Women In Construction: The BuildHER 2025 Retreat Fueled By Connection

Women in construction having group dinner on beach in Costa Rica

When I boarded the plane to Costa Rica for the BuildHER Retreat, I had a feeling it would be impactful. What I didn’t expect was just how deeply I’d be stretched, encouraged, and filled up—both as a builder and business owner, but also simply as a woman. 💛

This wasn’t just a retreat - it was a launchpad. A space created for women in construction to step away from the day-to-day and zoom out: on our vision, our systems, and our purpose. And while the ocean views were beautiful, what made the experience unforgettable was the people. The energy. The shared commitment to build not just businesses, but lives of meaning and legacy. 🏗️✨

 

Two women in construction listening to a presentation from a couch
Woman presenting a slideshow at BuildHER conference

Why It Mattered

I came into the week hoping to gain a few insights. I left with a notebook full of ideas, a heart full of new friendships, and a head full of strategy to bring back to EKA Build.

Whether we were digging into pricing methods, refining team communication, streamlining onboarding, or getting creative with brand partnerships — every session delivered. But it wasn’t just about our business strategies. It was a reminder of the why behind our work. The legacy we’re building, not just with materials, but with intention and purpose. 

At EKA Build, that purpose is rooted in something much deeper than just construction. Ed and I both grew up on the jobsite, and in time we recognized our calling to start EKA Build together—and we truly believe this is exactly where God has placed us today. We founded EKA Build with a desire to glorify God through every part of the process. Our commitment is to trust, service, quality, excellence, and knowledge—because we believe that when we build with integrity, we’re not just creating homes—we’re creating spaces where families can thrive, memories are made, and futures are shaped.

Women in construction posing on beach with coconut shell drinks

 Moments That Stood Out

  • Accountability — heartfelt conversations with powerhouse women in construction, setting goals and giving each other encouragement to go after them boldly.

  • Breakout Moments — where conversations dug deep into leadership, balance, and analyzing success. There were so many moments of learning best practices from each other and our experiences. 

  • Brand Strategy with Morgan Molitor with construction2style — tangible tools on SEO, Pinterest tips, and how to create content that serves your business. (Read what c2s had to say about the conference here!)

  • Client Experience with Meg Billings and Meg & Co. Designer Homes — highlighting what a white-glove experience looks like from the very first touchpoint, and some great tools and tips on how to improve our client's experience. 

  • Business Building with Allyson Case Anderson and Integro Builders — practical insights on pricing structure, business diversification, and the realities of tough moments.

  • Angelica's First Time Surfing — a personal highlight and reminder that stepping out of your comfort zone and conquering new things is always possible.  đźŚŠ

 What We're Bringing Home to EKA Build 🛠️

It would be impossible to walk away from a week like this and not change or improve something. At EKA Build, we talk a lot about building strong foundations and leaving a legacy—not just for the homes we build. It’s how we live, how we lead, and how we serve.

This retreat affirmed that the way we serve our clients, lead our team, and pursue excellence can always be refined. We're either implementing or continuing to improve:

Overhead view of conference room with presenter and audience
  • đź’¬ Clearer client onboarding + expectation setting

  • 📞 Client processes and communication

  • đź§  Smarter systems for content creation and marketing

  • 🔍 Establishing EKA Build SEO and brand awareness in the industry

  • 🏗️ Developing our EKA Build business diversification

  • đź’¸ Evaluating pricing structures

  • 🤝 And, most importantly, continued collaboration and accountability

We’re not interested in building fast. We’re interested in building right. EKA Build has always been set up this way, and being able to join these ladies for a few days and collaborate helped this concept be rooted even deeper in who we are as EKA Build.

Four women posing for a group picture at night

 Thank You

To the incredible hosts who brought this event to life: @construction2style (Morgan), @megcohomes (Meg), and @integro_builders (Allyson) — your vision, leadership, and generosity created a space where transformation could take root. Keep it up ladies, because the impact is far greater than you can imagine!

To the sponsors who made this retreat possible: @buildertrend, @andersen_windows_pros, @katlynslocumdesign, @rockwoolna, @lgusa, @huberwood, @thebuildshow, @usgcorp, @beachsideinteriors_oc, and @retrotec — thank you for investing in the trades! 🔧🏡

To the amazing women I met: your vulnerability, wisdom, and friendship are something I’ll carry with me always. From strangers to sisters, I’m grateful to now walk this journey beside you.

A dramatic landscape view of the Costa Rican coast

Closing Thought

We don’t just build homes. We build legacies. And legacy is built together.

Until next time BuildHER…

 

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