Why Katz | Bios

Join our mailing list to find out
what's new at Katz Builders, Inc.

The members of the "Katz Team" celebrate being in the home building and remodeling industry since January 1982 and have served the home builders association and their community in a mulitude of positions.   Guilded by Joel B. Katz, CPA, GMB, CGP, the team is committed to quality and customer satisfaction.   The company received communities.   Over the past twenty years, Katz Builders has established a reputation for building competitively priced homes while providing unequaled customer service, innovative design and superior quality.   The Company has received the prestigious National Pace Setter Award Co-sponsored by National Association of Home Builders Custom Builders Council and Custom Builder Magazine and has been recognized by the Texas Association of Builders as "Best Custom Luxury Custom Home Builder, 2002.   In addition Joel Katz, President of Katz Builders, Inc., has been recognized by the Greater Austin Home Builders Association with the Distinguished Excellence Award for his contribution to the Industry and to the Community.Katz Builders, Inc., has received  public recognition for introducing Universal Design features into their homes.  September 1997  the Company was featured on National PBS "Planet Neighborhood." for their commitment to being a Green Builder.  Here are ten compelling reasons to choose Katz Builders to build your custom home.

Katz Builders, Inc. Special Recognition:

Green:

Building Recognition:

Joel B. Katz, President

Lucy T. Katz, Vice-President Client Development and Customer Service

Greg L. Katz, Field Superintendent

Joel B. Katz, President

Certifications

• CPA - Certified Public Accountant
• GMB - First Custom Home Builder in Austin to be certified as a "Graduate Master Builder" by the National Association of Home Builders
• CGP - Certified Green Professional by the National Association of Home Builders

• "2005 J.B. Sandlin Builder of the Year" presented by the Texas Association of Builders for his exemplary service and leadership contribution to the building industry at the local, state and national level.
• "2002 Turnquist - Tungedhat Award" presented by Austin Habitat for Humanity for Board commitment beyond the scope of responsibility.
• "1999 Distinguished Excellence Award" from the Texas Capitol Area Builders Association for his contribution to the building industry and the Texas Capitol Area Builders Association.

• Custom Builders Council - Greater Austin Home Builders Association: Joel has chaired this group on two separate occasions.  The mission for this group is to provide continuing education and a support network for members.  A buyer's co-op was established allowing the group to make better purchases in an effort to contain construction costs.  Lucy Katz is currently a Steering Committee member.

Some Current Community and Previous Professional Activities

Current:

   National Association of Home Builders Committees:

• NAHB Audit Committee Chair 2004 to present
• Life Director for NAHB
• Life Director for Texas Association of Builders
• Instructor for NAHB 2001- present

   Texas Association of Builders (TAB):

• Treasurer - Texas Association of Builders 2002 - present
• Association Planning Committee Member 2001 - present
• Audit Committee Chair 2002 - present
• Finance Committee Chair 2002 - present

   Habitat for Humanities Board of Directors 1997 - present

   St. Gabriel's Catholic Church School Board of Trustees 2004 - present

   National Association of Remodelers Institute NARI member

   Muscular Dystrophy Volunteer 1979 - present

Past:

   National Association of Home Builders - Builder 20, Pacesetter 1996-2007

• President of a National Chapter

   State and Local Chair of the Moisture and Air Quality Task Force for both: 

• Texas Association of Builders
• Texas Capitol Area Builders Association 2001-2002

   Habitat for Hummanities Past President Austin 2001 and 2002

   Texas Association of Builders Finance Committee

   Texas Capitol Area Builders Association:

• President 1997
• Vice-President 1996
• Chair for Custom Builders Council 2001 and 2002

   Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce Board Director

   START Co-Founder - Social Transition and Rehabilitation Training 1971

NAHB Trainer:

• Estimating
• Business Accounting and Job Cost 

Lucy T. Katz  V. P. Customer Service and Client Development

Certifications

• National Association of Home Builders - Trainer
• National Association of Home Builders - Certified Aging in Place Specialist
• National Association of Personnel Consultants - Certified Personnel Consultant
• American with Disability Act, State of Texas - Train the Trainer

• Texas Association of Builders - Remodeler of the Year - 2007
• YWCA Woman of the Year - Community Service - 2006
• NAHB & TAB Association Excellence Award for Best Magazine - Editorial Chairwoman Texas Builder Magazine - 2004
• Women's Council of Realtors - Affiliate of the Year 1998
• City of Austin - Woman Making A Difference 1996

Some Current Community and Past Professional Activities    

Current: 

National Association of Home Builders Committees:

• Remodeler Council Trustee 2006
• Builder 20 Trustee Alternate 2005 - present
• Custom Builders Committee 2003 - present
• Custom Builders Symposium Committee 
•  Education Committee 2001 - present
• Single Family Small Volume Committee 2001 to present
• International Builder Show Education Committee 2003 - present
• Publication Workgroup
• NAHB Board Directors 2003 - present

Texas Association of Builders (TAB):

• Remodelers Council Chairperson 2006-2007
• Board Directors 2005 - present
• Association Planning Committee Member 2002 - present
• Remodelers Council Chair 2006 - 2007
• Remodelers Council Vice Chair 2005 - 2006
• Remodelers Council 2004 - present

The Home Builders Association of Greater Austin:

• Custom Builder Council Steering Committee 2005 - present

National Association of Remodelers Institute (NARI)

• President Elect - 2008
• Education/Program Chair 2006
• Board Director 2006/2007

Muscular Dystrophy Volunteer 1979 - present

Anti Defamation League (ADL) 2006 - present

• Holocaust Education Reginal Work Group Steering
• Committee Member

Other Memberships:

