CBUSA Founder Bill Smithers announces plans for retirement after decades of industry impact

OMAHA, Neb. (Feb. 1, 2026) — CBUSA, the nation’s leading group purchasing organization for home builders, today announced that Founder Bill Smithers will transition into a strategic advisory position on March 1, 2026. Smithers’ longtime colleague and successor, President Brian Pavlick, will continue leading the organization.

Smithers founded CBUSA in 2004 with a mission to give independent builders the scale, buying power and market influence typically reserved for larger national competitors, while fostering a culture of integrity, professionalism and balanced industry partnerships. That vision has helped CBUSA create lasting value for builders, manufacturers and distribution partners across the industry.

What began as a small regional effort grew to a national network of builders, vendors and manufacturers, a transformation driven by Smithers’ vision, entrepreneurial mindset and deep commitment to helping builders thrive in an increasingly competitive industry. Today, CBUSA boasts a membership base of nearly 1,000 professional builders in 40 markets across the US.

“What has always mattered most to me is the shared success we’ve created as an organization,” said Smithers. “CBUSA has helped independent builders compete and win, and that success has only been possible because of the support, trust and collaboration of our manufacturing, supplier and distribution partners.”

Smithers added, “Through the commitment, dedication and professionalism of the CBUSA team, we have set a standard for excellence in the industry and strengthened the businesses we have been fortunate enough to serve. When you focus not just on negotiating well, but on being a better customer and a better partner, you elevate the entire industry. Seeing this come to fruition through CBUSA has been the greatest reward of my career.”

In 2021, CBUSA was acquired by Buildertrend, marking a pivotal milestone for both organizations and the broader residential construction industry. Smithers played a central role in this transition, and his leadership has remained steady throughout the past five years.

As CBUSA President, Pavlick will continue to honor Smithers’ legacy while accelerating CBUSA’s mission. Pavlick joined the company in 2006 and became a key architect of its operational infrastructure. He has helped shape CBUSA’s national footprint, expanding its services, partnerships and market reach.

“CBUSA’s recent growth is a direct result of the foundation Bill built,” said Pavlick. “Bill encouraged innovation, collaboration and integrity at every turn, shaping CBUSA into what it is today. I’m excited and honored to build on his legacy and lead our company into the future.”

Smithers will remain actively involved with the business as a strategic advisor, supporting long-term planning and providing guidance as CBUSA continues to expand into new markets and deliver more value to its builder members and industry partners.

About CBUSA: A subsidiary of Buildertrend, CBUSA is the premier group purchasing organization for the nation’s top independent home builders. For 22 years, CBUSA has empowered builders across the nation to grow their businesses, increase profits and gain a competitive edge in the residential construction industry. By leveraging the collective purchasing power of a national organization, CBUSA enables its members to drive down material costs, improve service levels and protect against price increases. With nearly 1,000 builders, 1,900 local vendor partners and 30 national brand partners all working together, CBUSA continues to build a strong community of industry leaders dedicated to collaboration. Learn more about CBUSA here.

About Buildertrend: Great builders don’t simply manage projects; they run successful businesses. That’s where Buildertrend comes in. As the leading residential construction management platform, we give contractors the power to control their financials, schedules, team workflows and client relationships: all in one system. No more juggling disconnected tools or guessing on profitability. With nearly two decades of industry expertise, Buildertrend helps builders work smarter, scale faster and stay ahead of the competition. Learn more at buildertrend.com and on social media @buildertrend.