By Phil Crone, JD, CGP, GSP
Executive Officer, Dallas Builders Association
Reflecting on the past year always brings a sense of accomplishment and pride, especially as we celebrated the remarkable 75th anniversary of the Dallas Builders Association (DBA). This annual “year in review” column offers a valuable opportunity to inventory our collective achievements, recognize the unwavering dedication of our members, and honor the rich legacy that continues to shape our path forward in the vibrant North Texas housing market. Our Diamond Anniversary year was a testament to the enduring spirit and commitment of everyone involved.
A significant portion of my understanding of the Dallas Builders Association’s storied history comes from the insightful writings of our third Executive Officer, Ed Cox. Though I never had the privilege of meeting Ed, who passed away in 2006 shortly after I joined the team as Government Affairs Specialist, his book, which meticulously chronicles our first four decades, remains a constant fixture on my desk. It feels as though I know him through his words, which continue to inspire our mission.
In the preface of his invaluable historical account, Ed Cox eloquently captured the essence of our organization: “What’s new with us is that this Association truly has been ‘different’ in the quality characteristics of its members and leaders, and in the dedicated abilities of its employees. These have been the vital difference that has blended everything together and has been the catalyst for the success of our Association.” This profound observation underscores the unique blend of exceptional talent and unwavering commitment that has consistently propelled the Dallas Builders Association forward for generations, making a tangible difference in the residential construction industry.
The challenges confronting our industry today, while distinct in their specifics, echo the fundamental obstacles faced by our visionary founders in 1944. As World War II drew to a victorious close, the building industry found itself largely unprepared for the unprecedented surge in housing demand from returning GIs. Simultaneously, government controls over essential raw materials, diverted for the war effort, further exacerbated the already strained supply of housing. This historical parallel highlights a recurring theme: the critical need for a resilient and adaptable housing industry to meet societal demands.
Today, the Dallas-Fort Worth region stands as an economic powerhouse, often considered the epicenter of the nation’s growth. Yet, we continue to grapple with persistent supply-side challenges that significantly impede our ability to construct homes where jobs are abundant and communities thrive. A chronic labor shortage within the construction workforce, the burden of tariffs on building materials, and the prevalence of exclusionary zoning policies are key factors artificially inflating housing costs and limiting the availability of diverse housing options. The Dallas Builders Association remains committed to addressing these critical issues to ensure a healthy and accessible housing market for all North Texans.
At the heart of our advocacy efforts is the fundamental belief that everyone deserves access to a safe, quality, and affordable place to call home. This rallying cry fuels our relentless work, driven by the tireless dedication of our member volunteers and our exceptional staff. Over the past year, their collective efforts yielded significant achievements, marking another impactful chapter in our 75-year history. Let’s delve into some of the pivotal highlights that defined our year.
State Legislative Victories Pave the Way for Housing Affordability
The first half of 2019 saw the state legislative session take center stage for the Dallas Builders Association. Our dedicated staff collaborated closely with Representative Justin Holland to champion and successfully pass House Bill (HB) 852. This crucial piece of legislation prohibits municipalities from mandating the disclosure of construction costs and sales prices as a prerequisite for obtaining a building permit. Previously, this sensitive financial information often contributed to inflated property taxes and inspection fees, frequently exceeding state-mandated limitations. Thanks to the robust support from the Texas Association of Builders and compelling testimony from DBA members and staff, HB 852 passed with overwhelming majorities, providing much-needed relief to builders and, ultimately, to homebuyers across the state.
The Association also played a pivotal role in advocating for HB 2439, a bill designed to ensure that every code-approved product can compete fairly within a level regulatory landscape. Prior to its passage, many local jurisdictions imposed product mandates that unnecessarily increased the cost of housing, limiting consumer choice and creating artificial barriers to innovative building solutions. By defending this bill, the DBA championed fair competition and access to a wider array of quality, affordable building materials. While progress has been made, the ongoing effort to counter areas that stubbornly attempt to dictate what materials are used in homes continues to be a priority for the Dallas Builders Association.
