National, State & Local Building Industry News

2016: Issue 10

www.elpasobuilders.com

1946
o
s
a
P
l
E

Part 1
The early years 1946 to 1959.
By Ray Adauto

he history of the El Paso Association of

Builders and this desert southwest are
intermingled at the belly button. El Paso
was founded in 1881 but it was here
much longer than that. Historians and
archeologist tell us that our beautiful Franklin
Mountains have been seen by humanoids since
perhaps as far back as 10,000 years or more. We
know that there are dinosaur tracks near Mount
Cristo Rey, as well as human campsites near the Rio
Grande. Funny thing about humans, we
like to live in a shelter.
Take the time travel back to the end of
World War II, and we come about one of
the biggest events in home
construction, The
Baby Boom. Our
history in El Paso
is just like that of
cities across
America as
returning to normalcy
meant having kids, and
having kids meant having to find a house for them.
Theres not too much written about what happened
in the housing world of early El Paso other than three
things prior to World War II: South El Paso was the
gateway into the area we know as downtown; Ysleta
was much bigger and the seat of County Government
for much of the early history of this area; and Kern
was considered a suburb or the real El Paso. After
the Great Depression El Paso took over the county
seat, and business leaders established that El Paso,
not Ysleta, would be the seat of power and growth.
Politics, politics and more politics.
It was post war El Paso in which a group of men
found themselves in need of an organization to deal
with the politics here as well as in the state and the
nations capital. It was needed because the federal

EPAB Celebrates
70 Years
Association continues tradition of
serving the home building industry
and housing the El Paso community

government was beginning to

acknowledge that returning service
men and women would have some
rewards for winning the war in the
form of housing loans and
government help to get the millions
housed. It was a ruckus time as
youll see in some of the stories in
this Outlook where the Feds
couldnt decide to subsidize rents
or purchases. Local builders
were needing advice and
needing direction. Enter the
National Association of Home
Builders of the United States,
now known as the NAHB. It
formed to offer guidance at a
federal level
and
encouraged state
organization be added to the
fraternity. In 1946 the Texas
Association of Builders was formed
and with it came local associations,
including the Home Builders
Association of El Paso. It was three
businessmen who asked for and were
granted rights to join both the NAHB
and TAB. John J. Love, Jr. 1166 N.
Cotton would be President in 1947.
Frank L. OBrien, 2100 Washington
Ave. would be President in 1948.
And William J. Elliott of 110 N.
Stanton would lead the association in
1949.
Up until now our Association didnt
know who the founders were but information obtained
by Ray Adauto clearly shows the names and
signatures of each. It was on Tuesday, October 8,
1946 that the folks up at NAHB got the application
from Love, OBrien and Elliott and that
application was approved. The three
men served our community and
seemed to have died in their
early years. Love, Jr.
died at age 53 and
had returned to
working for Zork
Hardware at the
time of his death
according to
news
accounts. Elliott
move to Central Texas
for better economic conditions
and got involved with politics, being appointed to a
six year term on the Texas Real Estate Commission.
Unfortunately Elliott died sixteen months later at age
60. OBriens history is a little more hidden but we
know hes buried at the cemetery by the Old
Thomason (UMC).
The 1950s showed significant growth in El Paso.
So much so that El Paso led San Antonio and Austin
in permits. In 1959 we found records that show El
Paso in August had 625 permits, to Houstons 925
and Dallas with 731. San Antonio had 599, while Ft.
Worth had 322. Yes it was a different and vibrant El
Paso during those years. It is also of interest that our
Association reported in that same issue that the P.S.

Board finds itself with a $500,000 Upper Valley

sewer system and no customers. Really, does
anything change? The records also indicate
significant growth year to year. In September of 1957
El Paso builders took out 471 permits, but that grew a
year later in September 1958 to 713. The values
also increased a whopping $2,000,000.00 more as
well.
In December of 1959 the Association held its
annual Christmas party on Friday December 4 at 7
pm at the Hotel Cortez. Admission was $5 person
and everyone was asked to bring a small gift of a
wrapped toy valued at a dollar or less. It was a
dinner and dance, and oh by the way bar open for
icemix. Bring your own or buy a jug at the hotel
and share...

El Paso 1956

You would meet at the El Rancho Motel at 6701

Montana for a general meeting, or the board would
meet at the HI Way House on another day at noon.
The National convention was held in Chicago in
1960. Attending from the HBA El Paso was Joe
Yarbrough (whose name is now a famous eastside
avenue) and wife; T.E. Dreckman and wife; Irwin
Brand and wife; Ward Halaby and wife; and Mrs. N.
R. Dichiara. Get a load of the speakers for that
convention: Dr. Norman Vincent Peale; Charles
Percy of Bell and Howell (yesterdays Microsoft), Sen.
John McClellan of Arkansas, George Romney of
American Motors, a Senator from Texas, Lyndon
Johnson, motion picture star Ronald Reagan, and
Vice President Richard Nixon. You think they thought
the NAHB was important? You bet they did.

