AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Association of Builders (TAB) revealed that Tommy Ford, Delbert McDougal, and Robert Wood will be inducted into the 2025 Texas Housing Hall of Honor as voted upon by the Texas Housing Hall of Honor Board of Governors.
The Texas Housing Hall of Honor stands as the pinnacle recognition for those whose vision and service have fundamentally reshaped the Texas housing industry—honoring individuals whose significant and lasting contributions have uplifted communities, advanced the profession, and defined the very future of housing in the Lone Star State. The induction ceremony will take place during TAB’s Excellence in Leadership Dinner on the evening of Tuesday, November 4th, at the Hyatt Regency in Austin, Texas.
Tommy Ford
Tommy Ford spent more than 60 years building homes—and building up the industry he loved. Founder of Tommy Ford Construction and a respected leader in Vernon, Amarillo, and Dallas, he combined craftsmanship with quiet but powerful service. He was a founding trustee of the non-profit Texas Builders Foundation, where he championed scholarships and trades education that have empowered hundreds of students. Tommy’s impact extended from the jobsite to state and national leadership. He was a Life Director of the Dallas BA, TAB, and NAHB, and served on the North Central Texas Regional Codes Coordinating Committee, where his thoughtful input improved codes and saved builders time and money. He also gave generously to fire safety initiatives, green building education, and disaster relief housing. A humble leader, mentor, and philanthropist, Tommy received numerous honors, including TAB’s Philanthropist of the Year, the Ted Schlossman Lifetime Achievement Award, and Dallas BA’s Hugh Prather Award. His induction into the Texas Housing Hall of Honor cements a legacy built on integrity, vision, and service.
Delbert McDougal
Delbert McDougal, founder of McDougal Companies, was a pioneering force in Texas development whose legacy reshaped Lubbock and beyond. After a 25-year career with General Electric, he launched his real estate business in 1972 with a $10,000 loan and built it into a multimillion-dollar enterprise, managing thousands of apartments and developing over $400 million in property. His most iconic achievement—the redevelopment of North Overton—converted a declining 325-acre neighborhood into a thriving hub of student housing, hospitality, and commerce. Once the nation’s largest privately funded urban renewal project, it raised property values from $26 million to over $850 million and transformed the core of Lubbock. A past president of the West Texas Home Builders Association and the Texas Apartment Association, Delbert also served on more than 30 boards across healthcare, education, and economic development. Known for his humility, ethics, and vision, he left behind more than buildings—he built opportunity, leadership, and lasting change.
Robert Wood
Robert Wood is a builder, developer, and advocate whose impact on Texas housing spans decades and reaches far beyond the job site. As founder of Custom Homes by Robert Wood and partner in West Texas Land Guys, he’s built over 500 duplexes, 200 custom homes, and multiple residential communities that have shaped Lubbock’s growth. A former president of both the West Texas Home Builders Association and the Texas Association of Builders, Robert is known for his bold leadership and tireless advocacy for affordable housing and sound housing policy. His journey—from sweeping floors in a lumber yard to financial hardship and rising to industry leadership—is a powerful testament to resilience and grit. Over the years, he has guided both the industry and the state association through challenging times, including an economic downturn and a global pandemic. His commitment to service extends beyond the building community: he founded West Texas Hero Homes to provide mortgage-free housing for veterans and first responders, and he has helped raise millions for charitable causes such as Make-A-Wish, March of Dimes, and the High Plains Wine & Food Foundation. Robert builds more than homes—he builds people, purpose, and lasting community.
For more information about the Texas Housing Hall of Honor, please visit https://www.texasbuilders.org/texas-housing-hall-of-honor/.
About the Texas Association of Builders: Founded in 1946, the Texas Association of Builders is an affiliate of the National Association of Home Builders and has 27 local home builders associations across Texas. With a membership of nearly 10,000 representing over 758,000 jobs and more than $71.5 billion annually in the Texas economy, TAB plays a crucial role in providing housing for Texans. For more information about the Texas Association of Builders, visit www.TexasBuilders.org.