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Stephen A. Abramson* West Palm Beach Devoted to increasing professionalism in the home building industry, he was responsible for drafting the legislation that created the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board. He also promoted the industry's role in political action and led the committee responsible for the design and construction of the Florida Housing Center in downtown Tallahassee in 1981. He served as FHBA President in 1974 and was Builder of the Year in 1979. (Elected to Hall in 1992) |
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Eli Adams, Jr. Estero For 41 years, as senior editor of Professional Builder magazine and real estate editor of the Miami Herald, he educated his readers on housing issues. He won more than 50 awards for his journalistic excellence, including induction into the Builders Association of South Florida Hall of Fame. The Florida Home Builders Association presents an annual award in his name to honor outstanding real estate journalists. (Elected to Hall in 1991) |
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John A. Arbib Pembroke Pines/Jacksonville A highly-successful home builder and the 1980 President of the Florida Home Builders Association, he played a major role in three important industry milestones: development of the Florida Energy Code, creation of the Florida Housing Finance Agency, and Florida's leadership in promotion of the nation's first home warranty program. He was Florida's Builder of the Year in 1983 and in 2005, he was named Jackonville's Male Senior Citizen of the Year. (Elected to Hall in 1992) |
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Henry G. Bachara* Jacksonville A tender warrior known in the home building industry as "Captain Nice," he was one of his area's leading custom home builders for over 30 years and served for 17 years as a member of the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board. He is a Past President of the Northeast Florida Builders Association, a former Golden Gloves amateur boxer, and a longtime official at high school and college football games. (Elected to Hall in 1993) |
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George Berlin North Miami Beach Dedicating three decades of exemplary service to the home building industry, he played a key role in the development of the Florida Energy Code and the Florida Growth Management Act and guided the trend-setting, multi-faceted development of the City of Aventura. He is a member of the Builders Association of South Florida Hall of Fame and a Past President of BASF. (Elected to Hall in 2000) |
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Henry D. Bogatin, Sr.* West Palm Beach Fondly remembered in his community as "Mr. Homebuilder," he was known for his business savvy, customer service and unwavering dedication to the building industry. He was one of the founders of the HBCA of Palm Beach County in 1953, and he served as its President in 1961. He was President of the Florida Home Builders Association in 1964 and Vice President of the National Association of Home Builders in 1966. (Elected to Hall in 1996) |
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Marc Boney Highland City A 30-year veteran of the home building and land development industry, Marc Boney helped lead a grassroots effort to reform the workers compensation system in Florida, resulting in millions of dollars in savings for construction firms and allied businesses. He served with distinction as President of the Polk County Builders Association and won statewide respect and admiration as a bold spokesperson on housing industry issues. (Elected to Hall in 2010) |
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Frank Copare Tampa/Orlando Devoted to Home Builders Association leadership for over 28 years as both a builder and an associate member, he was the Builders Association of Greater Tampa’s first Associate of the Year in 1977 and its President in 1989. He was similarly honored by the Florida Home Builders Association, where he served as Second Vice President, led membership efforts and created a state Trades Council to serve the subcontractor and supplier members. He was FHBA's Associate of the Year in 1983. (Elected to Hall in 1998; also a member of the National Hall of Honored Associates) |
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Ron Coppenbarger Jacksonville Past President of the Northeast Florida BA and Florida Home Builders Association, Ron Coppenbarger demonstrated the wisdom and will to bring positive change to the Florida building industry in such areas as public relations, workforce training, workers’ comp reform, and legal action. His generous financial support paved the way for the success of the FHBA Foundation and the Future Builders of America program. (Elected to Hall in 2008) |
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Tom C. David* Jacksonville True to his belief that home ownership is the foundation of our country, he spent 42 years helping nearly one million families realize the dream of buying a home. While working for the Veteran’s Administration, he was involved on the day-to-day details of financing housing for rural and urban families and was instrumental in the passage of legislation to help veterans buy second homes, showing what can be accomplished when private enterprise and government work together. (Charter Member, Elected to Hall in 1990) |
