A HUGE THANK YOU FROM to these amazing guys for their dedication and commitment to our industry, our community and the GHBA!
MESSAGE CEO Welcome Home. from the
Aimee Bertrand
Executive Vice President & CEO Greater Houston Builders Association
On behalf of the Greater Houston Builders Association, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2026 Installation Extravaganza. Tonight, we gather not only to celebrate leadership and achievement, but to honor the enduring sense of community that defines GHBA, especially meaningful as we mark our 85th anniversary year.
For eight and a half decades, GHBA has been a place where relationships are built, careers are shaped, and the future of homebuilding in Greater Houston is forged. Our theme this year, Welcome Home, reflects exactly that spirit. Whether you are a longtime leader, a first time attendee, or a trusted partner, you belong here.
This evening, we proudly install our 2026 GHBA Board Members, led by our Officers, whose leadership will guide our association forward in the year ahead: Chris Bolio, Adam Aschmann, Russ Bynum, James Miller, Hector Zamarripa, Ian Faria, and Mike Kuchar. Each of these individuals brings a deep commitment to service, professionalism, and the strength of our industry. We are grateful for their willingness to lead and for the time and expertise they contribute on behalf of our members.
We are also honored to recognize new leadership at HomeAid Houston as we welcome Dave Barnhart as President. HomeAid’s mission and impact are closely aligned with our own values, and we look forward to continued collaboration that supports housing stability and hope across our region.
Tonight’s celebration would not be complete without recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of your colleagues through the presentation of Presidential Citations and Of the Year Awards. These honors shine a light on individuals and companies whose dedication, innovation, and leadership elevate our industry and strengthen our association.
As we look ahead to the future, we do so grounded in 85 years of legacy and united by a shared purpose. Thank you for being part of this special evening and for helping make GHBA a place we can all proudly call home.
Welcome home, and enjoy the celebration.
Presented by:
Front Porch Sponsors ($7,500+)
Backyard Bash Sponsors
Campfire Sponsors
ACES
Neighbor & Ad Sponsors
French
Datasmart/Duncan
Bluebonnet Sponsors
Past Presidents’ Circle
Adam
John
A NOTE PRESIDENTfrom the
Chris Bolio
2026 GHBA President, Alair Homes
Home Is Where We Build It—Together
For 85 years, the GHBA has been more than an association. It has been a place to belong.
Tonight, we gather to honor that shared purpose and to recognize the passion of volunteers who, generation after generation, have given their time, talent, and hearts to strengthen our industry and the city we call home.
We are deeply grateful to each of you for being here and for your support of this celebration. More importantly, we thank you for the years of time and treasure you have dedicated to this association, to our communities, and to the industry we are proud to serve. Your commitment has shaped our past and continues to define our future.
As we look ahead to the year before us, we do so grounded in a strong legacy and inspired by the opportunity to lead, serve, and build together once again. Guided by the same spirit of collaboration and purpose that has defined the GHBA for 85 years, we move forward confident in what we can accomplish together.
This evening, we celebrate 85 years of leadership, service, and belief in a simple truth that continues to unite us:
Home is where we build it—together.
GHBA TURNS 85!
A Legacy of Service, Advocacy, and Community
The Greater Houston Builders Association (GHBA) is beginning 2026 with a major milestone: the association’s 85th anniversary.
“That’s approaching a century — a long time for an organization to endure,” said Chris Bolio, president of the GHBA. “To be more relevant and more valuable today is an honor. The achievements of our association reflect the combined efforts of our members and staff over generations. This year, we’re honoring the people, places, and purpose that make GHBA such a meaningful part of Houston’s story. In a milestone year like this, ‘Coming Home’ feels especially fitting, because at the heart of what we do is building the places where life happens.”
Today, GHBA is proud to be the largest home building association in Texas and the fourth largest in the United States. With more than 1,600 members across the 12-county Greater Houston area, GHBA continues to serve as the voice of the region’s residential construction industry. Since 1941, the association has supported its members through education, advocacy, and initiatives that promote professionalism and quality housing. GHBA works closely with government leaders and the public to strengthen the business climate for its members while also helping expand access to quality, attainable housing for Houston-area families.
