We recently hosted the 2025 AR Homes® Builder Summit in Louisville, KY. Building upon the success of our inaugural Builder Summit in Las Vegas, we once again brought together our franchise owners, building company presidents, top performing sales & construction associates, AR Franchising, Inc. leadership teams, and preferred vendors for a grand event.
The Builder Summit is an extraordinary celebration of learning, connection, and recognition. Unlike last year’s event held alongside the International Builders’ Show, this year’s event was designed entirely around the AR Homes® community, offering a more tailored experience for its attendees.
Here’s a recap of the memorable moments from this year’s Summit:
Welcome Reception at Churchill Downs
The 2025 Builder Summit kicked off in unforgettable fashion at the historic Churchill Downs, home of the world-famous Kentucky Derby. Our guests enjoyed private access to The Homestretch Club, which included Kentucky’s longest bar and exclusive access to trackside seating and the grandstands. Attendees were treated to eight live horse races throughout the evening, making it a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience for many.
“I didn’t even realize this was on my bucket list,” one attendee shared. “To sip a mint julep while watching a live race at Churchill Downs—it doesn’t get better than that.”
Building Company Presidents, Franchisees and Vendors Meeting
Hosted by AR Franchising, Inc., this annual meeting brought together franchise owners, building company presidents and national vendor partners for a powerful meeting complete with productive discussions, strategic presentations, and a guest speaker. Topics ranged from future innovations and technology to new plans and trends within residential design.
“The power of our network is never more evident than at events such as our Builder Summit. Its a place where we share ideas and challenge each other for our common growth,” said Don Whetro, CEO of AR Franchising, Inc. “The Builder Summit is not just about awards, it’s an opportunity to shape our industry and the future.”
Top Club and Master Builder Club Meetings
Our Top Club and Master Builder Club members (comprised of the top 20% of our network’s sales consultants and construction managers) engaged in dedicated sessions where they shared insights and best practices with their peers. These intimate meetings offered a platform to address regional challenges, explore emerging residential design trends, and collaborate on new ways to deliver exceptional customer experiences.
“Our goal is for the attendees to come away from these meetings with new and tangible ideas to build on their success,” said Mitzi Hatori, Chief Marketing Officer of AR Franchising, Inc. “It’s one of the most valuable parts of attending this event and being part of our builder network.”
Offsite Activities
In between meetings and celebrations, attendees and their guests had the opportunity to explore Louisville’s rich culture through curated offsite excursions. Activities included:
- Bourbon tastings along the famed Kentucky Bourbon Trail at locations including Michter’s, Old Forester, Bardstown and Angel’s Envy
- A behind-the-scenes tour of the Louisville Slugger Factory and Museum, complete with a bourbon experience
- An immersive visit to the Kentucky Derby Museum, where guests explored the traditions, fashion, and legacy behind “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports”
“These activities really captured the spirit of Kentucky,” said Hatori. “They gave our attendees a chance to connect outside the meeting rooms, and that’s where real relationships are built.”
Bugles, Bluegrass & Bourbon: Awards Ceremony
The pinnacle of the Builder Summit was the Bugles, Bluegrass & Bourbon Awards Ceremony—an evening dedicated to honoring the outstanding achievements of our franchisees, associates, and vendor partners.
The celebration began with a lively cocktail hour, where guests mingled and enjoyed signature bourbon drinks in true Kentucky fashion. As dinner approached, Steve Buttleman, the official bugler of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby, delivered the iconic “First Call,” signaling attendees to take their seats. Following dinner, the room came alive with energy as we recognized excellence across the AR Homes® network. From business excellence to top-tier customer satisfaction, each award reflected the dedication and passion that define our network of builders.
Congratulations to our 2025 award winners:
Builder Awards
- Builder of the Year
- Builder Gold Cup
- Best Model – Queensland Model Home (Viera, FL)
Vendor Awards
- Vendor of the Year
- MOEN
- Vendor Gold Cup for Customer Satisfaction
- James Hardie
- Award for Customer Experience (ACE)
- Ferguson®
- Model Program Award
- MOEN
Top Club and Master Builder Club Winners
2025 Master Builder Club:
David Timmerman, AR Homes® Charlotte (Paragon Homes of Charlotte, Inc.)
Kurt Kuchenbrod, AR Homes® Charlotte (Paragon Homes of Charlotte, Inc.)
Christian Zecher, AR Homes® Lake City (Bryan Zecher Homes, Inc.)
Shane Krow, AR Homes® Bluffton (Blue Ocean Luxury Homes, LLC)
Josh Nettles, AR Homes® Lake City (Bryan Zecher Homes, Inc.)
Jim Doolin, AR Homes® Tampa (Custom Craft Homes)
Zachary Justus, AR Homes® Tampa (Lyons Heritage Tampa, LLC)
Leslie Miler, AR Homes® Vero Beach (Beachland Homes Corp.)
Jim Elliott, AR Homes® Charlotte (Paragon Homes of Charlotte, Inc.)
Jim Eslinger, AR Homes® Sarasota (Nelson Homes, Inc.)
Justin Baez, AR Homes® Sarasota (Nelson Homes, Inc.)
Joshua LaCroix, AR Homes® Tampa (Custom Craft Homes)
Tom DeNittis, AR Homes® Jacksonville (Marcus Allen Homes, Inc.)
Ian Ring, AR Homes® Lake City (Bryan Zecher Homes, Inc.)
Chris Hatfield, AR Homes® Indianapolis (Scott Bates Builders, Inc.)
Mark Johnson, AR Homes® Sarasota (Nelson Homes, Inc.)
Carl Williams, AR Homes® Gainesville (RLW Homes, Inc.)
Terry Ratliff, AR Homes® Indianapolis (Scott Bates Builders, Inc.)
Eric Gimson, AR Homes® Tampa (Lyons Heritage Tampa, LLC)
Orion Loftis, AR Homes® Myrtle Beach (Monterey Bay Construction Myrtle Beach LLC)
Judd Cummings, AR Homes® Jacksonville (Marcus Allen Homes, Inc.)
2025 Top Club:
Joe Dweck, AR Homes® Sarasota (Nelson Homes, Inc.)
Betsy Klein, AR Homes® Greenville (American Eagle Builders, Inc.) and AR Homes® Asheville (American Eagle Developers, LLC.)
Nicole Deroy, AR Homes® Melbourne (Rosewood Homes, Inc.)
Rhett Meeks, AR Homes® Bluffton (Blue Ocean Luxury Homes, LLC)
Chris Dillard, AR Homes® Charlotte (Paragon Homes of Charlotte, Inc.)
Brenda Banks, AR Homes® Gainesville (Barry Rutenberg & Associates, Inc.)
Bethany Butler, AR Homes® Vero Beach (Beachland Homes Corp.)
Alison Guthrie, AR Homes® Raleigh (Hearthstone Luxury Homes, LLC)
From thrilling races at Churchill Downs to thought-provoking discussions and meaningful celebrations, the 2025 AR Homes® Builder Summit in Louisville was an unforgettable experience.
Here’s to continued success in 2025 and beyond!