Building God’s Way Honors Outstanding Builder Partners at 2026 National Builders

Building God’s Way (BGW) Architects, a nationally recognized architecture firm specializing in churches and Christian schools, announced the recipients of its 2026 Builder Partner Awards during the company’s annual BGW Builders Conference, held October 14–16 in Ogden, Utah. The awards recognize exceptional business development performance, stewardship-driven construction, ministry impact, and a lasting legacy of service.

Ogden, UT, October 31, 2026 --(PR.com)-- Building God’s Way (BGW Architects), a nationally recognized architecture firm specializing in churches and Christian schools, announced the recipients of its 2026 Builder Partner Awards during the company’s annual BGW Builders Conference, held October 14–16 in Ogden, Utah.

The awards were presented during a special recognition banquet on Thursday evening, October 15, at Timbermine Steakhouse, honoring outstanding achievements among BGW's network of construction partners from across the country.

The annual conference brings together BGW's builder partners to share best practices, strengthen relationships, explore new opportunities for ministry-focused construction, and reinforce the organization's commitment to stewardship, collaboration, and excellence in serving churches and Christian schools nationwide.

This year's awards recognized outstanding business development performance, extraordinary commitment to ministry outreach and stewardship on construction projects, and a distinguished career of dedicated service to the BGW mission.

2026 Outstanding Sales Achievement Awards
Presented by Derek Johnson, Vice President of Business Development for Building God’s Way, the Outstanding Sales Achievement Awards recognize builder representatives who demonstrate exceptional sales performance, consistent dedication, and excellence in representing and advancing the BGW Program.

First Place — Gary Vargas, The Collage Companies | Lake Mary, Florida
For an impressive fourth consecutive year, Gary Vargas earned the top Outstanding Sales Achievement Award, continuing a remarkable record of business development success.

Vargas has distinguished himself through his exceptional ability to build meaningful relationships with ministry leaders, establish trust, and guide churches and Christian schools through the early stages of planning their facility projects.

The Collage Companies' strategic commitment to investing in Google advertising through BGW has contributed significantly to this success. Vargas developed eight contracts from BGW-generated web leads, six from BGW seminars, and five from his own independent prospecting efforts — demonstrating the effectiveness of combining digital marketing, educational outreach, and relationship-driven business development.

His four-year winning streak reflects both an extraordinary level of consistency and a deep commitment to helping ministries move their building visions forward.

Second Place — David Hershey, Weaver Commercial Contractor | Dalton, Ohio
David Hershey earned second-place honors for his outstanding performance in developing new ministry opportunities through multiple business development channels.

Hershey successfully developed four contracts from BGW seminar leads and three from BGW web leads, while independently generating five additional opportunities through his own outreach and relationship-building efforts.

His proactive approach to identifying and developing new ministry relationships exemplifies the initiative and dedication that contribute to the continued success of the BGW Builder Partner network.

Third Place — Mark Wright, SB Construction | Indianapolis, Indiana
Mark Wright was recognized with the third-place Outstanding Sales Achievement Award for the second consecutive conference, reflecting his consistent performance and effectiveness in developing BGW-generated opportunities.

Wright successfully developed five seminar leads and three web leads, demonstrating a strong ability to connect with ministry leaders and transform initial interest into meaningful project opportunities.

His continued recognition highlights his dedication to the BGW Program and his effectiveness in helping prospective clients navigate their facility planning and construction needs.

Honorable Mention — Annie Knipe, Hilbers, Inc. | Yuba City, California
Annie Knipe received Honorable Mention recognition, marking her second consecutive BGW Builders Conference award.

Hilbers, Inc.'s decision several years ago to invest in Google advertising through BGW has delivered significant results. Knipe developed six charrette opportunities from BGW web leads, representing more than half of the firm's charrette activity, along with three additional opportunities generated through BGW seminars.

Her success underscores the long-term value of consistent marketing investment, effective lead development, and a strong partnership between BGW and its builder network.

Collectively, this year's sales award recipients demonstrate the power of BGW's integrated business development model, which combines national digital marketing, regional educational seminars, and direct relationship-building to connect churches and Christian schools with trusted design and construction professionals.

2026 Spirit of BGW Awards
The Spirit of BGW Award recognizes construction partners who exemplify the core values of the Building God's Way Program through exceptional stewardship, a commitment to collaboration, and meaningful ministry outreach on their construction job sites.

More than simply delivering high-quality buildings, these partners embrace the belief that the construction process itself can become an opportunity to serve people, strengthen relationships, and advance the mission of the ministries they support.

Three construction firms were honored with the 2026 Spirit of BGW Award.

