Houston Association of Realtors® (HAR) President and CEO Bob Hale was named the Houston Business Journal’s first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award winner for the Residential Real Estate Awards program.
Hale has been a fixture in residential real estate, dedicating more than 52 years to HAR, 37 of those years as its leader. He is credited with making HAR, with its more than 48,000 members, one of the most innovative real estate associations in the United States and a household name throughout the Greater Houston area. Hale also spearheaded the launch of HAR.com in 1997, which draws more than seven million visitor sessions each month.
“I’m incredibly honored to be named HBJ’s first-ever Residential Real Estate Lifetime Achievement Award winner,” said HAR President and CEO Bob Hale. “This recognition isn’t just about me – it reflects the hard work and dedication of HAR’s visionary leaders and dedicated staff. I’m proud of the positive impact we’ve made on Houston-area families by helping them achieve their dream of homeownership, and we are committed to continuing that mission.”
“Bob’s decades of service to HAR have been instrumental in shaping the Houston real estate landscape,” said HAR Chair Thomas Mouton of Century 21 Exclusive Properties. “This recognition is a testament to his extraordinary career and immeasurable contributions to the community.”
Hale has received countless real estate and communication industry honors over the years. Most recently, he was ranked 29th on the 2024 Swanepoel Power 200 list of powerful and influential executives in the residential real estate industry. He was also named Inman News’ “Innovator of the Year” in 2008.
Earlier this year, Hale announced plans to retire in 2026. HAR Executive Vice President René Galvan will succeed Hale as HAR President and CEO. The official date for the leadership transition is January 31, 2026.
