Master Builders of Iowa

What Master Builders of Iowa does

Master Builders of Iowa (MBI) is a private construction industry trade association founded in 1912 and headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa. It operates as one of 89 chapters of the Associated General Contractors of America, serving commercial, industrial, and public works construction companies across Iowa. Its members perform the majority of the state's commercial, industrial, and public works building projects. MBI delivers a bundled portfolio of services spanning professional development, safety training, government affairs advocacy, workforce development, project bidding information, and member networking events.

The core technology platform is MBI Source1, an intelligent project information and bidding system launching August 3, 2026 that aggregates project data, evaluates bids, and enables vendor collaboration. It is supplemented by a Training Vault delivered via web and mobile app, a Member Directory, and the ELEVATE training facility in West Des Moines. Supporting programs include WORKSAFE safety training, the Master Builder Designation certification, MBI BuildHer (women in construction), YBuilder (young professionals), and the Dimensions of Wellness initiative partnered with CIASP.

MBI operates as a membership-based association with multiple revenue streams: annual membership dues (subscription), training and professional development (subscription), events and conferences (one-time/sponsorship), project information subscriptions (recurring), and Essential Partner sponsorships (> $5,000 annual threshold). Distribution is regionally focused on Iowa and the broader Midwest, with 29+ named Essential Partner sponsors including national contractors such as Turner Construction, The Weitz Company, Baker Group, United Rentals, and White Cap. The organization has 11-50 employees and operates an active content and event calendar, including an annual Winter Conference that draws over 1,500 attendees from Iowa and the Midwest.

Name

Master Builders of Iowa

Legal name

Master Builders of Iowa

Website

https://mbi.build

Company type

Private

Founded year

1912

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Master Builders of Iowa is a private construction trade association founded in 1912, serving commercial, industrial, and public works contractors in Iowa as one of 89 AGC of America chapters, offering training, safety, advocacy, and project bidding services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Construction Trade Association Services

akta.pro primary industry

Architecture, Construction & Building Codes Reference (Design, BIM, Safety Codes) (EDAGAGAH)

akta.pro secondary industry

Certification & Credentialed Creator Programs (MPACALAI)

Keywords

• Construction trade association
• Contractor membership services
• Project bidding information
• Safety training programs
• Workforce development construction

Headquarters

HQ city

West Des Moines

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees for construction companies providing access to services, training, advocacy, and networking.
2. Training and Professional Development: Revenue from educational programs, webinars, Master Builder Designation, and training-on-demand services.
3. Events and Conferences: Winter Conference, regional meetings, Breakfast Club, Lunch Club, and other networking events with registration fees and sponsorships.
4. Project Information Services: Online subscription service providing project bidding information and Notice to Bidder services.
5. Sponsorships: Companies contribute over $5,000 in sponsorships annually to become Essential Partners, supporting association activities and events.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Master Builders of Iowa is a construction-industry trade association that delivers workforce development, project bidding and procurement information, safety training, professional development, government affairs advocacy, and networking services to commercial construction companies in Iowa. Its core platform, MBI Source1, is an intelligent project-data aggregation and bidding platform (launching August 3, 2026) that supports bid evaluation and vendor collaboration. Members also access the Training Vault, the ELEVATE training facility, the Master Builder Designation certification, and signature events such as the Winter Conference.

Product overview

Master Builders of Iowa operates as a construction industry association offering a portfolio of professional development, safety, workforce development, and project information services primarily serving commercial construction contractors in Iowa. The core platform is MBI Source1 (launching August 2026), an intelligent project information and bidding platform that aggregates project data and enables bid evaluation and vendor collaboration. This core platform is supplemented by training and educational services including Training Vault, MBI Reelz, Educational Offerings, Training on Demand, Webinars, and the Master Builder Designation program. Additional modules include safety programs (WORKSAFE, Toolbox Talks), wellness initiatives (Dimensions of Wellness), workforce development (MBI-WORKS Fund, Construction Week, YBuilder), government affairs services (MBI-PAC, Legislative Agenda), and networking events (Winter Conference, Breakfast Club, The Lunch Club, Regional Meetings, Executive Insights). The association also provides a mobile app and maintains an ELEVATE training facility in West Des Moines.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• MBI Source1: A project information management platform that aggregates project data for bidding, vendor evaluation, and collaboration.
• ELEVATE
• MBI BuildHer
• Dimensions of Wellness

