Host Anya Chrisanthon interviews Tag Gilkeson, an IBS veteran who shares his top tips for making the most out of your experience at the International Builders' Show 2024 in Las Vegas. They discuss how to plan your schedule, which events not to miss, navigating the massive show floor, wearing comfortable shoes, networking opportunities, and more advice for first-time and returning attendees. Anya and Tag also talk about the issues they are working on through their involvement with NAHB leadership.

Tag originally got started in the real estate and construction industry in 1999 after he obtained his Texas REALTOR license. At the time his primary business focus was in investment real estate. After watching other investors become successful, it was an easy transition into buying real estate and flipping houses on his own. His portfolio Include several fix & flips and rental properties along the way. This led to starting a General Contracting company and building spec homes for investors and homeowners to purchase or lease.

In 2009, Tag turned his attention to gaining more knowledge in his field. He obtained an
Associate’s degree in Architecture and a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management. He was ranked in the top three of his class at graduation while also obtaining a personal recommendation from the program chair.
Having gained knowledge and experience in his field he decided that it was best to give back to the industry. He did this several ways, but initially he served as a board member for the North Dallas Collin County Division Board (NDCC) for the Dallas Builders Association (DBA). He served for 2 years on the board from 2014 to 2016. Being involved in a membership organization like the DBA allowed him the benefits of taking advantage of their education opportunities. As he attended more classes, there
was a window of opportunity to gain professional designations within the industry.

At this time, he has eleven (12) designations recognized by the NAHB, and two (2) designations that are local to the DBA. These include Certified Graduate Builder (CGB), Graduate Master Builder (GMB), Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR), Graduate Master Remodeler (GMR), Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), Certified Green Professional (CGP), Master Certified Green Professional (MCGP), Certified Graduate Associate (CGA), Certified New Home Sales Professional (CSP), Master Certified New Home Sales Professional (MCSP), Certified New Home Marketing Professional (CMP),
Master in Residential Marketing (MIRM), Green Sales Professional (GSP), Tag utilizes these designations on his website, business cards, and on LinkedIn to set himself apart from the competition.

Tag currently owns a Design/Build firm called Tag & Associates, LLC where he works with homeowners, remodelers, and builders drawing full construction plans in 3D. With the industry growing toward new technology, Virtual Reality was an extremely easy add on to services to offer to the more distinguished clientele. What VR has done is begun to eliminate the need for field changes and allows for a design that everyone is happy with but has also maintained budget constraints and maximized livability.