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Ralph DeMeo* Miami An innovative leader and trend-setting membership promoter, he served with distinction as President of the Builders Association of South Florida in 1971 and the Florida Home Builders Association in 1976. In the 1960s, he revolutionized the membership development efforts of the National Association of Home Builders by revitalizing the Spike Club and creating special incentives for recruiters. As FHBA President, his efforts helped provide FHBA members with cost-saving insurance coverage. (Elected to Hall in 1998). |
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Jack A. Demetree* Orlando In a career that spanned over four decades, "Big Jack" was at the forefront of issues affecting home builders and a guiding force as a high-profile industry leader and a tireless behind the scenes worker in political affairs, association program and community service. He devoted countless hours to charities and community improvement projects in addition to his association work. His dedication, energy and generosity have inspired future industry and association leaders. He was FHBA's Builder of the Year in 1978. (Charter Member, Elected to Hall in 1990; also a member of the National Housing Hall of Fame) |
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Jack C. Demetree Jacksonville Nationally acclaimed for his honesty, integrity and devotion to the industry and his community, he served as President of the Florida Home Builders Association in 1975 where he played a lead role in the formation of the state Political Action Committee and helped revise Florida's lien law. He is a longtime member of the National Association of Home Builders Executive Committee and a member of the NAHB Housing Hall of Fame. He was FHBA's Builder of the Year in 1985. (Charter Member, Elected to Hall in 1993; also a member of the National Housing Hall of Fame) |
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William C. "Bill" Demetree* Orlando The father of Parade of Homes in Florida and a driving force behind creation of the School of Building Construction at the University of Florida, he stands as one of the most influential figures in the history of Florida’s building industry. A highly decorated World War II pilot, he created housing opportunities for thousands of Floridians and developed the real estate that became the site of Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom. (Elected to Hall in 2002) |
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Frances Dunn Mount Dora As the first woman honored as an Associate Member of the Year by the HBAs of Mid- Florida and Lake County, she devoted her 20-year professional career to improving the mortgage finance system for the benefit of home builders and home buyers. Among her many achievements, she pioneered the innovative construction/permanent mortgage loan, promoted Fair Housing practices, and introduced builders to bond-financed affordable housing. (Elected to Hall in 1997) |
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Richard F. Durling Fort Myers A dedicated leader and tireless advocate for affordable housing, Richard Durling served with distinction as President of the Lee Building Industry Association and the Florida Home Builders Association. His work on building code, septic tank and impact fee issues saved builders and housing consumers thousands of dollars. As a builder, he exemplified the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and performance. (Elected to Hall in 2008) |
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Roy T. Dye Altamonte Springs His unparalleled work ethic and sheer determination has won him prestige and accolades from both business and governmental colleagues. He created lifestyle-rich master-planned communities in Central Florida and produced over 16,000 homes. He was a driving force behind the Florida Home Builders Association's Political Action Committee and an all-time leading membership recruiter. He was Florida's Builder of the Year in 1976. (Elected to Hall in 1993) |
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Robert M. Ervin Tallahassee The first attorney and lobbyist for the Florida Home Builders Association, he created FHBA's initial articles or incorporation and bylaws and generally guided the early development of the state association. He was a trusted advisor to FHBA for more than 15 years and played a lead role in state legislation governing lien laws, condominium associations, and construction licensing. (Elected to Hall in 1993) |
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Lee A. Everhart Tallahassee As President of the Florida Home Builders Association in 1973 and Florida’s Builder of the year in 1978, he distinguished himself as a visionary industry leader. He won recognition for the home building industry as an integral part of the state’s business community and forged a consensus on the need to balance environmental protection and economic growth. His political activities including serving as Mayor of the City of Tallahassee. He was Builder of the Year in 1977. (Elected to Hall in 1999) |
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Austin Fillmon* New Port Richey President and Builder of the Year of the Florida Home Builders Association in 1989, he has been a visionary industry leader since he started in the home building business in 1953. He served 22 years on the Board of Directors of Pasco County Builders Association and as its President in 1976. He balanced Association leadership with significant contributions to government relations, community activities and charitable causes. (Elected to Hall in 1998) |
