For Jose Berlanga ’89, success in business meant  he had to pay a personal  price. While his buddies were  playing pool, bowling and  going to parties, he was  studying at UST and working  day and night in his first  business: a parts distribution  company for the oil and  gas industry. 

The hard work and sacrifices paid  off for Berlanga. CEO and co-founder  of Tricon Homes.  “The business started small. just  the two of us (including his brother  Tristan),” he said. “In the ’90s, the inner  city of Houston was undergoing a  revitalization process. and we noticed  there was a niche. an opening. Not  many builders were attracted to these  transforming neighborhoods.” The  brothers began building in The Heights.  Montrose, Midtown. Museum District  and other areas. 

Now, Tricon – which is both an  architectural firm and a developer/  builder – is one of the biggest builders  in Houston. “We built a name for the  product,” he said. The homes, generally  priced from $500,000 to $1 million.  include styles ranging from loft to  Victorian to Craftsman. 

Berlanga gets great satisfaction  from providing a service people  appreciate. He enjoys the whole cycle  of his job as CEO, from discussing  potential sites. planning and negotiating  to “driving by one day. looking through  the window, and seeing a family having  dinner. That’s what keeps me going in  business: he said. 

Berlanga admits that one of his greatest challenges has been  finding the right balance between work and personal life. Now, at  46. after spending the past 18 years building a successful business.  he thinks he’s found it. He’s about to have his first children. His wife  Adriana is expecting twins – a boy and a girl. 

Berlanga is grateful that he was drawn to UST for the Catholic  education as well as the smaller size of the c lasses and campus.  He said he formed many lifelong friendships and made important  business contacts while on campus. 

“It’s amazing that I’m standing on my balcony staring at Link-Lee  Mansion,” Berlanga said. “My office overlooks the campus.  Close to 30 years later and I’ve never left the neighborhood … it’s  kind of cool:

Reference: University of St.Thomas Houston / UST Today Spring 2015 – Page 17
Refrence URL: https://issuu.com/usthouston/docs/web_ust_today_spring_2