AUSTIN, Texas – Tommy Ford, Delbert McDougal, and Robert Wood were inducted into the Texas Housing Hall of Honor at the Texas Association of Builders’ Excellence in Leadership Dinner on Tuesday, Nov. 4th, at the Hyatt Regency in Austin, Texas. Also at the dinner, Chris Lyons was inducted as TAB's 79th president and the recipients of TAB's 2025 "Of the Year" awards were announced.
The Texas Housing Hall of Honor is the highest recognition for individuals whose vision and service have fundamentally reshaped the state’s housing industry—uplifting communities, advancing the profession, and defining the future of housing in Texas. Inductees are selected annually from among builders, developers, remodelers, trades professionals and suppliers, government, and industry-allied professionals. The 2025 ceremony was presided over by CEO Scott Norman and former TAB Presidents and Co-Chairs of the Texas Housing Hall of Honor Board of Governors, Randy Bowling and Don Allen.
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.
See Tommy’s story in this video.
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.
See Delbert’s story in this video.
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.
See Robert’s story in this video.
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.