A native of the Dallas area, Jim Benson completed a degree in banking and finance at North Texas State University (now University of North Texas). Having begun his career in the banking industry, Benson left that field in 1984 and joined a construction company, believing that a home building career chose him, not the other way around. In January 1995, Jim Benson Custom Homes was founded. But having the de sire to build fine homes was not enough. Jim continually developed his knowledge and skill through completion of the Graduate Master Builder program (he was in the first graduating class) and through active involvement in his profession. Jim has served as president of the North Dallas/Collin County Home Builders Association, from whom he received the President’s Leadership Award and the Out standing Community Contribution for North Dallas/Collin County Division. His work was again recognized in 1999 with the Judges Award in the Parade of Homes. He is also active in the Texas and National Builders Association.