Mr. Taravella has been an active member of the Greater Houston Builders Association (GHBA) since 1991 and has served as Chairman of its Developer's Council for the past 4 years and is a current member of the Board of Directors. Prior to this, he was the Chairman of its Government Affairs Committee and is currently a trustee of its political action committee HOME-PAC. He was awarded the prestigious Presidential Citation for Outstanding Service in 2007.

Mr. Taravella has served as President of the Houston Real Estate Council (HREC), an industry advocacy organization created to address public policies and regulatory issues affecting the real estate investment and development community in the Greater Houston area. He is also a trustee of its political action committee REAL-PAC.

Mr. Taravella also serves as President of the Builders’ Community Development Corporation, a non-profit organization which in conjunction with the City of Houston is building a subsidized, affordable housing community in near northeast Houston named Leland Woods, consisting of 373 single family homes.

Mr. Taravella is also a past President of the Houston/Gulf Coast Chapter of CCIM, a highly regarded commercial real estate affiliate of the National Association of Realtors. As President, Mr. Taravella won the prestigious President's Cup award which recognizes the most outstanding CCIM chapter worldwide.

He is also President of Galveston County MUD #51, is a Trustee of the Houston Realty Breakfast Club and an active member of the Urban Land Institute.

Mr. Taravella’s involvement in these many organizations is driven by his belief in giving back to the industry that has given him so much. Through his positions with the Houston Real Estate Council and the Greater Houston Builders Association, Mr. Taravella has been appointed to numerous city and county committees and task forces, dealing with major issues effecting both the real estate industry as well as residents of the greater Houston area.

Mr. Taravella has earned the professional designations of certified public accountant (CPA) and certified commercial investment member (CCIM). Mr. Taravella received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting from Wichita State University. He has been a resident of Houston since 1981 and is a licensed Texas real estate broker.

Powers attended Northern Illinois University and went on to work for IBM selling computer systems and software to workers in the construction industry. He then worked for Ingersoll Rand where he sold construction related products.

Eventually, Powers was offered the opportunity for ownership in LBJ Construction. Powers has earned the prestigious Certified Graduate Remodelors degree, Graduate Master Builder degree and Certified Aging in Place Specialist degree through the National Association of Home Builders which recognizes excellence and professional commitment to the construction industry in America. He is a past President of the local Remodelors Council and past board member of the RMC, GHBA & TAB.