Article by 2025 GHBA President Adam Aschmann, Tilson Homes
As we close out another remarkable year for the Greater Houston Builders Association, I find myself reflecting on the people, progress, and purpose that define this incredible industry. Thank you for a meaningful year as GHBA president. It is truly an honor to serve our industry.
2025 has been a year of collaboration, innovation, and resilience, one that demonstrates why Houston continues to lead the nation in housing starts, community development, and industry engagement. It has also been a year of reflection, as we honor the legacies of those who came before us and consider how we, too, can leave our mark on the homebuilding community.
This year, I’ve been reminded that our association’s strength doesn’t just come from our numbers or our influence. It comes from the generations of leaders who laid the groundwork for everything we’re building today. Legends like Al Brende, Carl Stephens, Jim Box, and Larry Johnson didn’t just contribute to constructing homes and designing neighborhoods; they built the framework for the collaborative spirit and professionalism that define the GHBA. Each of them contributed in unique ways, shaping the integrity and values of our association.
Al Brende’s pioneering work helped guide the industry through periods of change with foresight and passion for innovation. Carl Stephens, a tireless advocate for engagement with local officials, reminded us that quality is as much about people as it is about communities. Jim Box was a mentor to many, teaching us all that, “you are at the table or on the menu.” His powerful leadership on Municipal Utility Districts changed our industry. Larry Johnson’s contributions to master-planned communities transformed the way Houston grows, balancing quality and design in ways that continue to inspire today’s developers.
As we remember these titans and so many others, it’s impossible not to consider what kind of legacy we will leave behind. Legacy isn’t just about longevity, it’s about impact. It’s about how we contribute to something greater than ourselves: mentoring new leaders, supporting our workforce, advocating for sound housing policy, and fostering relationships that ensure that our region remains a place where builders, developers, and homeowners all thrive together.
At GHBA, this commitment to legacy is woven through everything we do. From our Government Affairs team’s advocacy on behalf of housing-friendly regulations, to our HomeAid Houston projects that support families in need, to our Young Professionals Committee preparing the next generation of leaders, each initiative builds on the foundation laid by those who came before us. This year, we also saw the continued success of our educational programs and networking events, empowering members to learn, connect, and grow together.
I’m especially proud of the way our members have supported one another during a time of evolving market conditions and increasing regulatory pressures. Whether tackling workforce shortages, planning for future growth, or advocating for opportunities for local jurisdictions to improve infrastructure, our members have shown that Houston’s builders don’t back down from challenges, they rise to meet them.
As president, I’ve had the honor of witnessing the best of this industry: the generosity, the camaraderie, and the shared sense of purpose that makes our association so special. GHBA isn’t just an organization, it’s a community. And like any great community, its strength lies in its people and the legacy they choose to leave behind.
As we look ahead to 2026 and beyond, I encourage each of us to ask: What legacy are we building today? Whether it’s mentoring a young builder, volunteering with HomeAid or Operation Finally Home, contributing to HOME-PAC, or simply taking the time to share your expertise, every action adds another brick to the foundation of our industry’s future.
Let’s continue to honor the giants whose shoulders we stand on by building with purpose, integrity, and vision. Together, we can ensure that Houston’s homebuilding community remains as vibrant and enduring as the homes we create.
Here’s to the legacy we’ve inherited, and the one we’ll leave for those who follow.