• Austin Energy Green Building Program
• Real-Estate Council of Austin (RECA)
• Austin Women's Chamber of Commerce

Past:

• Member of the Moisture and Air Quality Committee for Texas Association of Builders and Texas Capitol Area 2001 - 2002
• Facilitator for NAHB Custom Builder Symposium - "Women in Construction" 1999 - 2000 - 2001
• Communications Chair Texas Association of Builders 2000 - 2003
• Editorial Chair for Texas Associaiton of Builders - "Texas Builder Magazine" a State Publication     2000 - 2003
• Women's Council of Realtors Board Member
• Board of Director for Rotary Club of Austin
• Board of Director (Life Member) of Texas Association of Business
• Travis County Immunization Wellness Task Force Advisory Board Outreach Council Chair
• Travis County Bar Association Chair Legal Services for the Poor
• Industry Advisory Board Member Casa Verde for Creative Rapid Learning Center
• Board of Director for National Conference of Christians and Jews
• Founder and Chairperson "Women of Austin"
• Chair of Houston's "ALSAC Teen March"
• Co-Founder START - Social Transition and Rehabilitation Training - 1971

• Custom Builder of the Year NAHB National Award - 2006 & 2007
• Austin Chamber of Commerce Business Award - 2005
• Dallas Vesta Awards - 2005
• San Antonio Parade of Homes - 2004
• New Braunfels Parade of Homes - 2004
• Frisco Texas Street of Dreams - 2004
• Best in American Living - 2003
• Dallas Parade of Homes - 2002

National Speaker Topics

• How to Select a Builder
• Realtors and Builders - Understanding the Custom Home Procecess
• Reasonable Accommodations for Individuals with Disabilities
• Women in Construction
• Safety in the Workplace
• Sexual Harassment in the Workplace (featured in the Wall Street Journal)
• Setting Customer Expectation
• The Holocaust:  A Survivors Perspective of History and the Importance of Commitment to Acceptance and Respect of Others Diversity

Published Author - Some Articles and Books    

Books

• Published by National Association of Home Builders (1999) - "Making the Sale - Getting Great  Clients to Choose You" and "First Things First, Laying the Foundation" available through NAHB Book Store

 Articles

 Austin American Statesman

       Home Improvement & Design Guide Supplement

• May 24, 2007 - "Five Tips for Choosing the Right Remodelor"

      "Ask the Experts": Sunday Column for the Austin American Statesman: 

• May 12, 2007:  I am looking to either build or buy a home and remodel it and want to know, as a consumer, what should I be aware of?
• January 20, 2007:  I'm looking to put up an enclosed patio that also would integrate a small utility/tool room and a small greenhouse.  Are there builder's plans for patios?  There seem to be plenty of kitchen plan books, but I have not seen any with patio plans.
• September 30, 2006:  Our builder made a mistake and left out a window, what should we do?
• September 10, 2006:  The importance of a professional designation.
• January 1, 2006:  Research and careful consideration key to selecting the right builder
• November 20, 2005:  What is some good advise on sticking close to a budget when building a home?
• October 23, 2005:  Importance of continuing education in the Home Building Industry
• September 15, 2005:  Benefits of Building Green
• August 15, 2005:  What are some trends in custom home building that are most popular now?
• April 24, 2005:  Who is responsible for inspection my home while it is being built?

Housing Journal, Voice of New Mexico Home Builders Association:

• July 2005 - Succession Planning:  Can Your Business Survive Its Owner

Business of Building e/Source; Nation's Building News and is posted on Business Management Section of NAHB's website:  Succession Planning:  Can Your Business Survive Its Owner

NARI Directory

• 2008 - Five Tips for Choosing a Green Remodeler
• 2007 - Five Tips for Choosing the Right Remodeler
• 2006 - Aging in Place - A Home That Grows With You

Austin Home and Living

• September/October 2003 - How to Select a Custom Home Builder

Parade of Homes Magazine for the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin

• September/October 2004 - The Advantages of Working with a Realtor
• September/October 2003 - How to Choose a Builder for Your Dream Home

Texas Builder Magazine

• January/February 2003 - Handling Difficult Clients
• September/October 2002 - Finding Order Out of Chaos
• May/June 2002 - A Builder-Tradesman Relationship
• September/October 2001 - Family Succession:  Helping a Family Business Survive
• July/August 2001 - A Time to be Proactive Against Mold

Austin Business Journal

• June 29, 1992 - It's Time to Change Your Way of Hiring
• October 21, 1991 - Sexual Harassment:  Employer's Liability
• March 13, 1989 - Employee Records:  They Offer Protection in Court

Dallas Business Journal

• November 8, 1991 - Company Policy Can Minimize Liability for Sexual Harassment

Austin Lawyers Journal

• July 1990 - To Do or Not To Do that is the Questions

Greg L. Katz, Field Superintendent

In the home building industry since 1989:

• 2004 Katz Builders, Inc., Field Superintendent for custom homes, custom remodels and additions
• 1996 - 2004 Contractor - Provided Katz Builders, Inc., with punch out and correction services
• 1994 - 1996 Hill Country Shades of Texas - Fabricator and installer of awnings and shades
• 1990 - 1992 Wood Rite Cabinet Shop - Custom cabinet manufacture and installer
• 1989 - 1990 Stripling Blake - Lumber sales
• 1992 - 1994 Stephen F. Austin University

Completed Continuing Education:

• 2008 - Fortifiber Buillding Systems
• 2008 - Houses That Work by mark LaLiberte
• 2008 - OSHA Saftey Certified
• 2008 - Essential Building Skills

Stephen F. Austin University

1992-1994

Back to top