Recapping The Curious Builder Collective Phoenix Contract Event
When it comes to running a successful building business, contracts are one of the most powerful—and underutilized—tools in the toolbox. That’s why the May 2 Curious Builder Collective Phoenix event, hosted by Brad Levitt of AFT Construction, dove into all the details! From protecting deposits to reducing risk, this session sparked powerful conversation, shared real-world strategies, and helped build a stronger foundation for everyone in the room.
Why Contracts Matter in the Building Industry
In today’s uncertain economic climate—with shifting prices, supply chain concerns, and the risk of subcontractor default—clear, legally sound contracts are more critical than ever.
The event brought builders together to openly discuss the kinds of contract language they are currently using—or not using—for their construction projects and the missing pieces that could lead to problems down the road. It was a reminder that contracts aren’t just legal documents—they’re strategic tools!
Personal Guarantees
One particularly impactful conversation focused on personal guarantees ibn the construction process. Many builders in the room shared stories of sending large deposits to suppliers or subcontractors based on an invoice alone. Instead, we learned about requiring the business owner to sign a personal guarantee. This means if the company defaults or dissolves, the builder can still pursue repayment from personal assets.
This kind of insight—the kind you won’t find in a textbook—is exactly why the Collective exists.
A Shared Mission
With a turnout of 35 attendees, this was the most well-attended Phoenix Collective yet—and the energy was high! Builders were grouped into smaller discussion circles, where ideas flowed freely with decades of combined building experience.
The openness around a typically competitive topic like contracts was refreshing. While contracts can feel like a proprietary edge, this group sees them as an industry-wide safeguard: The goal is to uplift the industry, not just individuals!
To learn more bout our expansion to Pheonix, check out this blog!
Real Takeaways
Builders walked away with more than just theory. Key insights included:
The importance of filing pre-liens, even mid-project, as a safeguard.
Best practices around lien waivers and deposit protection.
Adding escalation clauses to address potential price increases during a build.
It was the kind of session where everyone left with actionable ideas—whether they were new to the industry or seasoned pros.
Why the Collective Matters
Bryan Eberson, Founder of Eberson Construction & Remodeling, summed it up perfectly:
“Being part of the Curious Builder's Builders Collective has been an incredible experience. It’s allowed me to connect with like-minded builders beyond my region, share ideas, and learn strategies to improve the client experience. The collaborative and supportive community makes this an invaluable resource I highly recommend to any builder looking to grow.”
Thank You to Our Sponsor
A huge thank you to Ferguson, who hosted the event and helped make the day a success. Partners like them, Pella, Emser, and Buildertrend have all shown their commitment to pushing the industry forward—and we’re grateful to build alongside them.
Interested in joining the next Phoenix Collective event?
Reach out to the Curious Builder Collective for community details and find out how to connect with builders who are as committed to craftsmanship, collaboration, and client experience as you are!