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A.W. Fletcher* Gainesville As a home builder and developer, he served his community and industry for over four decades. With unselfish and tireless dedication, he played a vital role in the establishment of his local association. He was a man of vision and experience whose wisdom and counsel is recognized and honored by leaders throughout the industry. He was Builder of the Year in 1982. (Elected to Hall in 1991) |
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Sandra Warshaw Freedman Tampa During her six years as Mayor of Tampa, she focused on improving housing conditions. She developed an effective public-private partnership called the Mayor’s Challenge Fund and has been a leader in making affordable housing available to all Tampa citizens. With her wisdom and experience, Mayor Freedman has left an invaluable mark on the city of Tampa. (Elected to Hall in 1992) |
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Betsy Godfrey Winter Park Godfrey is one of the most widely honored interior merchandisers. She was the first woman to hold a residential contractor license in Central Florida, the first woman to earn National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) "Life Spike" status as a membership recruiter, and the first woman to be elected to the Executive Board of the HBA of Mid-Florida (which has since become the HBA of Metro Orlando). Her founding work with the Aurora Awards established the defining symbol of success for the hundreds of builders, architects, and designers who have won the coveted honor over the years. (Elected to Hall in 2006) |
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Emil Gould* Miami An innovative pioneer in the Florida home building industry, he developed the land use plan for the City of Miami and was among the first builders to sell homes from models. He served as 1953 President of the Florida Home Builders Association and helped launch FHBA's first insurance programs for members. FHBA annually honors this longtime supporter of the arts with a theatre student scholarship. (Charter Member, Elected to Hall in 1990; also member of the National Housing Hall of Fame) |
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Bob Graham Miami Lakes Former state legislator, Florida Governor and United States Senator, he invested 38 years in public service. He was the driving force behind Florida's growth management initiatives and his leadership in promoting a constitutional amendment that allowed the state to issue tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds paved the way to the creation of the Florida Housing Finance Agency. In Congress, he successfully promoted tax credits for affordable housing. (Elected to Hall in 2005) |
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Herschel V. "Hank" Green Miami Pioneer, leader, entrepreneur for over four decades, his success is attributed to his philosophy of integrity and fairness. His keen analysis of housing developments and sound judgments of the building industry articulated to his fellow builders, has heightened the definition of better housing for the nation. He encouraged the concept of diversification and mixed-use developments. He was Builder of the Year in 1974. (Elected to Hall in 1991; also a member of the National Housing Hall of Fame) |
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Kay Green Orlando Tirelessly devoted to the housing industry for the past three decades, Kay Green contributed to the success of hundreds of home builders through her internationally recognized work as an interior merchandiser. Through her leadership of the Aurora Awards and her willingness to share ideas for the overall good of the industry, she inspired her peers to achieve ever-higher levels of professional excellence. (Elected to Hall in 2009)
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Kinney S. Harley Tallahassee Under his leadership as its Executive Director, the Florida Home Builders Association became a major force in Florida government and politics. He initiated, formulated and managed all facets of FHBA, including programs, conventions and public relations. He was instrumental in creating insurance programs as a member service and was considered one of the most influential lobbyists in Tallahassee. (Elected to Hall in 1993) |
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Robert F. Harper, III Lakeland As Past President of the Polk County Builders Association and the Florida Home Builders Association, he brought strength, knowledge and integrity to his industry leadership roles. A successful builder and developer, he provided an influential and articulate voice on the industry’s most critical land use and growth management issues, and consistently fought for affordable housing opportunities for all Floridians. He was Builder of the Year in 1998. (Elected to Hall in 2004) |
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Howard Head Port Charlotte He has distinguished himself in two careers as the Executive Vice President of the Florida Atlantic Builders Association (which subsequently merged to become the Gold Coast BA) and as the President and Founder of Bonded Builders Home Warranty Association, the largest third-party warranty program in Florida. Under Head's leadership, Bonded not only provided an excellent warranty product but its associates became leaders and good-will ambassadors within the Florida home building industry. (Elected to Hall in 2006) |
