Forecast Luncheon 2026 Program

ECONOMIC

FORECAST Luncheon

PRESENTED BY:

JANUARY 29, 2026 BAYOU CITY EVENTS CENTER

bldrschoice.com

Our Name Says It All Builder’s Choice—Because Builders Know Best

On time. Every time.

Quality you can count on.

Service you can rely on.

That’s the Builder’s Choice difference.

Trusted by Greater Houston’s top homebuilders, Builder’s Choice delivers high-quality cabinetry and countertops with the speed, service, and style pros count on.

252 Fallbrook Drive Suite 300Houston, TX 77038 Phone: 281-705-9498 Email: info@bldrschoice.com

Improving the Quality of Construction, One Inspection at a Time Ready for peace of mind?

Contact us today for your inspection.

Exterior Inspections Services • Residential Construction Envelope • Stucco Inspection & EIFS • Commercial Inspections • New Construction Inspections • Inspections Instruction/Consulting • Water Intrusion

(281) 353-8686 info@exteriorinspections.com

exteriorinspections.com

THE AGENDA COFFEE & CONVERSATIONS

VIP RECEPTION

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

WELCOME 11:40 AM Chris Bolio, GHBA President Russ Bynum, GHBA Vice President James Miller, GHBA Secretary BENEFIT HOMES PRESENTATION 11:50 AM Tracy Brown, Benefit Homes Chair LUNCH 11:55 AM

RECOGNITION OF GUESTS 12:05 PM Aimee Bertrand, GHBA CEO HOME-PAC PRESENTATION 12:10 AM Harry Masterson, GHBA HOME-PAC Co-Chair KEYNOTE SPEAKER 12:20 AM Odeta Kushi, First American Financial Corporation

UNICORN SERVICE SOLUTIONS: TURNING RED TAPE

INTO RAINBOWS

ABOUT US

PREMIER CONSULTING FIRM

At Unicorn Service Solutions, we specialize in turning the complexities of red tape into seamless, successful outcomes. We are your dedicated partner in navigating the intricacies of development projects, offering expertise in development consulting, permit management, planning and platting services, and government relations.

PERMIT MANAGEMENT AI PLAN REVIEW & COMPLIANCE PLANNING & PLATTING SERVICES DRONE PHOTOS & VIDEOGRAPHY DEVELOPMENT CONSULTING Formerly C3 Building Solutions

OUR SERVICES

Permit Management: We manage the entire lifecycle from application to approval. Leveraging deep regulatory knowledge and robust connections, we streamline the process to save time and eliminate stress.

AI Plan Review & Compliance Bridging the gap between developers and municipalities. We utilize a proprietary AI platform to revolutionize the review process.

• For Municipalities: We automate document analysis to clear backlogs and accelerate plan checks.

• For Developers & Architects: We pre-validate plans against local codes to ensure rapid approval.

• The Result: Faster permits, reduced revisions, and streamlined code compliance.

Development Consulting: Strategic guidance tailored to your project. From feasibility studies to execution, we ensure your development goals are met with precision and efficiency.

Planning and Platting Services: Expert navigation of land planning and platting complexities. We ensure strict compliance with zoning laws while aligning your project with community goals.

Government Relations: We advocate on your behalf using extensive networks with elected officials. We stay actively involved in policy-making to ensure regulations support your industry.

Drone Photo & Videography Unparalleled aerial perspectives including progress visualization, bird'seye Property Inspections, and captivating Real Estate imagery to bring your project to life. FAA licensed drone pilots.

Real Estate Services Brokerage and Consulting

WHY CHOOSE US:

Solutions-Oriented Approach: We focus on finding practical solutions to regulatory challenges, ensuring your project progresses smoothly.

Customer-Centric Service:: Our deep personal care for your project translates into a personalized approach. We are committed to understanding your needs and delivering tailored solutions.

Expertise and Connections: Our strong ties to government officials and knowledge of the policy landscape give us an edge in navigating complex regulatory environments.

Stress-Free Compliance: By managing compliance and regulatory hurdles, we free you to focus on your project’s success.

