Who Are This Year’s CHF Hall of Fame Inductees?

In a little over three weeks, the California Homebuilding Foundation (CHF) will induct five leaders into its Hall of Fame during an awards dinner at PCBC 2023. The CHF Hall of Fame, which began in 1985, recognizes individuals who exemplify the Golden State’s innovative spirit and have made a notable mark in the home building industry.

On May 23, the 38th annual Hall of Fame gala, presented by The Resmark Cos., will honor Adrian Foley of Brookfield Properties; Michael Maples and Gregg Nelson of Trumark Homes; Leonard Miller of BrightSky Residential; and the late John Shea of J.F. Shea Co.

As managing partner in Brookfield’s Real Estate Group and president and CEO, development, at Brookfield Properties, Foley says, “I’m honored to be included in the long line of industry honorees inducted into the California Homebuilding Foundation’s Hall of Fame. This recognition wouldn’t be possible without the Brookfield team who work tirelessly to innovate home and community development, provide unforgettable customer experiences and support philanthropic causes across North America.”

Foley, who has been part of Brookfield Homes since 1996, is responsible for the management and strategic direction of Brookfield’s land and housing and development business lines.

Trumark’s co-founders Nelson and Maples say they are humbled by the recognition. Nelson says, “It’s a humbling validation of a vision that we had way back at San Jose State University, the lessons we have learned from our experiences over the decades and the culture that we have built during that time. To be recognized with the very best in our industry is a true blessing and something that we appreciate very, very much.”

Nelson serves as co-CEO and Maples as a managing member. Together, the two have approached the home building industry with creativity and veracity. “We have created a very unique and diversified approach to home building that has proven successful for us,” says Maples. “We are not afraid to pursue opportunities that may seem to include a high degree of difficulty; we like to take advantage of situations that arise, thus providing homes and communities that are different than what some may see as the ‘traditional’ types that are available.”

Leading as CEO of Resmark Cos.’ BrightSky Residential—its build-to-rent platform—Miller oversees the company that is centered around product, quality, and customer experience. Starting in California, BrightSky has made commitments to build eight new communities with over 1,500 homes and plans to expand its footprint in five new markets over the next couple of years.

When asked about this year’s recognition, Miller says, “When I look back on my career, I just wanted to work hard, do my best, and hopefully make a difference in people’s lives. I’ve been so blessed to have people give me a chance—to bet on me. I will forever be grateful to Frank Thomas and Gina Papandrea at Genstar, who gave someone with no experience in the industry a chance; then David Mandarich, who took the time to teach me the home building business; and, ultimately, Larry Webb who placed his trust in me to help oversee something that he had built from the ground up. There is no greater compliment than to have someone of Larry’s stature believe in me.

“Finally, none of this would be possible without working with a special group of people who placed their trust in me—who gave everything they had to try to build something lasting, something great. I’ve been honored to work alongside some of the best in the industry while I was at Richmond American Homes and The New Home Co.”

Being honored posthumously, Shea was CEO of J.F. Shea Co. from 1958 until 2005 before assuming the role of company chairman, a position he held until he died in October 2022 at age 96. Starting out as a civil construction business in 1968, Shea led the company into real estate, founding what is now Shea Homes and Shea Properties.

While this year’s honorees carry significant accomplishments, BUILDER asked if there were any previous Hall of Fame inductees they especially admired. The list ranged humbly and widely, but more than two noted Joan Marcus Webb for her advocacy for women.

“You look at those names … you’re talking about some of the legends—people who built the housing industry in California,” Miller adds. “Whether it’s the pioneers in home building, the world’s best architects and engineers, policy advocates, financiers, etc., it’s humbling to think I could ever part of this select group.”