EL PASO
BUILDERS
A S S O C I AT I O N O F

As we go through
archives over the next
few months well bring
you more information on
our pretty great 70 years.
We hope that youll enjoy
reading the history,
perhaps remembering
some of the folks we will
list or tell stories on.
Welcome to the next 70
years.

Builders Outlook

NATURAL GAS IS THE

BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS.
The most successful builders know that natural gas homes are instantly more
attractive to buyers.
When you build homes equipped with natural gas and weatherized with
energy-efficient windows and insulation, you can reduce your customers utility
bills year-round and help boost your sales numbers today.
Let us help you plan for natural gas right from the start.
For more information:
ElPasoNewBusiness@TXGas.com
William Nieves: 915-496-6126
Jorge Sejera: 915-680-7216
Please continue to direct service line and meter set requests to the Texas Gas
Service Builder Hotline at slimgas-metroElPaso@onegas.com or 1-866-206-9587.

2016 issue 10

2016 issue 10

Builders Outlook

Presidents
Message
Carlos
Villalobos

President,
El Paso Association
of Builders

I still remember the first time I visited

the Builders Association, it must have
been around 2004, right after I decided
to build my first home. The truth is, I
didnt come from a construction
background and I didnt know where to
start. At that time I didnt know a 2x4
from a slice of pizza, but I was
determined.
The Association was not yet housed
in our current building, but in a smaller
office on the same street, which I
assume was rented at the time. I
knocked on the door and Mr. Ray
Adauto opened it, the exchange went
something like this:
Ray: how may I help you
Carlos I want to become a builder,
Im looking for information
Ray: well, we really dont provide a
how to manual for becoming a
builder
Ray went on to explain what the
association was all about, he gave me
some pamphlets, wished me good luck
and asked me to join if I ever actually
became a builder.
After that encounter, it probably took
me a good year before I actually got
my first house started, and then it took
me another 8 months before I could
finish it. It was a steep learning curve,

Association central to the success of this builder

but in retrospect, everything came out
ok, beginners luck I guess.
Two days after I obtained the
certificate of occupancy I got a cash
offer from a very nice older lady
named Marisela. She had sold her
home in California when the market
was as hot as a habanero and was
coming to El Paso to retire. Marisela
now works at Target and I get to say hi
to her when I go shopping there.
After the house closed, I was
officially a builder, I decided to join the
Builders Association. So I started
going to the meetings, at first I would
just sit quietly in the back and observe,
I didnt really know anybody nor did I
know what people were talking about
half the time, but I kept going figuring
eventually it would start making more
sense. For a long time I was known as
the young man that didnt talk much.
Little by little I started meeting more of
the members and slowly making
friends.
I remember meeting a young Edgar
Montiel at a lunch hosted by the
Association at Applebees on Gateway,
like me, he was just starting out, we
probably spoke about the one house
each of us were building at the time.
A couple of years after I joined the

bottom fell out of the real estate

market. By that time I knew enough to
get myself into trouble and into trouble
I had gotten myself. Around 2008, at
the beginning of the crisis, I found
myself sitting on 187 freshly minted
lots in Socorro, TX, developed by
yours truly, I was in way over my head.
I would sometimes go and talk to Ray
about it, he would offer me solace by
telling me were going to be alright.
The market was almost at a
complete standstill and I had hefty
interest payments to make each
month. I had a couple of presales but
most banks werent lending at the
time, especially not to a novice builder
like myself.
Luckily, I had met Kathy Carrillo from
Pioneer bank at one of the meetings,
she gave me an appointment. We met
at the bank but she made me drive her
all the way to my subdivision in
Socorro. She liked my product and
believed in me, so she decided to
open up a line of credit for my
company (thanks Kathy!) That line of
credit helped me get things going
again. To this day I still work with
Kathy at Pioneer bank.
Fast forward about 8 years, I am
glad to say that when I go to the

Builders Association I look forward to

seeing longtime friends, people whom
Ive shared great experiences with,
people who are industry leaders and
have a lifetime of experience in our
business. It is very valuable for me to
have colleagues that I can call when
Im trying to figure out how to put a
deal together or which software to
purchase.
There is something to be said about
meeting, conversing and interacting
with peers and colleagues, it keeps us
sharp, current, involved and informed.
I can truly say from experience that
being an active member of the
Association for the past 10 years has
helped me out tremendously in my
journey as a builder.
Our members and their participation
are what make us great, I invite you to
get involved, ask your suppliers,
subcontractors and friends to join and
participate, reap the benefits of this
great Association, remember: here
you have access to the most influential
and important business people in
town.

