Industry & Services >> CEO Interviews >> September 7, 1998
IRA NORRIS is CEO, Chairman and founder of Inco Homes, the recognized
affordable housing leader in Southern California and, perhaps, the
nation. Inco specializes in single-family homes for the entry-level and
first-time move-up markets. INCO Homes went public in April 1993 and its
stock is traded on the NASDAQ stock exchange. Mr. Norris is often quoted
in leading local and national publications, such as The Wall Street
Journal, Readers' Digest and U.S. News and World Report. Inco
communities have won the National Association of Home Builders' Silver
MIRM 'Project of the Year' Award and the Pacific Coast Builders
Conference Gold Nugget Award for 'Best Affordable Housing'. Professional
Builder and Remodler magazine has honored the company with the 'Smaller
Smarter House for the Money' and 'Best Management in Tough Times'
awards. In 1993, the company received two Best In American Living Awards
for 'Best Affordable First Time Buyer Home' and 'Best Affordable Move-Up
Buyer Home'. In January 1994, the company received an award from MIRM
and Builder Magazine for 'Best Affordable Community in the Nation.' Mr.
Norris has been named Builder of the Year by the Building Industry
Association of Southern California and twice by BIA/Baldy View Chapter.
He has served as president of both groups. Numerous national honors have
included Housing Person of the Year for the Los Angeles Area presented
by the National Housing Conference and America's Best Builder of more
than 100 homes per year presented by the National Association of Home
Builders and BUILDER magazine. In June 1993, Ira was inducted into the
California Building Industry Foundation Hall of Fame. Ongoing
involvement with the National Association of Home Builders has included
twice chairing the Federal Governmental Affairs Committee and testifying
before Congress on housing issues. Mr. Norris is deeply involved in
several local charities and is an adjunct Professor at USC and has
taught at Pepperdine University and UC Riverside. Among his many
personal honors are the Anti-Defamation League's 'Inland Empire
Distinguished Citizen Award' and the Arthritis Foundation Humanitarian
Award. Profile
what you see as your company today?
Mr. Norris: Our business plan was to build the lowest priced single
family homes
