J
oseph Howard Rambin III, a prominent figure in Houston's real estate sector and head of Houston's largest privately owned commercial real estate brokerage, passed away on August 25th, as reported by the Houston Business Journal. He was a pillar of Houston's real estate community.
Rambin co-founded Moody Rambin in 1969, a Houston-based commercial real estate firm, alongside his partner Dan Moody Jr. Over his five-decade career, he was involved in transactions totaling over 15 million square feet, significantly contributing to the growth of Houston's commercial real estate.
Rambin was not just a businessman; he was also dedicated to community service. In 1974, he launched the Keep Houston Beautiful initiative, a program focused on environmental stewardship and city improvement. This initiative mobilized thousands of volunteers to recycle, plant trees, enhance water efficiency, and clean up neighborhoods.
Rambin's civic engagement extended to his roles on the Keep Houston Beautiful executive committee, The Houston Angel Network, and the Texas Association of Realtors. As he aged, he shifted his focus from his real estate practice to mentoring and coaching the next generation of professionals. He believed in sharing his wealth of experience and wisdom, which he likened to a bank account.
Rambin's journey into real estate began after studying accounting and finance at the University of North Carolina and Southern Methodist University. Noticing that tax laws in the 1960s favored real estate ownership, he started by building apartment complexes and later moved into developing townhomes. The success of these ventures led him to co-found Moody Rambin, which began with the construction of patio homes.
Rambin's career was not without its challenges. The 1980s brought a downturn, and he faced financial difficulties, admitting he “went broke.” But through those hardships, Rambin remained resilient. He emphasized the importance of persistence in life, stating, "Persistence is key. You cannot give up. Each day you get dealt a new hand. You look at your hand and do the best you can with it."
Rambin's legacy continues to inspire many in the real estate industry. His journey serves as a testament to his resilience and dedication to his craft.
