Who we Are
The mission
Our Vision is Simple: Building on the lifetime expertise of its founder, Waterstone has attracted a core of dedicated executives and staff from diverse backgrounds each adding their unique knowledge to create a well rounded team.
We combine this core knowledge with the expertise of our Partner Lenders, Engineers, Builders, Consultants, and Realtors.
To this dynamic mix we add the experiences and guidance of the City Officials in our market areas to accomplish the mission of creating:
"The New Texas Hometown"
Our methodology
The process begins with location of prime building sites in progressive small towns located 40-90 miles from the City of Houston.
Our Residential team of designers and engineers working hand in hand with City Officials create relaxed communities reminiscent of simpler times which provide a higher quality of life for our working men and women along with their families.
Building for this backbone of America is a privilege bringing a great deal of satisfaction to everyone involved.
We add select home builders to these communities bringing homes to life which are affordable, while also offering quality and low maintenance.
Combined, the efforts of all of these experts result in communities that folks feel proud to call Home.
economic success
It's widely believed that there is no stronger economic engine for cities than home building, and no better personal wealth builder than home ownership. Our city partners understand these benefits and realize there is no greater gift a city can provide its citizens than Quality Affordable Homes in an inviting family centric community.
Structurally this requires all of us working together towards this common goal. This often requires thinking outside the box, creating unique designs that offset visually the changes to lot configuration, street layout, density, and material selections.
Combined these can create attractive homes while reducing the costs of ownership all while increasing the feeling of community and allowing more affordable homes for those who need it most.
Together we can create Texas Hometowns that today's children will tell their grandchildren about in 60 years.
Meet the Team
Charles Von Schmidt
Founder/Chief Executive Officer
Charles has worked in the development industry in various capacities since 1981, with experience in office, retail, hospitality, and single and multi family projects. Most recently Charles founded Vacation Home Builders in 2006 leading it to become one of the leaders in vacation destination design. His expertise provided Waterfront Development the tools necessary to develop its projects, and now powers the Waterstone Group of companies which are heavily involved in residential development and light retail throughout the Houston market. Charles is particularly proud to be able to gather together the consultants, engineers, and support staff he has been privileged to work with over the past 40 years to augment the capability of Waterstone.
Currently the company has 1,200 lots in various stages of development with a continuing commitment to provide Builder Partners with 1,000 lots annually in the affordable home market. Charles's unique approach continues to create opportunities to work with towns and cities helping them build the company's "New Texas Hometown" Initiative.
This program is designed to restore the natural balance and bring folks out of urban cores and into the unique small towns surrounding the states metropolitan areas. No slowing down in sight, Charles is committed to growing the Waterstone brand into multiple markets in Texas while continuing to guide others to take the company and its mission to new heights.
Ken schott, CPA
Ken joined Waterstone in the fall of 2018 after a successful career in the finance and energy industries. Ken received a BBA in Finance from Texas A&M in 1992 and his MBA from UT Austin in 2000.
Ken held various roles with El Paso Corporation during his 8 years there including Manager of Planning and Budgeting, and was closely involved in Business development. Upon transitioning to the private sector, Ken served as CFO of several private E&P companies. In these capacities, Ken was responsible for accounting, treasury, and finance operations as well as serving in roles with business development and project management.
Ken has quickly adapted to real estate development and is now Director of the Houston Division allowing the company to continue its expansion in Houston while exploring new cites. During his time with the firm Ken has impressed many as a forward thinker and excellent communicator. In addition to his role in Development Ken also keeps a watchful eye on our financial efforts that include Conventional Financing and Entitlements such as PID, TIRZ, and 380 agreements.
Amy Von Schmidt
After Graduating in 1999 from one of North Carolina's finest design schools, Amy has developed a wide portfolio of commercial, hospitality, civic, and residential projects over the past 20 years.
While working with the firm for the past 10 years Amy has become well rounded in all facets of the construction and development industry making a name for herself with spacious architectural designs for homes between 1,000 and 7,000 sf as well as communities.
Upon joining the development group Amy immediately upgraded our streetscape appeal and established the new architectural standards in our Deed Restrictions providing an easy to follow, friendly, and affordable outline for our builder partners. Offering up her expertise to both the group and our partners, Amy increases the firm's collective knowledge while making the company distinctive from its competitors.
Amy has proven herself becoming the face of Vacation Home Builders and represents a positive asset to all the communities we serve.
Michael P Fleming
Michael Fleming, former elected County Attorney for Harris County, Texas has been a practicing attorney in the Houston area for more than 30 years. Mike has represented many larger development firms in Texas and we are honored to have him as Chief Council. Mr Flemming has represented clients in state and federal trial courts and argued cases with oral arguments before the United States Supreme Court and United States Appeals Court. He mounted a successful defense of Harris County before the Supreme Court a case that defined the limits of the Fair Labor and Standards Act and the authority of opinion letters issued by the Department of Labor.
Mike has served as a member of the boards of directors of the University of Saint Thomas, the Harris County – Houston Sports Authority and the Harris County Housing Authority. Mr. Fleming received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Saint Thomas in Houston and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Houston College of Law.
Mr. Flemming who is board certified in Real Estate Law brings a lifetime of legal expertise to the firm and has represented the group and its associated companies for more than 15 years.
Nathan Andrews
North Houston Development Manager
Over his 25+ year career, Nathan has proven himself a capable leader and a deep source of knowledge related to construction and codes. Nathan is well rounded in all facets of the construction industry and has worked on a variety of project types. Immediately prior to Waterstone, Nathan owned a successful custom home construction firm.
Upon joining the company, Nathan immediately rose to the role of construction superintendent, a position he has held for more than 15 years. During this time Nathan has earned the respect of his peers, increased productivity, and built excellent relationships with vendors and clients alike. Nathan's unwavering pursuit of excellence, strongly grounded in technical expertise continues to be an asset to the company as he now splits his time between the home building and development divisions adding to the collective knowledge of the group.
john R Madsen, CPA
Controller
John has been a partner in two accounting firms and worked for ten years as Vice President and Controller for the real estate subsidiary of American General Corporation, as Controller of Weekley Homes as well as five years in “Big Eight” accounting with Touche Ross and Ernst & Whinney. He has broad experience in many facets of the real estate industry dealing extensively with projects such as Cinco Ranch and Greatwood.
John has served as the Treasurer of the Greater Houston Builders Association and is also a member of the American Institute of Public Accountants. John is a 1977 graduate of the University of Texas. Having represented the firm for more than 10 years the company is honored to have his experience. John brings needed depth in many areas including taxation and financial strategies as related to Real Estate Development.