“I think it’s safe to say,” said Aimee Bertrand, GHBA CEO, “that the mission of our founders, the steady leadership of our board, and the loyalty and professionalism of our staff through the years have shaped GHBA into what it is today. This anniversary is a reminder of the strong foundation we’ve built together—and why ‘Coming Home’ feels like the perfect way to celebrate.”
In addition to supporting the industry, GHBA has been committed to giving back to the community since its earliest days. HomeAid Houston, the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of GHBA, builds transitional housing for homeless care agencies. The GHBA Benefit Homes Project—now in its 46th year— partners with builder and developer teams to construct homes with donated materials, labor, and services, which are then sold at market value. Since its inception, the program has raised more than $14 million, with proceeds currently benefiting HomeAid Houston, Operation Finally Home, and the GHBA Charitable Foundation.
As GHBA commemorates this special year, we hope you’ll join us at an upcoming meeting, golf tournament, awards celebration, or stop by the GHBA office. Until then, enjoy this look back through “GHBA Memory Lane.”
About Martin Homes Develop
& Design
Martin Develop + Design (MDD) is a vertically integrated real estate development and construction firm founded in 2012 by CEO Frank Martin, with a disciplined approach to execution, design intelligence, and financial control in today’s evolving real estate markets.
We integrate land acquisition, design, construction, and delivery to ensure proactive risk management and consistent quality standards.
700+ RESIDENTIAL UNITS
Developed in the U.S. & Latin America
$25M IN REVENUE
Over the last 3 years
$100M+ PROJECTED GROWTH
Based on active pipeline & controlled expansion
Vertically Integrated | Disciplined Execution | Financial Control
AGENDA TONIGHT'S
COCKTAIL RECEPTION
WELCOME BY MASTER OF CEREMONIES
Rocky Flores, Multimedia Solutions
RECOGNITION OF PAST PRESIDENTS
THANK YOU
To Our Generous Sponsors
PAST PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS
Adam Aschmann
THE INSTALLATION
2026 GHBA Board of Directors and Officers
THE AWARDS PRESENTATION
Presidential Citations & Membership Awards
Associate of the Year
Young Professional of the Year
Developer of the Year
Custom Builder of the Year
Remodeler of the Year
Builder of the Year
Inaugural Al Brende Philanthropist of the Year Award
PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS
Chris Bolio
CELEBRATORY RECEPTION
Featuring Karaoke
MENU
COCKTAIL RECEPTION
Street Tacos
Prepared onsite by our favorite “Tias”
DINNER
Barbecue by Pinkerton's Barbecue
Copper Creek Prime Brisket
Glazed Pork Ribs
Jalapeno Cheese Sausage
Grant's Potato Salad
South Texas Beans
Rosemary Bacon Mac and Cheese
Jalapenos, Onions, Pickles, Bread and Barbecue Sauce
Bayou City Risk and Builders Post-Tension
Beef Smash Burgers with American Cheese and Bolio's Burger Sauce
DESSERT STATION
Pastries from El Bollilo Orejas
Pineapple Empanadas
Churro Bar with Toppings
AFTER DINNER SPECIALTY COCKTAIL
Chris' Favorite Carajillo
courtesy of Yellowstone Marble & Granite
BECOME A HERO!
All funds raised through the HomeAid Heroes program will be used for HomeAid Care projects, serving homeless agencies in our community
SIGNATURE COCKTAIL
The Bolio Carajillo
The Bolio Carajillo is incoming GHBA President Chris Bolio’s cocktail of choice an elevated classic that feels right at home
Like a beautifully finished stone surface, the Carajillo is all about balance: a strong foundation, clean lines, and a standout finish. Much like the craftsmanship behind Yellowstone Marble & Granite, this drink is built on elevated, thoughtful details, and best appreciated in good company.
THE VIBE: Bold. Smooth. A little nostalgic.
THE BUILD:
2 oz. Carajillo 45
2 oz. Espresso (fresh brewed strong, cooled)
Ice
Orange twist (garnish)
Optional upgrades:
Expressed orange peel oils
Cinnamon stick (aroma)
Brew espresso and let it cool (or chill briefly). Fill a shaker with ice. Add Carajillo 45 and espresso. Shake hard for 10–15 seconds until chilled and lightly frothy. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice (or serve up in a coupe)
Garnish with an orange twist and enjoy with friends!
