From remodeling and residential design to entrepreneurship, sales and business management, meet the professionals ready to take their careers to the next level at the 2027 NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS).
The Builders’ Show is more than a place to discover new products and explore the latest industry trends. It’s an opportunity to learn from industry leaders, build relationships and bring home ideas that make a difference.
The IBS 2027 Scholars are getting the opportunity to do just that. Representing home builders associations from across the country, these emerging professionals are bringing fresh perspectives, ambitious goals and a passion for residential construction to the Builders’ Show in Las Vegas.
Get to know this year’s scholars, discover what inspires them and find out what they’re most excited to experience at IBS 2027, Feb 2–4 in Las Vegas.
Brody Barnett | Coop’s Property Maintenance | Home Builders Association of Tuscaloosa
Brody Barnett is a real estate and residential construction professional and co-founder of Coop’s Property Maintenance, a Tuscaloosa-based company serving builders, property managers and commercial clients. Its services include painting, drywall repair, pressure washing, cleanup and punch-list work.
What began as a small maintenance business while Brody attended The University of Alabama grew into an opportunity to lead crews, coordinate projects and build relationships throughout the industry. With a bachelor’s degree and an MBA, Brody is now an active member of the Home Builders Association of Tuscaloosa.
As a newer HBA member, he’s focused on learning from experienced professionals and bringing new ideas to his business.
What inspires him: Leading a team, building a business and seeing the visible difference a completed project makes.
How he connects: Networking at events, meeting new people and learning from successful industry professionals.
Off the clock: Working out, traveling, watching sports and spending time with friends and family.
Favorite movie and show: Point Break and Breaking Bad.
What he’s excited about at IBS: Learning from industry leaders, making new connections and finding ideas he can put to work in his career and business.
Ben DeRidder | 41 Lumber | HBA of the Upper Peninsula
As a residential designer for 41 Lumber in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Ben DeRidder creates construction documents for new homes and additions. He also produces 3D renderings that help customers visualize their future homes.
Ben’s interest in building began in his grandfathers’ woodshops, where he made birdhouses, canes and animal carvings. After earning a bachelor’s degree in business and marketing and working in flooring sales, he returned to the Upper Peninsula and found an opportunity to turn his lifelong interest in building into a career in residential design.
What inspires him: Seeing a home he designed move from plans to reality.
How he connects: Talking with fellow members at the annual HBA show at the Superior Dome in Marquette.
Off the clock: Playing with his kids, reading, fishing, hunting, gaming with his oldest daughter and trying new restaurants with his wife.
Favorite show: Room to Improve, an architectural design series he recommends to others in the industry.
What he’s excited about at IBS: Exploring the show floor, attending education sessions and touring both official show homes.
Kendall Duke | Fortified Exteriors | Home Builders Association of Metro Mobile
Kendall Duke’s roofing career began in 2015 with a receptionist job and little knowledge of the industry. By asking questions, listening and learning, she moved into project management and sales leadership before becoming a partner at Fortified Exteriors in 2022.
Since then, Kendall has helped shape nearly every part of the business, from its website and processes to customer experience and team development. The company has earned three FORTIFIED Volume Awards and two Nappie Awards while maintaining a five-star Google rating.
For Kendall, success is about more than growing a company. It’s about earning trust and making the construction process easier for customers.
What inspires her: Helping customers feel comfortable and supported, especially those who may find working with a contractor overwhelming.
How she connects: Taking part in networking events hosted by the HBA of Metro Mobile, including bowling and bingo.
Off the clock: Traveling, camping and supporting causes close to her heart. Kendall serves on the board of Mobile Mystical Ladies and founded With Love Foundation, which focuses on breast cancer awareness, fundraising and support.
Favorite shows: Dancing with the Stars and Love on the Spectrum, along with game shows and sports.
What she’s excited about at IBS: Stepping away from day-to-day business demands to focus on IBS Education sessions, product demonstrations and ideas she can bring back to Fortified Exteriors.