Products and services

• MBI Source1 Intelligent platform that aggregates project data and transforms how construction organizations manage project information, evaluate bids, and collaborate with vendors; targeted at MBI members and commercial construction firms in Iowa.
• MBI Membership Annual membership providing Iowa commercial construction companies with access to education, safety, environmental, labor, legal, professional development, government affairs, project information, and networking services.
• Training Vault Online training resource providing on-demand access to educational content for construction industry professionals, available via web and mobile app.
• MBI Reelz Video-based training content for construction industry professional development delivered to MBI members.
• Educational Offerings Comprehensive educational programs and courses for construction industry professional development, supporting skill and leadership growth for member companies.
• Training on Demand Self-paced training resources available on-demand to members for construction industry skills development.
• Master Builder Designation Professional certification program for construction industry professionals, with credits available toward areas such as Project Management.
• Webinars Online seminar series covering topics relevant to construction industry professionals, delivered to MBI members.
• ELEVATE Business & Events Center In-person training facility in West Des Moines providing educational events, workshops, and rental space for the construction industry.
• WORKSAFE Safety Program Safety education and training program helping construction workers and member companies maintain compliance and on-site safety practices.
• Toolbox Talks & Job Hazard Analysis Safety talk topics and Job Hazard Analysis forms for supervisors running toolbox meetings on construction job sites.
• MBI BuildHer Program focused on empowering, supporting, and advancing women working in the construction industry.
• Dimensions of Wellness Wellness initiative providing resources across multiple dimensions including emotional, physical, and mental health for construction workers.
• MBI-WORKS Fund Workforce development endowment fund supporting training and career development in the construction industry.
• Construction Week Annual event promoting the construction industry and recognizing outstanding field employees across member companies.
• MBI-PAC Political action committee providing legislative advocacy, candidate engagement, and funding opportunities for construction industry members.
• Online Subscription Service (Notice to Bidder) Project information subscription service providing Notice to Bidder functionality and bidding opportunities for commercial contractors.
• MBI Mobile App Mobile application providing on-the-go access to MBI information, Training Vault content, and member resources for iOS and Android.
• Young Professionals (YBuilder) Networking and professional development program supporting young professionals working in the construction industry.
• Winter Conference Annual signature networking and education event attracting over 1500 contractors, suppliers, service providers, design professionals, and students from Iowa and the Midwest.
• Breakfast Club Monthly networking and educational meeting hosted at the ELEVATE facility in West Des Moines, with virtual attendance available.
• The Lunch Club Regional networking events with learning opportunities held across Iowa cities.
• Regional Meetings Annual membership meetings held in different locations around Iowa for face-to-face engagement with members.
• Executive Insights Invitation-only research-based executive sessions sharing proprietary insights for business planning, targeted at senior member executives.
• MBI Live Social Media Series Two-part training series empowering construction professionals to use social media for business networking and recruitment, sold at per-seat pricing to MBI members.

