Summit Spotlight: Highlights from Alair’s Project Management Summit in Kohler, WI

Earlier this month, Alair hosted its annual Project Management (PM) Summit in Kohler, Wisconsin. The PM Summit is more than an event; it’s an invitation to a rare opportunity for project managers to sharpen their skills, grow their network, and find inspiration in a world-class setting at the historic resort.

This venue, located in Kohler, WI, is an incredible space. It features the head office of Kohler and an impressive showroom alongside a wellness retreat, golf course, and more.

The PM Summit is an investment in the leaders who are shaping Alair’s future, and the collaboration with Kohler reflects that level of commitment. Attendees leave not only with new skills and stronger relationships but with the kind of inspiration that can only come from experiencing a forward-thinking development summit.

Being able to witness what Kohler has built over the four generations they have been in business [was impactful]. They are adaptable and looking for more efficiency and less waste. Our location’s theme for the year is efficiency and agility. Seeing how they have adapted with the ever-changing trends, OSHA requirements, and the desire to be better every day really resonated with me.

Ashley Kepley-Steward, Alair Asheville | Red Tree

Two project managers examine sink faucets at Kohler product showcase

Three project managers examine brushes and towels at the Kohler product showcase.

One of the highlights of the PM Summit is the chance to facilitate connection and energize our project managers. Whether they’re engaging with peers from across North America or building one-on-one relationships with market partners, the summit’s greatest strength lies in how it brings people together.

The PM Summit opened on Wednesday with a welcome reception at the Kohler Design Center, where project managers explored the history of Kohler’s products and range of innovation. Bill Kozlik, Director of Marketing-Trade at Kohler, kicked off the reception by welcoming Alair’s project managers to Kohler, followed by opening remarks by Alair CEO Rob Cecil.

On Thursday, a few project managers had the chance to try cold plunges and saunas at The Baths Patio. Then, the PMs enjoyed a tour of the Kohler Co. factory, a vendor networking round, and a relaxing happy hour at the resort.

Man in black shirt smiles next to an interior sign that reads — Alair guests arrive at Kohler Wellness in Wisconsin. Photography by Early Bird Films.

Getting Connected

Alair’s scale and reputation opens doors to premium vendor relationships that individual builders can’t access alone, giving our project managers the privilege of meeting a wide range of market partners and sponsors. An extra special thank you to Kohler Co., Johnson Controls, Lutron Electronics, LG Electronics, Bromic Heating, Aquor Water Systems, Schlage Locks, Sugatsune America, LP Building Solutions, and Dulcet Tile, who all contributed to the summit.

Our project managers were able to meet with these partners one on one to establish potential relationships and gain insight on industry trends from some of the experts in our industry. Through the power of our network, we have partnerships with iconic brands like Kohler that give our project managers, homeowners, and industry partners exclusive access to innovation, quality, and service to elevate every project.

I was inspired by the community of Alair and how even though we all come from different corners of North America, we could immediately share experiences find common ground. There is nothing like Alair, and after [attending] 3 PM Summits, it is inspiring to be reminded about the community we all have access to.

Benjamin Kluksdahl , Alair Houston | Spector, Bolio & Co

A Masterclass in Presentations

The PM Summit was filled with exceptional speakers and presenters, both led by our internal Alair teams and external presentations from our partners. These sessions are a great way for our PMs to learn from each other and other industry leaders.

A few examples of the sessions include a presentation on climate resilience building by Ashley Kepley-Steward of Alair Asheville | Red Tree, a discussion from Robert Kerr and Bryan Phillips on how to set up PMs for success, an update from Steven Hayhoe on Alair’s progress with The New American Home 2026®, and a talk by Tracy Israelsson, Director of Marketing for Kohler Co. Professional Channel, about themes from the book Why She Buys, written by Bridget Brennan.

A row of crystal award trophies on a table for the Alair PM Awards.

Taking Home the Gold

On top of the incredible tours, talks, and connections, for the first time, Alair hosted the PM Summit Awards ceremony, which gave recognition to some of our outstanding project managers.

A few of the awards include Emerging Leader Award, Top Project Managers Award, Resilience Award, Project Planning & Execution Award, and more. A huge congratulations to those who took home their awards!

Breakout Performer of the Year Award

Stantson Miles, Alair Salt Lake City

Outstanding Alair Ambassador & Team Leadership Award

Adam Ford, Alair Calgary

Community Impact Award

Bridget Bjornson, Alair Regina

Project Planning & Execution Excellence Award

Simon Gutierrez Cadavid, Alair Belleville

Exceptional Job Presentation

Scott Johnson, Alair Greenville

Emerging Leader Award

Scott Grover, Alair Charlotte

Resilience Award

Brandon Gembus, Alair Solon

Exceptional Project Management Award

Alex J. Ballantyne, Alair Edmonton

Top Project Managers Awards

Mike Ronnie, Alair Red Deer
R.P. Newton, Alair Charleston
Nick Hubble, Alair Greenville
Shenay Hazelwood, Alair Grey Bruce
Shane Morris, Alair Salt Lake City
Andrew Hall, Alair Arlington
Wade Fisher, Alair Lenoir
Chuck Foidart, Alair Winnipeg
Anthony Borke, Alair South Tampa
Trevor Milroy, Alair Nanaimo

Thank You

Each year’s PM Summit builds momentum by introducing new training, tools, and experiences that empower PMs. This year’s PM Summit not only reflects Alair’s commitment to consistency in PM development, but also expands opportunities for leadership growth, networking, and exposure to innovative strategies and best practices.

Thank you again to all that attended, sponsored, hosted, and participated in this year’s PM Summit.