18
Texas Association of Builders
January/February 2015
Feature
2014 “OF THE YEAR” R
ECIPIENTS
TED SCHLOSSMAN LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Patsy Smith —
Herman Smith & Company • Bedford, Texas
Herman Smith & Company
started from humble beginnings as “a mom and pop home building operation” and grew into a real
estate empire across five states including commercial complexes and large land development projects. For over 50 years, Patsy
Smith has served as a volunteer for the residential construction industry, and traveled to all 50 states to listen and give a voice
to home builders. Patsy is passionate and dedicated to NAHB's Home Builders Institute. She currently serves as a trustee and was
chair in 2006. She established the Patsy and Herman Smith Fund for Excellence in the Trades to ensure that deserving students
can obtain education and careers in the residential construction industry. She also currently serves as a Life Trustee on the
National Housing Endowment board, a Life Director for NAHB and the Greater Fort Worth Builders Association, and was recently
inducted into the Greater Fort Worth Builders Association Hall of Honor. In January 2013, NAHB honored her with their highly
distinguished “50 Year Service Award” which recognized her work as a respected leader at all levels of the federation. Away from
the association, Patsy is a benefactor of Dallas Baptist University. Both she and her husband served on the DBU board of trustees
and provided generous support for student scholarships and building campaigns. Patsy is a member of the Foundation board
at her alma mater, Baylor, the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary advisory board, and the Women’s Haven board. The
Tarrant County Business Press recognized Patsy as one its Most Influential Women and she was nominated for Trailblazer of the
Year in 1997.
J.B. SANDLIN BUILDER OF THE YEAR
Walter Pate —
Texas Classic Homes • Midland, Texas
Walter Pate
follows in the footsteps of his grandfather, and has passed his passion for building homes of quality design,
craftsmanship, and value on to his son. He is an award winning architect, and holds several national designations,
including NAHB’s Certified Graduate Builder and Certified Green Professional. Walter is committed to serving his local,
state and national associations, holding directorships at all three levels of the federation. He is also a founding Trustee
of the Texas Builders Foundation. Walter’s unwavering support of and belief in the value of his local affiliate, Permian
Basin Builders Association, has allowed the organization to survive tough challenges.
The Texas Association of Builders hosted its Officer Installation, Hall of Honor Ceremony and bestowed its 2014 “Of the Year” Awards at the prestigious
Excellence in Leadership Dinner inside the Driskill Hotel in Austin, Texas on November 14. The Honorable Travis Clardy conducted the installation
ceremony. During the 2014 Fall Board of Directors Meeting, the association also recognized its 2014 Presidential Distinguished Service Award winners.
All awards are given annually to recognize exemplary service and leadership contributions to the home building industry by its members.
2014 Texas Association of Builders “Of the Year” Award Winners:
(L-R) Patsy Smith, Ron Betenbough, Carol Longacre, Toy Wood, Baldemar Hernandez, Steve Hausner and Walter Pate.
