1DROP’s Spring 2026 Quarterly Member Meeting
On April 30, 2026, 1DROP members gathered for the Spring Quarterly Member Meeting under the theme The Messy Middle— the space between where a project begins and where it finally lands.
The evening brought together developers, partners, and industry leaders to speak honestly about what happens in-between: the financing hurdles, the operational growing pains, the mindset shifts that don't make it onto the highlight reel. From fireside conversations to storytelling workshops, the night created space to share hard-won lessons, strengthen the collective's support systems, and recommit to a truth at the core of 1DROP's work: navigating that middle stretch is more possible when you don't have to do it alone.
Grounding the Evening in Community
The evening opened with food, conversation, and connection as members gathered and reconnected across the room. New members were welcomed into the collective, continuing 1DROP’s commitment to building a growing ecosystem of underrepresented developers working across the Puget Sound region.
The convening’s framing discussion introduced the theme of The Messy Middle by exploring why this stage of development matters so deeply. Conversations centered on the uncertainty that often exists between starting a project and reaching stability — the stage where developers are balancing risk, learning in real time, solving unexpected problems, and continuing to move forward without always having clear answers.
The goals for the evening focused on:
Building stronger connection and culture through shared stories
Creating space for knowledge and wisdom sharing
Recommitting to the collective mission of supporting one another through every phase of development
Conversations From the Field
One of the central moments of the evening was the panel discussion featuring developers and industry professionals sharing honest reflections on their experiences navigating growth, setbacks, and leadership.
The panel included:
Michael Spencer — Spencer Family Developments
Ashley Gallacher— CJG DEV
Antonio McClemore — Priceless Remodeling LLC
Caleb Jackson— Resource Equity Association
India Clark — Attainable Housing Solutions Resource Equity Association
Rather than focusing only on outcomes, the conversation centered on process: the sacrifices required to keep projects alive, the mindset shifts that happen while scaling, and the financial realities developers navigate behind the scenes. Panelists spoke candidly about uncertainty, resilience, and learning how to lead through complexity while continuing to create housing and opportunity in their communities.
Storytelling as Infrastructure
Jeremy Rubin presenting the three-act story structure.
Jeremy Rubin from ACT II Coaching led an interactive workshop called Story Party, guiding members through a storytelling framework focused on identifying the emotional truth behind their personal and professional journeys. Using a three-act story structure, members reflected on the moments, challenges, and turning points that shaped their path into development work and the values they now bring into the communities they serve.
The workshop encouraged members to think beyond traditional marketing language and focus instead on authenticity, humanity, and connection. Developers explored how personal stories can strengthen partnerships, build trust, and communicate the deeper purpose behind their projects.
Sponsored by Movement Mortgage
1DROP is grateful to Movement Mortgage for serving as the Gold Sponsor for the Spring 2026 Quarterly Member Meeting and for investing time, knowledge, and resources into the collective.
Terry Barrett, Director of the National Builder Division, alongside Jessica Talton, Covenant Homeownership Program representative, shared insights about financing opportunities and opened conversations around the lending needs developers are navigating today.
Founded in 2008 during one of the most challenging financial periods in modern history, Movement Mortgage was created with a mission to rethink the mortgage experience while creating long-term impact in communities. Their approach centers on communication, relationship-building, and reinvesting in people — values that strongly align with the spirit of collective support and community-centered development that defines 1DROP’s work.
Continuing Through the Messy Middle
For many developers, the “messy middle” is where doubt, pressure, and uncertainty can either isolate people or deepen collaboration. What emerged from this convening was a collective commitment to choosing the second path — continuing to share knowledge openly, support one another honestly, and build infrastructure that helps more developers stay in the work long enough to succeed.
The Spring 2026 Quarterly Member Meeting was a reminder that development is never only about projects. It is also about people, relationships, persistence, and the willingness to keep building even when the process feels uncertain.
Together, we continue building homes for good.
About 1DROP
1DROP is a collective of underrepresented real estate developers addressing the Puget Sound housing crisis. We are committed to empowering underrepresented developers to build housing for all wages, all stages, and all ages while growing access to generational wealth.
1DROP achieves its mission by internally providing:
Apprenticeships for aspiring underrepresented developers.
Co-development frameworks for emerging underrepresented developers to navigate partnership models.
Mentorship, networking, resources and supports for all underrepresented developers.
and externally:
Advocating for funding for underrepresented developers and their projects.
Educating on and advancing policy solutions that enable more housing.
For those inspired to learn more or get involved in supporting equitable housing, visit 1DROP's website to explore our initiatives and join us in making an impact.
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