CORNERSTONE
ACADEMY
CORNERSTONE ACADEMY
This enlightening series is designed to immerse attendees in the multifaceted world of commercial construction. This program offers a comprehensive overview of 4 essential pillars crucial for the success of construction companies and their leaders. With insights from top notch speakers who possess extensive experience in these pillars, participants will gain valuable knowledge and tools to excel in their careers. Each session will delve into one of the four key pillars that form the foundation of success in the industry:
1. Emotional Intelligence as a Leader: Discover how to cultivate emotional intelligence to foster effective communication, build strong teams, and navigate challenges with confidence.
2. Understanding Profit and Loss and Financials: Gain insight in key financial concepts and reporting practices specific to the construction industry, with a focus on work-in-process and accounting for long-term projects..
3. Enhancing Productivity: Explore strategies and best practices to optimize productivity on the job site, ensuring that projects are completed efficiently and effectively.
4. Wellness: Recognize the importance of wellness in the workplace, understanding how a healthy work environment contributes to employee satisfaction and overall project success. Attendees will benefit from expert-led discussions and receive curated resources to build a robust reference library for ongoing support. This series is an excellent opportunity to enhance your understanding of commercial construction, ensuring that both you and your organization are well-equipped for the future.
QUESTIONS?
For more information please contact Tara Rinehart at TRinehart@MBI.Build or 515-657-4395.
All Sessions Will be Held at:
ELEVATE Business & Events Center
4100 Westown Pkwy
West Des Moines, IA
Class size is limited to the first 40 registrants!
SESSION 1
Emotional Intelligence - Leading with Thoughtful Communication | Todd Long
May 14, 2026 | SPONSORED BY MODERN
SESSION
2
Understanding Profit and Loss and Financials for Non-Financial Leaders | Carl Duffy
May 15, 2026 | SPONSORED BY WHITE CAP
SESSION
3
Transforming Construction: Enhancing Productivity through LEAN Principles and Innovative Strategies | Joshua Thrap
June 18, 2026 | SPONSORED BY WHITFIELD & EDDY
SESSION 4
Wellness: HELP for Hope | Phillip Kelley
June 19, 2026 | SPONSORED BY PCI
The schedule for each session will follow the structure below: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm | Training Session (lunch provided) 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm | Networking Session
All dates and sessions listed above are part of this leadership program and must be attended for graduation
The Master Builder designation program will offer the following credit hours for completion of this course. For more information on becoming a ‘Master Builder,’ please visit MBI’s website at www.MBI.Build/mbd
CURRICULUM
Emotional Intelligence - Leading with Thoughtful Communication
Presenter: Todd Long, Leadership Innovations - Lee Summit, MO
The foundational skills to be an effective leader are the ability to communicate in a thoughtful and intentional manner. In recent years, these skills have been defined as Emotional Intelligence. This workshop teaches participants the skills and discipline to lead well by using thoughtful communication skills to achieve quality relationships and get tasks done. Participants will:
• Learn and practice the power of pausing to assess self, others, and the situation.
• Understand the correlation between relational and task outcomes.
• Learn and practice the six thoughtful communication skills to build and maintain healthy relationships and achieve organizational outcomes. The six skills are:
1. Empathy
2. Assertiveness
3. Self-Restraint
4. Expressiveness
5. Inquiry
6. Self-Determination
Wellness: HELP for Hope
Presenter: Phillip Kelley, Purpose Driven Coaching - Olathe, KS
1. You must get HONEST
a. Honest with yourself
b. Honest with others
c. Honest with your team
2. You must get EMPOWERED
a. Understanding is Key: Know Science, No Stigma
b. Taking Ownership = Owning vs Renting
3. You must get LISTENING
a. What lies are you believing? (Truth vs. Lies)
b. The art of asking open ended questions
c. The last words from the senior wireless operator on the Titanic.... “Shut up! Shut up! I’m busy! I’m working!”
4. You must get on PURPOSE
a. When the vision is clear, the options become fewer, and the decisions become easier.
b. When you know your WHY, you’ll know your way
c. Clarity is the antidote to anxiety
Understanding Profit and Loss and Financials for Non-Financial Leaders
Presenter: Carl Duffy, Creative Planning Business Services - Urbandale, IA
This session will include an introduction to financial information, a detailed review of financial reporting and specific deep dive into work-in-process and accounting for long-term construction projects in process and the impact on the financial statements. The session includes a simulated contract from start to finish with application to the financial statements and profitability.
Participants will:
• Understand key financial statement terminology and importance
• Understand the role employees from nonfinancial areas play in financial statements
• Deep understanding of accounting for work-in-process and the impact on the financial statements
• Understanding of direct and indirect costs
• Obtain understanding of cost allocations and price volatility
Transforming Construction: Enhancing Productivity through LEAN Prinicples and Innovative Strategies
Presenter: Joshua Thrap, Hy-Vee Construction - West Des Moines, IA In this session, we will walk through the current state of the construction industry. Construction productivity has been declining in the United States for the last 50 years. In addition, construction operations are 43% value-added, versus 88% in manufacturing. The delivery model for construction must change now more than ever. Through simulations and discussions, this session will dive into why the industry needs to change and the valuable tools available to make these changes. Discussion topics will include Productivity, Waste, Flow, Process Improvement, & LEAN Construction.
Participants will:
• Describe and identify waste
• Understand how flow affects productivity
• Understand how incremental change can affect results
• Describe what the Last Planner System is and how it can benefit a Project
• Describe LEAN Construction tools and how they could be used
Fees: $1,600 / Person - MBI Members
$1,900 / Person - Non-Members
Fees include all sessions, class materials and lunch. Participants are responsible for travel and overnight accommodations.
Cancellation Policy : Registration cancellations must be submitted to Master Builders of Iowa via email to NFry@MBI.Build. Cancellation requests submitted at least 14 days prior to the start of this program will be refunded 100%. Cancellations received between 7 and 14 days prior to the start of this program will be refunded 50%. No refund for cancellations less than 7 days prior to the start of this program. No refund for no-shows.
Company:
Address:
CORNERSTONE ACADEMY
Registration Form
May 14-15, 2026 | June 18-19, 2026
City: State: Zip:
Name:
Fees: $1,600 / Person - MBI Members
$1,900 / Person - Non-Members
Fees include all sessions, class materials and lunch. Participants are responsible for travel and overnight accommodations. Due to the anticipated interest in this program, enrollment is limited to 2 employees per company.
Cancellation Policy: Registration cancellations must be submitted to Master Builders of Iowa via email to NFry@MBI.Build. Cancellation requests submitted at least 14 days prior to the start of this program will be refunded 100%. Cancellations received between 7 and 14 days prior to the start of this program will be refunded 50%. No refund for cancellations less than 7 days prior to the start of this program. No refund for no-shows.
METHOD OF PAYMENT: Credit Card Check Enclosed (made payable to Master Builders of Iowa) Please Invoice