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Jay Janis* Miami A public and private sector leader of the housing industry, he guided one of South Florida’s most successful home building firms and further distinguished himself as a government official and banking executive. He served as Executive Assistant to the first Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (1966-69) and later served as Undersecretary of HUD (1977). He helped develop the landmark 1958 Housing Act. (Elected to Hall in 1996; also a member of the National Housing Hall of Fame) |
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Toni Jennings Orlando A loyal friend of the housing industry during a 20-year legislative career that included two terms as Senate President, she played leading roles in promoting the Sadowski Affordable Housing Act, Graywater Disposal Systems, insurance affordability, workers' compensation reform, education funding, welfare reform and a statewide unified building code. She is currently serving as Florida's Lt. Governor. (Elected to Hall in 2001) |
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Matt M. Jetton Tampa Charter member of the BA of Greater Tampa and a pioneer of large, master planned communities, he created the nationally-recognized Planned Unit Development known as Carrollwood in the late 1950s. He distinguished himself in community and charitable service, including 14 years as a member of the Hillsborough County Planning Commission and as an appointed member of the Hillsborough County Commission. (Elected to Hall in 1997) |
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Paul M. Joyal Melbourne With brothers Bob and Danny, Paul Joyal built a successful home building business while serving as a widely respected leader of the HBCA of Brevard, the Florida Home Builders Association and the National Association of Home Builders. A Past President to HBCA of Brevard ad a Life Director at FHBA and NAHB, he recruited 1,175 new members, making him one of the nation’s top all-time Spikes. He was Builder of the Year in 1990 and joined his brother Bob in winning the Dick Baker Award in 2003. (Elected to Hall in 2004) |
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George Kavanagh* Port St. Lucie A fierce champion for political action, George Kavanagh’s passion for politics inspired hundreds of Florida Home Builders Association members to elect pro-housing candidates to local, state and federal offices. As a trades professional and a past FHBA Second Vice President, he boldly personified the vital role that associate members play in association leadership and performance. (Elected to Hall in 2009) |
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John J. Koelemij Tallahassee A champion for affordable housing, the Dutch immigrant worked tirelessly to bring the American Dream to thousands of Florida families. His work contributed to the creation of the Florida Housing Finance Agency and he served for over 15 years as the Florida Home Builders Association's Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman. He served as President of his Tallahassee Builders Association (twice), the Florida Home Builders Association, and the National Association of Home Builders. He was Florida's first Builder of the Year in 1973. (Charter Member, Elected to Hall in 1990; also a member of the National Housing Hall of Fame) |
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Phyllis Finney Loconto Fort Lauderdale Working tirelessly to enhance the image of the home building industry, she made public relations a priority for the Florida Home Builders Association, created the FHBA "Legislative Action Week" and "Builder of the Year" programs, and co-founded the Aurora Awards. She was the first woman to serve in the senior leadership of the BA of South Florida and FHBA, and the first woman to co-chair a National Association of Home Builders Committee. She was Associate of the Year in 1978. (Elected to the Hall in 1997) |
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Paul E. Mashburn, Jr Winter Park For over 25 years, his contributions to the housing industry centered on leadership and his ability to forge meaningful coalitions. He served two terms as president of the HBA of Mid-Florida and was chair of the Board of Trustees for the FHBA Self Insurers Fund. Mashburn held numerous positions within FHBA, including President in 1984. He helped create the University of Housing at the National Association of Home Builders and is now a popular industry educator. He was Builder of the Year in 1986. (Elected to Hall in 1993) |
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Leonard "Lenny" Miller Pembroke Pines A highly successful home builder and developer, the Past President of the Builders Association of South Florida and the Florida Home Builders Association is one of the industry's most respected members. His expertise spanned the gamut from industry research to building codes and land development issues and he gave freely of his time and talents. He is also a member of the BA of South Florida Housing Hall of Fame. He was Builder of the Year in 1984. (Elected to Hall in 1991) |
