An established leader in homebuilder M&A since 1996

Our mission is to help homebuilders and developers grow and realize their full potential.
BAG is a boutique investment banking firm dedicated to providing M&A advisory and capital-raising solutions to our builder and developer clients.

We strive to create impact by:
understanding your objectives
creating a solution to maximize the value of your business
solving capital needs through project and corporate equity and debt
focusing on long-term relationships

Meet Our Team

Tony Avila

Tony Avila

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Tony Avila is founder and Chief Executive Officer of Builder Advisor Group (“BAG”), a boutique investment banking firm that focuses on advising homebuilders and land development companies on capital raising, mergers, and acquisitions. BAG has advised hundreds of homebuilders and land development companies including the sale of some of the largest private homebuilder transactions in the United States. Mr. Avila is also the founder and CEO of Avila Real Estate Capital (“AREC”), which oversees two funds dedicated to providing first mortgage loans to homebuilders and land developers. AREC has originated over $3 billion in real estate loans including $800 million in residential land mortgages over the past year.  Prior to founding AREC and BAG, Avila was a co-founder and general partner of Encore Capital Management overseeing $2 billion in assets under management. Encore developed lots for sale to homebuilding companies.  Previously, Mr. Avila served as head of Homebuilding Investment Banking at Bank of America Securities from 1998 to 2002. Mr. Avila is a member of the Urban Land Institute and sits on the Community Development Council. He graduated from U.C. Berkeley in 1987. He is an avid marathoner and triathlete and competed in the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.

Zach Legge

Zach Legge

President

Zach is the President of Builder Advisor Group. He is responsible for the execution of M&A transactions and debt & equity capital raises. Zach oversees the preparation of financial models, business valuations, and marketing presentations. He manages client relationships and coordinates transaction-related due diligence. Zach has been a member of BAG’s team since 2019 and since then has provided advisory services on over two dozen successful builder sales and more than $2 billion in capital raises.

Prior to joining Builder Advisor Group, Zach worked with Infiniti Consulting Group in which he helped provide advisory services in Cloud Computing. Zach gained invaluable experience in constructing financial reports as well as engaging with clients.

Zach is a member of the Residential Neighborhood Development Council (RNDC) for the Urban Land Institute. He is also a member of the Bay Area Junior Board for the Challenged Athletes Foundation. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from CSU, Chico with a B.S. in Finance and a minor in International Studies. Outside of work, Zach channels his competitive spirit into endurance sports, regularly training for and competing in Ironman triathlons.

Ron Yelland

Ron Yelland

Vice President

Mr. Yelland is a Vice President at Builder Advisor Group. Ron has been a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the State of Florida for over 20 years having experience in both private industry and the public accounting firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers (“PWC”). Specializing in all aspects of real estate, to include homebuilding, construction, land development, property management, title and mortgage lending, Ron has spent the majority of his professional career with medium to large real estate clients. After leaving PWC, Ron joined one of his clients, Mercedes Homes in 1993, as a Manager of Financial Reporting, eventually working his way to a variety of officer and board positions to include Chief Financial Officer. Mercedes Homes at its peak closed nearly 6,000 homes, resulting in over $1.6 billion in revenues. Mr. Yelland has a Masters and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Florida and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Ron is an avid cyclist, having biked the length of the state of Florida and from Orlando to Atlanta.

Sam Sutter

Sam Sutter

Vice President

Sam is a Vice President for Builder Advisor Group, specializing in advisory services for homebuilders and developers nationwide. Sam is responsible for various aspects of financial analysis, transaction execution, and client management. Prior to joining the team, Sam worked in Corporate Banking at one of the largest international banks, managing a portfolio of real estate operators. He holds a Finance degree from the University of British Columbia, Canada.

Mitch Legge

Mitch Legge

Analyst

Mitchel is an Analyst with Builder Advisor Group, where he focuses on valuation and strategic advisory services for homebuilders and residential developers across the country. His responsibilities include leading financial modeling efforts, preparing detailed valuations, and drafting marketing materials such as Confidential Information Memorandums to support client transactions. He works closely with senior team members throughout the deal process, from initial analysis through execution. Mitchel began his career with Builder Advisor Group as a 2022 summer intern and returned full-time after graduating Magna Cum Laude from California State University, Chico with a B.S. in Finance.

Testimonials

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“Tony has a unique ability to be there in every moment – anticipated or not – when you need him. He also knows precisely when to step back and let the process go as it's meant to among the principals. That kind of experience and depth of understanding of these big moments is rare.”
Don Klein, Chesmar Homes
"We would never have been able to do this without Builder Advisor Group. They knew all the acquirers at the senior-most level and made introductions we couldn't have secured otherwise. Their deep understanding of the nuances of builder M&A was crucial to closing the transaction."
Chris Shee, MasterCraft Builders
“Builder Advisor Group team members worked tirelessly to achieve the highest possible valuation for our company – almost 6x book equity and $1.6 billion aggregate purchase price. They exceeded every expectation and have the rapport with senior leadership of all potential acquirers. Tony Avila has the most exhaustive Rolodex with access to dozens of potential acquirers – foreign and domestic. We never would have thought to bring a buyer from Europe to purchase our company.”
Art Falcone, Transeastern Homes
“We greatly appreciate the tremendous effort put forth by your team. You clearly have the best connection with and breadth of potential buyers. You bring a wonderful team of professionals from the legal, tax, and financial aspects of a merger to ensure a successful transaction.”
Eduardo Stern, Biscayne Homes
“Thank you so much. It was great to work with you and your Team in 2021. We are very pleased with the outcome of the Avex/SMH,Daiwa transaction.”
Beat Kahli, Avex Homes
“I wanted to tell you how much I respect BAG and all the team has done for our industry. So much energy and optimism and can-do attitude.”
Joel Kaul, Creative Homes
Entering into a partnership with Southern Development wasn’t just about scale, it was about finding opportunities aligned with our purpose. Builder Advisor Group understood that from day one. They respected our culture, listened to our goals and helped us structure a transaction that reflects both strategy and mission.
Jeff Rutt, Keystone Homes
Our relationship with BAG goes back more than two decades and they’ve been a trusted partner every step of the way.
Gary Tesch, Coventry Homes
BAG has been part of every major chapter in our family’s homebuilding story, from Cambridge Homes and Royal Oak to Hanover Family Builders. They’ve earned our trust through consistent results and honest advice and we value the relationship we’ve built together.
Matt Orosz, Hannover Family Builders
The testimonials included here may not be representative of the experience of other clients and do not guarantee future success or performance. None of the clients quoted have been paid for their testimonial.