LEGENDARY QUALITY for elevated living
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of DIRECTORS 2026 BOARD
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
PRESIDENT – CHRIS BOLIO, ALAIR HOMES
VICE PRESIDENT – RUSSELL BYNUM, HILLWOOD COMMUNITIES
SECRETARY – JAMES MILLER, AUTOGRAPH HOMES
TREASURER - MIKE KUCHAR, DOEREN MAYHEW
GENERAL COUNSEL – IAN FARIA, BRADLEY ARANT
ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT – HECTOR ZAMARRIPA, SHERWIN-WILLIAMS
PAST PRESIDENT – ADAM ASCHMANN, TILSON HOME CORPORATION
GHBA BOARD
SCOTT BLACK, DAVID WEEKLEY HOMES
TRACY BROWN, EMPIRE COMMUNITIES
KRISTAL CASEY, UNICORN SERVICE SOLUTIONS
ERICA DAY, WESTIN HOMES
NICK GARCIA, HOMEPRO HOME TECHNOLOGIES
ZACH GAVOS, KEEPSAKE CUSTOM HOMES
GEORGE GOMEZ, RES COM CUSTOM BUILDERS
DAVID HERZOG, HERZOG HOMES
ERICKA HILL, STONEFIELD HOUSTON LLC
KELLY KIRK, GREYMARK DESIGN + BUILD
JEREMY LINZER, BUILDERS POST-TENSION
MIKE MOODY, NEWMARK HOMES HOUSTON LLC
LINDY OLIVA, PULTEGROUP
OF DIRECTORS
KENDALL POWELL, BROAN NUTONE
TODD RASMUSSEN, TAYLOR MORRISON INC.
JEFF ROBERTS, PR, TRIFECTION REMODELING & CONSTRUCTION
DANA RODGERS, HOMEPRO HOME TECHNOLOGIES
NICK SPECTOR*, PB, PR, ALAIR HOMES
EDWARD TARAVELLA, TARACORP
BECKY ULLMAN, LENNAR/VILLAGE BUILDERS
CHASTITY WHITE, STORY BUILT HOMES
JOHN WILLIAMS, K. HOVNANIAN HOMES
KATIE WILLIAMS, FERGUSON HOME
LAURIE WILSON, FIRST AMERICAN TITLE–HOMEBUILDER DIVISION
*Ex Officio Presidential Appointee
PAST PRESIDENT'S FAREWELL
2025 Reflections & Building a Legacy
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.
Adam Aschmann
2025 GHBA President, Tilson Homes
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
Reprinted
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.
DATE SAVE the
JAN 29
ANNUAL ECONOMIC FORECAST LUNCHEON Bayou City Events Center
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 7
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 BUILDERSSQUID GAME CHALLENGE The Arbor Amenity Village at Evergreen
JUN 16
MID-YEAR ECONOMIC FORECAST LUNCHEON The Woodlands Waterway Marriott
AUG 4
STATE OF THE BAY AREA LUNCHEON
AUG 20
REALTOR RENDEZVOUS
SEPT 5
FUTURE HOME BUILDERS LEGO COMPETITION KICKOFF!
SEPT 5
AIA SANDCASTLE COMPETITION Galveston's East Beach
SEPT 10
PWB LADIES WHO LEAD
SEPT 18
GHBA FISHING TOURNAMENT
SEPT 28
GHBA GOLF TOURNAMENT
OCT 10
HOUSTON'S BEST PRISM AWARDS Royal Sonesta Hotel
OCT 15
24TH ANNUAL HOMEBUILDING & REMODELING EXPO
Sam Houston Race Park
OCT 22
PWB WITCHES WHO BUNCO
OCT 24
RMC FALL FAMILY FEST
OCT 27
VOLUME BUILDERS CLAY SHOOT SPEED SELLING American Shooting Centers
NOV 13
BBQ & WILD GAME COOK-OFF Rock Materials
NOV 18
STATE OF THE NORTHERN COUNTIES LUNCHEON
DEC 4
FRANK ARANZA ADOPT-A-FAMILY HOLIDAY PROJECT
DEC 11
CUSTOM BUILDER & REMODELER HOLIDAY PARTY
On A Onc A
