Event presented by Reimagine Buildings Collective
Tuesday, September 8th from 12pm-1pm eastern (Virtual)
Over more than four decades in the industry, Rob Leonard has spent years as a tradesperson and a prefab pioneer guided by building science and high-performance building practice. His path started in trade shop classes back in the 1970s and has since grown to include 20 years of dedicated Passive House work, including developing the BuildSmart product.
Rob stays deeply engaged in the field today. He's partnering with Virginia Tech and the Appalachian Regional Commission on off-site construction initiatives aimed at economic development in Central Appalachia, and advising the Virginia Tech Housing Innovation Challenge team on a project set to unveil in Charlotte, NC this October. He's also researching panelized biogenic materials as part of an R&D effort for Meritage Homes, helping stand up a new prefabrication plant in Abington, Virginia, and delivering CTE training programs at community colleges and universities to help grow the next generation of the trade.
This fireside chat with Michael Ingui will be a genuine discussion moving through three parts: Rob's journey to where he stands in the industry today, his approach to selling Green Buildings, and a look at panelization and the ongoing need for builder education.
Come ready to listen in on an honest, wide-ranging conversation.
About Rob Leonard
Rob has 40+ years in the construction industry including a variety of in the field trade experience, developing product, sales, marketing, project management, design/build, safety programming, instruction and instructional program development, and field operations as well as previously owning his own construction businesses. Rob’s experience includes a focus on building science, high performing buildings and improving how buildings are built and renovated. Rob is dedicated to sharing with others his overall construction knowledge as well as his expertise in construction process, construction means and methods, efficient project management, better buildings and building science.
Rob’s certifications and accreditations include: State of Virginia DPOR Class “A” builder qualified; HERS Rater; Energy Star Rater; former Phius Certified Rater; former Phius Certified Verifier; NAHB Certified Green Professional; Certified Lead Renovator; NCCER Certified Instructor; NCCER Master Trainer; HBI Certified Instructor; AED/ CPR & First Aid Certified; NSC Principles of Occupational Safety and Health Trained, OSHA #510 and #500 Certified; OTI OSHA Instructor; ACE Certified Personal Trainer; ACE Certified Health Coach and ACE Certified Senior Fitness Coach.
Rob is involved with fundraising for multiple charitable organizations, enjoys spending time with his wife, family, and pets. Rob lives a sustainable, self-sufficient lifestyle in Franklin County, Virginia and participates in hiking, cycling, running, gardening and beekeeping.
Become a member of the Reimagine Buildings Collective to join the event.
The Reimagine Buildings Collective is where we bring together builders, designers, and changemakers driven to create healthy, climate-ready buildings so that we can share hard-won lessons, level up our practices, and build the networks we need to thrive. Join us!