Three Generations

DeLee was born into a farming family in Oklahoma. A born entrepreneur, he used the family tractor to offer garbage and concrete mixing services within his county as a youth.

When he took his first job in construction in the 1960s, he caught the eye of an investor, who saw a young man outrunning everyone else on the job.

He asked him, “What do you want to do with your life?” “Build houses,” answered DeLee. “You’re going somewhere, young man. I’ll put up the money for your first build.” His first home cost $25,000 to build.

Bruce was born into the building business. Growing up, whenever they weren’t in school, he and his two older sisters poured foundations, framed houses, and ran siding with their dad. DeLee taught them to work hard: one time, starting a home at the same time as another being built by a full crew of grown men, he challenged them to start early and finish late so they would finish first. They succeeded.

As DeLee’s business grew and he employed a number of framing crews, he placed Bruce on a crew of experienced carpenters who worked behind other crews, fixing their mistakes and handling the more complex plans. By the time he was an adult, Bruce had become a lead framer.

Bruce married his high school sweetheart, Becky, soon after his graduation, shortly before moving to Texas, where they had found work, with DeLee. They spent two years there before moving to Memphis in 1988, where they have been ever since. Since then, God has blessed Bruce and Becky with 12 children and 17 grandchildren (so far).

Tyler, too, was born into the building business. He spent his childhood working and playing on job sites. Starting with laying sod and picking up trash, he also framed houses and ran siding with his dad and uncle during the summer. After graduating from high school, he went to work with his dad full time, progressing from laborer to handyman, supervisor, and project manager.

Year by year, Tyler learns better how to integrate his many broad and deep interests with his work, unlocking new possibilities. He is an avid student of the liberal arts and sciences.

In one of the best decisions he could make, Tyler married Emily in 2010 and God has blessed them with 5 children so far. They live on 6 acres in Fayette County with two dogs and a huge family library. They love to travel, visit museums, ride roller coasters, and seek adventure in its many forms together.