Another monumental success for housing advocates came in the form of HB 1743. This transformative bill significantly reduces the reach of the agricultural rollback tax, shortening the recapture period from five to three years and decreasing the interest rate from seven percent to five percent. This legislation delivered substantial financial savings, with some new developments realizing savings of over a million dollars. Such a complex legislative achievement would not have been possible without the extraordinary financial acumen of Past President Frank Murphy. His steadfast, intelligent, and articulate testimony at every stage of the bill’s journey was directly instrumental in its passage. In well-deserved recognition of his impactful contributions, Frank was honored with the DBA’s prestigious AP Roffino Award and celebrated as the Developer of the Year by the Texas Association of Builders.
Rally Day served as a powerful highlight of the legislative session, showcasing the strength of our unified voice. More than 100 dedicated DBA members descended upon the State Capitol, engaging directly with their area representatives and senators. By delivering our compelling “housing first” message in a clear, loud, and cohesive manner, our members played a crucial role in securing these significant legislative victories. This direct engagement underscores the power of grassroots advocacy and its impact on shaping sensible housing policies.
Beyond the statehouse, our accomplishments at both local and federal levels were equally impressive and impactful. Locally, the Dallas Builders Association actively engaged with municipalities on critical issues such as design ordinances, impact fees, streamlining development processes, and fair tree exactions. We also continued our vital work on the City of Dallas’s Affordable Housing Task Force, contributing expert insights to develop sustainable solutions for our community’s housing needs. Nationally, Association members and staff participated in NAHB’s legislative conference in June, where we successfully introduced and passed an NAHB policy directive. This directive provides crucial staff support and guidance to prevent federally imposed building code mandates, safeguarding local control and flexibility in residential construction. The DBA again took a prominent national stage on September 12th, hosting a news conference with the EPA to announce the repeal of a cumbersome interpretation of the Waters of the United States rule, a victory that significantly reduces regulatory burdens for builders. These widespread advocacy milestones were meticulously instigated and skillfully managed by our Government Relations Director, David Lehde. Thousands of North Texans now enjoy greater opportunities for homeownership, directly benefiting from his incredible and tireless advocacy for their American Dream.
Strengthening Our Community: Membership Growth and Engagement
Alongside confronting crippling regulations, membership growth and retention emerged as another key area of focus for the Dallas Builders Association in 2019. Last year’s “Swing for the Fences” membership drive was an undeniable home run, successfully netting us over 100 new members. This innovative drive, coupled with a meticulously crafted strategic plan, earned us the coveted NAHB Membership Cup at a national conference in July, a testament to our team’s outstanding recruitment efforts.
The challenge this year was to not only sustain that momentum but also to continue our growth trajectory while robustly retaining the gains from the previous year. Statistically, we knew this would be a tough task. If last year’s drive was a home run, this year’s focused efforts resulted in a solid double. We successfully added 51 new members, while our dedicated volunteers placed a strong emphasis on membership retention, ensuring our community remained vibrant and engaged. This balanced approach to growth and stability is crucial for the long-term health of our Association.
Our perennial MVP membership recruiter, Donnie Evans, once again exceeded expectations, personally bringing in a dozen new members. Donnie’s unparalleled commitment extends beyond local recruitment, encompassing active participation in the Sunbelt Builders Show at the state level and generous contributions to esteemed charities like Operation FINALLY HOME. His multifaceted efforts earned him both the prestigious Builder of the Year honors from the Texas Association of Builders and the DBA’s cherished Shorty Howard Trophy, recognizing his profound impact on our industry and community.
I extend my sincere appreciation to every member who contributed to our recruitment and retention efforts throughout 2019. Your dedication is the backbone of our Association. Looking ahead, I am particularly excited about the opportunities that await us next year, with your continued help and the eager support of our new Membership Director, Coleman Yates, who joined us in September. His fresh perspective and energy will undoubtedly propel our membership initiatives forward.
