Nexstar Challenges Contractors to Design Their Futures

Throughout the four-day meeting, members participated in educational sessions, peer networking opportunities, and collaborative discussions designed to provide practical ideas for managing their businesses. From leadership development and financial strategy to hiring, culture, and emerging technology, the Super Meeting offered attendees a chance to learn alongside some of the most respected voices in business and the skilled trades, a press release from Nexstar said.

“I wouldn’t change a thing,” said Megan Ohlmann, marketing director at Action Air Plumbing & Septic in Lubbock, Texas. “It’s our first Super Meeting and the bar is set high!”

“This knocked it out of the park. Great social interaction with awesome networking,” said John Caruthers, founder and CEO of Best Virginia Heating and Cooling in Hurricane, West Virginia.

“As a member-owned organization, Nexstar maintains its focus on delivering value to our membership. The events we create for members to connect, the programs and coaching we offer, and the partners we invite to this and other events are all member-focused,” said Julian Scadden, Nexstar’s president and CEO. “Nexstar is member-owned by design, and this year we presented the rollout of future-design-first thinking in every area, from customer experience to financial acumen, leadership, and beyond. We’re grateful to serve the world’s best tradespeople.”

“What makes this community special is that our members are always looking for ways to get better,” said Liz Wilts, Nexstar’s vice president of operations.

“We challenged them to step away from the day-to-day, think intentionally about the businesses they’re trying to build, and learn from one another as they design the path to get there,” Wilts added.

The theme of the conference, “Design What’s Next,” focused on the idea that successful businesses are built through intentional decisions rather than reactive ones. Sessions encouraged members to think beyond immediate challenges and create a clear path forward for their organizations, their teams, and their own leadership growth.

Attendees heard from leadership expert and bestselling author John C. Maxwell; Savannah Bananas founder Jesse Cole; entrepreneur and Profit First author Mike Michalowicz; hiring expert Danielle Mulvey; speaker and entertainer Jason Hewlett; and economist Michael Feuz. They explored topics ranging from leadership and profitability to talent development, economic trends, and standing out in a competitive marketplace.

Educational programming included breakout sessions led by Nexstar coaches and trainers, as well as workshops and design labs focused on financial performance, growth, accountability, and practical applications for AI. Members also participated in Connecting for Solutions, a forum that brought peers, coaches, and trainers together to tackle real business challenges and share ideas that could be put to work right away.

Members also connected through a speed-networking event, as well as through the Women of Nexstar Moxie Lounge, Walk to Connect, Strategic Partner activities, and a variety of informal opportunities throughout the conference. The popular Strategic Partner Tradeshow helped members find solutions to challenges through products and services designed for home services businesses. Attendees also gathered for a Texas-themed reception at Knibbe Ranch, where there was live entertainment, a rodeo showcase, and fireworks.

Explore The Trades, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness of skilled trade careers among students and educators, hosted its Future in Focus fundraising reception during the Super Meeting. The organization also sponsored Leading the Trades, a panel discussion featuring Maxwell and industry advocates who are working to strengthen support for trades careers.

“It really exceeded my expectations and was the best Super Meeting event I’ve had the opportunity to attend,” said Craig Parks of Rainaldi Home Services in Orlando, Florida.