Today we’d like to introduce you to Nathan B. Draper.
Hi Nathan, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised in East Texas and attended Louisiana Tech, where I received a BS in environmental engineering. My path is not linear or traditional by any means. While I worked for Fujitsu, Eastman Chemical, and Flint Hills Resources, I knew corporate America was not my calling.
To kill time and stave off boredom during one Corporate America stint, I went back to school for my executive MBA and started a side hustle building subdivisions in East Texas. To avoid the “cube life” further, I even sold everything and moved to Alaska once. My side hustle had grown enough to replace my salary, and I could manage the day-to-day remotely while I led rainforest tours. It was awesome and one of the best decisions of my life.
As it always does, reality eventually called, and I left Alaska at 35, moving back to DFW to work for an environmental consulting firm. Why? Who knows…my side hustle was booming, yet I still thought the safe path was the right path.
Finally, in 2013, I told my then fiancé, “I’m out” {on Corporate America}; it’s time to go big or go home. I loved creating things being out in the field. It’s in my blood. As a third-generation builder, I grew up working alongside my dad and grandfather, learning each and every trade. And luckily for us, the real estate market was ripe for development at the time.
In the 20+ years since college and going against the grain–the traditional path of a desk job–I’ve learned to follow my instincts more. I’ve since married, had twins, and completed more than 150 real estate transactions. Never will it get old to drive by land that I’ve developed or to see neighbors entertaining at their homes built by Draper Custom Homes.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like anything in business or life for that matter, there will be bumps in the road to success. In my experience, being motivated, resourceful, and quick on your feet help tremendously.
After working in corporate America as an environmental engineer for 15 years, I knew a desk job wasn’t for me. I wanted to build something–to leave a legacy. My first idea was to build subdivisions in East Texas, where I’m from. And here, Draper Construction and Land Development was born.
I researched all facets of building a subdivision and soon found prime property, a 70+ acre plot of land, perfect for 100 lots/houses just outside the city limits of Longview (strategically located for its proximity to target schools yet outside the city limits for fewer regulations).
Bump in the road–I didn’t have the full funding I needed; no track record of business success (yet!). I was just a 30-year-old, recent MBA grad with a “lofty idea,” or so it appeared.
Throughout my research, I met lots of people and asked lots of questions. Along the way, I met a neighbor who became a mentor. He, too, believed in the vision.
Anyone who knows me knows I’m pretty direct and by no means afraid to make a tough ask. I ended up asking my mentor if he’d be open to loaning the initial funds to start my first subdivision. HE SAID YES! Within a short time, I completed several phases of Towering Oaks and once sold 24 lots in 24 hours. What a day! I quickly paid my mentor back and reinvested in the next project.
Since that initial leap of faith, I’ve leaned further into this passion of “building things,” started Draper Custom Homes, and completed more than 150 real estate transactions across Texas, including more subdivisions, land in Odessa for an RV park, and countless custom homes in Dallas.
The bottom-line for me has always been…how can I fuel my passion, efficiently maximize success so I can spend more time with family and friends.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Draper Custom Homes is a boutique custom home-building company in Dallas. We are not the biggest and have no desire to be. Instead of volume, we focus on relationships and details. We know building a home is stressful and likely one of the largest investments individuals will make. As a third-generation builder, we try to streamline the process, communicate early and often, and deliver above expectations. We are also hands-on—there are two employees, and we are on-site daily, which really sets us apart. We are your neighbor as we focus on the North Dallas area primarily.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I love learning and being outdoors, so throughout my childhood, I was always tinkering, fishing, and hunting–all the things a typical East Texas boy likes… Now, as far as learning, you’ll find me digging into something new quite often. Sometimes, it’s learning how to be a better fisherman or more keen investor. As far as outdoors, you’ll find us kayaking, biking, hiking as a family, including my wife and twin girls. Growing up, I pursued Eagle Scout, which fueled my passion for learning, building, and the outdoors, and I feel really lucky to have pursued a career that fuels these natural curiosities.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.drapercustomhomes.com
- Instagram: @drapercustomhomes
Image Credits
Heather Hall Photography
