We’re thrilled to share some exciting news—our Founder & CEO, Don Wenner, has been named a National EY Entrepreneur of the Year® winner in the Service category!

The award was presented at the EY Strategic Growth Forum® in Palm Springs, California, where Don was recognized as one of just ten national winners from more than 200 regional honorees. This honor celebrates Don’s dedication to affordable housing, purpose-driven growth, and building Thriving Communities across the Sunbelt and beyond.

A Journey Fueled by Purpose

Don started DLP Capital in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, at just 21 while studying finance at Drexel University. With no investors and limited resources, he grew a small home-buying and brokerage business into one of America’s fastest-growing private real estate firms.

Early on, Don realized his work was about more than just transactions. When helping his first client, Cynthia, avoid eviction, he drove through a snowstorm to help her close and even assisted with moving her belongings. That experience shaped the mission that continues to guide DLP today: transforming lives through the building of Thriving Communities.

Growing Communities, Not Just Buildings

By 2014, Don had clearly defined DLP’s purpose: “To transform lives through the building of Thriving Communities.” Since then, DLP has expanded into a full-service real estate and financial platform, including:

Brokerage and property management
Development and construction
Investment funds and short-sale negotiation
Community banking with DLP Bank

Today, DLP manages over $5.5 billion in assets and has a team of more than 600 people—all united by a shared goal: creating safe, attainable housing for working families while keeping our culture of drive, curiosity, grit, and humility alive.

Thriving Communities Across the Sunbelt

While DLP’s roots remain in Pennsylvania, DLP Capital is now headquartered in St. Augustine, Florida, with offices in Bethlehem, PA, and Asheville, NC. Our projects span multifamily communities, single-family rentals, manufactured housing, outdoor hospitality, and workforce housing—always with affordability and quality in mind.

One shining example is Gateway Jax’s Pearl Square in downtown Jacksonville. This $2 billion revitalization is transforming nine city blocks into a vibrant, walkable neighborhood with homes, green spaces, dining, retail, and Jacksonville’s first full-service grocery store in decades. It’s exactly the kind of project that embodies DLP’s mission in action.

What the EY Award Means

The EY Entrepreneur of the Year® award is one of the highest honors a business leader can receive, recognizing vision, growth, and positive societal impact. Judges praised Don for building “a diversified powerhouse where prosperity and purpose go hand in hand.”

Reflecting on the award, Don said:

“This recognition is a powerful affirmation of the mission that drives us every day at DLP Capital. Our purpose—‘Dream. Live. Prosper.’—guides everything we do. This award reflects the tireless work of our entire team and our commitment to making a real difference in people’s lives.”

This award inspires us to keep growing, keep building, and keep transforming communities for working families across the Sunbelt and beyond.

Entrepreneur Of The Year® US Services Award Winner Speech

Watch Speech