Capital Pacific Holdings, Class of 2008
Hadi Makarechian is the founder, chairman of the Board, chief executive officer and president of Capital Pacific Holdings, Inc., a diversified real estate company headquartered in Newport Beach, Calif., with operations California, Arizona, Colorado and Texas.
Makarechian has been involved in the real estate industry as a master planner, builder, developer and long-term investor for more than 30 years and is recognized as an industry leader and innovator. He has been credited with revolutionizing the manner in which beachfront condominiums and hotels were constructed by strategically repositioning the structures to maximize the number of units with ocean views.
An awe-inspiring view is only one facet of Makarechian’s overall vision of “building dreams.” He developed Oceanfront in Palos Verdes, Calif., as a result of which the term “Mc Mansions,” describing a tract of homes ranging from $3 million to $6 million in price, has been added to standard building industry vocabulary.
Oceanfront homes are fully equipped with furniture, dishes, linens, objects d’art and a state-of-the-art IBM Home Center controlling everything from the temperature in the wine cellar, lights, the Jacuzzi, and the music selections on the home audio system, all of which can be controlled via the internet. The success of this project has been chronicled in Newsweek Magazine, The New Yorker, Forbes, CNN, CNBC, World News, Travel Channel, LA Times and many other televised shows and international magazines.
Heather McCune, Class of 2014
Heather McCune is director of marketing for Bassenian Lagoni. Before joining Bassenian Lagoni nearly 20 years ago, McCune spent 10 years as editorial director and editor-in-chief of Professional Builder, GIANTS and Custom Builder magazines. She speaks at many industry conferences and regularly serves on the jury at national and regional design competitions
Herbert “Herb” V. Kohler, Jr., Class of 2015*
Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wisconsin, Kohler Co. is one of America’s oldest and largest privately held companies and is a global leader in the manufacture of kitchen and bath products; engines and power systems; premier furniture, cabinetry, and tile; and owner/operator of two of the world’s finest five-star hospitality and golf resort destinations.
Herbert V. Kohler, Jr., was elected as the executive chairman in April 2015, after serving as chairman and CEO since 1972. During his 43-year span as CEO, he built the company into a global organization focused on products and services leading to a better way of living, including a corporate commitment to environmental sustainability.
Kohler held more than 200 design and utility patents for plumbing products, and his overall achievements earned him numerous accolades, including National Entrepreneur of the Year in Manufacturing. In addition to the BALA Hall of Fame, he was inducted into the National Housing Hall of Fame in 1993.
*Has passed away since receiving the award.
