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National, State & Local Building Industry News 2019: Issue 1
Real Texas Builder Awards night 'smashing' Panel of expert judges select best of El Paso building industry By Ray Adauto After months of waiting the Real Texas Builder Awards were revealed at the El Paso Museum of Art on January 17. The event culminated months of anticipation as to which members would leave with the coveted awards. With twenty-nine officially entered categories on the line the results were surprising and revealed how competitive the businesses are. The list of winners is published in this months Builders Outlook. There were about 150 guests who enjoyed the museum setting and the pace of the awards. “It was important that a new award event have a new look and this year that meant taking it downtown to a venue we’ve never used,” said Ted Escobedo, designer and decorator for the inaugural event. “We looked at several venues but consistently the EPMA gave us some opportunities to do something unique and rewarding in its own light,” he continued. The crowd arrived early on that Thursday night, enjoying beverages and some finger foods prior to the presentation. The presenting partner was StrucSure Home Warranty who had offered support from the very start. “StrucSure Home Warranty was on board from the inception and I am very pleased with a first-year turnout and location,” said Scott Whisenant from StrucSure Home Warranty. “The planning shows that the El Paso Association of Builders does things right, great location and look,” he continued. Entries for the awards began in August and judging was held in December. “Nothing would have gotten done without the work of volunteer judges who are experts in their field,” said Ray Adauto. “We were
fortunate to have active builders judge the building entries, while top professionals in marketing and advertising design took on entries for print, video, social media and other categories.” Those judges all agreed that the work being done in El Paso is amazing. When asked why the judges said that several were surprised at the quality and look for the price. “Please tell the builders to keep up the excellent work,” one judge said. When the winners were announced the crowd cheered and wowed at the selections. In some cases, the award winners were the most surprised. “I don’t know what to say that could convey my surprise and honor given us tonight,” said Demetrio Jimenez, president of Tropicana Properties after winning several categories in the Multifamily awards. “I’m truly blessed to have a great staff who makes the win sweet for all of us,” he continued. Just as stunned were the Diamond Home LLC group. “Nothing, absolutely nothing like this has happened to us and we’re so honored and humbled to get recognized,” Valerie Bacquera told the crowd. The award for “Best Promotional VideoAssociate” was won by Sarabias and principal Monica Brown shook as the award was handed to her. “It is an honor to be selected for all of our employee owned company, one that I will proudly display,” she said. Tropicana Homes took numerous awards home. “I think that we’ll need to find a special wall to hang these up,” Randy Bowling said. “What a night,” he concluded. It was Randy who had suggested several years ago that the EPAB do an award, patterned after the Texas Association of Builders STAR awards. He was acknowledged at the event and had the opportunity to
address the crowd. “We can make this grow and make it an event and an award our members will grow to appreciate,” he said. Plans for the 2019 version of the Real Texas Builder Awards are being done as this goes to press. Scott Whisenant told the audience that StrucSure Home Warranty will participate as long as the EPAB does them. “Tonight, being the first ever award night impressed the heck out of me, and this is the kind of thing that will grow and grow,” he said. “StrucSure is committed to be associated with this event!” (Continued page 8)
See Complete list of winners and photos page 8
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID EL PASO TX PERMIT NO. 429