Thanks to the strong and insightful leadership from their respective presidents, chairmen, and boards, complemented by the diligent efforts of Director of Member Services Misty Varsalone, our Divisions and Councils continued to excel in meeting the crucial networking and organizational needs of our membership. The Metro East Division, for example, performed incredible community work, successfully raising over $70,000 for Lone Star CASA through their impactful annual Cars for CASA event. The Metro North Division hosted a highly successful bowling tournament and consistently maintained strong attendance at their engaging events, fostering invaluable connections among members. The Dallas Division delivered insightful programming that addressed key industry topics and provided crucial support for the next generation of our industry through meaningful donations to Collin College and the construction trades program at Skyline High School. Not to be outdone, our dynamic Multifamily Builders Council raised an impressive $8,600 for the Samaritan Inn and regularly served dinner monthly at the shelter, providing vital support for abused women and children.
Our calendar of special events experienced remarkable growth and success in 2019, further enhancing member value and industry engagement. In total, 213 companies proudly partnered with the Dallas Builders Association this year, a significant increase from 187 in 2018, underscoring the expanding reach and influence of our events. The State of the Industry Summit provided a comprehensive overview of anticipated market and sales trends to a large and engaged audience of nearly 300 members, offering crucial insights for strategic planning. The McSAM Awards celebrated its milestone 40th year in glamorous “Hollywood” style, proving to be one of the best-attended ceremonies in recent memory, honoring excellence in our industry. The Parade of Homes™ enjoyed an incredibly successful second year in its innovative new format, expanding to include seven magnificent homes and exceeding both financial and attendance expectations. Our annual Casino Christmas party also achieved record ticket sales, and thanks to unseasonably warm weather, we were able to utilize our spacious back patio, comfortably accommodating over 200 delighted guests.
Investing in the Future: Workforce Development and Education
The Dallas Builders Show in 2019 squarely focused on addressing the critical future needs of our industry, particularly workforce development. The area’s premier local trade show hosted more than 200 high school students enrolled in various area construction trades programs. These eager students were treated to seven specific, hands-on demonstrations across different building disciplines, providing invaluable practical experience and sparking their interest in skilled trades. This direct exposure is vital for cultivating the next generation of construction professionals.
These students represent a bright future for the industry, provided we can effectively guide them into rewarding careers. The Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area currently faces a significant deficit, requiring approximately 20,000 additional skilled construction workers to meet demand. More than two-thirds of our member builders consistently report that the persistent lack of available labor is having a profound and adverse impact on their business operations, delaying projects and increasing costs. Compounding this challenge, our existing construction workforce is aging; the average age for an HVAC technician is 54, an electrician is 55, and a plumber is 58. Alarmingly, over 40 percent of these skilled professionals are anticipated to retire within the next decade. This demographic shift underscores why 2019 was equally focused on safeguarding our future workforce as it was on celebrating our rich past.
In addition to our impactful collaborations with area high schools, the Dallas Builders Association significantly deepened its partnership with Collin College this year. Our presence within their construction programs is substantial, thanks in part to Past President Jeff Dworkin, who serves as a dedicated faculty member. Furthermore, we established a crucial scholarship program designed to alleviate financial burdens and support students pursuing careers in construction trades. In September, dozens of members from our newly formed Young Professionals group visited Collin College, enthusiastically sharing their insights and mentoring students, fostering a sense of community and guidance for aspiring builders. This dynamic group, which has rapidly developed under the inspiring leadership of Vice President/Secretary Andrew Pieper, represents the vibrant future of our Association.
Our comprehensive education program delivered an impressive 41 successful classes throughout the year, a testament to strong leadership, including that of staff director Sheena Beaver. Over 700 industry professionals attended at least one class, gaining valuable knowledge and enhancing their skills. We innovated by developing and launching the highly successful “@ProjectSite” series, taking learning directly “out into the wild” with on-site educational experiences. The dedicated education committee also revamped and relaunched a successful leadership program, which saw significant gains in attendance, empowering future leaders within our industry. Furthermore, we proudly created and launched a new local certification called the Certified Star Builder. This prestigious certification can be earned by builders who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to ongoing education and adherence to the highest industry best practices, setting a new standard for excellence.
