Phil Crone named Executive Officer of the Year — Brian Miller of Northern Kentucky, who was named Executive Officer of the Year for 2017, congratulates Dallas Builders Association Executive Officer Phil Crone. (Courtesy Photo)

From Staff Reports

The year has been nothing short of extraordinary for Phil Crone, the distinguished Executive Officer of the Dallas Builders Association. His unwavering dedication and visionary leadership culminated in one of the most significant accolades in the homebuilding industry: being named Executive Officer of the Year by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). This prestigious recognition, presented at the annual Association Management Conference in Baltimore on July 24, serves as the ultimate commendation for a year marked by groundbreaking initiatives and exceptional achievements. Under Crone’s guidance, the Dallas Builders Association successfully relaunched its highly anticipated Parade of Homes, facilitated crucial City Council debates to shape local policy, and championed efforts to integrate more trade education into public school curriculums – all monumental endeavors that profoundly impact the community and the future of the skilled workforce.

The NAHB’s Executive Officer of the Year award is not merely a title; it is a profound testament to an individual whose actions, commitments, and accomplishments within a single year have been truly exceptional. This esteemed honor, presented in memory of Gary Komarow, the former chief legal counsel of the NAHB, celebrates leaders who epitomize excellence and forward-thinking in association management. Phil Crone’s selection underscores his remarkable ability to navigate complex industry challenges, foster collaboration, and drive meaningful progress. Beyond the direct achievements of the Dallas Builders Association, Crone was also recognized for his vigorous promotion of the national Executive Officer’s Council and for actively assisting in the professional advancement of his peers across the country, showcasing his commitment to elevating the entire industry.

This recent recognition builds upon a solid foundation of leadership and impact established early in Crone’s career. In 2014, he was honored with the New Executive Officer Award, an accolade designed to recognize EOs who, within their first three years in an association management position, have made significant contributions to the profession. Having served as the Dallas Builders Association’s executive officer since January 2013, Crone quickly demonstrated an innate talent for strategic planning, member engagement, and effective advocacy. His journey from a promising newcomer to a nationally recognized leader highlights a consistent trajectory of excellence and a deep-seated passion for the homebuilding sector.

Crone’s influence extends beyond his direct role at the Dallas Builders Association. In 2018, he successfully completed his term as president of the Texas Executive Officers Council, a period during which he spearheaded the creation of an invaluable resource center. This innovative platform provides fellow executive officers with easy access to essential association operation documents, fostering best practices and enhancing organizational efficiency across Texas. Currently, Crone continues to serve the broader industry as a Region D director for the NAHB Executive Officers Council, where he contributes his expertise and insights to shape national policies and initiatives that support homebuilders and their associations nationwide.

The Dallas Builders Association itself has also garnered significant acclaim under Crone’s leadership, reflecting the synergy between a strong executive and a dedicated team. The Association proudly received an Association Excellence Award for Best Website, celebrating the user-friendly and highly informative DallasBuilders.com. This consumer-based site serves as a vital resource for prospective homebuyers and the general public, showcasing the quality and diversity of Dallas-area builders. Furthermore, the Association clinched the prestigious NAHB Membership Cup, an award that recognizes outstanding achievement in both membership recruitment and retention efforts. These accolades underscore the Association’s commitment to excellence in all facets of its operations, from digital engagement to member services.

Matt Robinson of BGE, Inc., President of the Dallas BA, eloquently encapsulates Phil Crone’s profound impact. “It comes as no surprise that Phil is being recognized nationally for what we at the Dallas Builders Association have known for a long time,” Robinson stated, reflecting on Crone’s consistent performance and dedication. He further emphasized, “Phil has proven his ability to, very successfully, balance all the elements involved in a home builders association to meet the needs of membership, the community, staff, the organization as a business and the industry as a whole.” This statement highlights Crone’s unique talent for managing diverse responsibilities and stakeholders, ensuring that the Association remains robust, responsive, and relevant to its members and the broader Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. His leadership ensures the Dallas BA not only serves its immediate constituents but also contributes significantly to the economic vitality and housing landscape of the region.

Robinson continued to praise Crone’s character and professional prowess, adding, “Phil exemplifies the best of us and goes above and beyond representing the Association on a daily basis. We are genuinely ecstatic he was honored as the best executive officer in the country. This honor couldn’t have gone to a more deserving individual.” Such heartfelt praise from a key industry leader underscores the deep respect and admiration Crone commands, not just for his professional achievements but for his exemplary conduct and commitment to service. His ability to inspire confidence and foster a collaborative environment has been instrumental in the Dallas Builders Association’s remarkable success.

