Brookfield, WI – At the 2013 Metropolitan Builders Association (MBA) Achievement Awards and Installation of Officers celebration held Tuesday, December 5th, Scott Thistle, principal of Brookfield-based Halen Homes, was honored as the MBA’s Builder of the Year. This prestigious award recognizes leaders in the building industry who exhibit excellence in  quality craftsmanship, the ability to navigate challenging economic times and strength of personal character.

A past president of the MBA, Thistle receives this award in recognition for his continued and exceptional service to the Association. The MBA has presented the Builder of the Year award to an outstanding builder each year since 1953.

“The aard for Builder of the Year is the highest honor our association can bestow on one of its members,” said MBA president Kristine Hillmer. “A committee of past winners evaluates various criteria, including integrity, business accomplishments, community service and overall contributions to the MBA. Most importantly, it looks for a member who has overcome personal and business challenges with the character and grace. Scott Thistle clearly embodies all of these qualities.”

Thistle has been an active member of the homebuilding and real estate communities in Southeastern Wisconsin and an MBA member for the past ten years. As principal of Halen Homes, LLC, he directs all market analysis, land acquisition projects and general operations for the company. Prior to moving to Wisconsin, Thistle served in various senior management positions at one of the nation’s largest publicly traded homebuilding companies, running divisions in Texas, North Carolina and South Carolina. He is a graduate of St. John’s University in New York, conducted graduate studies at the University of Texas, San Antonio and is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.

“At Halen Homes, we have built our reputation on three essential core values,” said Thistle. “Be the best, be the company of choice and be Innovators. Our values not only define who we are, but also what we do, how we think, how we work and how we act. They are the road map for customer satisfaction and the success of our business. We strive to create an atmosphere of trust and respect with our clients and building partners. A home is the biggest investment of each customer’s life, and we take that very seriously.”