The 1911 Group: SMU's premier business The Premier Networking Organization for SMU Alumni
We’re honored to see our founder, Benjamin Lavine (BBA ’98, SMU Cox School of Business), featured by SMU’s 1911 Group in a recent SMU Stories interview.
From a NASA internship to investment banking and ultimately custom homebuilding, Benjamin shares how financial discipline, cash flow management, and risk analysis became the foundation for scaling Stone Acorn Builders through multiple market cycles.
Founded in Houston, Stone Acorn Builders transitioned from speculative to custom homebuilding during the 2007–2008 financial crisis, later expanding to Austin in 2019 and Dallas in 2025. The conversation offers insight into how finance principles can meaningfully shape construction, growth strategy, and long-term resilience.
A thoughtful discussion on career pivots, entrepreneurship, and building enduring businesses.
Tune in to this week’s episode of SMU Stories, available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
📹 YouTube: https://lnkd.in/eebXE-i4
🎧 Spotify: https://lnkd.in/eWqv6Seh
🎵 Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/ejWnjHPZ