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Sanford B. "Sandy" Miot Miami Through the construction of 4,000 homes and the development of seven master-planned communities, he made an indelible mark on Florida’s real estate landscape in the 1970s and 1980s. He served with distinction as President of the BA of South Florida and the Florida Home Builders Association, where he combined strong industry leadership with a passion for life-long learning and community activism in Dade and Broward counties. (Elected to Hall in 2002) |
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Carmel R. Morris Jacksonville The second person in history to be named Associate Member of the Year by the National Association of Home Builders, he is most widely known for his pioneering work in apprenticeship training, including the nation's premier program at his own Northeast Florida Builders Association. He is a Past Second Vice President and Past Associate Member of the Year of FHBA. He was Associate of the Year in 1979. (Elected to Hall in 1994; former NAHB Associate of the Year and member of the National Hall of Honored Associates) |
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Joseph Narkiewicz Tampa A model of professional dedication and personal devotion to the housing industry, Joseph Narkiewicz served 30 years as the Executive Officer of the Pasco Builders Association and the Tampa Bay Builders Association, earning the respect of members and peers for his unparalleled excellence in association management, government relations, communications, membership growth and leadership development. (Elected to Hall in 2009) |
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Raymond A. Nasrallah Jacksonville The 1978 President of the Florida Home Builders Association, he led a grassroots movement to increase membership which made FHBA the largest state builders association in America. As a Past President of the Northeast Florida BA, he also instrumental in building a partnership between the builders and Realtors in Jacksonville, which blossomed into a 15-year alliance supporting joint political endorsements and efforts to fight over regulation of the construction industry. He was Builder of the Year in 1980. (Elected to Hall in 1994) |
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J.W. "Bill" Neese* Orlando A lifelong leader of the housing industry, he served as the City of Orlando Building Official for 26 years and was elected president of the Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI) in 1985. He was proactive member of the local and state building officials organizations and shared a commitment to affordable housing with the building industry in Central Florida. (Elected to Hall in 1999) |
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Harold M. Nutter Altamonte Springs Recognizing the crucial role non-builders play in the home building industry, he helped galvanize associate members into a powerful support group within the Florida Home Builders Association. As FHBA's first Second Vice President and first Associate Member of the Year, he set the tone for establishing a strong commitment to teamwork between builders and associates while serving as an innovative leader in the field of construction and mortgage finance. He was FHBA's first Associate of the Year in 1976. (Elected to Hall in 1992; also a member of the National Hall of Honored Associates) |
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Roy Pence Palm Bay A man of integrity and action, he rallied the Florida home building industry in the mid-1990s to promote and pass through the Florida Legislature a new state law requiring just compensation when a local or state government regulation restricted the use of private property. His rock-solid leadership as Florida Home Builders Association President in 1995 guided the Association through many challenges and laid the foundation for future success and stability. He was Builder of the Year in 1997. (Elected to Hall in 2002) |
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Herbert A. Ross Orlando An innovative and visionary leader, he guided the industry through material shortages, credit crunches and major legislative challenges during a 38-year career that began in 1957. He built over 3,500 homes in Central Florida where he introduced creative new-home marketing techniques. He was an articulate spokesperson for the industry as President of the Mid-Florida HBA (1971and 1972) and the Florida Home Builders Association (1979). (Elected to Hall in 1995) |
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Robert Rhodes Tallahassee/Jacksonville Serving with distinction in the public and private sectors, he helped shape Florida's land use and growth management laws and regulations while promoting affordable housing. As an attorney and advisor to the Florida Home Builders Association, he played a key role in many FHBA legal victories in support of sensible growth. A long succession of Florida Governors relied on his expert advice. (Elected to Hall in 2005) |
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Arthur Rutenberg Clearwater An astute businessman and innovative builder, he pioneered home building franchises and designed revolutionary custom homes for contemporary lifestyles. He was the first to offer concepts such as centrally located kitchens split bedrooms and volumetric ceilings. In 1996, his franchises encompassed 33 companies in 58 communities in Florida and Alabama. His name will forever be synonymous with home building success. (Elected to Hall in 1996) |