Builders Outlook 2016

Executives
Message
Ray Adauto,
Executive
Vice President
EPAB
This is a hectic time of year for the
Association as we prepare for the
election of a new Board of Directors,
confirm the ladder, and prepare a budget
for next year. It also is interspersed with
a Board meeting, a TAB Fall meeting in
Austin, the Pro-Am golf tournament and
the installation on December 2. But there
is one thing that is important not only to
the membership but to the entire country
and that is the election of a new
President and local issues like the EPISD
bond proposal. I dont know what way
the country is going to go because of the

Issue 10

Elections will affect housing, how and when to be seen

absolute distrust both major parties have

for each other, and the lack of
understanding from an electorate that
knows a pop star much better than who
represents them in Congress. Add the
total distrust the American voter has with
either Hillary or Donald and you see why
this affects all of us.
One of things that I do for our
members is to take information, analyze
it, and come to a predictor for the
housing starts for the next year. This
Presidential election has things totally
messed up as the economic indicators,
stock market, mortgage and other
information is feeling the uncertainties of
who might be the next President. I wish
that it was a clear scenario but week
after week we get new information
about a candidate that seems to split the
nation even more. Talk of collapse if one
or the other candidate wins, or in some
cases talk of an economic collapse

ShaawwnnWee
eekks
ee

P
Preferred
Lender
Rassette Homes
R
All clients welcome
A

(915) 581-4930
sweeks@insightmortgage.com
m

doesnt help. Economists are up in arms

over the lack of a Federal Reserve move
on interest rates while our industry is
saying to keep them low. Then on the
other hand the TRID and other DoddFrank rules screw that up. Talk about a
difficult job looking into the crystal ball?
Then you add the potential for a huge
increase in property taxes if you build in
the El Paso school district and the nearly
Three Quarter of a Billion dollar bond
issue is passed. Every dollar taxes go up
is another arrow in the heart of qualifying.
As a Realtor friend told me recently we
cant continue to qualify our customers
regardless of the interest rate because of
the huge tax bill calculated into the
payment,. Land prices continue to go up
as its getting more expensive to develop.
Materials are going up and if the oil
prices go up that could easily be the
straw to break the camels back. In this
case housing is the camel.

JuliaW
Wee
eeks

In spite of the doom and gloom we still

have a pretty good system of the transfer
of power in a civil and non-combative
way. I worry that there are fringes out
there who dont think this way and
instead will find a way to circumvent our
methods. I also fear that we once again
have an electorate that is uninformed or
uneducated on the candidates and the
issues. Thats the scariest part. As a
member of this business community you
need to be informed and calculated in
how and who you vote for. I wont tell you
how to vote, but I will tell you that if you
dont know then get educated fast; if you
dont vote then all we can do is blame
you and you only have yourself to blame
if you like the results.
So go out and build something. Enjoy
this first edition of our 70th Anniversary
yearlong celebration of the El Paso
Association of Builders Outlook.

Helping you buy or sell

the home of your dreams

(915) 525-4119

Juliaqweeks@gmail.com
co
om

Proud to represent
Rassette Homes

EXIT REAL TY EL PASO

2016 issue 10

Builders Outlook

Congrattulations!

70 Y
Years
ears of Service

Affordable
quality
by

s
d

Downtown
415 N. Mesa Street
Eastside
2244 Trawood D
Drive, Suite 101
Westside
5500 N. Desert, Suite A-2
Northeast
4712 Woodrow Bean, Suite D

Semi-Custom Homes
Large Lots
3 Car Garages & RV Parking Available

91 5 5 8 5 3 3 3 0
www.rassettecommunities.com

915 -225 - 8200

stewart.com/ell-paso
Open Saturdays
s 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

BUILDING

El Pa
aso

SINCE 1950

Builders Outlook

2016 Issue 10

2016 ISSUE 10

Give your customers

the option of the sun

Builders Outlook

Now more than ever,

ElPaso home buyers
are planning for the
future.

J
B

Baeza

Border Solar can help

you oer your
customers solar power
as a sensible
alternave.

Crossing to CleanEnergy

7365 Remcon Circle

El Paso, TX 79912
(915) 6134168

The future starts

today.
follow us on twier and
facebook:
BorderSolar

HOME
TRENDS
Decades of designs and trends
shape the way we live

1956
1976

2016
The one constant in house design and dcor might be that homeowner tastes constantly change. Everything from paint color to the size
of our homes come in and out of fashion. Just take a look below at what was once the height of style. We've gone from brightly colored
appliances to stainless steel ones (a trend holding so strong there's no end in sight), from desirable linoleum to wall-to-wall wood. We
may feel like the modern, streamlined, clean style many current homeowners have embraced is the epitome of timeless and classic, but
give it a few years and suddenly our stylish choices may seem cringe-worthy.

