Created for leaders across the luxury design and build industry, PowerHouse SMART® was founded on the belief that how people work matters just as much as what they build. This professional community brings together individuals and businesses working in architecture, construction, design, real estate and other related fields to grow together and positively influence the industry as a whole. Today, the group encompasses networks in California, Florida, Illinois and Minnesota, each connected by shared values and shaped by its local market. Ahead of the third annual Minnesota Luxury Conference on November 4, we chatted with Re3 Creative Founder and PowerHouse SMART Minnesota Regional Director Leanne Reichhoff to learn more about what makes this community stand apart and what you can expect at the upcoming event.
Photography provided by PowerHouse SMART®
How did you get involved with PowerHouse SMART?
I was invited to an event, and I decided to go. I really loved the people and the community. There was a need for event graphics support, which is something my team at Re3 Creative does, so we were asked to help and became an in-kind sponsor.
As I got closer to Wendy Cohen, PowerHouse SMART’s founder, I realized how much I loved her and what she was doing. I own a business growth and brand firm, and I saw an opportunity for their brand to better reflect who they were. The experience of being in the community was so strong, and I wanted people to understand that before they ever attended an event. Through our Blind Brand® work at Re3 Creative, we revamped the brand and website and ultimately became PowerHouse SMART’s national in-kind sponsor.
I also go to Chicago every quarter for a PowerHouse SMART event because I really enjoy the community there. As a business owner, I’ve participated in different networking groups and this is the best community I’ve ever been part of. I love the people, the conversations and the way they support one another. Experiencing that in Chicago was a big part of why I wanted to help grow the Minnesota faction. Our community here is still growing, and I wanted to establish those kinds of relationships right here with architects, builders, designers, suppliers and other professionals across the industry. Becoming regional director has given me the opportunity to help build that.
What sets this community apart?
The people. Everyone is collaborative, respectful and honorable, and there’s a deep mutual respect. It feels like you’ve known each other for so long. People want to help one another grow in their businesses, make introductions, share resources and bring referrals. There’s a willingness to take the time to understand someone’s work and think about how you can help them do better and be better.
There’s also something valuable about bringing together people from different parts of the same industry. You might be a designer or architect working at a firm, a sales representative for a supplier or someone leading a team within a company. Those perspectives and relationships are valuable. Getting to know one another helps you understand the people and businesses you might collaborate with.
For me, the respect and the generosity make it a community I keep coming back to. I enjoy these people, I respect their work and I care about seeing them succeed. You feel that coming back from them, too.
Why does building these relationships and networks matter?
In the design and building industry, so much of the work depends on other people. It’s helpful to have a network you can trust — people who care about the quality of the work and the experience of the client. And when you’re recommending someone or bringing them into a project, your own reputation is involved, too. Knowing the person behind the business matters. It’s also helpful to have people who understand the industry and the challenges that come with it. You can share resources, ask questions and learn from one another. Someone else may have worked through something you’re facing, or they may know the person who can help.
You never know where those relationships will lead. I’ve seen firsthand how businesses have grown through the collaboration within PowerHouse SMART. An introduction, a referral or a new partnership can make a real difference. And having people you can call, who know you and want to help is valuable even when you don’t have an immediate project or opportunity to share.
What can first-time attendees expect during the upcoming Minnesota Luxury Conference?
Fun, warmth and some really great conversations. We’ll have some of the best industry leaders in the room at Fuse Minneapolis at IMS on November 4. Our keynote speakers will be Emma Orfield Johnston and Jeffrey Shaw. Our builder panel includes Gary Kraemer of John Kraemer & Sons, Chris Van Klei of Detail Homes and John Quinlivan of Gordon James. Our designer panel includes Jennie Korsbon of Jennie Korsbon & Co., Heather Peterson of Heather Peterson Design and Alethea Sadowski of A. Sadowski Designs.
We’ll be focusing on how the luxury space is evolving, understanding the modern client and leading a business in this industry. There’s also a PowerConnect Experience with smaller table discussions and expert educators in law, wellness, marketing, recruiting and operations. Attendees will have opportunities to ask questions, share their perspective and get to know people. What I’m most excited for is for newcomers to experience the warmth of this community and have conversations they’ll want to continue afterward.
You don’t have to be a member or already know someone to attend. If you’re working in Minnesota’s luxury design and building industry and you’ve been curious about PowerHouse SMART, I’d love for you to join us. Come meet the people, hear their perspectives and experience it for yourself.
How does PowerHouse SMART’s support extend beyond events?
Events are one part of what we do. There are also PowerConnect groups, Coffee Meet & Greets and smaller cafe meetups, along with all the collaboration that happens between those gatherings. I’m part of the PowerConnect groups myself and they’re incredible peer groups that meet monthly to talk about topics that support your business and your development as a leader. You get to know what people are working through and where they can use support.
Then there are the individual relationships. You meet someone for coffee or happy hour, make an introduction or connect them with a resource. Those relationships continue throughout the year, and can extend beyond Minnesota into other PowerHouse SMART communities. Wendy has always talked about giving without expecting anything in return. We want people who care about helping one another grow. When people bring that attitude, the support continues naturally between events because they’re paying attention to what others need and looking for ways to help.
What do you see as the biggest value for members?
The relationships. Membership allows you to attend events in all PowerHouse SMART communities. I’ve loved going to different cities and being welcomed just like I’m part of the local group. You have opportunities to meet people across different markets, learn about their work and build relationships you might never have made otherwise. You can also come to an event as a guest and have a great experience. Membership gives you the opportunity to keep building those relationships throughout the year. Through the smaller gatherings and monthly PowerConnect groups, you have regular opportunities to spend time with people and build that trust.
For me, the biggest value is having people who know you, respect your work and care about how you’re doing. Whether you own a business or work within one, having people you can call for advice, resources or an introduction can make a real difference. It provides support as you grow in your work, take on new responsibilities and figure things out.
Any favorite or memorable moments from past events?
I was on a marketing panel at the Chicago Luxury Conference in November 2025, and that was really memorable. There were different perspectives and some tension, which made it exciting. People left energized, and it created a lot of conversation afterward. I really enjoyed being part of a discussion that people kept talking about.
I also loved the Luxury Summit in Chicago this past June at the SKS showroom. Brett Byron from Scott Byron & Co. spoke on “Art of the Ensemble,” and I really appreciated his perspective on collaboration and the value of everyone bringing their ideas to the table. In this industry you have so many people contributing to a project, it matters that everyone has an opportunity to contribute their knowledge and ideas.
Our first conference in Naples, Florida, at Walter E. Smithe was another favorite. People from Minnesota and Chicago came down to support Naples as they were getting their community started. I loved seeing people show up for one another like that. You get to build relationships here in the Midwest, but you’re also connected to people in other markets. Seeing everyone come together to help a new community get established was really special.
And I always love the AfterGLOW parties that follow the conferences. People have time to relax, keep talking and really get to know one another. You might pick up a conversation that started during a panel or sit down with someone you’ve just met. Some of my favorite conversations happen then.
