In a candid and wide-ranging conversation hosted by Zonda Principal Mollie Carmichael, David Weekley Homes President Chris Weekley and CEO Jay Brown shared their insights about their early careers, leadership philosophies, and the future of one of America’s largest private homebuilders.
Chris Weekley recalled mowing lawns at age 10 as his first job, long before officially joining the family business. After gaining real estate experience in San Francisco and earning his MBA, he entered the company through the standard interview process and began in the field as a builder. Now, 17 years later, Weekley is helping lead a major evolution of the company.
“We’re moving from being 19 individual business units to operating as one company,” he said, highlighting the firm’s shift toward unified operations and strategic scaling.
Jay Brown, who joined David Weekley Homes as CEO in October 2023 after serving on its board for nearly seven years, brings deep public company experience. But he emphasizes a people-first approach. “My job is to love, learn, and lead,” said Brown, referencing his “3L Plan.” For Brown, leadership means encouraging employees, learning from those closest to customers, and using his role to elevate ideas that drive long-term success.
Brown and Weekley both cited their families as early leadership influences—Weekley pointing to his father, company founder David Weekley, and his time in Boy Scouts; Brown recalling his grandfather, a WWII veteran and coal miner, who modeled kindness, humility, and pride in hard work.
Asked what makes David Weekley Homes different, both leaders agreed: the company’s unique ownership structure—a third owned by team members, a third in a charitable trust, and a third by the Weekley family—is key.
“We are blessed to have a fantastic culture that allows us to do great things and share those profits,” Weekley said.
Despite Brown’s background in public companies, both he and Weekley made it clear: David Weekley Homes plans to remain private.
“The public markets are just not the right place for this business to be,” Brown said. “Our mission around building dreams and enhancing lives wouldn’t translate.”
Looking ahead, Brown sees opportunities in market expansion and leveraging the company’s scale, while Weekley emphasizes developing leaders internally.
“We empower our team here,” Weekley said. “We want people who are hungry to grow and take initiative.”
As the company enters its 49th year, both leaders are focused on preserving the legacy while guiding David Weekley Homes into its next chapter.