The 1950s: the post-war years

If you were doing some interior

painting in the 50s, pastels were all the
rage. Pink, turquoise, mint green, pale
yellow, and blue were at the top of
many homeowners' lists. If you found
your floors lacking once the paint was
on the walls, linoleum was the flooring
of choice in many kitchens and baths.
This was in part due to the bright color
choices and patterns that Armstrong
introduced.
Kitchens in general were far more
colorful right down to the appliances.
Stratford Yellow, Turquoise, Cadet
Blue, Woodstone Brown, Canary
Yellow, and Sherwood Green were the
most stylish choices. Formica
countertops were also quite popular
one out of three new homes built
included this material.
Interiors werent the only thing
changing, either. One-story houses
gained popularity in the 50s. Nine out
of ten new homes were a Ranch style
design.

The psychedelic 1960s

While introduced during the 1950s,

popcorn ceilings just about become the
norm in home decor this decade.
Along with this textured look came new
color palettes. Rooms were often
painted or decorated in back to
nature hues. Green, gold, orange, and
yellow were all popular colors.
Kitchens didnt get any less colorful
this decade either coppertone and
turquoise were two favorite appliance
colors.

Though you may be shaking your fist

at 60s homebuilders for the all the
popcorn ceilings youve had to have
scraped, you can say a big thank you
for the invention of no-wax flooring. It
made its first appearance this decade,
and floor buffers got pushed to the
backs of broom closets.
Ranch style architecture was the still
the most popular, but split level homes
came in a close second.

The 1970s:
a time of feeling good

For many people, just hearing the

word 1970s brings up images of shag
carpeting and for good reason. Shag
carpet was all the rage, even going so
far as to be in the bathrooms in some
homes. Brown, avocado green,
orange, and multicolor are some of the
favorite hues.

Super colorful kitchens are still in style,

though this decade harvest gold and
avocado make their appearance on the
appliance color scene along with a
short-lived poppy red. Home interiors
featured rooms painted in various
shades of bright green, turquoise,
sunshine yellow, orange, brown, and
white.

The "green movement" gets its start

when the Energy Tax Act of 1978 goes
into effect. It offers a tax credit of up to
$2,200 to families who use wind or
solar energy as a source of power for
their houses.

One comfort many cant live without

now also got its big start in the 70s. By
the middle of the decade, about 46
percent of all new homes are cooled
with central air-conditioning.

The 1980s: the "me" decade

Who needs a living room when you

can have one that's "great"? Large
multipurpose living areas come into
fashion, as did bigger rooms in
general. In fact, if you had a small
room that you wanted to appear larger,
mirrored walls were a popular trend to
trick the eye.
Appliance colors toned down a bit this
decade - almond is the color of choice
with harvest gold, black, and harvest
wheat also in popular demand. For the
rest of the house, hunter green, teal,
peach, and salmon were trendy
choices for interior paint.
Exteriors went through some big
changes this decade. Builders figured
out how to maximize their profits by
putting large homes on small lots
and so the McMansion was born.

The 1990s: home technology

makes its appearance

The bigger the home, the better, as far

as the 90s are concerned. New
houses were quite spacious, with
skylights, vaulted ceilings, and twostory foyers coming into style. Many
homeowners focused on creating
personal sanctuaries. Large master
suites featuring luxurious baths and his
and her walk-in closets become the
trend.

Kitchens aren't just for cooking

anymore -- many designs have desk
cabinets added in as a location for the
family computer. And while many
families dream of Pacific islands, they
also wanted one in their kitchens this
decade. The kitchen island became a
common feature in homes and is still in
high demand today.
Only one percent of homes across the
country in the 90s lacked plumbing
facilities. Just 40 years earlier, only 35
percent had this luxury.

The 2000s: a new century begins

Well, what goes up must come down.
Due to the economic downturn during
the second half of the decade, new
homes begin to decrease in size.
Despite the decreased size of homes,
over 40 percent of them were being
constructed with at least 2.5
bathrooms. The sinking economy,
combined with high energy costs and a
desire to save the Earth, helps to
revive the green movement. Energy
efficient homes and sustainable
materials are popular with many
families.
We finally said goodbye to colorful
appliances this decade. Stainless steel
was (and still is) the finish of choice. A
new appliance was even added to the
must-have list: about 90 percent of
new homes being constructed included
dishwashers. In 1960, less than 50
percent of homes had them

By Jeffrey Anderson | Improvement Center Columnist

AMERICAN
HOMES
THROUGH THE
DECADES
The year is 1900, the American flag
only has 45 stars and the average
home size is 950 square feet. That is
except for the Biltmore house in
Asheville, North Carolina -- the
largest home of its day.

So the story goes according to

iMove.com who has created an
interactive infographic taking visitors
on a 115-year journey through the
history of American homes.

ICONICSTYLE: Minimal Traditional

Backyards become outdoor living

rooms

World War IIis the defining

feature of life around the globe
and the USA is one year away
from entering the war. Gasoline
is 18 cents a gallon and the
average home costs $2,398
and is 1,000 sq.ft.

