Building homes has always been central to Ted Schlossman's life. Maybe, it just comes naturally, since Ted's father built homes in America after he immigrated from Russia. It was this inspiration that led Ted to attain a business degree from Emory University, and soon he was wearing many hats in the residential industry, from supplying builders with windows, carpets, and cabinets, to building houses of his own in Texas and Virginia. But while he was undoubtedly a successful businessman, Ted wanted to help his industry even more, and in 1974 he served as the president of the Tidewater Builders Association president, and in 1980 he became the Virginia State HBA president. Ted moved to Dallas in 1983, where he found his calling working in multifamily mortgage lending. His career culminated with the largest HUD project ever funded in the Southwest, a 60 million dollar conversion of the Dallas Sears and Roebuck warehouse, renovating the turn of the 20th century building into a highly successful mixed use residential loft and office building, all while maintaining the historic integrity of the structure. Truly, a crowning accomplishment. But no matter his business endeavors -- large or small -- Ted has always served the home builders' associations. In the federation circle, he is known as the statesman because he knows exactly what to say in every situation, delivers those words in a thoughtful and meaningful manner and builds concensus. He has served as the associations' Strategic Plan Monitor and Association Planning Chairman often for years at a time, using his experience and wisdom to shape policy and shepherd them through historic industry changes. And Ted has been the driving force behind some of these historic changes, for example: he was the mastermind behind the original regional trade show for the Texas Association of Builders. Though it's changed over the years -- we still miss the dog show, for instance - his dream has grown to become the Sunbelt Builders Show, serving thousands of builders in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and New Mexico. It is only fitting that we close this 11th annual Sunbelt Builders Show honoring him. Whether in business, with the association or in his family, the title mentor follows Ted. He truly listens to people and masterfully guides them through complicated transactions and difficult situations. He knows exactly what to say in every situation and delivers those words in a thoughtful and meaningful manner. Ted legacy lives through the business and association leaders that shape our communities today. Away from his business and association persona, Ted has three great loves his family, sports and eating out. He hails from a blend of three families that included 8 children, many grandchildren and a lovely companion, Marilyn Levy, many of who are in the audience tonight. This large family's bond is Ted. He is always proud and supportive of them. You regularly can overhear him touting their accomplishments. Having grown up on Flatbrush Avenue, Ted was a true Brooklyn Dodgers fan and never forgave them for moving to the west coast. He follows the Mavericks, Rangers and has a deep family rivalry between his Georgia Bulldogs and other family members' Florida Gators. And while he might not admit it out right, after 30 years, he might be a Dallas Cowboy convert from his precious Redskins. Family members frequently seek Ted's advice on office pools and inside information on their teams. And lastly, if you every need a restaurant recommendation, just ask Ted. He knows great one throughout the country. Homebuilding is Ted's life. We are his family, and his family is ours. After all, even his wife Mary served as the NAHB Women's Council Chairman. He is true volunteer, selfless in every sense of the word, and it is this selflessness that has won him such honors as Tide Water Builder of the Year, State of Virginia Builders of the Year, 30+ year member of the Greater Ft. Worth Builders Association, NAHB and TAB life director, NAHB Multifamily Trustee, NAHB Strat Plan & 21st Century Task Force Chairman, First Chairman of the Sunbelt Builders Show Committee, and, last but not least, the TAB Lifetime Achievement Award, an award which now bears his name. And it bears it justly. Ted has spent his lifetime building our future.

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