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Barry Rutenberg Gainesville As a sterling model of industry leadership, Barry Rutenberg distinguished himself as President of the BA of North Central Florida and the Florida Home Builders Association while earning national respect as an articulate spokesperson on housing issues. His successful home building and land development company is widely recognized for its commitment to quality construction, exceptional customer satisfaction, and community service. (Elected to Hall in 2007) |
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James H. Shimberg* Tampa One of the most successful builders and developers in the history of Florida, James H. Shimberg developed the master-planned community of Town and Country in Tampa and built more than 5,000 homes. He is equally known for his civic-mindedness, which includes endowing the Shimberg Center for Affordable Housing at the University of Florida's School of Building Construction. He served as FHBA President in 1971 was FHBA Builder of the Year in 1975. (Charter Member, Elected to Hall in 1990; also a member of the National Housing Hall of Fame) |
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Alfred G. Singer* Miami He earned the title "Mr. Membership" by leading member recruiting efforts of the Builders Association of South Florida, the Florida Home Builders Association and the National Association of Home Builders. A former "Big Spike" as the nation's leading membership recruiter, this former FHBA Second Vice President and Associate of the Year received the ultimate honor of having the state Big Spike Award named in his honor. Most recently, the Korean War veteran donated a flag and flagpole to the Florida Housing Center in Tallahassee. He was Associate of the Year in 1977 and the Dick Baker Award winner in 2002. (Elected to Hall in 1993; also a member of the National Hall of Honored Associates) |
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Mark Smith* Apopka In a career that spanned five decades, he earned a reputation as one of the industry's most respected figures. He was one of the pioneers in encouraging builders to use new energy- saving techniques in new home construction. But perhaps his most important accomplishments came in the field of associative membership. As a tireless promoter of associate involvement and a living example of the benefits that can accrue to an involved associate member, he inspired associates and builders alike. He was FHBA Associate of the Year in 1986 and the Dick Baker Award winner in 1994. (Elected to Hall in 1991) |
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Bill Soforenko* Jacksonville A man of great integrity and grit, he was one of the most successful builders of affordable housing in Florida. His efforts created home ownership opportunities for more than 5,000 families in the Northeast Florida. He was a Past President of the Northeast Florida BA and served as President of the Florida Home Builders Association in 1985. He created an innovative mortgage financing method and earned recognition as the Northeast Florida BA's "Builder of the Decade." He was Florida's Builder of the Year in 1988. (Elected to Hall in 1992) |
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Paul M. Thompson, CAE Tallahassee For nearly a quarter century, he served on the staff of the Florida Home Builders Association, including 14 as Executive Vice President. He was the driving force behind the creation of FHBA’s award-winning Florida HomeBuilder magazine, the Southeast Building Conference, the Aurora Awards and the Excel Awards. He holds the professional designation of Certified Association Executive and is a member of the Tallahassee BA's Hall of Fame. (Elected to Hall in 1992) |
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Arnold Tritt Jacksonville A legend among Home Builders Association Executive Officers, Arnold Tritt guided the Northeast Florida BA for 34 years, shaping an association that continually set new standards of excellence in advocacy, member service, communications, and community service. His legacy of association management leadership lives in the hundreds of volunteers he inspired and the future and current EOs he encouraged and mentored. (Elected to Hall in 2007) |
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W.N. “Whit” Ward Port Charlotte In a career that included serving as Executive Officer of local home builders associations in Tampa, Gold Coast and Collier County, and in his role as President/CEO of Bonded Builders Warranty Group, Whit Ward personified selfless devotion to the Florida home building industry. Through wisdom, vision and passion, he inspired individuals and organizations to achieve ever-high levels of service and performance. (Elected to Hall in 2010) |
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Rita Williams Jacksonville She brought pride and passion to her 20-plus years of dedicated service to the Northeast Florida Builders Association, the Florida Home Builders Association and the National Association of Home Builders. She provided inspirational leadership for such vital programs as the Aurora Awards, Excel Awards, and Southeast Building Conference, all while investing her vast interior merchandising skills in the success of home builders around the state and nation. She was FHBA Associate of the Year in 1996. (Elected to Hall in 2003; also a member of the National Hall of Honored Associates) |
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