Building Strong Foundations: Networking in Offsite Construction

In offsite construction, technology and innovation often take center stage—but behind every system, every factory line, and every project, there is one constant: people. Relationships are the true foundation of progress in this industry. With our most recent factory tour at Resia Manufacturing, that truth came into sharp focus.

The factory itself was impressive—robotics, automation, and streamlined processes all designed to accelerate bathroom and kitchen component production. Yet, the most valuable part of the experience happened outside the factory floor. The night before the event, about twenty industry leaders gathered for dinner. Over good food and shared laughter, the real magic began.

Smiling faces filled the room, and the conversation quickly turned from introductions to ideas, opportunities, and genuine collaboration. Business cards exchanged, yes—but more importantly, trust was built. This dinner reminded us that networking is not just about transactions; it’s about building a community where people want to do business together because they respect, support, and enjoy one another.

From “What’s In It For Me” to “How Can I Help You?”

For years, networking in construction often centered around personal gain—what project can I land, what contact can benefit me, what contract can I win. But over the past decade, something has shifted. Leaders across the offsite construction space are beginning to prioritize collaboration over competition, service over self-interest, and long-term relationships over quick wins.

As I often share:

“It fills me with joy to see my colleagues—who I truly consider friends—lifting each other up, whether it’s by offering solutions to challenges or simply sharing a kind word like, ‘It’s so nice to see you today, how’s your family?’ These moments of care and connection are strengthening our businesses and our community, one person at a time. This spirit of collaboration and compassion is becoming the new way of doing business, and I couldn’t be more grateful to witness it.”— Audree Grubesic, founder of Offsite Dirt Network

This evolution is powerful. Instead of asking “What’s in it for me?” the question has become “How can I help you grow your business?” When industry leaders embrace this mindset, they not only expand their networks but also strengthen the entire ecosystem of offsite and modular construction.

The Role of The Offsite Dirt Network

At Offsite Dirt Network, this philosophy drives everything we do. Our mission is simple: to create opportunities for connection, collaboration, and growth within the building community. Whether through factory tours, roundtable discussions, or private networking events, we strive to bring people together in meaningful ways.

Each interaction is an opportunity to plant a seed. Sometimes those seeds grow into partnerships, sometimes into new business ventures, and sometimes into lasting friendships that create joy and inspiration well beyond the jobsite. By facilitating these introductions and conversations, we help ensure that the offsite construction industry is not only advancing technologically but also thriving culturally.

Human Connection as a Competitive Advantage

It’s easy to focus on profit margins, efficiency metrics, or material supply chains. These are critical to the business of building, of course. But what we’re finding more and more is that human connection itself is a competitive advantage.

When leaders share a meal, walk a factory floor together, or sit side by side in a workshop, walls come down. Trust builds faster. Ideas spark more freely. And collaboration feels natural, not forced. These moments can’t be replicated by email threads or virtual meetings—they require time, presence, and intentional connection.

Looking Ahead: Building With People in Mind

As the offsite construction industry continues to grow, the companies that will thrive are the ones that invest not just in machinery and materials, but in relationships.

Networking should no longer be an afterthought; it is the very foundation upon which future partnerships, innovations, and successes are built. By embracing a mindset of collaboration, generosity, and authenticity, we are moving the industry toward a new era—one where doing good business with good people is just as important as the structures we build.

The Resia Manufacturing tour and the dinner prior were more than just events. They were a reminder of why we do this work and how we can do it better—together.

At the end of the day, construction is about more than steel, concrete, or modular boxes. It’s about people: leaders, innovators, partners, and friends. If we can continue to prioritize these relationships, then not only will our profits grow, but so will our sense of purpose, connection, and community.

Because in offsite construction, just like in life, the strongest foundations are built on trust, collaboration, and human connection. And that is the DIRT on Offsite Dirt Network.