After WWII most homes have 3-4

bedrooms
Half of all homes have a full
bathroom
Attached garages begin
appearing

TVs gain popularity by the late

1940s

1950s

ICONICSTYLE: Californian Bungalow

New House $8,450.00

Average Income $3,216.00 per year
New Car $1,511.00
Average Rent $75.00

Kit houses and mass production

overtake individual craftsmanship
Nearly all plans include electricity

The breakfast nook explodes onto the

market

"115 Years of American Homes"

stops at each decade to highlight
factoids about the period, and
showcase the iconic house style of
the times. Visitors are also treated to
little tidbits that highlight how much
home-life has changed throughout
the years.

For example, modern conveniences

like
in-home
plumbing
were
nonexistent in 1900; instead,
outhouses and iceboxes -- which
were considered to be "high end" -abounded at the time.

But by the '60s, all the major

appliances we rely on today,
including dishwashers and washing
machines, were commonly found in
American homes.

Kitchen is moved to the back of the

house, living rooms to the front

ICONICSTYLE: Brutalism

Built-in furniture and

hideaway entertainment
centers become the trend

The decade is the era of civil

rights. The 60s overwhelmed
the cultural and architectural
placidity of the 1950s. By now,
the average cost for a new
home is $11,900

Nearly half of the homes

floor plan is dedicated to
the garage
All major appliances are
commonplace

The '80s brought us finished

basements and canopy beds, while
the 1990s and 2000s were marked by
a "bigger is better" mentality, with
McMansions becoming the home
style du jour.

And although the 2010s saw a return

to smaller house sizes with the tiny
home movement, house costs
continue to rise, and open-concept
designs have become the ultimate in
chic interiors.
Take a closer look at a few of the
decades in the screenshots at right,
and head over to iMove.com to
experience the full infographic.

1946

Vaulted ceilings are in

vogue

Living rooms move to the

back of the house

ICONICSTYLE: SmallHouse Movement

The US slowly rebounds from the

real estate collapse.Apple unveils
the iPad. Many new houses are
smaller than the previous decade
for the first time in 100 years.
Average sq.ft. is 2,169. Cost for a
new home swells to $272,900

Nearly half of all homes have 2.5 baths

Garages increasingly converted into
multi-use spaces or man caves
Living rooms become multi-purpose
rooms
Open floor plans gain in popularity

2016

THEN & NOW

Federal Minimum Hourly Wage

1946: $0.40
2016: $7.25
Average Annual Income
1946: $2,600 2016: $55,775
Average House
1946: $5,150 2016 $188,900
Monthly Rent
1946: $35
2016: $950

New Car
1946: $1,125 2016:$33,560
First-Class U.S. Postage
1946: $0.03 2016: $0.47
Movie Ticket
1946: $0.55 2016: $8.43
Gallon of Gasoline
1946: $0.21 2016:$2.26

Gallon of Milk
1946: $0.67 2016:$3.40
1 Dozen Eggs
1946: $0.59 2016: $3.69
Loaf of White Bread
1946: $0.10 2016: $3.00

10

EPAB PastPresidents share their stories

Leading the association leaves lasting impact on each builder
Builders Outlook

In celebrating the 70th

anniversary of our Association
we thought it would be fun to
ask some of our seasoned
members a couple of questions
as to how they got involved.

Rudy Guel, Past President 1995 and

contractor for the EPAB building:
I heard about the
association when I was
about 14 or 15 years old
through E. H. Baeza for
whom my father worked
for. My dad was a rough
carpenter for Mr. Baeza
and he would tell my dad
about the stuff they were
doing here. My dad was working on houses
in the Cielo Vista area. I remember that
even at that age I wanted to belong
someday. I got to meet folks like John
Schatzman and others as my dad did work
in the Piedmont area. I also used to hang
around Cashway and would hear the
stories coming from the guys in the
Association. It was very different then back
in the 70s and 80s (not the 1880s but the
1980s). I got the chance to join and right
away one of my most memorable times
was at the Home show which the
Association actually produced and ran. I got
looped into running it one year and so I
figured OK, lets do something with it. I put

up a display and as God is my witness it

was one of the best things Ive ever done.
You know that Im still working for families
who found me at that show some thirty five
years ago? I have a full book of business
from that show and couldnt imagine
otherwise. It was my dream come true to
be a member and then to be honored to be
PresidentI can tell you I never dreamed
that part. I wouldnt trade that experience
for anything. I have had lifelong friends
from the Association and as I get older I
miss some that are gone. But I always love
being a member. Ive learned a lot but
want you to know that I can still give a lot
and never repay what the association has
done for me and my family.
John Cullers, President 2006,
responsible for drawing up the new
building
My story goes back to
1959 when my father
moved the family from
Austin, Texas to El Paso.
My dad had been told
that El Paso was an
opportunity for building,
but my dad was a real
estate agent and so he
brought us out on the call. I was in first
grade. My dad started Cullers Homes and
sold under that name until he met Richie
Brandt when they became Brandt-Cullers
Homes. I went to school here and then
moved to Dallas where I worked in

