Most people know me as the proud broker and owner of Boulevard Realty, an independent boutique firm with about 55 agents and their support staff of 18 in Houston and Galveston. Last year, with 271 million in sales, we once again ranked in the top 10 real estate firms selling in central Houston. We also ranked in the top 2 independent firms selling in central Houston. Looking past those numbers, I'm simply proud of the fact that Boulevard is not just a dedicated set of realtors to so many Houstonians, but a resource and a friend too.

My passion for the betterment of life for all Houstonians is what motivates me every day. This includes an array of volunteer leadership opportunities. One of my most rewarding platforms to give back was forming the Houston Relief Hub, a citizen-led hub for donations, volunteering, and relief formed in the aftermath of Harvey. This ad hoc organization ended up staying open nearly four months after Harvey and then paid it forward as the official City of Houston delegation for Puerto Rico relief following Hurricane Maria. I have also served multiple terms as President of the Houston Heights Association and co-chaired Mayor Sylvester Turner's Quality of Life Transition Committee. To broaden my impact, I sit on the boards and fundraise for countless not-for-profit organizations. From my Chairmanship of the Walkable Places Committee to my position on the North Houston Highway Improvement Project Steering Committee, in the City's most important policy discussions, I strive to be a constant voice for a higher quality of life and for equitability in all of Houston's neighborhoods.

One of my favorite opportunities to serve is as a City of Houston Planning Commissioner, the very first appointment of Mayor Turner's administration. For me, this role is a perfect fit as it's one that draws from not only my professional experience but my ongoing study of the city's ever-changing landscape from a property owner's standpoint.

To me, each dwelling or commercial development is a unique building block toward Houston's future. Each one signifies a family or individual choosing their own place to retreat from a hard day's work, another chapter in Houston's longtime history as an economic powerhouse and how each of us has a sense of identity intrinsically tied to our community.

What you probably don't know about me is that I'm a voracious reader, a cycling and running enthusiast, and an ardent supporter of Houston's urban transformation. Houston has always been a phenomenal city, but it is now gaining international renown as the place to reside, work, play and prosper with an unparalleled quality of life. In every dimension of my life, I do all that I can to contribute to a city characterized by diversity, equitability and opportunity. That is my Houston.

At the end of the day, however, I'm just the proud father of Richard and Ginger and loving partner to Fady Armanious.