, but we know real life doesn’t always consider the calendar. If something comes up and you need to miss, we’ll share key course materials and provide a curated resource, such as a related learning tool, to help you stay on track. We’re committed to helping you build the momentum, even if you miss a session.
How many participants are in each group?
Each cohort includes 10–20 leaders. We intentionally assemble a diverse mix of participants, across roles, companies, and backgrounds, to foster peer learning and broaden perspectives. The smaller group size also allows for individual coaching and tailored development.
How much does the program cost?
The full program investment is $12,000 per participant, or $1,000 per month. Lodging for in-person sessions is not included. We offer group rate discounts for organizations sending multiple team members.
Are there group rates available?
If you’re interested in enrolling two or more team members, contact Mary Ivon Montgomery at [email protected] for a custom quote.
Where do the in-person sessions take place?
Our 1.5-day in-person experiences will be held at the HORNE Event Center, located at:
661 Sunnybrook Rd, Suite 100
Ridgeland, MS 39157
What is the time commitment for each session?
In-person sessions run 1.5 days. Virtual sessions are approximately 90 minutes and include a blend of coaching, experiential learning, and peer discussion. Each touchpoint is designed to be engaging and actionable, so leaders walk away with skills they can apply immediately.
Who do I reach out to with more questions?
You can contact Mary Ivon Montgomery directly at [email protected], or contact your HORNE client manager to get connected.