Our proactive approach gives you confidence and clarity throughout the process

OUR PROMISE:

At Unicorn Service Solutions, we take pride in turning the stress of compliance into a smooth, predictable journey. Let us turn your red tape into rainbows and bring your projects to life with clarity and success.

CONTACT US:

Visit unicornss.com to learn more about how we can make your next project a success.

713-369-0925

Services@UnicornSS.com www.UnicornSS.com

BUILDER PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

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Our Story: Rooted in Texas, Built on Trust From our beginnings in 2004 as a small, family-run business, Keystone Tile has always been a labor of love. We started with a simple vision: to bring distinctive, high-quality natural stone to our neighbors in Houston. Since then, we have grown into a multi-location operation, expanding our collection to include premium porcelain tiles, mosaics, wall tiles, and complete hardscape solutions for pools and outdoor living.

What truly evolved. Keystone Tile isn't just the products we sell, it is the community of builders, designers, and fellow Texans who placed their trust in us long before we became one of the most active showrooms and tile warehouses in the state. We are ever grateful for the relationships we have built; you are the reason we take such pride in helping build Texas homes.

We’re not just operating in Texas we’re part of the way Texas builds.

“Proudly serving Texas Builders, Architects and Designers since 2004.”

INSIDE KEYSTONE TILE

At the heart of our process is a dedicated, women-led interior team focused on making your design decisions seamless, convenient, and deeply personal. We believe in service that is just one phone call away, ensuring you feel supported at every step of your project.

As we look to the future, our commitment remains simple: to give back to the country that has given us so much.

One hundred percent of Keystone Tile’s investments stay within the United States, as we strive to create jobs and strengthen the local economy.

We thank you sincerely, from the bottom of our hearts, for the trust and support that have shaped Keystone Tile into what it is today.

Keystone Tile Walls • Floors • Pavers • Pools

(713) 996-811 keystonetile.com Builder Programs Available

THE MENU ITALIAN SALAD Crispy mixed greens, grape tomatoes, English cucumbers, match stick carrots and purple onions. Italian Dressing CHICKEN PICATTA Lightly battered chicken breast, pan-fried, with house made lemon piccata sauce. Garnished with fresh herbs.

ROSEMARY MASHED POTATOES with butter SMOKEY CARAMELIZED BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Desserts

CANNOLI or SALTED CARAMEL PANNA COTTA CRUNCH

In Houston’s fast-moving new-home market, clarity and confidence come from having the right information and the right partner.

CBAS membership is designed to provide continuous access to the region’s most complete and verified housing market intelligence. Members not only gain powerful data, but also the context and conversation that make it meaningful through quarterly briefings, consultations, and peer connection within Houston’s professional builder community.

The CommunityVision platform is the information cornerstone of CBAS membership — an interactive web-based system housing our proprietary quarterly data.

CommunityVision is designed for clarity, flexibility, and practical use whether you’re analyzing competitive activity, guiding land strategy, or preparing an investment presentation.

Get a Personalized Platform Preview and CBAS Membership Tour Contact Lana Lawrence, VP of Sales call (713) 725-4945, or email LLawarence@cbashome.com

When Your Business is Secure, You Have the Freedom to Pursue Your Possible

For 50 years, Hotchkiss has worked alongside Texas builders to manage risk from ground break to close out. We understand timelines, contracts, and active job sites, and we build coverage that keeps projects moving forward.

Our customized Insurance programs can include: BUILDER’S RISK

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

GENERAL LIABILITY

SURETY BONDS

COMMERCIAL AUTO

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

EQUIPMENT & TOOLS

Start a Consultation

800.899.3750 hotchkissinsurance.com

DALL AS | FORT WORTH | HOUSTON | SAN ANTONIO | LUBBOCK

Odeta Kushi

THE KEYNOTE VP, Deputy Chief Economist First American Financial Corporation

Odeta Kushi is the vice president and deputy chief economist at First American Financial Corporation, a premier provider of title, settlement, and risk solutions for real estate transactions and the leader in the digital transformation of its industry. In this role, Kushi leads the development of analysis, commentary, and forecasts on trends in the real estate and mortgage markets. Kushi’s research focuses on economic trends impacting real estate, including demographic shifts, affordability, and housing supply, as well as monitoring and analyzing quarterly surveys and economic data related to the housing industry.