commercial construction. I came back to El

Paso in 1979 and became a friend to John
Phillips who did mostly commercial work. I
met Dalton Caldwell (went to Eastwood
about the same time) and we formed
Cullers and Caldwell the brand we build
under today. I had been on the executive a
time before but decided to move my
operations to Colorado and figured I
couldnt serve both so I left to Colorado and
then returned. It was Del Huit who
convinced me to get on the ladder and I
completed my term as President in 2006. I
learned a lot during my term, some good
some more interesting but one thing I can
say is that I think I was here in a time of
need for the Association. My big
accomplishment I believe is keeping the
association together. I learned I could be
passionate without being emotional, a
quality I think helped us all. Ive learned a
lot about people and learned to follow my
inner self. Theres stories I can tell you
about being with my dad and the builders
back in the 1960s that are good memories.
I am glad I served and hope that someday
my contributions will tell a story of
commitment, honesty, and togetherness.
Mark Dyer, President 2008 during
construction of new building, main
superintendent
I was introduced to the builders association
by the guy I worked for at Keller Industries,
a window maker for residential and
commercial buildings. He told me the way

2016 issue 10

to get to know builders

was to join so I did. That
was 1972. I have been
a member since then, 44
years and counting. I
was an Associate
member for years before
I was a builder, but I
have to say I really got
involved during the Allen Crawford
administration when I was asked to be
Associates Vice President. I was that for
many years on and off, and was name
Associate of the Year. I am the only
member to have held three distinct awards:
Associate of the Year, Builder Members of
the Year, and Life Member. As for my best
accomplishment I would have to say theres
two: First the Home Show that Ray and I
revived back in 1992 when the first Iraq war
was on. The Home Show was dead, it
couldnt survive some had said. It was
when the Association ran it, sold it, opened
it, and manned it. Not easy. It was at a
time when our Ft. Bliss soldiers were
deployed and it was the SCUD Missiles
that were defending areas including Israel
with those. Ray and I asked Ft. Bliss if
they would display the SCUD at the Home
Show and surprisingly they said yes. It
drew thousands of people, it was great.
Ray and I were worried the inert missile
platform would be too heavy for the civic
center, but it wasnt. I think we used to
have a lot of fun, picnics, bingo, enchilada
supper, but then we all knew each other. I

HERES TO 70 YEARS OF SERVICE!

WE LOOK FORWARD TO FUTURE SUCCESS

WORKING TOGETHER!
6068 Gateway East (915) 782-2400 | 2290 Trawood Dr. (915) 782-2470 | 7015 N. Mesa St. (915) 782-2485
WWW.PIONEERBNK.COM

2016 issue 10

11

Builders Outlook

had a mentor in George Thomas, and have

been fortunate to continue learning even as
old as I am from my association with Jack
Winton and Herschel Stringfield. Im
honored to have served and still do so as a
Past President. Ive come a long way from
selling SpudNuts for .35cents a bag door to
door and from being an invincible Navy
man and bouncer at the Knights Club. I
thank my lucky stars for being involved in
this great association.

Mike Santamaria (madre de dios),

President 2007
I was invited to join the association by
Bobby Bowling IV back in 1994-95. I would

run into him and the

first thing hed say is
you got to join bud, no
ifs ands or buts, so his
persuasion overcame
me. I actually think he
talked to my brother Ed
first and Ed probably
told Bobby to talk to
Mike. Thats the way that happened. My
family and the Bowling family have known
each other since Bobby Bowling III, senior
as we call him, and my brother Henry were
best friends. Kind of grew up together.
What I remember most is my willingness to
drink the Kool aide, you know really get

involved. I firmly believe that I did this

because I liked the flavor, the flavor of
enjoying who I was with, what we did and
how we helped each other. It was so much
fun, not work. You hear people talk about
being work to get involved but I loved it, still
do. I honestly believe that it was my
pleasure to serve, because it was the
people who allowed me to serve. My
biggest accomplishment wastearing
down the old building so we could build the
new one. It was John Cullers who designed
it, it was me who tore down the old one to
get Mark Dyer to build it new. Tearing it
down was in my opinion a necessity. After
all necessity is the mother of invention, so

we HAD to move the process along. I ride

by the office and am still thrilled to see
such a beautiful place we call ours. I am
so happy that were 70 years old, and I
think we can still do so much in our
community. We need to ignite the passion
so that our leadership is motivated to
greatness. Go back to fun, dont misplace
your passion. Find it, bring it to the
Association. I love the Association and
what it allowed me to do. I would do it all
over again.