We are incredibly fortunate to be blessed with outstanding individuals within the Dallas Builders Association, professionals who represent the very best our industry has to offer. This year, the distinguished Hugh Prather Trophy, the Association’s highest annual honor, was proudly awarded to Past President Donny Mack of Beaver Builders. Donny is a steady, well-spoken champion of our education program and a highly respected educator, whose contributions have profoundly shaped countless careers. Another outstanding individual making an indelible impact is Accounting Manager Becky Warner. Becky has done a tremendous job expertly managing a new banking relationship, skillfully overseeing various new initiatives, and strategically guiding our investment strategy, working diligently to earn interest in the current market environment. Her meticulous attention to detail ensures the financial health and stability of our Association.
A personal and profound thank you from every member is undoubtedly owed to our exceptional 2018-19 President, Matt Robinson. Matt approached his demanding role with an unparalleled hands-on approach from day one, meticulously ensuring he spent quality time with every committee, division, and council within the Association. His dedication fostered a strong sense of unity and purpose. He also represented us with exceptional distinction, serving on key committees at both the Texas Association of Builders (TAB) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), elevating the DBA’s influence. Balancing the significant responsibilities of DBA President with a bustling home life and the rigorous training for marathons requires an extraordinary amount of focus, discipline, and organization. Matt consistently brought that steady, fundamentals-first approach, which challenged his leadership team and me personally to take full ownership of our strategic goals and to never become complacent. I am eternally grateful for Matt’s invaluable time, unwavering passion, and visionary leadership, which together created lasting and impactful results for our entire Association.
My gratitude extends equally to our esteemed 2019-20 President, Justin Webb. While installation celebrations typically focus primarily on the incoming president, this year was distinctly different. Marking our 75th anniversary, our installation celebration seamlessly blended the recognition of new leadership with a grand commemoration of our Diamond Anniversary. The result was an extraordinarily successful event that masterfully celebrated our storied past, vibrant present, and promising future, uniting generations of builders in celebration.
In a deeply moving and long-awaited event, we hosted our first Past Presidents Dinner in many years in March. We seized this special occasion to honor the incredible legacy of our former leaders. All 28 past presidents who attended played a pivotal role in a captivating five-minute video, meticulously commemorating our rich history and the profound, positive impact the Dallas Builders Association has had on the area’s dynamic housing market. If you haven’t yet experienced this powerful video, it is a must-see; it’s an incredibly well-done and deeply moving tribute to our heritage. Complementing this, our 48-page historical highlights magazine offers a comprehensive visual and textual journey through our past, featuring evocative photos and letters from esteemed dignitaries, including Governor Greg Abbott.
I cannot overstate the monumental task involved in effectively showcasing 75 years of rich history. Our dedicated Staff Communications Director, Barcie Vilches, embraced this colossal job with remarkable skill and passion, picking up precisely where the legendary Ed Cox left off. Barcie’s profound wisdom, extensive experience, and resolute attention to intricate detail, combined with Holly Pemberton’s infectious enthusiasm and remarkable propensity to perfect new skills, collectively propelled our digital presence to unprecedented new heights. DallasBuilders.com, our flagship online platform, was deservedly named TAB’s Local Association Accomplishment of the Year and subsequently earned a prestigious NAHB Association Excellence Award for Best Website. This award-winning site now boasts approximately 6,500 unique users each month, representing an impressive 58% increase from the previous year, solidifying its role as an indispensable resource for our members and the public.
Both our consumer-facing and member-exclusive websites significantly benefited from enhanced digital marketing strategies, leveraging powerful platforms such as Facebook, Google, and advanced geofencing techniques. This strategic digital infrastructure proved invaluable following the devastating October tornadoes that swept through and impacted many parts of our service area. Remarkably, just three hours after the storm, we were able to disseminate crucial consumer information directly into the hands of media outlets, local officials, and storm victims. This rapid response helped countless individuals navigate the aftermath and, critically, avoid being further victimized by unscrupulous contractors, showcasing the power of effective communication in times of crisis.
