From Dorm Room to $5.5B Empire: DLP Capital’s Don Wenner Redefines Workforce Housing

NEW YORK, NY – November 19, 2025

DLP Capital Founder & CEO Don Wenner has been named a National EY Entrepreneur of the Year® winner, a testament to his leadership in addressing housing affordability and building a rapidly growing real estate firm. While many in the industry focus on luxury developments, Wenner has carved a unique path, prioritizing attainable housing for the workforce and fostering what he calls 'Thriving Communities'.

The Genesis of an Empire

Wenner’s story isn’t one of inherited wealth or privileged beginnings. Raised in an environment of constant change, moving homes frequently throughout his childhood, he developed a resourceful and entrepreneurial spirit early on. While attending Drexel University and juggling multiple jobs, he first entered real estate selling home security systems. This quickly transitioned to becoming a licensed agent, selling over 67 homes within his first nine months. This early success foreshadowed the trajectory of DLP Capital, founded in 2006.

“He wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty,” recalls a former colleague. “He’d spend hours on the phone, knocking on doors, whatever it took to close a deal. That relentless drive is still at the core of everything DLP Capital does.”

Initially focused on residential sales, Wenner quickly recognized a critical gap in the market – a lack of quality, affordable housing options for essential workers. This realization fueled the expansion of DLP Capital into investment, lending, and property management, creating a vertically integrated company that could address the entire housing lifecycle.

Building ‘Thriving Communities’

DLP Capital now manages over $5.5 billion in assets, with a portfolio encompassing multifamily, single-family rentals, and manufactured housing communities. The company’s focus on workforce housing isn’t simply about providing shelter; it’s about creating vibrant, sustainable communities where essential workers can live, work, and thrive.

“It's about building places where teachers, nurses, first responders, and other essential personnel can afford to live comfortably and contribute to the local economy,” explains a DLP Capital investor. “That’s a huge differentiator.”

Central to DLP Capital’s success is its “Elite Execution System” (EES), a proprietary framework for achieving extraordinary growth through disciplined thought, people, and action. The EES isn't just an internal operating system; it’s a philosophy that permeates every aspect of the company, from strategic planning to day-to-day operations. Wenner has authored multiple best-selling books detailing the EES, further solidifying his reputation as a thought leader in the field.

The Gateway Jax Project and Beyond

DLP Capital's commitment to community development is particularly evident in the ambitious Gateway Jax project in Jacksonville, Florida. This $2 billion+ revitalization effort, a partnership with JWB Real Estate Capital, aims to transform 20 to 25 city blocks into a walkable, live-work-play neighborhood. The initial phase, Pearl Square, will include over 1,250 residential units, retail spaces, and a much-needed full-service grocery store.

“This project isn’t just about building buildings; it’s about creating a sense of place and fostering community,” says a local Jacksonville business owner. “It’s a game-changer for downtown.”

Beyond Jacksonville, DLP Capital is actively pursuing similar development opportunities in other Sunbelt markets, recognizing the growing demand for affordable housing in these regions. The company's strategic focus on workforce housing, coupled with its vertically integrated business model and commitment to community development, positions it for continued growth and success.

“They're not just building houses; they're building futures,” observes an industry analyst. “And that’s a powerful combination.”

Over the past 13 years, DLP Capital has consistently appeared on the Inc. 5000 list, demonstrating its remarkable growth trajectory. This consistent recognition is a testament to Wenner’s leadership and the company’s unwavering commitment to its mission. The company’s success is not merely measured in financial terms but also in the positive impact it has on the communities it serves. The company’s revenues have increased by 50% annually for the past 18 years and recently experienced a 157% growth in the past three years.

“It’s about doing well by doing good,” says a DLP Capital team member. “And that’s something everyone here believes in.