On January 13, the GHBA hosted its annual Installation Celebration that was themed “Blazing New Trails,” at the historic Crystal Ballroom of the Rice Hotel. Incoming President Matthew Reibenstein, president of Royal Design Build Co., and the 2024 GHBA Board of Directors were officially installed during the ceremony before more than 350 guests who attended this Western themed extravaganza.
Additional highlights of the evening included the annual “Of the Year” awards, and a celebration of the GHBA’s 83rd anniversary. D’Ann Brown with StrucSure Home Warranty 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. The 2023 “Of the Year” winners are:
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C. S. “Bud” Inscho – Associate of the Year
Renae’ Turnbaugh of LG Electronics
Few associates have held the volunteer and leadership positions which Renae has held with the GHBA. She has been a member for more than 14 years. She began her time with GHBA as an ambassador for the Bay Area Builders Association and then the Associate Council, where she served as past president this year. Renae loves the Fajita Fiesta and BBQ & Wild Game Cookoff and volunteers her time and energy supporting judges at both events. She serves as an inaugural member of the Professional Women in Building Council board and represents GHBA at the National Association of Builders (NAHB). She serves on NAHB’s Associate Council where she has been the committee chair for education and workforce development. Renae is active as a TAB Director and voting member of the Associate Committee and as a HOME-PAC trustee. This year she also served on GHBA’s Bylaws Committee.
Young Professional of the Year
Sara Green of Carrier Corporation
Sara brought her great passion for people and the organization to GHBA’s Professional Women in Building Council in its inaugural years and continues to serve on the PWB board. Sara is everywhere and at everything. She is involved with Associate Council, serves on the Bay Area Builders Association board and is a supporter of HomeAid activities and events. Even as she has changed companies, she has brought new levels of involvement to the companies she has worked with. Sara demonstrates a level of service for others to aspire to.
Developer of the Year
Russ Bynum of Hillwood
Russ serves as a GHBA board member and is a presidential appointee to the Executive and Finance Committee in 2024, a post he previously held in 2022. He has participated in ongoing conversations with Brazoria County to help local officials understand the impact of lot size restrictions on potential homebuyers and community growth. Hillwood regularly enters and wins a number of PRISM awards for their communities. Russ is not just involved with GHBA, but in our community. He most recently served as chair of the Alvin/Manvel Chamber of Commerce. His advocacy and commitment to GHBA are extremely helpful to the development community and the growth of our region’s housing opportunities.
Custom Builder of the Year
Richard Mazzarino of Mazzarino Construction and Development
Richard’s dedication to GHBA has been abundant this year. He supports HOME-PAC as a President’s Club contributor. Richard shows up to help advocate on behalf of in-town builders in Houston. He invested an incredible amount of time and effort in the association’s advocacy on Chapter 42 with the City of Houston. Richard personally met with council members and spent many hours and thousands of dollars having plans drawn up and videos produced to demonstrate the impact of proposed changes on homebuilders and homebuyers. He truly exemplifies what it means to be a homebuilder and advocate in ways that help all of those building in Houston.
Remodeler of the Year
Trifection Remodeling – Jeff Roberts and Melanie Heinrich
It is unusual to honor two individuals as Remodeler of the Year, but the outstanding commitment of both Melanie and Jeff led the committee to award this dually to them. This year Melanie took ownership of the Remodelers Council Charity Project and oversaw all of the details from selection through completion. This included staying actively involved with the RMC Charity Garage Sale for the fundraising portion of the project and helping to support the co-chairs in making it a success. She worked to troubleshoot drainage issues at the charitable project site and ensure the project was not just completed but exceeded all expectations in finishing beautiful and useful indoor and outdoor spaces for the residents of Family Promise of Lake Houston. While unable to attend the Sandcastle event, she joined nearly every committee meeting, and personally helped plan and shop for the food and beverages for it. She also helped keep costs low by scouting out hotel accommodations with discounted rates for members.
Jeff Roberts was instrumental in helping with the Garage Sale this year, even staying late and renting an extra truck and lending us some of his crew to help us clear out and finalize the Habitat for Humanity donations the day after. He was the chair of RMC Government Affairs this year and helped us stay on top of pressing issues for remodelers. Jeff led the charge on programming the City of Houston luncheon. He has helped the GHBA and the Remodelers Council grow a more positive relationship with the Permitting Department. Jeff helped ensure the RMC Speed Selling event was a success on a compressed timeline. He also served on the Bylaws Committee and will serve on the Remodelers Council ladder as an officer in 2024.
Volume Builder of the Year
Westin Homes, led by Jason Golan
Jason Golan doesn’t just lead Westin Homes, he serves the association and our community. As a homebuilder, he looks for opportunities to advocate on behalf of the industry, supporting GHBA’s HOME-PAC and spending a considerable amount of time and resources to support candidates who understand our industry. Jason contributed substantially to the GHBA scholarship fund in the name of Carl Stephens, a gift which will continue to serve students for years to come. For almost three decades, Westin Homes has served home buyers in Houston and Austin. Westin Homes and the communities they build in regularly win industry awards, including PRISM awards.