From Staff Reports
The Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, a vibrant hub for residential development and innovation, recently celebrated its leading homebuilding and real estate professionals at the 43rd Annual McSAM Awards. Hosted by the prestigious Dallas Builders Association in collaboration with Hillwood Communities, this highly anticipated event took place on April 9th, recognizing unparalleled excellence and groundbreaking achievements in sales and marketing within the local housing industry. The McSAM Awards stand as a testament to “maximum creativity in sales and marketing,” highlighting the extraordinary efforts of builders, developers, and individuals who are shaping the future of DFW living. This year’s competition was particularly fierce, attracting over 400 entries across 62 diverse categories, showcasing the remarkable talent and dedication prevalent in the region’s dynamic real estate market.
The glittering awards gala, held at the sophisticated Renaissance Dallas Addison Hotel, was expertly guided by the charismatic U.S. Olympian and former NFL player Johnny Quinn, who served as the master of ceremonies. His engaging presence added an extra layer of excitement and prestige to an evening dedicated to celebrating the best in Dallas-Fort Worth homebuilding. The event brought together hundreds of industry leaders, innovators, and aspiring professionals, all eager to witness the unveiling of the year’s most distinguished honorees and to network with peers who are driving progress and setting new benchmarks in residential development across North Texas.
Among the most coveted honors, determined by a panel of esteemed industry experts, M/I Homes emerged victorious as the McSAM Builder of the Year. This prestigious award underscores M/I Homes’ consistent commitment to quality, innovative design, and exceptional customer satisfaction, solidifying its reputation as a leader in new home construction. In another significant win, Hillwood Communities was recognized as the Developer of the Year, acknowledging their visionary approach to creating thriving, master-planned communities that enhance lifestyles and contribute to regional growth. Furthermore, Emory Park by Centre Living Homes received the distinguished title of Builder Neighborhood of the Year, a testament to its thoughtful planning, architectural distinction, and vibrant community atmosphere. The judging process for these industry-judged awards was rigorous, with a panel comprising seasoned professionals from across the nation, including experienced builders, visionary architects, acclaimed interior designers, and leading new home marketing strategists. These experts meticulously evaluated each entry based on a comprehensive set of criteria, ensuring that only the most deserving projects and companies received recognition for their outstanding contributions and innovative practices.
Beyond the insights of industry professionals, the McSAM Awards also celebrated the voice of the consumer through its highly regarded People’s Choice categories. Highland Homes earned the esteemed People’s Choice Builder of the Year award, a clear indication of their exceptional reputation and the profound trust they have cultivated among homebuyers. This consumer-driven award highlights Highland Homes’ dedication to exceeding customer expectations and delivering homes that truly resonate with residents. Similarly, Harvest by Hillwood Communities was named the People’s Choice Community of the Year, reflecting its immense popularity and the vibrant, desirable lifestyle it offers to its inhabitants. These consumer-voted accolades are particularly significant as they directly reflect the experiences and satisfaction levels of actual homebuyers, providing invaluable feedback on the market’s preferences and priorities. The People’s Choice competition is designed to directly reward builders and developers who have successfully captivated the market and consistently delivered on their promises, as validated by the very people who live in and experience their creations daily.
To ensure the integrity and accuracy of the People’s Choice winners, the Dallas Builders Association partners with a reputable third-party firm. This firm conducts extensive online surveys, reaching out to hundreds of recent homebuyers to gather comprehensive feedback. The survey delves into various critical aspects of the homebuying and living experience, encompassing everything from the aesthetic appeal and functionality of home design, to the professionalism and helpfulness of the sales experience, the responsiveness of customer service, the overall quality of community lifestyle, and general satisfaction with their new home. A crucial component of this survey is the Net Promoter Score (NPS) question, where respondents rate – on a scale from zero to 10 – how likely they would be to recommend a particular builder or community to a friend or family member. This metric is widely recognized as the gold standard in customer satisfaction surveying, offering a powerful indicator of customer loyalty and advocacy. The results of these surveys provide invaluable insights into consumer sentiment, directly influencing the selection of the People’s Choice honorees and emphasizing the paramount importance of customer-centric practices in the highly competitive DFW housing market.
In addition to these headline awards, several other industry-judged categories celebrated excellence across various specialized segments of the homebuilding landscape, highlighting the diverse talents and innovations within the Dallas-Fort Worth area. These include:
- Home of the Year: The 569 by Highland Homes, located in Windsong Ranch 50s, a design that captivated judges with its innovative architecture, functional layout, and appealing aesthetics, setting a new standard for modern living.
- Master Planned Community of the Year: Harvest by Hillwood Communities, recognized for its comprehensive planning, sustainable practices, and the creation of a vibrant, interconnected community that offers residents a rich array of amenities and a strong sense of belonging. This dual win (People’s Choice and Industry-Judged) for Harvest underscores its exceptional appeal.
