PCAR Leadership Academy 2026
The Story Behind PCAR Connect
A Leadership Academy capstone project created to strengthen member connection.
PCAR Connect was created by Marc Gabris, Cam Villa, and Cyndy Silva as their capstone project for the PCAR Leadership Academy Class of 2026.
As part of the Leadership Academy experience, our team was challenged to think like association leaders, identify an opportunity for improvement, and propose a thoughtful solution that could create lasting value for members.
The PCAR Connect team wanted to go beyond presenting an idea. We chose to build a working mobile web app that could demonstrate how PCAR members might more easily access tours, events, affiliates, announcements, and community tools from one place.
Why We Created PCAR Connect
We created PCAR Connect because REALTORS® are mobile professionals who need quick access to tours, events, affiliates, announcements, and member tools. Our goal was to make PCAR’s resources easier to access, easier to use, and easier to engage with from a phone.
Starting With Why
A major theme of the Leadership Academy experience was learning to lead with purpose. Inspired by the idea of starting with why, PCAR Connect was built around a simple belief: connection matters.
We believe stronger connection creates stronger communities — and that the right tools can help people participate, communicate, and belong.
From PCAR Connect to Bridge Builder Studios
After building PCAR Connect, Marc Gabris founded Bridge Builder Studios to help organizations, associations, churches, and mission-driven businesses connect with the people they serve through custom-built digital platforms.
Bridge Builder Studios exists to build digital bridges between organizations and their audiences, because Marc believes people are made for connection — to their Creator and to one another.
Bridge Builder Studios is currently looking for founding clients who want to explore custom web apps, member platforms, sales funnels, or digital systems for their organization, association, church, or business.
Marc Gabris
Founder, Bridge Builder Studios