AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Association of Builders presented several prestigious “Of the Year” awards at the 2025 Excellence in Leadership Dinner on Tuesday, Nov. 4 at the Hyatt Regency Austin in Austin, Texas. The “Of the Year” awards are given annually to recognize exemplary service and leadership contributions to the homebuilding industry by its members.
2025 “OF THE YEAR” AWARD RECIPIENTS:
ASSOCIATION ACCOMPLISHMENT OF THE YEAR: Temple Area Builders Association
The Temple Area Builders Association is being recognized for an exceptional year that advanced workforce development, strengthened advocacy, and elevated membership engagement. TABA raised more than $40,000 to support Belton and Temple ISD students pursuing construction careers—an effort that also inspired both districts to establish NAHB Student Chapters. Members demonstrated outstanding commitment to advocacy, achieving the highest percentage of participation at Rally Day, while TABA was the only Texas association in its category to earn national recognition from NAHB for excellence in membership growth. These accomplishments reflect the association’s deep dedication to its members, community, and the future of home building in Central Texas.
ASSOCIATE OF THE YEAR: Atmos Energy
Atmos Energy is being recognized for its extraordinary commitment to Texas’ home building industry and the mission of the Texas Association of Builders. With 26 local HBA memberships statewide, Atmos exemplifies true engagement—sponsoring events, supporting education, and showing up year-round at TAB board and committee meetings. As a title sponsor and major supporter of the Sunbelt Builders Show™, the company elevated its partnership this year by sharing critical expertise during the 89th Legislative Session and strengthening advocacy efforts for the industry. When devastating floods struck the state over the Fourth of July weekend, Atmos was first to respond—donating $10,000 to launch TAB’s relief efforts. Through its leadership, generosity, and consistent service, Atmos Energy continues to set the standard for partnership within our federation.
DEVELOPER OF THE YEAR: Becky Ullman
With more than 40 years in land development and homebuilding, Becky Ullman has built an impressive career leading major projects across Texas for companies including Friendswood Development Company, Caldwell Companies, Wilbow Corporation, KB Home, and Ashton Woods Homes. Known for navigating complex environmental, infrastructure, and financing challenges, she has guided the successful acquisition and development of residential communities that reflect her strategic, solutions-driven approach. A self-described “land fanatic,” Becky brings a rare ability to connect the many disciplines of development—from finance and engineering to construction and marketing—and is an active and influential member of the Texas Association of Builders, serving on the Developers Council, Volume Builders Council, Multifamily & Rental Property Council, HOMEPAC Board, and Finance Committee. Her leadership was instrumental during the 89th Texas Legislative Session, where her guidance and testimony helped shape legislation on local water moratoriums. Equally passionate about mentorship, Becky has championed the next generation of female leaders through Professional Women in Building and Ladies Who Lead. Her vision, technical expertise, and dedication continue to elevate the homebuilding industry and strengthen communities across Texas.
PHILANTHROPIST OF THE YEAR: Metro East Division of the Dallas Builders Association
The Metro East Division of the Dallas Builders Association exemplifies what it means to build community—both through homes and through heart. For 20 years, the division has brought members and neighbors together for Cars for CASA, an annual car, truck, and motorcycle show that raises funds for Lone Star CASA, which advocates for abused and neglected children in Rockwall and Kaufman Counties. What began in 2005 with 80 cars and $2,600 raised has grown into one of North Texas’ largest auto shows—drawing thousands of attendees, more than 350 vehicles, and surpassing $1 million in total donations. In 2025 alone, the event contributed a record $109,618, with 100% of proceeds supporting CASA’s child advocacy mission. This long-running tradition reflects the division’s deep commitment to community service, member engagement, and building a brighter future for children and families in North Texas.
J.B. SANDLIN BUILDER OF THE YEAR: Chad Decker
Chad Decker, president and CEO of Decker Custom Homes in San Angelo, has spent over two decades advancing the homebuilding industry through his craftsmanship and service. After earning a marketing degree from Angelo State University, he worked with Standard Pacific Homes and Taylor Woodrow Homes before founding Decker Custom Homes in 2002, earning recognition for quality and energy-efficient design. A steadfast leader within the Home Builders Association of San Angelo and the Texas Association of Builders, Chad has chaired TAB’s Bylaws and Contracts Committees, served on the Executive Committee, and been a devoted HOMEPAC trustee for more than ten years. His advocacy and fundraising have strengthened TAB’s influence, while his work with the Texas Builders Foundation helped establish and expand the Howard College San Angelo Construction Trades Center. As chair of the Foundation’s Fundraising Committee, Chad continues to open doors for the next generation of builders. His enduring leadership and service make him a worthy recipient of the 2025 J.B. Sandlin Builder of the Year Award.
