CONTENTS Builder HOUSTON
The Official Magazine of the Greater Houston Builders Association November 2010|Volume 23|Number 11
FEATURES 6 President’s Message: Some Assembly Required
New issues consistently threaten the health of our homebuilding industry and housing affordability. Help us build a better industry, by joining the GHBA on February 23, 2011 for Legislative Rally Day in Austin, Texas.
8 Government Affairs Update: Builders Congregate with Legislators 10 Technology in Business: Ditch the Excuses! 12 Benefit Homes Update
At its October 18 Political Luncheon, GHBA succeeded at assembling the influential Houston area Congressional delegation to discuss industry-critical issues. See what they had to say.
More and more sales professionals are relying on technology to drive sales and increase market share; unfortunately that is the first step to staying mediocre, says Nathan Jamail.
Village Builders closes on the GHBA Benefit Home in Oakhurst at Kingwood. Meet the buyers, the players and the vendors.
14 8th Annual GHBA Product Expo
See the best our associate members have to offer, while enjoying Gourmet Grub, cocktails and networking. Builders, remodelers and developers attend free. Contract seminars will also be a feature of this popular event.
17 Vote Dan Wallrath, CNN Hero of the Year
Congratulations to Dan Wallrath, GHBA member and founder of Operation FINALLY HOME, who was recently recognized as a CNN Top 10 Hero of the Year. As a top 10 finalist, Wallrath is now in the running to be the 2010 CNN Hero of the Year. But he needs your vote.
22 "Take a Minute" for HomeAid Houston News 26 The Builder/Broker Connection
HomeAid dedicates The Women's Home remodel project, led by the GHBA Remodelors Council.
GHBA recently formed the Builder/Broker Connection task force, or BBC, to promote better communication between the Realtor and builder associations.
30 What We're Up To: GHBA's 3rd Quarter Report Card
The GHBA staff is always busy looking for ways to improve member services, advocacy and education. Here's a quick look at what the association has been up to lately.
ON THE COVER
LEADERSHIP The driving force
behind BMC SELECT’sCT’s UNMATCHED TOTAL VALUE Left to Right:
LOREN COOK, Market Operations Manager RANDY LUTZ, Market Sales Manager DAVE ONDRASEK, Vice President and General Manager, Houston
122 Houston Employees for 10+ Years of Service
Congratulating PHOTOGRAPHY BY GHBA MEMBER GARY HUFF PHOTOGRAPHY
GHBA would like to thank BMC SELECT, one of the association's 2010 Platinum Partners. BMC SELECT is a national leader in designing and producing unique custom doors, moulding and other millwork. The company's bundle of products and expert services can reduce your total cost and time of construction, boosting your margins. See page 24 for more details.
Departments 6 President’s Message 8 Government Affairs 20 People & Projects 27 Education Calendar 31 HOME-PAC Roster 32 New Members & Renewals 33 New Member Profiles 36 Montgomery County Division 37 Custom Builders Council 38 Bay Area Builders Association 40 Remodelors Council 41 Associate Council 41 MultiFamily Council 42 Sales & Marketing Council 43 Housing Activity Survey 44 Sustaining Associate Members 46 Calendar of Events
Upcoming Events 14 GHBA Product Expo 16 Adopt-a-Family Project 18 9th Annual BBQ Cookoff 27 New Home & Remodeling Show 29 Lead-Safe Certified Courses 39 BABA Board Install & Casino Night 43 SMC Happy Hour Halloween Event
Photo Album 12 Village Builders Benefit Home
Greater Houston Builders Association Mission To provide advocacy, education, and meaningful services to benefit its members and the housing industry.
www.ghba.org
9511 West Sam Houston Pkwy North, Houston, TX 77064 (281) 970-8970 phone; (281) 970-8971 fax
Advertising/Editorial Information: Contact Brittany Feldmann at (832) 215-7232 or
bfeldmann@ghba.org. Houston Builder encourages members to submit articles for publication. Articles should relate to members and to the homebuilding industry. For questions or to submit a letter to the editor, email
bfeldmann@ghba.org.
GREATER HOUSTON BUILDERS ASSOCIATION – BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE | HOUSTON BUILDER | NOVEMBER 2010 3
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