Schifferer-Built Construction | Chandler, Arizona
Recognized Project: Desert Springs Community Church
Presented by Ned Wright, Project Architect for BGW Architects, this award recognized Schifferer-Built Construction for exemplifying the spirit of the BGW Program through its work on the Desert Springs Community Church project.

The recognition celebrates the firm's dedication to stewardship, collaborative project delivery, and an approach to construction that places the ministry's mission at the center of the building process.
The Collage Companies | Lake Mary, Florida
Recognized Project: Fairway Christian Church — The Villages, Florida
The Collage Companies received a Spirit of BGW Award for its work on the Fairway Christian Church project in The Villages, Florida.

This honor recognizes the company's commitment to serving ministry clients with integrity, responsible stewardship of resources, and a dedication to making a positive impact that extends beyond the completed facility.

SB Construction | Indianapolis, Indiana
Recognized Projects: Florence Baptist Church — Fisherville, Kentucky; and First Belton Baptist Church — Belton, Texas

SB Construction was honored for its work on two ministry projects: Florence Baptist Church in Fisherville, Kentucky, and First Belton Baptist Church in Belton, Texas.
The award acknowledges the firm's consistent commitment to the values that define the BGW Program, including faithful stewardship, construction excellence, and the intentional integration of ministry outreach into the building process.

Together, these Spirit of BGW Award recipients represent a defining principle of the Building God's Way approach: A successful construction project is measured not only by the quality of the building delivered, but also by the stewardship demonstrated, the relationships strengthened, and the ministry impact created along the way.

2026 Legacy of Excellence Award
Recipient: Joe Smith, SB Construction | Indianapolis, Indiana
One of the evening's most meaningful recognitions was the presentation of the 2026 Legacy of Excellence Award to Joe Smith of SB Construction, honoring his distinguished 15-year career as a Building God's Way representative.

The award was presented jointly by Derek Johnson, Vice President of Business Development, and Austin Fredrickson, Senior Preliminary Designer for BGW Architects.

Smith, who will retire at the end of 2026, was recognized for his unwavering dedication to the BGW Program, the relationships he has built throughout his career, and his lasting contributions to the organization's mission of helping churches and Christian schools create facilities that advance their ministries.

Over 15 years of service, Smith has exemplified the qualities that define a trusted BGW Builder Partner: professionalism, integrity, faithful partnership, and an enduring commitment to excellence.

The Legacy of Excellence Award honors not only professional achievement, but also the lasting influence of individuals whose dedication and service have helped shape the culture, reputation, and success of Building God's Way.

The award inscription reflects the organization's appreciation for Smith's contributions:
"With sincere appreciation for a career of service well given and a legacy well earned. Your commitment to excellence, faithful partnership, and lasting impact on the Building God's Way mission have helped shape a legacy that will endure for years to come."

Smith's retirement marks the conclusion of an exceptional chapter of service, but the relationships, projects, and contributions he leaves behind will remain an enduring part of the BGW story.

Celebrating Partnerships That Advance Ministry
The 2026 BGW Builder Partner Awards reinforce the importance of the unique relationships that have defined Building God's Way's approach to church and Christian school facility development for nearly three decades.

Through its collaborative project delivery model, BGW connects ministry leaders with experienced architectural professionals, construction partners, and strategic service providers who share a commitment to responsible stewardship and long-term ministry success.

Since its founding in 1998, Building God's Way has served more than 1,200 churches and Christian schools nationwide, helping ministries align their facilities with their vision, financial resources, and opportunities for community outreach.

The annual BGW Builders Conference provides an important opportunity for these partners to strengthen their shared mission, celebrate success, and develop innovative approaches to the challenges facing churches and Christian schools.

The achievements recognized at this year's conference reflect a commitment that extends beyond architecture and construction — helping ministries build wisely, steward their resources faithfully, and expand their impact in the communities they serve.

About Building God's Way / BGW Architects
Building God's Way (BGW Architects) is a nationally recognized architecture firm based in Ogden, Utah, specializing in the planning, design, and construction of churches and Christian schools. Since 1998, BGW has worked with more than 1,200 ministries across the United States.

Through its distinctive collaborative project delivery model and nationwide network of experienced construction partners, BGW provides comprehensive facility solutions focused on stewardship, cost efficiency, flexibility, and long-term ministry impact.

BGW's approach emphasizes strategic planning before construction, helping ministries develop facilities that support their mission, serve their communities, and make responsible use of the resources entrusted to them.

To learn more about Building God's Way and its nationwide network of builder partners, visit www.bgwservices.com.

Media Contact
Building God's Way / BGW Architects
Ogden, Utah
Website: www.bgwservices.com
Contact: Derek Johnson, Vice President of Business Development Building God's Way / BGW Architects
Derek Johnson
801-409-1045
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