Ronda Conger has thrived for 29 years in the male-dominated homebuilding industry. As Vice President of CBH Homes, Idaho’s largest homebuilder, Ronda has spent the past 19 years leading with unmatched dedication, overseeing all aspects of the company and driving its growth.
Ronda’s leadership style is fueled by her love for people. Whether it’s finding the perfect role for team members, understanding what drives them, or helping them grow in all areas of their lives, she thrives on building both homes and careers. “What fuels me is the people,” she shares. “It’s about knowing what makes them tick and helping them achieve their best.” Her philosophy for success is simple yet profound: say yes, show up, and overdeliver. From taking on tasks others avoided to embracing challenges head-on, Ronda has always played to win. Confidence, positivity, and a relentless drive to improve have been her trademarks, shattering stereotypes along the way.
For Ronda, homebuilding isn’t just a career—it’s a calling. As she continues to push boundaries and inspire those around her, Ronda Conger remains a force to be reckoned with, proving that passion and perseverance can turn any challenge into an opportunity.
Starting the Day with Gratitude
In the high-octane world of leadership and innovation, Ronda has cultivated a philosophy that drives her every day, she begins each morning by fueling her energy with gratitude. “I don’t need Red Bull,” she says confidently. “I start my day every morning with gratitude. From a gratitude journal to simply telling myself, ‘Today is going to be a great day because…’ I have to fill my own tank daily, and this gives me the energy and passion to keep going.”
Ronda’s morning ritual not only sets the tone for her day but also serves as the foundation for her leadership ethos. Her daily practice includes sending out a “Better Thinking” quote—a message she openly admits is as much for herself as it is for others. “First and foremost, I need to get my head in the right spot,” she explains. “I have a saying: if you’re around me, I need two things from you—you need to be passionate and caffeinated. Truly, if you’re lacking in passion that day, then pick up that Red Bull and let the caffeine roll.”
But caffeine and positivity aren’t the only ingredients in Ronda’s recipe for maintaining high energy. She firmly believes in the power of movement. “It’s been proven that if you move your body, you’ll move your mind,” she notes. “If you need to change your mindset, take a lap, this will drastically improve your energy.” Her ability to blend gratitude, mental discipline, and physical movement has created a unique and sustainable approach to motivation. For Ronda, every day starts with purpose, ensuring that her tank is always full, ready to drive both herself and her team forward.
Woman of the Year Recognition
Being named Woman of the Year was a defining moment for Ronda—a testament to her relentless drive, vision, and impact. Reflecting on the honor, she shares, “You work for years to build a brand, a culture, a company worth following, and when an acknowledgment like this comes, I feel so blessed. But the work doesn’t stop here.”
For Ronda, the recognition is not just a milestone; it’s a powerful validation of her purpose and the path she’s charting. “I’ve always felt I have so much more in the tank,” she says. “This is the reassurance that the work we’re doing is important and needed.”
As someone who thrives on ambition and continuous growth, Ronda sees the accolade as both a celebration and a challenge—to push boundaries, innovate further, and continue making a difference. Her gratitude fuels her determination, proving that success is not a destination but an evolving journey of impact and inspiration.
A Call for Growth and Transformation
Ronda’s journey as an author began with a question that caught her off guard. A man once asked her for her book. She told him she didn’t have one, but his insistence planted a seed. “Books changed my life,” Ronda reflects. “I realized that I wanted to hopefully change someone else’s life, too.”
For Ronda, writing wasn’t just about imparting wisdom; it was deeply personal. “Truly, the books are for me,” she admits. “They remind me that I’m a work in progress and I’m not done. Much has been given to me, and I want to give that and more back.” Her approach to writing is as dynamic as her personality. Understanding that not everyone is a natural reader, Ronda sought to make her books accessible and engaging. “I wanted to make reading fun and interactive so that even non-readers could pick it up and learn something,” she explains. To achieve this, she incorporated elements like pictures, links to music playlists, and activities, turning each page into an experience.