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

31 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• A-1 Mobile Storage ServicesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEssential Partner sponsor contributing over $5,000 annually to MBI. Supports association activities and events through sponsorship.
• Baker GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEssential Partner sponsor contributing over $5,000 annually to MBI.
• Basepoint Building AutomationsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEssential Partner sponsor contributing over $5,000 annually to MBI.
• Commercial Supply Co.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerEssential Partner sponsor contributing over $5,000 annually to MBI.
• Conlon ConstructionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEssential Partner sponsor contributing over $5,000 annually to MBI.
• Elder CorpminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEssential Partner sponsor contributing over $5,000 annually to MBI.
• EmbarkminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEssential Partner sponsor contributing over $5,000 annually to MBI.
• Equitable AdvisorsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEssential Partner sponsor contributing over $5,000 annually to MBI.
• Graham Construction - A 3G CompanyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEssential Partner sponsor contributing over $5,000 annually to MBI.
• Holmes Murphy & Associates, LLCminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEssential Partner sponsor contributing over $5,000 annually to MBI.
• HRTLND CompaniesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEssential Partner sponsor contributing over $5,000 annually to MBI.
• McAninch Corp.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerEssential Partner sponsor contributing over $5,000 annually to MBI.
• McGill Junge Wealth ManagementminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEssential Partner sponsor contributing over $5,000 annually to MBI.
• Merchants Bonding CompanyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEssential Partner sponsor contributing over $5,000 annually to MBI.
• Modern Companies, Inc.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerEssential Partner sponsor contributing over $5,000 annually to MBI.
• PDM PrecastminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEssential Partner sponsor contributing over $5,000 annually to MBI.
• Performance Contracting Inc.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerEssential Partner sponsor contributing over $5,000 annually to MBI.
• Rasmussen GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEssential Partner sponsor contributing over $5,000 annually to MBI.
• RSM US LLPminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEssential Partner sponsor contributing over $5,000 annually to MBI.
• Star Equipment, Ltd.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerEssential Partner sponsor contributing over $5,000 annually to MBI.
• The Waldinger CorporationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEssential Partner sponsor contributing over $5,000 annually to MBI.
• The Weitz CompanyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEssential Partner sponsor contributing over $5,000 annually to MBI.
• Turner ConstructionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEssential Partner sponsor contributing over $5,000 annually to MBI.
• United RentalsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEssential Partner sponsor contributing over $5,000 annually to MBI.
• US Erectors, Inc.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerEssential Partner sponsor contributing over $5,000 annually to MBI.
• VeitminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEssential Partner sponsor contributing over $5,000 annually to MBI.
• Wendler, Inc.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerEssential Partner sponsor contributing over $5,000 annually to MBI.
• White CapminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEssential Partner sponsor contributing over $5,000 annually to MBI.
• Whitfield & Eddy LawminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEssential Partner sponsor contributing over $5,000 annually to MBI.
• Associated General Contractors of AmericacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMBI is one of 89 chapters of AGC of America, providing access to national resources, advocacy, and network. AGC is described as the most influential and widely respected construction association in the country.
• Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in MBI's Dimensions of Wellness initiative, providing emotional wellness resources and suicide prevention awareness for construction workers. MBI hosts joint events and provides downloadable resources.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Dodge Construction Network: National provider of construction project data, bidding opportunities, and market intelligence — the type of commercial entity whose project information service competes directly with MBI's Online Subscription Service and the upcoming MBI Source1 platform.
• Associated General Contractors of America: National parent association of which MBI is a chapter. Operates as the umbrella trade body for commercial contractors across the U.S., providing the same core services (advocacy, training, networking) that MBI delivers at the state level.

Direct peers

• ConstructConnect: Commercial construction bidding and project lead platform serving general and specialty contractors, directly overlapping with MBI Source1's project data aggregation and bid evaluation capabilities.
• BuildingConnected (Autodesk): Owner-side bidding and prequalification network acquired by Autodesk, enabling general contractors to invite and evaluate sub-bidder proposals — a direct functional competitor to MBI Source1's vendor collaboration features.
• Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC): National competing construction trade association with state and chapter structure, offering membership, training, safety, and advocacy services to commercial and industrial contractors — directly overlapping MBI's value proposition in Iowa.
• Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties: A regional AGC-affiliated construction association that delivers a comparable suite of training, advocacy, and member services to commercial contractors in its Pacific Northwest market, making it a structurally similar peer.
• Associated General Contractors of Minnesota: Sister AGC chapter serving Minnesota contractors with the same model of membership, training, safety, government affairs, and event programming that MBI offers in Iowa.

Others

• National Association of Home Builders (NAHB): Larger national construction trade association with a state-chapter model similar to AGC, providing training, advocacy, and member services. Serves the residential side rather than MBI's commercial focus, but competes for member mindshare and association affiliation.
• MemberSuite: Association management software vendor serving trade and professional associations with member databases, event, and subscription billing — an enabling technology provider whose platform underpins associations similar in scale and structure to MBI.

Emerging players

• PlanHub: Construction bidding platform connecting general contractors with subcontractors and suppliers via project invites and bid management — a more focused, technology-led competitor to MBI's project information offerings.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/masterbuildersofiowa
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/master-builders-of-iowa

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Master Builders of Iowa