Leveraging Technology and Fostering Community Impact
The year 2019 also marked a significant leap forward in our technological outreach with the successful launch of our dedicated DBA app, now readily available on both iTunes and Google Play. This innovative mobile application has proven to be an invaluable tool for our members. Its push notification feature, for instance, was particularly handy and effective during critical events like Rally Day, ensuring members received timely updates and essential information. The app also features a highly effective member search function, allowing users to easily connect with colleagues, and a comprehensive Association calendar, making it simple to stay informed about upcoming events and educational opportunities.
Our social media following experienced robust growth this year, surpassing 10,500 followers and continuing to expand steadily. This growth is a direct result of our efforts to introduce additional features that consistently add value for our members and the broader community. These popular features include the highly anticipated Dallas Morning News Home of the Week, which showcases exceptional residential designs, and regular builder features in collaboration with Candy’s Dirt, providing insightful profiles and industry news. These platforms serve as vital channels for engagement and information dissemination.
While 2019 brought considerable gains and celebrations for the Dallas Builders Association, it also began with a profound sense of loss with the passing of Tom Greico. Tom was truly an original and genuine spirit in every aspect – from his pioneering approach to modern home building, which consistently pushed boundaries, to his incredibly down-to-earth personality that had a perfectly timed joke for every occasion. His wit, wisdom, and warmth are deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy continues to inspire innovation and community within our Association.
Our enduring partnership with Operation FINALLY HOME (OFH) continues to yield wonderful and impactful results, endeavors that I know Tom would have been incredibly proud of. OFH remains our preferred charity, dedicated to building mortgage-free homes for combat-wounded veterans and their families, providing them with the stability and comfort they so richly deserve. This year, we successfully completed our seventh OFH project, constructing a beautiful home for U.S. Army Major Eric King. This remarkable achievement was made possible through the generous donation of the lot by the City of Irving and the dedicated craftsmanship of Matt Walls with Winston Homes. Our collaboration with the City of Irving is ongoing, as they are actively exploring the donation of additional lots in 2020, promising more homes for deserving veterans.
In October, we hosted a heartwarming dinner at our office, inviting all of our OFH recipients and their families. This event served as a heartfelt gesture to let them know they are continually in our thoughts and that they are forever an integral part of the extended DBA family. Most were able to attend, and perhaps the most gratifying aspect of the evening was witnessing these brave individuals and their families form lasting bonds of camaraderie and support, connecting with others who share similar experiences. Our OFH recipients and their families have sacrificed immensely for our nation, yet they continue to serve others with inspiring dedication. A shining example of this selfless spirit is U.S. Army Sgt. Jerry Holcomb. Sgt. Holcomb brought a meaningful project to our attention for Patriot Paws, an esteemed organization that compassionately pairs highly trained service dogs with combat veterans, providing invaluable companionship and assistance. Through a remarkable collaboration involving Mishler Builders, Altura Homes, dedicated DBA staff, and numerous generous trade partners, a new, state-of-the-art facility was constructed at Patriot Paws’ headquarters in Rockwall. This facility now enables veterans to stay comfortably alongside their new four-legged friends during a crucial two-week training period, fostering an unbreakable bond. Special thanks are also profoundly owed to our Clyde J. Anderson Associate of the Year, Scott Roberts, who generously lent his exceptional expertise to design and help secure the necessary approvals for this incredibly impactful project, making a tangible difference in the lives of veterans and their service dogs.
A tremendous and heartfelt thank you is owed to all the incredible individuals and organizations who have helped us reach this milestone, firmly positioning us where we are today. We extend particular gratitude to our distinguished Industry Investors: StrucSure Home Warranty, BGE, Bravas, FACETS Appliances, Kitchens & Baths, Hotchkiss Insurance Agency, Fox Energy Specialists, L&S Mechanical, and DuPont, Inc. Your unwavering support is instrumental to our success and continued impact on the residential construction industry.
On the heels of celebrating 75 years of profound impact and dedicated service, the Dallas Builders Association is now, more than ever, intensely focused on the future. We are exceptionally well-positioned and strategically prepared to navigate its evolving challenges. Just as our founders demonstrated remarkable resilience and unity in 1944, we stand today, stronger and more effective, because we are, truly, better together. Our commitment to fostering a vibrant housing market, supporting our members, and serving our community remains as steadfast as ever.