Virtual Builders Exchange, LLC

On Monday, November 20, 2023, Michael T. Tollette was feted by friends, family, and staff at a surprise luncheon in honor of 30 years of service to the Builders Exchange.?He was presented with a retrospective book containing highlights of his career, along with gifts from friends and the Exchange’s traditional crystal anniversary award. Michael began his career in the construction industry in the employ of his residential contractor father, Nard Tollette, owner of Tollette Construction. He joined the Builders Exchange in the fall of 1992 as an intern to complete his requirements for a degree in Sociology.?Upon graduation, he was offered fulltime employment with the Exchange, and ascended to the position of Associate Director within a year.? Michael quickly developed a reputation for technological insight and innovation for which he later became known and respected by his Exchange colleagues throughout the U.S. and Canada.?In the summer of 1997, Michael launched the nation's first online plan room service, introducing the internet-based technology to the construction industry five years ahead of national competitors. In 1998, Michael's accomplishments were recognized by his peers when he was presented with the Management Award at a meeting of the International Builders Exchange Executives (IBEE).?The Award is given for exemplary skill, vision and leadership in association and plan room management. By 2001, Michael earned his second IBEE Management Award for his efforts on behalf of its members and was elected as president of the international organization in 2002. At the conclusion of Michael's presidency, his contribution to the success of Builders Exchanges was recognized through the organization's most prestigious honor - the Dan Patrick Award, given for outstanding service. In 2005, Michael was again honored by IBEE, this time with the "No Boundaries" award that he himself inaugurated during his presidency three years earlier.?The Award recognizes an executive that "consistently demonstrates boldness, creativity, vision and a willingness to challenge accepted limitations in managing the individual’s own organization." In 2008, a series of events culminated in an unprecedented decision by the Builders Exchange of Texas Board of Directors to separate non-profit services from profit-driven services by privatizing the plan room operation.?On April 3, 2008, Michael attained legal ownership of the online plan room business he created, and relaunched operations under the name Virtual Builders Exchange, LLC.?VBX is now recognized as the premier construction service in Texas. We were proud to celebrate Michael along with Retired Executive Director Sandra Whitehead, under whom Michael first served, and Michael’s family, including wife Allyson, son Mitch, daughter Allie and daughter-in-law Lexi Dietrich-Tollette.

Head to VirtualBX.com to become a member today! #VBX #VirtualBuildersExchange #sanantonio #satx #texas #texasconstruction #texascontractor #constructionindustry #constructionjobs #groundbreaking #Conceptanddesign #ProjectNews #designbuild #dallas #houston #katy #featured #texastravel

San Antonio’s Civic Park is officially complete! ?? Phase II of Hemisfair’s Civic Park is set to open in March, bringing new gathering spaces, shaded walkways, and a seamless connection between Hemisfair and downtown. From the Promenade lined with Mexican Sycamores to the lively Zócalo and event-ready Stage, this expansion makes Hemisfair an even more vibrant destination. Plus, it’s all designed with sustainability in mind—featuring native landscaping and a smart water recycling system. Get all the details on the grand opening and what’s new at VirtualBX.com! ????? #SanAntonio #CivicPark #SATX #SanAntonioTX

San Antonio’s Civic Park is officially complete! ?? Phase II of Hemisfair’s Civic Park is set to open in March, bringing new gathering spaces, shaded walkways, and a seamless connection between Hemisfair and downtown. From the Promenade lined with Mexican Sycamores to the lively Zócalo and event-ready Stage, this expansion makes Hemisfair an even more vibrant destination. Plus, it’s all designed with sustainability in mind—featuring native landscaping and a smart water recycling system. Get all the details on the grand opening and what’s new at VirtualBX.com! ????? #SanAntonio #CivicPark #SATX #SanAntonioTX

Luck is on your side this St. Patrick’s Day! ???? Wishing you success, prosperity, and a touch of Irish charm in every project. #HappyStPatricksDay #TexasBuilders #VBX #Texasconstruction

Apple is making a major move in Houston! The tech giant is investing $500 billion in U.S. manufacturing over the next four years, with a new 250,000-square-foot server facility set to open in 2026. This project will create thousands of jobs and play a key role in powering Apple Intelligence. Get the full story on VirtualBX.com! #houstontx #apple #appleintelligence #constructionnews #VBX #TexasBusiness #commercialconstruction #breakingnews #contractors #GC #plumbers #Electricians #news #sanantonio #austintx #dallastx #industrynews

Want to get ahead of your competitors and be the first in the know for new bidding opportunities in Texas? We have a full team of researchers sending the best projects right into our members inboxes weekly. Stay ahead of the game - become a member at VirtualBX.com! #VBX #VirtualBuildersExchange #sanantonio #satx #texas #texasconstruction #texascontractor #constructionindustry #constructionjobs #groundbreaking #Conceptanddesign #ProjectNews #designbuild #dallas #houston #katy #featured #texastravel

VBX is proud to celebrate our longterm members, SpawGlass Austin, for receiving an AGC Associated General Contractors-Austin Chapter Outstanding Construction Award for their work on The University of Texas at Austin Frank Erwin Center Demolition project! This award is especially meaningful as the SpawGlass team dedicated it to Master Builder/Senior Superintendent Jeff Hulett, who sadly passed away after the project’s completion. Originally built in 1977, the 500,000-square-foot venue, also known as “The Drum,” was removed to make way for an expansion of the university’s medical center. The project required a strategic dismantling approach to minimize noise, dust, debris, and vibrations, ensuring a safe process for nearby medical facilities and high-traffic areas. Working alongside BSA LifeStructures and Lindamood, Inc. the team successfully removed: ?? 7,000+ tons of metal (equal to 31 Statues of Liberty!) ?? 52,000+ tons of concrete (the weight of the Titanic!) ?? 80% of materials were recycled or salvaged, making this a model for sustainable demolition. This achievement highlights SpawGlass’ commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in construction. Congratulations to the team on this well-earned recognition! #VBXMemberSpotlight #SpawGlassAustin #AGCAwards #OutstandingConstruction #SustainableDemolition #TexasBuilders

??? FTK Awarded $13.6M Contract for Affordable Housing Project ?? FTK Construction Services has kicked off the rehabilitation of a 204-unit LIHTC property in Allen, TX. With a contract value of $13.6 million, this project marks their first collaboration with April Housing, a Blackstone portfolio company. The upgrades? Interior renovations, exterior improvements, and a commitment to preserving affordable housing. ??? Completion is set for December 2025. Get the full scoop on VirtualBX.com! ?? #AffordableHousing #LIHTC #DallasConstruction

Pickleball Kingdom is leveling up the game in Dallas/Fort Worth! ?? The world’s largest indoor pickleball entity is expanding across the metroplex with state-of-the-art courts, pro coaching, and a welcoming lounge for players of all levels. Ready to see what all the hype is about? Head to VirtualBX.com for the full story! #PickleballKingdom #DallasSports #PickleballLife #VirtualBX