Jerry Meek is the president of Desert Star Construction, an award-winning luxury residential homebuilder that regularly completes some of the Valley’s most prestigious and luxurious custom home and commercial projects. To get to know Jerry better, we asked him to finish a few sentences for us…
Name: Jerry Meek
Age: 54
Title: President of Desert Star Construction
Married/Single: Married
Kids: Two grown boys
Live: Paradise (i.e. Scottsdale, Arizona)
I was born…
In Chicago, to a loving family and with a heart for serving people that would parlay into my career as a third-generation construction expert for the Meek family.
My favorite thing about Arizona…
is the climate and all that it allows us to do outdoors. For me it’s hiking… riding our quads… cycling… you name it!
I’m listening to…
Jim Brickman’s “If you believe.”
My family…
is amazing. They are my greatest treasure and my highest priority.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be…
Mitt Romney, Barack Obama and Jesus. What an enlightening conversation that would be!
One thing I cannot live without…
My faith in God, who makes all things possible.
When I was younger, I wanted to be…
the President of the United States. The thought of serving people on such a broad scale was fascinating. Instead, I’ve been honored to serve people in other leadership roles, from PV High School’s Student Body and National Honor Society Presidents to philanthropic efforts with groups like the Phoenix Dream Center and Arizona Science Center. I’m also exceedingly thankful to lead Desert Star Construction, where I can provide a positive work environment for Team DSC® and deliver exceptional results for clients. You don’t get much closer to serving people than building them a home.
I’m inspired by…
those who show strength during challenges and humility even at the peak of success.
The one person who motivates me is…
not just one person. There are so many in this world who show kindness, espouse humility, work hard and deliver on promises with integrity and quality. These people are changing the world one act at a time, and they constantly motivate me to live each day with excellence.
If could change anything in the world, it would be…
for humankind to seek out the good and not the bad. My philosophy is that people find what they’re looking for.
The perfect day would be…
completely unplugged!
My first job was…
started at age five, cleaning up construction sites for my dad. At age 14, I bought a truck and launched my first official business—a landscaping company. I wasn’t old enough to drive so I hired someone do the driving while I put in the sweat equity. I’m thankful for the experience. It taught me you can do anything with perseverance.
My favorite escape…
is anywhere that I can discover new places and meet new people—but never as a tourist. I’m fascinated by the real life of others… their daily experiences, their heritage and their cultural influences from family to architecture. The only thing I pass on is some of the food. I’m not a terribly brave eater. Give me my wife’s lasagna any day, any time and I’m good to go.
My life…
has turned out so much better than I thought it would. I am so proud of and thankful for my family, friends and accomplishments. And I have a lot of miles left in me!
I’m currently working on…
two LEED Certified luxury net-zero homes, which are homes that generate all (or most) of their own energy. Team DSC® loves making history, and these projects fit that bill. Both are our company’s first-ever net-zero homes. One is the first-ever net-zero home in Paradise Valley
Always…
be truthful and be thankful.
Never…
give less than your best. Don’t quit until you’re done!
Favorite Quote…
“You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give.”
– Winston Churchill.
Biggest Dream…
is to continue to build—and live—the American Dream. Of course, this includes health and happiness for my family and friends. It also means continuing to share the excellence of Team DSC® with as many as I can. Lots of grandchildren would be great as well, but we aren’t rushing it.
My Pet Peeve(s)…
being late, whether it is to a meeting or for a deadline. Timeliness equals respect.
