Ashley Gibson

In this business, things are constantly evolving, so it’s essential to stay flexible and open to change. We’ve experienced significant shifts in the market—from supply chain challenges during COVID to ongoing interest rate pressures and affordability concerns today. Success really comes down to being able to pivot, respond to market signals, and understand what our customers need in real time. Another key factor is having a strong, aligned team. One of the things I value most is that everyone here is committed to delivering a great customer experience. We’re all working toward the same goal, and we consistently put the customer at the center of everything we do. From start to finish, every department collaborates to ensure we’re providing the best possible product and experience.

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received came from my current division president: lean in. She told me that when things get hard—when you get knocked off your game or when things aren't working out the way you'd hoped—that’s exactly when you need to lean in the most. She explained that those are the moments when many people give up, go on cruise control, or check out entirely. But if you choose to lean in instead, that’s where the growth happens. You learn lessons in those challenging moments that will benefit you years down the road—five, even ten years from now. The key is not to give up, but to stay engaged and push through.

That mindset has really stayed with me. I think it’s true that when things become difficult, a lot of people instinctively pull back. They avoid the discomfort instead of pushing through it. But she’s always encouraged me to go a step further—to find that extra edge and push just a little more. What’s interesting is how often that small extra effort is what sets people apart. Gaining that additional insight, putting in that extra bit of work—it creates a level of excellence that not everyone is willing to pursue. And over time, that makes all the difference.

I would tell young women to lean in during challenging moments, expand their professional network, and actively seek mentors and cross-training opportunities. Gaining exposure to different parts of the business accelerates learning and opens doors for career growth.

Affordability is a major challenge right now. Rising interest rates have significantly increased monthly payments, pricing many buyers out of the market. In just a few years, we’ve gone from historically low rates to levels that can more than double a buyer’s cost. Ultimately, our goal is to build homes people truly want to live in, while meeting the market where it is and continuing to help more people achieve homeownership.

Teamwork is incredibly important to me. We can’t be successful if we’re operating in silos—every decision should be made with other departments and the customer in mind. A strong team culture, centered on putting the customer first, is what drives great outcomes.

Work ethic is another core value. I see it every day—people going the extra mile, whether that’s working late, staying engaged on weekends, or continuously striving to do their best. That level of commitment comes from genuinely caring—about each other and about the quality of what we deliver.

At the same time, I highly value work-life balance. As a working mom of two who’s also involved in volunteering and coaching, life can get very full. Having a company that recognizes we’re human and supports that balance means a lot to me. When you feel trusted and supported in that way, it naturally motivates you to show up and give your best—and that really comes through in our team.