Congratulations on your 70th Anniversary.

We were here when you started back in
DQGZHUHKHUHZLWK\RXQRZ
<RXYHEHHQDVVROLGDVEULFNIRUDOORIXV

11395 James Watt Dr Ste A-11,

El Paso, TX 79936
(915) 633-8002

ACME BRICK CO. 325 N. Americas Ave. El Paso, Texas 79907 915-859-9171
Brick * Stone * Pavers * Granite * Slate * Flooring * Glass Block

to create

ZDOOEDVROHEUXQRJHRPHWULFPRVDLF

RRUWLOHVDQJLXOLRLVRODEHLJH

Interceramic, a leading manufacturer and distributor of ceramic tile and natural stone, brings over 35 years of providing
quality products and dedicated customer service to the North American market. Interceramic Tile & Stone Galleries serve as
WKHQDOGHVWLQDWLRQIRUWLOHVWRQHDQGVHWWLQJPDWHULDOVLQFOXGLQJH[SHUWVHUYLFHIRUDQ\GHVLJQRULQVWDOODWLRQ
Interceramic Tile & Stone Gallery
1458 Lee Trevino
El Paso, TX 79936
915.593.7357
interceramicusa.com

12

Builders Outlook

2016 issue 10

Find Outt Why Builders Are Using

sing Us

We are here,
El Paso.
Local Lender, Local A
Agents

VARIETY OF HOME LOAN OPTIONS

Conventional loans up to 97%
LTV FHA/VA 580 FICO

First time home buyer

Builder buy down

Give us a call today!

El Paso East Branch

El Paso West Branch

915-241-4216

915-540-5664

11351-D James Watt Dr..

El Paso, TX 79936

444 Executive Center Blvd., #100

El Paso, TX 79902

Texas licensed location: 6504 International Pk w y, Suite 1300, Plano, T X 75093, NML S #6606. All produc ts are not available in all states. All options are not available on all programs.
All programs are subjec t to borrower and proper ty qualif ications. Rates, terms and conditions are subjec t to change without notice. New American Funding. New American and New
American Funding are registered trademarks of Broker Solutions Inc. dba New American Funding. All Rights Reser ved. Corporate Of f ice is located at 14511 My ford Road, Suite 100,
Tustin CA 92780. Phone (800) 450 -2010. 9/2016

2016 Issue 10

Association
News & Events

13

Builders Outlook

If you have an event or meeting that you would like to share with
EPAB members, please submit your information to:
margaret1@elpasobuilders.com

&

innovative design

UPCOMING
EVENTS

desktop publishing
since 1984

NOVEMBER 9
BOARD MEETING
12 NOON
EPAB OFFICE
NOVMEBER 11
GOLF TOURNAMENT
9:00 A.M. SHOTGUN
PAINTED DUNES GOLF COURSE
NOVEMBER 17 -18
TAB MEETINGS
AUSTIN, TEXAS
DECEMBER 2
INSTALATION
MARRIOTT HOTEL

ted escobedo

ted@snappypublishingcom
talk & text: 9158202800

Get Creative. Make it Snappy.

www.snappypublishing.com

SODA SPONSOR
DEL RIO ENGINEERING, INC.

Connect to the El Paso

Association of Builders:
www.elpasobuilders.com

14

Builders Outlook

2016 issue 10

Member
NEWS
The National Association of
Home Builders (NAHB)
announced in September that
they had crowned a winner for a
contest specifically for Builders
kids. It was a poster contest
where NAHB asked kids to draw
or paint a picture of what it
means to me to be a builders
kid. The contest was open to all
children of builder members and
the winner would get a
scholarship. In addition the
winning entry would also present
a check to the Association the
kids parent belonged to. It was
announced that the winner was
Cesar A. Cervantes, son of BIC
Homes Antonio Cervantes.
Cesar was told he would be
receiving a $1000 scholarship
and that the El Paso Association
of Builders would be getting an
award as well. At the October
general membership meeting we
introduced Cesar and his mom,
and the winning poster. We want
to congratulate Caesar Cervantes
for his winning entry. Dad and
Mom are beaming with pride as is
the EPAB.

Associates
Council

/dDZW
t

Dt
&

John Dorney

Associates Council Chair

Congratulations to the El Paso

Association of Builders on the
70th Anniversary. The
Association and its members
have provided a opportunity to
both builders and associates for
all those years. As associate
members we provide the support
for new home construction
because our businesses are so
entwined or dependent on a
healthy industry. My business
has grown because of my
association and support of
builders and I know many others
who have done likewise. Our
associate members are really the
largest member group within the
federation both locally as well as
statewide. We are considered the
backbone and rightly so. There
are many changes coming in our
next 70 years and it starts with
the ones who have laid out the
course. Its not easy sometimes
but you take one step forward as
many times as you can and you
reach a goal. So for 2017 my
goal is to bring in members,
mentor them and get them ready
for the next few years. I hope
they will do the same so that the
EPAB can be here for the next
70. Happy Anniversary
membersbecause its YOUR
Anniversary.

