TAB Announces 2025 Excellence under 45 Award Winners
Zach Gavos and Austin McKnight honored with State Accolades
AUSTIN, TEXAS – The Texas Association of Builders (TAB) is honored to announce Zach Gavos and Austin McKnight as the 2025 Excellence under 45 Award winners. These individuals have committed themselves to their careers and to advancing the residential construction industry. They are primed to be future leaders in the industry. They will be honored at the Excellence in Leadership Dinner on Tuesday, Nov. 4 at the Hyatt Regency Austin in Austin, Texas.
This awards program was created and developed by TAB’s Young Professionals (YP) Council. YP’s focus is to highlight and reward young professionals that have committed their time, efforts, and careers to the Texas residential homebuilding industry.
2025 EXCELLENCE UNDER 45 AWARD WINNERS
Zach Gavos | Owner | Keepsake Custom Homes | Greater Houston Builders Association (GHBA)
Gavos is the owner of Keepsake Custom Homes, a Houston-based residential construction and remodeling company recognized for its craftsmanship and innovative approach to sustainability. A Texas A&M University graduate and former member of the Corps of Cadets, he began his career in the fitness industry before joining Centex Homes’ Field Manager Training Program, where he discovered his passion for building and customer relationships. After gaining experience in both residential and commercial construction—including several school projects in Beaumont—he founded Keepsake Custom Homes in 2019 and later launched Droplet Resources, a company specializing in rainwater harvesting and condensate reuse.
An active member of the Greater Houston Builders Association since 2014, Gavos has served in numerous leadership roles, including Custom Builders Council President, Government Affairs Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. Under his guidance, the council expanded its professional development programs and launched a 2024 mental health initiative that drew more than 140 industry professionals. He currently serves on the GHBA Board of Directors and several key committees, and at the state level, he is a Texas Association of Builders Director and member of the Young Professionals Council, Contracts Committee, and Association Planning Committee. Gavos has also testified before the Texas Legislature in support of TAB’s efforts to advance sustainable building practices.
A Certified Primary Installer of Fox Blocks ICF, Gavos continues to champion innovation in energy efficiency and storm resilience. His advocacy helped influence policy on water reuse, leading to new legislation that rewards builders and developers for installing water capture systems. Deeply committed to service, Gavos is active in his church and community and recently participated in a mission trip to Kenya to design rainwater systems for a local medical mission. When not working or volunteering, he enjoys outdoor adventures with his wife and two daughters. His leadership, innovation, and dedication to others exemplify the spirit of the Excellence Under 45 Award.
Austin McKnight | President & Co-Founder | Southern Creek Homes | Greater Brazos Valley Builders Association (GBVBA)
McKnight is the president and co-founder of Southern Creek Homes, a Bryan–College Station–based company recognized for quality craftsmanship and energy-efficient design. A Texas A&M University graduate with a degree in Agricultural Economics, he began his career in construction lending, specializing in FHA and VA loans. In 2015, he launched Southern Creek Homes with his brother, combining financial expertise with hands-on building experience. Under his leadership, the company became one of the first in the region to deliver ENERGY STAR®–certified homes and provide HERS scores for every project.
An active member of the Greater Brazos Valley Builders Association since 2013, McKnight has demonstrated exceptional leadership and advocacy. He currently serves as GBVBA President after previously holding roles as Vice President and Government Affairs Chair, where he helped secure predictable impact-fee schedules to support housing affordability. At the state level, he serves as a Texas Association of Builders Board Director, Audit Committee Chair, and former Contracts Committee Chair, while also representing Texas nationally as an NAHB Delegate and serving on the NAHB Young Professionals and Housing Finance Committees.
With 16 years in the construction finance industry, McKnight brings a unique perspective that blends financial discipline, regulatory insight, and practical building experience. Known for his innovation and integrity, he implemented BuilderTrend’s project management system to enhance operations—a success featured on the platform’s national podcast—and helped establish Brazos Valley Builders Care as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting local families. A licensed pilot, McKnight enjoys flying, restoring equipment, and spending time with his family. His leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to service make him a standout among Texas’s next generation of homebuilding professionals
ABOUT TAB: The Texas Association of Builders (TAB) is a trade association serving the needs of homebuilders, remodelers and land developers throughout Texas, as well as the companies that service them. Founded in 1946, the Texas Association of Builders is an affiliate of the National Association of Home Builders and has 27 local associations and nearly 10,000 builder, remodeler, developer and associate members across the state. Representing over 758,000 jobs and more than $71.5 billion annually in the Texas economy, the state and local associations play a crucial role in providing housing for Texans. For more information about the Texas Association of Builders, visit www.TexasBuilders.org.