On January 14, the GHBA hosted its annual Installation Celebration that was themed “Take a Walk on the Wild Side,” at the Houston Zoo. Mike Dishberger, CEO of Sandcastle Homes, and the 2023 GHBA board of directors were officially installed during the ceremony before more than 350 guests who attended this jungle themed extravaganza. [EVENT PHOTOS]
President Mike Dishberger stepped up for his second term in office – having previously served in 2011 – after the loss of a very important member of our GHBA community. Pat Mayhan, who passed away unexpectedly in April 2022, was not only a committed volunteer for the association, but also a mentor to many. He chaired the Benefit Homes Project for many years, served as president of the Bay Area Builders Association and as president of HomeAid Houston. Pat worked for Westin Homes and M/I Homes during his illustrious career in homebuilding. He also looked out for talent among young up-and-coming members of our industry, encouraging them to volunteer or finding new opportunities for them.
Additional highlights of the evening included the annual “Of the Year” awards, and a celebration of the GHBA’s 82nd anniversary. Lisa Clark with W Land Development was the master of ceremonies.
OF THE YEAR WINNERS
Every year, the GHBA honors six members for their outstanding work and service to the community and to the association throughout the year. A team of judges who are the last five winners of each of these awards, along with the GHBA president and CEO, convene to discuss the candidates and choose the next recipient for each of the awards.
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The 2022 “Of the Year” winners are:
Bud Inscho Associate of the Year – Kimberly Lawrence of Allpoints Surveying
Few associate members have held the volunteer and leadership positions which Kimberly has held with the GHBA. Kimberly previously served as president of the Associate Council, has chaired innumerable committees, and serves as a TAB delegate for another home builders association, all while traveling heavily for Allpoints. Her employer, Allpoints Surveying, has been a Silver Partner at GHBA for the past several years.
Young Professional of the Year – Kelly Kirk of Greymark Construction Company
Kelly Kirk demonstrates a level of service for others to aspire to. Kelly takes the helm as the Remodelers Council board president this year. She is active with the Remodelers Council, but you can regularly find her at many GHBA association-wide events, too. This year she served as a judge for the Barbeque Cookoff and underwrote a scholarship in honor of her mother Leslie King. Four years ago, Kelly joined HomeAid’s HALO Committee to help raise funds for HomeAid projects. Kelly joined GHBA in 2018, but the company that she now leads has been a member since 1996. Greymark has won many Houston’s Best PRISM Awards and TAB Star awards for a variety of projects.
Developer of the Year Award – Al Brende of Land Tejas
Al Brende is a long-time member and supporter of the GHBA. He is an experienced developer throughout the Houston region and beyond. But Al and his team go above and beyond just their business’ success. Al makes charitable contributions and support of the association a priority. In 2021, Land Tejas donated their 18th lot to the GHBA Benefit Homes Project, with additional donations on the horizon. Through Al’s leadership, more than $1.2 million has been contributed to the Benefit Homes Project, helping to support Operation Finally Home, HomeAid Houston and other charities, while also ensuring the fiscal health of the GHBA. Land Tejas is a Sustaining Member of the GHBA, with more than $10,000 in sponsorships in 2022.
Custom Builder of the Year – Bryan Phillips of Alair | Cason Graye Homes
Bryan Phillips serves on the Custom Builders Council board as the Education chair, a position he has held for three years. He also shares his expertise with the GHBA Education Committee as the CBC’s representative there. Bryan was instrumental in helping to craft GHBA’s new designation programs for builders, remodelers and associates. He helped craft the criteria for the program and personally attended GHBA board meetings to answer questions and help promote the program. His work will ensure our local home building community has access to classes and credentials that help set them apart. Bryan cares deeply about his fellow homebulders and he and colleagues from the Alair family of companies donate a great deal of time to GHBA and charitable efforts of our councils.
