Billy Bassett was born in Odessa, Texas to parents A.C. “Johnny” Bassett and Melba Bassett. Bassett graduated from Permian High School in 1965 and attended Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. He graduated from Southern Methodist University (SMU) where he received a Bachelor of Administration in Marketing.
After graduating from SMU, Billy joined his father, and his brother, Don Bassett, to build and operate four Best Western Motels, with the Colonial Inn in Austin, Texas being their lead property.
After selling motel properties in the mid 1980’s, Billy participated in several business interests before establishing his present company, Bassett Construction, Inc. With the help of his team consisting of brother Don Bassett and quality subcontractors, the company has flourished in West Texas.
Today, Bassett Construction has built well over 1,000 homes over 50 years. During those years, his company has built homes, motels, offices and the first student housing apartments for the University of Texas of the Permian Basin and West Texas Gift of Hope “Hope House.” Bassett Construction has built homes ranging from 1,000 Sq. Ft to 12,500 Sq. Ft. The company offers services such as general contracting, residential and commercial and land development. Bassett’s company philosophy is to provide quality construction regardless of the size.
Bassett is an active community member who has served on many boards including the Texas Hotel & Motel Association, Texas Lyceum, Permian Basin MHMR, Odessa Habitat for Humanity, and the Midland-Odessa Symphony & Chorale. He has served as the past chair for the Odessa Chamber of Commerce, Odessa Country Club, and the Permian Basin Home Builders Association. Bassett also served the city of Odessa as the district 2 councilman in 1988-1990.
Bassett is a volunteer for the West Texas Jazz Society, the Permian Basin Home Builders and West Texas Gifts of Hope. Bassett was also part of the committed group of citizens that traveled to campaign and advocate to make UTPB a four-year university.
Prior to being named the 2018 Entrepreneur of the Year, Bassett was also inducted into the Chamber Business Hall of Fame in 2007. His company was also recognized by the Permian Basin Builders Association as Builder of the Year in 2008.
Bassett has been married to his wife Sheilagh for 44 years. They are the proud parents of two talented daughters, Erin, and Paige, and two grandchildren. In his free time, Bassett enjoys golf, sailing, and skiing. Bassett will be honored with a luncheon on Thursday, April 5 at 11:30 a.m. at the Odessa Chamber of Commerce.