Allison Hopkins | The Sherwin-Williams | Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains
A native of Asheville, North Carolina, Allison Hopkins discovered her passion for residential construction through her work in outside sales with Sherwin-Williams. Today, she partners with local painting and remodeling businesses, helping owners overcome challenges and grow their companies.
Allison is actively involved with the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where she co-chairs the Social Committee and serves as Social Chair for the Professional Women in Building Council. She’s passionate about supporting diversity and encouraging more perspectives across the construction industry.
What inspires her: The small-business owners she works with and the opportunity to watch them grow and achieve their goals.
How she connects: Participating in NAHB Professional Women in Building activities, from educational programs to social gatherings and community service.
Off the clock: Working on her MBA, gardening, collecting Pokémon cards and reading with her three cats nearby.
Favorite movie and show: Beasts of the Southern Wild and Criminal Minds.
What she’s excited about at IBS: Meeting other NAHB Professional Women in Building Members and connecting with industry professionals and businesses from across the country.
Drew Kidd | TJR Improvements | Home Builders Association of Tuscaloosa
Drew Kidd works in sales and project management for TJR Improvements, a residential and commercial remodeling company in Wisconsin. Since joining the La Crosse Area Builders Association in August 2025, he has joined the Building Futures Committee while continuing to build his industry knowledge and professional relationships.
With a passion for cabinetry and trim work, Drew enjoys combining his hands-on interests with the management side of construction. He looks forward to representing his local association at IBS and bringing new knowledge back to his company and community.
What inspires him: Seeing a client’s reaction to the progress on their dream renovation.
How he connects: He’s looking forward to participating in next year’s parade of homes.
Off the clock: Drew is an avid cyclist who enjoys backroads and mountain bike trails. He’s also busy raising his two daughters.
Favorite movie: Toy Story 2. As he puts it, he’s “Forever a Kidd at heart.” (We see what you did there, Drew.)
What he’s excited about at IBS: IBS Education sessions and touring The New American Home® (TNAH).
Nathan McDonald | Inline Lighting & Electric Supply | Huntsville Madison County Builders Association
Nathan McDonald graduated from Auburn University in 2021 and has worked with Inline Lighting & Electric Supply in several roles since. As an Outside Showroom Sales Representative, he partners with builders throughout North Alabama to find lighting solutions that meet their needs.
Nathan sees himself as both a relationship builder and a problem solver. Through his growing involvement with the Huntsville Madison County Builders Association, he has discovered how valuable industry connections and shared knowledge can be to his work.
What inspires him: Making the building and remodeling process less stressful by helping customers find the right solutions while keeping the experience enjoyable.
How he connects: Attending industry events, talking with fellow professionals and participating in lunch-and-learns.
Off the clock: Traveling, golfing, exercising, watching sports and spending time with his wife, dog, friends and family. Auburn sports are a particular favorite.
Favorite show: The Office.
What he’s excited about at IBS: Building on his experience at IBS 2026 by making more intentional use of his time to network, learn from industry leaders and explore products and trends.
Andrea Spilde | Spilde Construction & Windows | Watertown Area Home Builders Association
Andrea Spilde grew up in Fairmont, Minnesota, watching her parents run a cabinet and woodworking shop. Their partnership gave her an early appreciation for the hard work and business operations behind residential construction.
After earning a bachelor’s degree from Augustana University and an MBA from the University of Sioux Falls, Andrea built a career in business banking. She also supports the financial and operational side of Spilde Construction & Windows, the company she co-founded with Jordan, helping with quotes, invoicing, taxes and marketing.
Her combination of financial expertise and industry experience helps keep the business running smoothly.
What inspires her: Using her strengths in numbers and organization to support the business while allowing Jordan to focus on projects.
How she connects: Attending local HBA socials and the annual home show to build relationships in her community.
Off the clock: Playing pickleball, reading, camping and spending time with family and friends.
Favorite shows: Reality competitions, especially Big Brother and Survivor.