Highly regarded as an industry expert, Kushi regularly delivers keynote presentations at national and international events. Kushi is also a frequent guest on top national and international television and radio programs, including Marketplace, CNBC, Yahoo!

Finance, and Reuters TV, offering insights and perspectives on the forces shaping the housing industry. Her research has been published in leading business and industry trade publications, including The Wall Street Journal, U.S. News & World Report, Business Insider, HousingWire, and Inman News. She publishes research and analysis on First American’s Economic Center and co-hosts The REconomy Podcast™ with Chief Economist Mark Fleming.

In recognition of her contributions to the industry, Kushi was named a GlobeSt. 2024 Woman of Influence, a HousingWire 2023 Woman of Influence, and a 2023 leading woman in homebuilding by Builder & Developer magazine, among other honors. Kushi graduated from Northeastern University with a master’s degree in economics, specializing in applied econometric methods, and she earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from St. John Fisher College, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She is completing her Ph.D. in economics from George Mason University. Originally from Albania, she now lives and works in Washington, D.C.

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING Foundation | Frame | Wall Brace Windstorm

Our services help to build better quality homes, more quickly, at lower cost, and with less risk.

The nation’s leading engineering and inspections firm, with local teams and local experts who know Texas.

Now Offering Surveying Plot Plans Form Surveys Final Surveys and more CONTACT: Brody King, Sales Manager bking1@arcxis.com | (832) 370-5889

INTEGRATED DESIGN

Mechanical | Electrical | Plumbing Mechanical and Attic Ventilation

THIRD PARTY INSPECTIONS

Health and Safety | Risk Management Quality Assurance Structural | Comfort Forensics Sewer Scope | Drone HVAC Testing | Standard 310

ENERGY

Energy Plan Analysis Energy Code | HERS® Compliance ENERGY STAR® Certification ENERGY STAR® 3.2/3.3 | DOE ZERH 45L Tax Certifications

WATER

DOE | WaterSense | RESNET® H2O arcxis.com

At BPT, customer service is our foundation—we treat every customer as if they’re our only one. Through our trusted partners, we simplify your projects with piecemeal materials, turnkey concrete solutions, engineering services, and reliable, on-time delivery. Proudly American-owned, we’re dedicated to our customers, our industry, our employees, and our community. Let us help make your next project seamless!

SINCE 2001 | BUILDERSPT.COM | 281.873.9500

The Award-Winning BPT Sales Team

GREG MADREY

GREG TOMLINSON

JEREMY LINZER

SAVE THE DATE

JAN 30

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORKING & EDUCATIONAL EVENT

FEB 5

ASSOCIATE COUNCIL FEATURING GHBA PRESIDENT CHRIS BOLIO Cadillac Bar

FEB 11

PWB CONSTRUCTION CONTESSA!

MAR 3

MILLION DOLLAR CIRCLE AWARDS Whiskey River - West

MAR 4

CBC/RMC NETWORKING AT THE RODEO NRG Park - HLSR Champions Wine Garden

APR 10

FAJITA FIESTA TEX-MEX COOKOFF Legends Architectural Stone

APR 30

CRAWFISH BOIL & CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT

MAY 14

CUSTOM BUILDERS & REMODELERS INVITATIONAL

MAY 19

BATTLE OF THE BUILDERS SQUID GAME CHALLENGE The Arbor Amenity Village at Evergreen

JUN 16

MID-YEAR ECONOMIC FORECAST LUNCHEON The Woodlands Waterway Marriott

REGISTER AT GHBA.ORG/CALENDAR

*Dates subject to change

y o k u n ! a h T

DIAMOND SPONSOR

PLATINUM SPONSORS KEYNOTE SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSOR

FRIENDS OF THE ASSOCIATION

HomePro Home Technologies LP Building Solutions Ready Cable, Inc.