IBS 2026: AI, Speed to Lead, and the New Rules for Builders

Fresh back from IBS 2026, I’m sharing the biggest takeaways from this year’s International Builders’ Show — from attending the Better American Living Awards (where Westchester Modular Homes was recognized) to the clear theme that dominated nearly every session: AI.But not hype.Execution.One insight stood out above the rest: the benchmark for speed to lead used to be 15 minutes. Today, it’s one minute. In a tighter market where sentiment remains below 50 and every lead costs more, silence is expensive.In this episode, I break down:• How builders should actually be using AI (and where they shouldn’t)• Why automation is becoming a competitive advantage• What “speed as strategy” really means• How to leverage aged leads that most teams ignoreIf you’re a builder, modular manufacturer, or industry leader trying to stay ahead in 2026, this episode will help you think clearly about what matters — and what to implement next.