What she’s excited about at IBS: Connecting with other small-business owners and finding ways to improve quoting, invoicing and operational efficiency.
Jordan Spilde | Spilde Construction & Windows | Watertown Area Home Builders Association
Jordan Spilde’s construction career began in high school after he experienced his parents’ home addition. Trade courses and his involvement with the student chapter of his local home builders association at Lake Area Technical Institute helped set him on his career path.
After 12 years working with Kneeland Construction and its glass shop, Jordan launched Spilde Construction & Windows with his wife, Andrea, in May 2025. The company specializes in windows, siding, decks, residential additions and remodeling.
Jordan is passionate about quality craftsmanship, serving his community and building lasting industry relationships.
What inspires him: Using his skills to help customers with needed repairs and home upgrades.
How he connects: Volunteering at the annual home show and attending local HBA events.
Off the clock: Grilling, camping, tackling home projects and spending time with family.
Favorite shows: Jordan enjoys YouTube channels such as Victory Outdoor Services and Casey Ladelle.
What he’s excited about at IBS: Learning in IBS Education sessions and discovering new products he can incorporate into his business.
Lizzie Thordsen | CRD Design Build | Master Builders Association of King & Snohomish Counties
Lizzie Thordsen’s interest in design began in her father’s woodshop, where she gravitated toward wood scraps and power tools. That early curiosity led her to study interior design and pursue a career focused on the spaces where people live.
Today, Lizzie is a Senior Interior Designer at CRD Design Build, specializing in custom residential remodeling for single-family homes, accessory dwelling units and garages. She is an active member of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties, where she participates in the Remodelers Council, helped plan the Remodeling Excellence Awards and attends NAHB Professional Women in Building workshops.
What inspires her: Solving complex floor-plan challenges and seeing skilled subcontractors bring intricate details, such as a challenging tile installation, to life.
How she connects: Sharing practical solutions with fellow professionals and learning about new products and materials she can bring to clients.
Off the clock: Going to the gym, spending time with friends over a charcuterie board, wakeboarding in summer and skiing or snowboarding in winter.
Favorite movie and show: Legally Blonde, Stick It and her annual fall rewatch of Gilmore Girls.
What she’s excited about at IBS: Touring The New American Home® and The New American Remodel® for fresh design inspiration, plus connecting with fellow professionals at the IBS House Party and Young Pro Party.
Robin Turner | Inline Lighting & Electric | Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders
Robin Turner is the Showroom Manager at Inline Lighting & Electric, where she helps builders and homeowners select lighting that balances style, function and budget. What began as an unexpected opportunity in residential construction has grown into a career built around customer relationships and helping bring homes to life.
Robin has been involved with her local home builders association for four years, including three and a half years on the NAHB Professional Women in Building (PWB) board. She currently serves on the leadership ladder toward becoming PWB President and is passionate about helping more women find opportunities in residential construction.
What inspires her: Knowing her work plays a small but meaningful role in creating happy homes.
How she connects: Attending local HBA events, with casino night, Cajun cook-off and steak cook-off among her favorites.
Off the clock: Working out, spending time with friends and family and visiting her boyfriend’s farm.
Favorite show and movies: One Tree Hill and the Harry Potter film series. She won’t choose just one!
What she’s excited about at IBS: Discovering emerging trends and strengthening relationships with the local builders attending the show.
See You at IBS 2027!
From launching businesses and finding smarter ways to manage projects to exploring new materials and building industry connections, the IBS 2027 Scholars represent the talent, curiosity and drive shaping residential construction’s future.
Their goals reflect what makes the Builders’ Show such a valuable experience: opportunities to learn, discover, connect and return home ready to put new ideas into action.
Join the scholars at the Builders’ Show in Las Vegas, Feb 2–4, 2027. Explore the latest products, learn from industry experts, connect with peers and discover what’s possible for your business at the NAHB International Builders’ Show.
Register for IBS 2027 and start planning your Builders’ Show experience.