Ronda’s ultimate hope is to inspire transformation—one small step at a time. “Being better isn’t about being perfect,” she emphasizes. “It’s about working every day to improve one part of your life. Then, taking what you’ve learned and sharing it with the world.” Through her books, Ronda extends an invitation to growth, connection, and the pursuit of a better self.
A Testament to Resilience and Purpose
Ronda’s pride in her team is palpable—a driving force behind her leadership and the success they achieve together. “We beat records; we do things other builders can’t,” she says with conviction. This year’s crowning achievement? Constructing six cabins in just three days for Idaho’s first medical camp—a feat that left her more inspired than ever.
“I have never been so proud,” Ronda shares. “From early mornings to late nights, the team jumped in and did everything possible to finish the cabins. We had setbacks, trades didn’t show up, and yet, we overcame all obstacles.”
What stood out most to Ronda was the unwavering spirit of her team. Despite challenges, they remained positive and focused. “Through all of that, everyone was smiling, celebrating, and so grateful to be there,” she recalls. “It was a life-changing experience.”
The project not only showcased her team’s exceptional skills and resilience but also their shared sense of purpose. For Ronda, it was a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when a dedicated group comes together to make a difference.
Philosophy on Life Integration
For Ronda, the concept of work-life balance doesn’t resonate. Instead, she embraces a philosophy of integration: “I have one life, and I want everyone in it,” she says. This holistic approach reflects her deep commitment to both her family and her professional endeavors.
Ronda believes in sharing her journey, bringing her loved ones along for the ride. “I share with my family what’s going on at work—when we have events, our goals, everything,” she explains. “I take them with me. And when I’m home, I’m with them.”
As a mother, she set clear boundaries early on to ensure her children felt her presence. “When my kids were younger, I made sure to limit when I’d have my phone with me and when I wouldn’t,” she says. “We always did dinner together, unplugged and at the table.” Her philosophy isn’t about juggling competing priorities but about creating a life where work and family coexist seamlessly. By fostering connection and setting intentional boundaries, Ronda demonstrates that success isn’t about choosing between career and family—it’s about embracing both fully and authentically.
Leading Through Extraordinary Times
Reflecting on the challenges of leadership in extraordinary times, Ronda shares one of her most valuable lessons: staying grounded amidst chaos. “Everyone will lose their minds—don’t lose yours,” she emphasizes. Her approach is simple yet profound: focus on the positive and guard your energy fiercely. “At times, the news and those around you will try to spread fear and negativity, but you have to remove those from your presence. Turn off the TV, stop doom scrolling, and instead breathe and be grateful. Fill your feed and your inbox with goodness.”
Ronda’s philosophy extends beyond personal resilience—it’s a cornerstone of her leadership style. When asked for advice on building a motivated and engaged team culture, she underscores the importance of leading by example. “It starts with you. You go first and must lead the way,” she advises. “If your attitude and actions don’t align with the culture you’re trying to build, then it will never happen.”
In her book Leading Through Extraordinary Times, Ronda highlights these principles as vital tools for navigating uncertainty. Her message is clear: great leadership begins with self-awareness, intentionality, and an unwavering commitment to positivity—even when times are tough.
Vision for Thriving in the Homebuilding Industry
Ronda’s vision for navigating the rapidly evolving homebuilding industry is rooted in an unwavering commitment to adaptability and resilience. “Failure is not an option,” she asserts. “We’re going to find options A, B, C, D, and so on. Then we’re going to constantly adapt that process.”
For Ronda, the key to success lies in flexibility and innovation. “We don’t know what we don’t know,” she acknowledges, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and continuous learning. “So, we watch, tweak, and adjust as necessary.” This mindset is central to her approach: there is no singular path to success in a fast-moving industry.
“There is not one way to do things,” Ronda explains. “We’re always looking for better solutions, always evolving.” Her leadership is guided by a belief in iterative improvement, ensuring that her team remains ahead of the curve and prepared for whatever challenges come their way. Ronda’s vision is not only about building homes but about building a company that thrives on constant innovation and adaptation.