- Active Adult Home of the Year: The Davenport by Highland Homes, situated in Mantua Point 50s, celebrated for its thoughtful design catering specifically to the unique needs and preferences of active adult homebuyers, blending comfort, accessibility, and sophisticated style.
- Multifamily Community of the Year: The Truman at Arlington Commons by The Nehemiah Company, honored for its outstanding design, desirable amenities, and ability to create a thriving living environment within the multifamily sector, addressing the growing demand for diverse housing options.
- Builder Project Manager of the Year: Misty Morehouse with Meritage Homes, recognized for her exceptional leadership, organizational skills, and dedication in ensuring the smooth and efficient execution of homebuilding projects, embodying the critical role project managers play in successful construction.
- Marketing Professional of the Year: Chellie Meziere with Huffines Communities, lauded for her innovative strategies, creative campaigns, and effective communication efforts that have significantly contributed to the success and visibility of her communities and projects.
A comprehensive list detailing all the deserving winners and their remarkable achievements can be accessed by clicking HERE, providing an in-depth look at the breadth of talent celebrated at this year’s McSAM Awards.
Shining Light on Legends: A Timeless Contribution to Sales & Marketing
A particularly poignant moment of the evening was the special recognition of veteran sales trainer and renowned author, Mar’Sue Haffner, who was deservedly honored as a Legend of Sales & Marketing. This prestigious award, resurrected for the occasion, celebrates visionary leaders whose profound contributions have not only advanced the housing industry but have also stood the test of time, leaving an indelible mark on countless careers and companies. This year’s accolade was presented by Jody Hanson of Anderson Hanson Blanton, herself a recipient of this esteemed honor in 2006, adding a layer of historical significance and mentorship to the ceremony.
“What better time to bring back a very special award honoring a fellow industry professional whose significant body of work has clearly passed the test of time?” queried Hanson during her heartfelt presentation. Her words resonated deeply with the audience, underscoring the enduring impact of individuals like Mar’Sue Haffner, whose dedication and wisdom have shaped generations of sales and marketing professionals. The Legend of Sales & Marketing award is specifically designed to recognize individuals who embody visionary leadership, demonstrating a consistent commitment to sharing knowledge, actively mentoring others, and driving innovation within the highly competitive and evolving landscape of the housing industry. It is a tribute to those who not only achieve personal success but also elevate the entire profession through their passion and expertise.
Mar’Sue Haffner’s career in sales and marketing spans over three remarkable decades, during which she has been a formidable force for positive change and unparalleled success. In 2011, she channeled her vast experience and unique insights into founding Sales Solve Everything, a cutting-edge new home sales training company. Alongside her esteemed business partner, Ralph Williams, Jr., Mar’Sue has been directly responsible for recruiting, training, and inspiring hundreds of individuals to achieve extraordinary success in new home sales. Her influence extends far beyond the Dallas-Fort Worth market, reaching a national scale and creating countless success stories. She has dedicated her career to empowering new home sales professionals, helping them not only break into the business but also to excel and reach their full potential. Furthermore, her expertise has been sought after by management teams seeking to refine their strategies and by hundreds of homebuilding company executives looking for top-tier consultation to navigate market challenges and capitalize on growth opportunities.
Her extensive travels across the globe have provided her with invaluable insights and fresh perspectives, which she expertly incorporates into her training programs. This global exposure has uniquely positioned her to discuss and develop innovative strategies for effectively reaching the increasingly diverse and multicultural buyer base, a critical skill in today’s globalized market. Mar’Sue is not only an accomplished author but also a highly sought-after keynote speaker, captivating audiences with her dynamic presence and profound industry knowledge. She has developed comprehensive training programs covering an array of diverse topics, ranging from practical advice on conquering sales-related fears to mastering complex financial strategies, and even unveiling the coveted “cheat codes of new home sales,” offering practical, actionable insights that empower professionals to thrive.
In 2019, her seminal book, Rise, Shine and Sell, was released to widespread critical acclaim, immediately being hailed as a “must-read” for anyone aspiring to learn from the very best in the business. One particularly enthusiastic reviewer famously dubbed her a “Jedi Master,” a testament to her profound wisdom, strategic prowess, and unparalleled ability to guide others to success. Mar’Sue has shared the stage with some of the most influential motivational speakers of our time, including Tom Ziglar, Johnny Quinn, and Ralph Williams, Sr., further cementing her status as a leading voice in sales and personal development. Her resilience and adaptability were truly tested, and proven, during the recent pandemic years; rather than slowing down, she innovatively continued to train and mentor sales professionals across the country via Zoom, ensuring that her vital knowledge and encouragement remained accessible. Her distinguished career also includes being a featured speaker at the prestigious International Builders’ Show, and she has earned the coveted Sales Manager of the Year award from both the Dallas Builders Association and the National Association of Home Builders, recognizing her exceptional leadership and impact. Mar’Sue Haffner’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication, transformative mentorship, and a relentless pursuit of excellence that continues to inspire and elevate the entire sales and marketing profession within the housing industry.