Patrick Delehanty: Engineer-Turned-Entrepreneur with Big Ideas
Patrick Delehanty doesn’t fit the mold of a typical entrepreneur. He’s part engineer, part visionary, and part family man. He’s built a career spanning industries—from land development and federal contracting to advanced manufacturing and luxury homebuilding.
Yet, he speaks about his success with humility. “I don’t think I’m special,” Patrick says. “I just try to solve problems and create value wherever I can.”
His story is a mix of grit, adaptability, and a deep commitment to community.
The Early Days
Growing up in Coweta, Oklahoma, Patrick was the kid who couldn’t stop tinkering. “I was always taking things apart,” he says. “Sometimes, I even managed to put them back together.”
That curiosity eventually led him to Oklahoma State University. There, he earned degrees in Mechanical Engineering Technology and Business Administration. Later, he added a Master’s in Engineering and Technology Management to his resume.
But his first big lessons didn’t come from a classroom. They came from the U.S. Air Force.
“I learned discipline, leadership, and how to adapt under pressure,” Patrick recalls. “The military forces you to think on your feet. That’s a skill I carry with me every day.”
The Entrepreneurial Leap
After leaving the Air Force, Patrick saw opportunity everywhere. “I realized I didn’t want to work for someone else,” he says. “I wanted to build something of my own.”
His first venture was an engineering firm focused on product design and development. Over the years, he secured patents for innovations ranging from outdoor gear to firearm accessories.
But his big breakthrough came during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We pivoted hard into manufacturing personal protective equipment,” Patrick explains. “It wasn’t part of the original plan, but the need was there. We ended up generating a very large revenue that year.”
Patrick didn’t stop at engineering. He built a multi-faceted business empire under the Delco brand.
- Delco Holdings, LLC focuses on land development and real estate.
- Delco Devgru specializes in federal contracts with agencies like the VA and the Department of Defense.
- Villa Homes, LLC constructs luxury homes, blending craftsmanship with modern design.
- Express Redi Mix supplies concrete to construction projects across Oklahoma.
“Each business feeds into the others in some way,” Patrick says. “It’s all connected. That’s the beauty of it.”
The Challenges of Growth
Running multiple companies isn’t easy. Patrick admits it’s a constant balancing act.
“People think the hardest part is coming up with ideas,” he says. “But the real challenge is execution—getting the right people, managing resources, and staying ahead of the curve.”
Hiring is one of the toughest aspects. “Finding people who share your vision and values is hard,” he says. “But when you do, it makes all the difference.”
Another challenge is staying adaptable. Regulations change. Markets shift. And technology evolves. “You can’t get too comfortable,” Patrick warns. “The moment you do, you’re falling behind.”
Family and Faith First
Despite his busy schedule, Patrick prioritizes his family. He spends summers with his wife and two kids at their lake house. He also enjoys golfing and coaching youth sports.
“My family keeps me grounded,” he says. “They remind me why I work so hard.”
Faith is another cornerstone of his life. Patrick is an active donor to churches and schools. “Giving back is important,” he says. “It’s about more than money. It’s about showing up for your community.”
Patrick has made his share of mistakes along the way. One stands out.
“I underestimated a large-scale development project early in my career,” he admits. “I thought I knew everything. Turns out, I didn’t.”
Instead of giving up, he sought advice and learned from the experience. “Failure isn’t the end,” he says. “It’s just another step forward—if you’re willing to learn.”
The Tech Side of Things
Patrick’s engineering background gives him a unique edge. He’s not just a businessman—he’s a builder at heart.
“I love the process of creating,” he says. “Whether it’s a product, a home, or a business model, there’s nothing like seeing your vision come to life.”
His companies use cutting-edge tools for everything from prototyping to project management. “Technology is a game-changer,” he says. “It speeds up innovation and helps us stay competitive.”
Patrick’s advice for newcomers is simple: focus on value.
“Don’t chase trends or quick money,” he says. “Find a problem, solve it better than anyone else, and the rest will follow.”
He also emphasizes the importance of resilience. “You’re going to fail. That’s a given,” he says. “The key is how you respond to it. Keep learning, keep adapting, and never stop moving forward.”
Looking Ahead
What’s next for Patrick?
“I’m always looking for the next challenge,” he says. “Whether it’s growing my current businesses or exploring new opportunities, I want to keep building.”
He’s also passionate about mentoring the next generation. “If I can help someone avoid the mistakes I made, it’s worth it,” he says.
Patrick Delehanty’s journey is a testament to hard work, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. From his Air Force days to running a multi-industry empire, he’s shown what’s possible when you combine passion with purpose.
“Success isn’t about luck or talent,” Patrick says. “It’s about showing up every day and doing the work.”
And he’s living proof of that.
Have you read?
Largest Economies in the World by GDP (nominal).
Safest Countries in the World.
Most Productive Countries in the World.
Most peaceful countries in the world.
Add CEOWORLD magazine to your Google News feed.
Follow CEOWORLD magazine headlines on: Google News, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.
Copyright 2024 The CEOWORLD magazine. All rights reserved. This material (and any extract from it) must not be copied, redistributed or placed on any website, without CEOWORLD magazine' prior written consent. For media queries, please contact: info@ceoworld.biz