David Weekley Homes is entering an important period in the company’s history, targeting significant growth while maintaining its focus on the customer experience as part of Expedition Evergreen. As part of the strategic initiative, David Weekley Homes—No. 17 on the 2024 Builder 100 list with 5,433 closings in 2023—plans to double home closings, lean into technology, and continue to improve its customer experience.
With the retirement of longtime CEO John Johnson, incoming CEO Jay Brown is tasked with leading David Weekley Homes on this new expedition. Brown, having learned the business as part of the board of directors for six years, is “the ideal choice” to help the home builder accelerate its growth trajectory and capture future opportunities, according to founder David Weekley.
Brown previously served as the CEO and president of Crown Castle from 2016 to 2024 after serving as the organization’s chief financial officer for eight years. Ahead of his official start date as CEO, Brown spoke with Builder about his role as CEO of David Weekley Homes, his vision for the company’s future, as well as the home builder’s Expedition Evergreen strategy.
In the role of CEO, what do you see as the next chapter for David Weekley Homes and where would you like to take the company moving forward?
Having served on the David Weekley Homes board of directors since 2018, I've gained a deep appreciation for the quality of our team, the strength of our business and the multitude of opportunities ahead. The next chapter for David Weekley Homes will build on this strong foundation as we strive for sustainable growth and innovation in the home building industry. Moving forward, I see us not just adapting to changes in home building but actively shaping the industry’s future.
How do you believe your time on the David Weekley board of directors has prepared you for the CEO role? What will your key responsibilities be in the role?
My time on the board of directors provided me with valuable insights into our company, but it wasn’t until I joined the team that I truly experienced the remarkable culture we have here. Being on the ground and interacting with team members across all 19 markets has allowed me to see firsthand the energy, expertise, and dedication of our team which truly sets us apart. This experience reinforced my belief that our team is our greatest asset and the driving force behind our continued success and growth. As CEO, one of my primary responsibilities will be to nurture and reinforce this exceptional culture. As we grow and evolve through initiatives like Expedition Evergreen, it’s crucial that we maintain the collaborative spirit and strong sense of community that has been the foundation of our success.
What is Expedition Evergreen and what are the important elements of this strategy?
Expedition Evergreen is our comprehensive strategy to propel David Weekley Homes into the future. We see it as more than an initiative or project – it’s our roadmap for the future, designed to drive us forward and expand our impact. At its core, Expedition Evergreen is about evolution and improvement, focusing on enhancing our processes and capabilities while preserving our unique culture. Key elements include streamlining operations, embracing digital transformation, and continually improving our customer experience. This ensures our growth is achieved thoughtfully and responsibly without compromising the quality and service that defines us.
What about the home building industry excites you?
What truly excites me is the opportunity to continue enhancing more lives through our work. Every home we build represents a family’s dreams realized, and as we grow and innovate, we’ll extend this positive impact to even more families and communities. This purpose aligns perfectly with the dynamic nature of the industry and its potential. I’m particularly energized by the opportunity to leverage emerging technologies to meet evolving home buyer needs. The fusion of technology and customer-focused service allows us to create homes that exceed expectations.
What do you see as differentiators for David Weekley? What are important elements of the business that you hope to maintain and enhance?
Our key differentiators are our exceptional team and our unwavering commitment to delighting our customers. This dedication, rooted in Our Purpose of Building Dreams, Enhancing Lives, is reinforced by our unique ownership structure that includes team members, charitable trusts, and the Weekley family. This model empowers our people, allows us to make a significant global impact, and strengthens our ability to attract and retain talent who share our values. Combined with our focus on quality and innovative design, it has earned us a reputation for excellence. As we grow, we’ll continue investing in our team, nurturing our culture, and upholding our commitment to providing exceptional service. Ultimately, we’ll stay true to the core elements that have made us industry leaders: our people, our dedication to customer delight and Our Purpose of enhancing lives in the communities we serve.
What are some lessons learned from your time as an executive with Crown Castle that you will bring with you to the CEO role at David Weekley?
My time at Crown Castle reinforced a crucial lesson: great businesses are great because of their people. Everything we achieved there was due to the exceptional individuals in the company. Here at David Weekley Homes, I'm consistently impressed by the remarkable level of excellence in our team across all our markets. This has deepened my commitment to fostering a people-centric culture. Additionally, I hope to bring forward valuable lessons about adaptability in a changing market and maintain a strong focus on customer satisfaction while driving growth. These align perfectly with David Weekley Homes' existing strengths and will help us build on our solid foundation as we move into the future.
How is the home building industry similar or different from the business of Crown Castle?
Crown Castle and David Weekley Homes share important similarities, particularly in their focus on construction and real estate-related roles. Both industries also rely heavily on fostering strong, resilient connections with suppliers and business Partners to drive success. Another key parallel is the critical importance of customer satisfaction. In both sectors, success is fundamentally tied to the ability to delight customers. The core principles of delivering quality, value, and exceptional customer service remain constant across both companies.
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