Highlights of a Monumental Year

The year under review was truly transformative for the Dallas Builders Association, marked by a series of significant accomplishments that directly reflect Phil Crone’s strategic vision and the dedicated efforts of his team and members:

Successful Advocacy on Regulatory Issues: The Association engaged in successful advocacy efforts concerning numerous local ordinances and complex regulatory issues that directly impact homebuilders. Working closely with municipalities, Crone and his team played a pivotal role in implementing statewide legislation on tree ordinances. This initiative, which Crone championed alongside the Texas Association of Builders, sought to strike a critical balance between environmental preservation and the economic viability of new home construction, ensuring practical and sustainable solutions for growth in the Dallas region. Their collaborative approach helped shape policies that support responsible development without stifling innovation or affordability.
Unprecedented Membership Growth: Under Crone’s strategic direction, the Dallas Builders Association achieved new heights in its membership numbers, significantly boosted by a highly successful May membership drive. This initiative alone brought in nearly 100 new members, reflecting the Association’s growing value proposition and its ability to attract and retain key players in the homebuilding industry. The consistent growth in membership strengthens the Association’s collective voice, enhances its lobbying power, and provides a broader network of resources and expertise for all its members, reinforcing its position as a leading industry body in North Texas.
Launch of Innovative Digital Platforms: Recognizing the critical importance of digital engagement in the modern era, the Association strategically launched six new websites within the year. In addition to the award-winning DallasBuilders.com consumer site, a streamlined member portal was introduced at DallasBuilders.org, offering exclusive resources and networking opportunities for its members. Other specialized sites were meticulously developed for flagship events and initiatives, including the highly anticipated Parade of Homes, the dynamic Dallas Builders Show, the prestigious McSAM Awards, and the environmentally conscious Green Built Texas program. These digital platforms collectively enhanced communication, outreach, and operational efficiency, catering to diverse audiences and showcasing the breadth of the Association’s activities.
Continued Support for Operation FINALLY HOME: The Dallas Builders Association proudly completed its sixth Operation FINALLY HOME project, providing a mortgage-free, custom-built home for U.S. Army Specialist Daniel Dumas and his family. This deeply impactful program exemplifies the Association’s commitment to giving back to the community and honoring those who have served. Demonstrating unwavering dedication, the Association also initiated its seventh project, commencing construction on a new home in Irving for U.S. Army Major Eric King. These projects not only provide essential housing but also offer stability and hope to deserving military families, underscoring the compassionate spirit of the Dallas building community.
Development of Patriot Paws Facility: Further extending its philanthropic reach, the Association broke ground on a vital facility at Patriot Paws. This groundbreaking initiative created a dedicated space where veterans can reside comfortably while undertaking crucial training with their service dogs. These highly trained animals play an indispensable role in helping veterans lead more independent and fulfilling lives, providing companionship, assistance, and emotional support. The Dallas Builders Association’s contribution to this facility significantly enhances the quality of life for veterans, offering them a secure and supportive environment during their rehabilitative journey.
Triumphant Return of the Parade of Homes™: After a hiatus of nearly a decade, the iconic Parade of Homes™ made a triumphant return to the Dallas calendar. This spectacular event provides an unparalleled opportunity for the public to tour meticulously crafted homes, experience the latest in architectural design, innovative building technologies, and interior trends. Its resurgence not only stimulated the local housing market but also reignited public enthusiasm for homeownership and design excellence, serving as a powerful showcase of the exceptional talent and craftsmanship within the Dallas Builders Association. The successful relaunch was a testament to meticulous planning and dedicated execution.
Advocacy for George Lewis’s Nomination: Crone and his dedicated staff successfully advocated for the well-deserved nomination of Past President George Lewis to the esteemed Texas Housing Hall of Honor. This recognition celebrates individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the housing industry in Texas, leaving an enduring legacy. The successful nomination of George Lewis not only honored his significant past contributions but also underscored the Dallas Builders Association’s commitment to recognizing and preserving the rich history and impactful leadership within its ranks, highlighting a tradition of excellence.
National Media Recognition: The Dallas Builders Association garnered significant attention from prominent media outlets, enhancing its national visibility and influence. The Association was cited in numerous local publications, reinforcing its community presence, and, more notably, featured in several leading national publications. These included highly influential names such as Bloomberg, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. Such widespread media coverage brought national recognition to the Dallas housing market, the Association’s initiatives, and the critical issues facing the homebuilding industry, solidifying its reputation as a respected voice and authority.

Reflecting on this remarkable year and the national recognition, Phil Crone expressed his gratitude with characteristic humility. “I’m very honored to be recognized with this prestigious award,” said Crone. He quickly added, attributing the success to a collective effort, “However, it has less to do with me personally and everything to do with the incredible team of Dallas BA staff and dedicated members who serve our industry so well.” This statement perfectly encapsulates Crone’s leadership philosophy: recognizing that true success is built upon the collaborative spirit and hard work of an entire organization. His vision, combined with the tireless efforts of the Dallas Builders Association’s staff and members, continues to drive the homebuilding industry forward in Dallas and beyond, setting a benchmark for excellence in association management and community impact.