Remodeler of the Year Award – Moe Toofan of TBR Construction
Moe Toofan is very passionate about the Remodelers Council. He has been involved with the RMC for the last four years. During his time on the RMC board, he has worked tirelessly to make the annual charity garage sale even bigger and better as the secretary, charity project chair and garage sale chair. Moe communicated with his colleagues on a near-daily basis as the garage sale drew near. He gave 100% all the time. He also has volunteered to help with charitable projects outside the GHBA, personally hanging sheet rock and letting his heart lead him in service to others.
Volume Builder of the Year – Mike Moody of Newmark Homes
Mike Moody doesn’t just lead Newmark, he serves our community. As a homebuilder, he looks for opportunities to advocate on behalf of the industry, co-chairing GHBA’s HOME-PAC and spending a considerable amount of time and resources to support candidates who understand our industry. Mike’s involvement in Agape Development, a faith-based organization working to build homes and improved community networks in the Third Ward, has supercharged the ability of the organization to put faith community members on the path to homeownership. Newmark Homes is regularly recognized by publications from outside of our industry as a top workplace. Mike and his leadership team support their employees’ involvement in GHBA, including in the Sales and Marketing Council, HOME-PAC and the Professional Women in Building Council.
PRESIDENTIAL CITATIONS
Each year, the outgoing GHBA president also selects individuals who have supported them throughout the year. These individuals have shown a tremendous amount of loyalty and a commitment to the association through their interaction with other members, and their willingness to share their industry experiences. 2022 was an exciting year of growth and recovery for our industry, as well as one with many challenges related to land, supplies and labor, and these members stepped up to the challenge.
Keith Luechtefeld of Shea Homes
Keith served as GHBA president in 2021. In his role as past president in 2022, he gave his wisdom and guidance, as well as his wit, throughout Jennifer’s presidential year. He often asked the right questions and helped guide the decision making of the Executive and Finance Committee on behalf of the GHBA. Keith’s keen knowledge of investments and support of his colleagues made him a valuable advisor this year and a worthy recipient of a Presidential Citation.
Ian Faria of Bradley Arant
Ian served as general counsel for the GHBA board in 2022 and on the Executive and Finance Committee. He provided excellent counsel for his colleagues on the board and for the membership as a whole – with his annual program at the Product Expo and contracts seminar. Ian often is working behind the scenes to help ensure the GHBA is well protected and guided as an organization. He makes himself readily available for home builder and remodeler members, so they can get quick feedback on potential issues.
Jennifer Taylor of Brookfield Properties
In 2022, Jennifer took on the daunting responsibility of leading GHBA’s Professional Women in Building Council (PWB) in its inaugural year. Jennifer shepherd the council’s new bylaws and board selection, as well as guiding event work and processes. Her efforts led to GHBA claiming the title of largest PWB council in the nation in its first three months of existence. Now, the council boasts more than 300 members, more than doubling the next largest council. Under Jennifer Taylor’s guidance, the PWB has hosted several events to build community and camaraderie, as well as supporting other association and charitable efforts. Jennifer will continue to lead this group in 2023 and we know it will be another stellar year for the council’s development.
Lisa Gentry
Lisa has adeptly supported the GHBA in many roles for more than 30 years. Lisa is stepping back from her treasurer role in 2023 but will continue to serve HomeAid Houston as bookkeeper. Lisa has always sought to improve our board’s understanding of GHBA’s finances and over the last year has established a new financial reporting cheat sheet to help guide leaders in their deliberations. Lisa was an obvious choice as a Presidential Citation recipient and we appreciate her many years of service.
Terry Nesch of TONER Home Matters
Terry’s tireless effort to recruit and retain members garnered her the Spike of the Year awards in 2018, 2020 and 2021. She served as Retention Committee chair in 2022. In addition, Terry regularly recruits new volunteers to councils and committees and helps spread the good word about GHBA opportunities to members of our community via social media. Terry is truly everywhere at association events. In addition to serving on the Membership and Retention Committees, she has served on the Custom Builders Council board, the GHBA board of directors, the Northern Counties Builders and Developers Division board, on the GHBA HOME-PAC, and as a member of the Professional Women in Building Council.
Congratulations to all our ‘Of the Year’ award winners and Presidential Citation honorees! GHBA is truly grateful for your contributions.