Here at Master Builders of Iowa, we’re proud of our various leadership development series offerings. Our members are training their employees at a higher rate than ever before, and as the essential resource for Iowa’s commercial construction industry, it is MBI’s responsibility to respond to this demand for quality training and professional development. The five core programs that make up MBI’ professional development curriculum are MB EYE on the Future, Cornerstone Academy, Project Managers & Project Supervisors, A High Performing Leadership Series, Foundations of a Field Leader, and The Leadership Experience. You will be hard pressed to find someone in your firm who does not fit into one of these programs, as these offerings cover every experience level and skill set.
MB EYE on the Future 
MBI’s annual flagship program started in 2005 with just 15 attendees, and has grown to be one of the most sought after training opportunities in Iowa’s commercial construction industry. This is MBI’s only program that requires an attendee to be nominated by their employer and chosen by a selection committee. As the title indicates, this program is designed to build the future leaders of our industry.
Cornerstone Academy
The 2018-19 Cornerstone Academy features over 20 of the most critical topics for construction leadership and is designed to provide aspiring leaders an excellent foundation. This program has sold out each of the four years it has been offered through MBI and provides excellent opportunity for networking with like-minded professionals as well as over 20 presenters who are industry experts in the respective topic.
Project Managers & Project Supervisors – 
A High Performing Leadership Series
This is a distinctive program because we encourage MBI members to enroll both a project manager and a superintendent in order to learn the same information but from their own unique perspectives. Typically, these positions will react to a situation differently based on their roles and responsibilities within the company. This program is entering its sixth year, and topics include job profits, operational excellence, commitment to safety, and planning & scheduling.
Foundations of a Field Leader
Entering its second year, Foundations of a Field Leader is the only MBI program that specifically addresses the skills needed for individuals who lead field crews on commercial construction projects. The topics addressed in this “boots on the ground” approach include leadership, risk management, communication, and personal effectiveness. While developing this program, industry representatives served on the Field Leadership Task Force to provide input, and consequently much of this series focuses on leadership development and teaching attendees the skills they need to lead others effectively.
The Leadership Experience
Started in 2013, The Leadership Experience is a staple of MBI’s curriculum and is an excellent opportunity for industry leaders to take their skills to the next level by learning how to foster the relationship-building aspect of leadership. Utilizing the areas of communication, collaboration, customer, and culture, facilitator David Rabiner helps attendees improve in each of these areas to become a high performing leader within the demanding commercial construction industry. In addition, each attendee has the opportunity to receive 1-on-1 private executive coaching from David as part of this program.
For additional information on any of these programs, please contact Tom Fulcher at tfulcher@mbi.build or (515) 657-4395.
