DeFord began his career in landscaping before working in the home building industry and building a career from the ground up. This combined with life lessons built around how to respect and treat others, learned from his Father and his wife’s Grandfather, helps him create a working relationship his team members value. This approach to working with others and building relationships is one of the reasons his company is named Southern Heritage Construction.
Because he did many of their jobs and understands the value they can bring to each project DeFord allows team members to make project suggestions and impact the end result. He believes this approach engages everyone and gives them ownership of their work, so each house now becomes more of a home and is better at the end of each and every day.
DeFord’s belief is that he does not manufacturer houses, he builds homes. So whether building a “custom” or “spec” home he considers each project unique. He strives to include buyer thoughts into the design or adjusting a home based on his experience to constantly improve and create another unique, very livable space.
Because of his approach DeFord has been recognized by his peers and is a past President of the Home Builders Association of Jackson and has crafted numerous Parade of Home winning designs.