TED SCHLOSSMAN LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Beverly Koehn
For more than thirty years, Beverly Koehn has dedicated her career to elevating the homebuilding industry through education, mentorship, and service. A nationally recognized customer experience expert, author, and master instructor for NAHB’s University of Housing, Beverly has trained and inspired thousands of professionals across the country and abroad. She holds seven professional designations and has shared her expertise at premier industry events including the NAHB International Builders’ Show, the Australian Remodeling Conference, and the Sunbelt Builders Show™. In 1993, Beverly founded the TAB Star Awards, managing every aspect of the program in its early years and setting the foundation for its enduring success. She also played a pivotal role in creating and producing the first Sunbelt Builders Show™ in 2001, later serving as its committee chair for more than a decade. A past recipient of NAHB’s Marketing Director of the Year, Associate of the Year, and TAB’s Associate of the Year honors, Beverly’s influence extends far beyond her accolades. Through her company, Beverly Koehn & Associates, she has coached countless builders, remodelers, and sales professionals to achieve excellence in customer service, sales performance, and leadership. Her vision, passion, and professionalism have left an indelible mark on the Texas Association of Builders and the residential construction industry as a whole.
TED SCHLOSSMAN LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Michael Moore
Michael Moore, Owner/Partner of Ironstone Development, began his career in home building in 1983 and has been a dedicated member of NAHB, TAB, and the Greater San Antonio Builders Association ever since. Over the years, Michael has served as GSABA President, Board Member, and Executive Leader, and at the state level, he has chaired TAB’s Government Relations, Legal Affairs, and City/County Task Force Committees, served four terms on the Executive Committee, and been a HOMEPAC Trustee and Life Director. He has also been active on the NAHB Board of Directors since 2006 and as a BuildPAC Trustee. Michael’s expertise and leadership have been invaluable in regulatory and legislative efforts, particularly in advocating for responsible growth, private property rights, and collaboration with the U.S. military on land use planning. His community has also benefitted from his guidance, serving on more than 20 city and regional committees and as President of both the Greater San Antonio Builders Association and the Real Estate Council of San Antonio—the only person to hold both presidencies. Michael’s dedication is unparalleled, and his steady leadership and mentorship have left a lasting impact on the home building industry in San Antonio and across Texas.
Presented alongside the “Of the Year” awards was the Excellence Under 45 award—created by TAB’s Young Professionals Council to recognize rising leaders who have dedicated their careers and efforts to advancing Texas residential construction. The 2025 winners of the Excellence Under 45 award are:
EXCELLENCE UNDER 45: Zach Gavos
Zach Gavos, owner of Keepsake Custom Homes in Houston, is recognized for his craftsmanship, leadership, and innovative approach to sustainable building. A Texas A&M University graduate and former Corps of Cadets member, he founded his company in 2019 after gaining experience in residential and commercial construction, later launching Droplet Resources to advance water reuse and conservation. An active member of the Greater Houston Builders Association, Zach has served as Custom Builders Council President, Government Affairs Chair, and Treasurer, helping expand education and launch a mental health initiative that reached over 140 industry professionals. At the state level, he is a Texas Association of Builders Director and serves on several committees, including Young Professionals and Contracts. A Certified Fox Blocks ICF installer and advocate for energy efficiency, Zach’s leadership has influenced water reuse policy and inspired builders to adopt more resilient construction practices.
EXCELLENCE UNDER 45: Austin McKnight
Austin McKnight, president and co-founder of Southern Creek Homes in Bryan–College Station, is known for pairing financial expertise with hands-on building to deliver high-quality, energy-efficient homes. A Texas A&M University graduate with a background in construction lending, he launched Southern Creek Homes in 2015 with his brother, making it one of the first regional builders to provide ENERGY STAR®–certified homes with HERS scores. An active member of both the Greater Brazos Valley Builders Association and the Greater Houston Builders Association, Austin currently serves as President of the GBVBA and has been instrumental in advancing housing affordability and advocacy efforts. At the state level, he is a Texas Association of Builders Board Director, Audit Committee Chair, and former Contracts Committee Chair, and represents Texas nationally through NAHB’s Young Professionals and Housing Finance Committees. With 16 years in construction finance and a reputation for innovation and integrity, Austin helped establish Brazos Valley Builders Care, a nonprofit supporting local families, and continues to champion operational excellence and community service.
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.