Dan Hardcastle

Founder & CEO at BuildTrust

Speaker

I am an entrepreneur, former federal leader, and political strategist dedicated to expanding housing affordability through innovation. With experience spanning government, startups, and advocacy, I bridge the gap between policy and practice to develop scalable solutions to the housing crisis.

I launched BuildTrust to take ADU, infill, and factory-built housing construction finance to national scale, lowering borrowing costs and expanding access so that more homeowners, renters, and communities can benefit from the opportunities they create.

Prior to that, I served as a Senior Advisor at HUD and FHA, where I helped shape federal strategy on homeownership, ADU financing, zoning reform, manufactured housing, and construction technology. I led cross-agency initiatives, crafted key legislative proposals, and collaborated with industry leaders to develop new solutions to the housing affordability crisis.

Beyond housing, I’ve managed high-stakes political campaigns, directed voter protection efforts, and led advocacy efforts across multiple levels of government. My career is driven by a belief that policy innovation and democratized development can create more affordable, vibrant, and sustainable cities.

Originally from Orlando, I now live in Washington, DC’s Shaw neighborhood with my family. I’m always interested in connecting with policymakers, entrepreneurs, and advocates working to create a national housing supply that meets the needs of every community. Let’s build something together.