,
'^d

NEW HOME
WARRANTIES
FOR THE

LONE STAR STATE

Texas Strong for 35 Years!

+
Mark Smiley
800-445-8173 Ext 2626
sales@homeoftexas.com
www.homeoftexas.com/ElPasoOutlook

HOME
O F

T E X A S

Builders Outlook

Issue 10 2016

6046 Surety Dr. El Paso, TX 79905

915-778-5387 Fax: 915-772-3038

ExEcuTivE OFFicERS
PRESiDENT
Carlos Villalobos
vicE PRESiDENT
Don Rassette
ASSOciATES cHAiR
John Dorney
ExEcuTivE vicE PRESiDENT
Ray Adauto
PAST PRESiDENT
Edgar Montiel
cOMMiTTEE cHAiRS
Membership Retentiion
Patrick Tuttle
Finance committee
Kathy Carrillo
Henry Tinajero

ADviSORYTOTHEBOARD
Jay Kerr, Firth, Johnston, Bunn & Kerr

BOARDOFDiREcTORS
Antonio Cervantes, BIC Homes
Leti Navarrete, Dream Homes/Bella Home
Bud Foster, Southwest Land Development Services
Walter Lujan, Dawco Home Builders
Fernando Torres, CTu Metro Homes
Leslie Driggers-Hoard, Homes By Design
Edgar Garcia, Bella Vista Cutom Homes
Jason Cullers, Cullers Homes
Samira Gonzalez, ICoN Custom Homes
Sal Masoud, DRE Development
Joe Bernal, Employer Benefits of El Paso
Linda Troncoso, TRE & Associates
Bret Thompson, Foxworth Galbraith Lumber
Ted Escobedo, Snappy Publishing, LLC
Patrick Tuttle, Legacy Real Estate
Sam Trimble, Lone Star Title
Luis Rosas, HuB International
Kathy Parry, HuntCommunities
Gregg Davis, First Light FCu

TABSTATE DiREcTORS
Randy Bowling
Greg Bowling
Sam Shallenberger
NATiONAL DiREcTORS
Bobby Bowling IV.
Demetrio Jimenez

2015 Builder Member Of The Year

Edgar Montiel
Palo Verde Homes

El Paso Disposal

772-7495

Honorary Life Members

Mark Dyer
Wayne Grinnell
Don Henderson
Chester Lovelady
Cliff C. Anthes
Anna Gill
Brad Roe
Rudy Guel
E H Baeza
Past Presidents
committed to Serve
Greg Bowling
Kelly Sorenson
Mark Dyer
Mike Santamaria
John Cullers
Randy Bowling
Doug Schwartz
Robert Baeza
Bobby Bowling, IV
Rudy Guel
Anna Gil
Bradley Roe
Bob Bowling, III
Edmundo Dena
Hershel Stringfield
Pat Woods

EPAB Mission Statement:

The El Paso Association of Builders is a federated
professional organization representing the home
building industry, committed to enhancing the quality
of life in our community by providing affordable homes
of excellence and value.
The El Paso Association of Builders is a 501C(6)
trade organization.
2016
Builders Outlook
is published and distributed for the
El Paso Association of Builders
by Ted Escobedo, Snappy Publishing, LLC
ted@snappypublishing.com
El Paso Texas 915-820-2800

2015 John Shatzman Award

BradleyRoe

For All Your Electrical Needs

Residential Specialists
Tract Homes Custom Homes
Total Customer
Satisfaction

915-208-9313
602-708-7560

2015 Associate Of The Year

Interceramic Tile

Insurance developed for builders.

Developed for builders with the backing of the strongest insurance
carriers serving the Texas building industry, our insurance program
offers flexible coverage options and rates that are more competitive
than ever. As an authorized member of Builder Agent Network, were
dedicated to providing builders and contractors with the best-in-class
insurance programs, pricing, underwriting, resources and service.
Product Portfolio Highlights
t
A rated carriers, several available
t
(-
PFSJOH
Doverage for property damage that results from faulty, defective,
or poor workmanship in your work.
t
(-
-JNJUT
PG
VQ
UP
...
Bvailable
t
Expanded policy form for commercial projects
t
Builders Risk master policies, monthly reporting, annual and one shots
t Workers Comp - Two highly cost-effective programs
t
ExDFTT
-JBCJMJUZ
GPS
$PNNFrcial (eneral Contractors
t
$PNNFrcial Umbrella
El Paso, Permian Basin and Surrounding Area
HUB International Insurance Services
-VJT
3PTBT
915-206-6047
www.hubinternational.com

www.builderagentnetwork.com