A family legacy is being constructed one house at a time

The story of Chris George Sr. and his home-building business began in the 1950s. He launched Chris George Construction with his wife, Neva, who balanced a nursing career and raising their 12 children. It can be said that the George family legacy, now spanning four generations, is written in both blueprint ink and family blood.

A Foundation Built on Family

The large George family was a household that understood both hard work and deep love. Today, that family of 14 has grown to include 29 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, creating a family tree as sturdy as the homes they’ve built.

By the time Chris Sr.’s son, Chris George Jr., was 18, he was already running framing crews for his father. In 1976, at just 21 years old, Chris Jr. decided to strike out on his own, founding Chris George Custom Homes with the same work ethic and family values his father had instilled. The decision proved transformative for the entire family. Chris Jr.’s construction company grew by leaps and bounds, and eventually Chris Sr. shut down his own company and went to work for his son, creating a seamless generational transition. Under Chris Jr.’s leadership, the company has built an impressive 3,000 homes across the metro.

Passing the Torch

That work ethic and the “tradition of excellence” established by Chris Jr. continues today under the leadership of his sons, Caleb George and Chris George III. 

“It’s a heavy responsibility to live up to dad’s reputation, but Caleb and I are up to the task,” Chris III says. 

Under the leadership of these third-generation builders, the company continues to expand its building services and reach across the greater Kansas City area. The fourth generation is already showing signs of following suit, as Caleb’s sons, ages 11 and 13, started their construction education this summer by cleaning project sites, just as their father and uncle did decades ago.

A Home Built with Heart

Twenty-seven years ago, Chris Jr. built a magnificent 8,500-square-foot brick home on 80 acres in South Olathe for his family of seven. Complete with a pond and sand beach, floating dock and stage for family gatherings, it became the heart of countless memories and celebrations. The property also houses the company’s office in a charming 1920 farmhouse, creating a perfect blend of business and family life.

But after Chris Jr. passed away from a brain tumor in August 2021, his wife, Lisa, found herself ready for a change. She wanted to be closer to her children and grandchildren, and her sons understood completely. They spent considerable time searching for the perfect lot and fell in love with a pie-shaped corner lot property in the Milhaven subdivision in Mission, Kansas. 

“After praying on it, we knew this was it,” Chris III says.

The 4,700-square-foot home they built for Lisa represents both practicality and love. With four bedrooms and 3,500 square feet of main-level living space, the traditional cottage-style home features a reverse floor plan made for aging in place. The stone and brick exterior complements the neighborhood while the thoughtfully designed interior—including a caretaker suite currently serving as a guest room—anticipates future needs.

For the interior design, Lisa was confident in her own experience and took on the work herself. Interior design has long been both a hobby and passion for her, supported by formal coursework and years of experience designing not only the homes she and her husband built and lived in through the years but also projects for their company. With the added help from interior designer Megan Gensky, she brought her vision to life using the same approach her husband did—starting with hand-drawn plans sketched on paper.

“She had her budget and her wish list, and we worked with her to bring it all together,” Chris III says. “Building for Mom wasn’t much different from working with other clients. We knew it was important to proactively communicate throughout the build so we could be sure to get every detail right.”

The home beautifully accommodates treasured pieces from Lisa’s former life. The 10-foot kitchen table, a surprise gift from Chris Jr. when they moved to Olathe, anchors the new kitchen, a place where countless family meals, card games and conversations created decades of memories. Her parents’ grand piano, once black lacquer but now white to match her new decor, is in the main living area, while Chris Jr.’s pool table in the finished basement ensures the grandchildren have a favorite gathering spot.

Life in the New Chapter

Lisa, a retired nurse who spent 45 years at Olathe Medical Center, has embraced her new surroundings with enthusiasm. She enjoys walking, listening to audiobooks and podcasts, and pursuing genealogy research. The move proved to be exactly what she needed, as she lives just three blocks from Caleb and half a mile from Chris III, with her 10th grandchild due this fall.

“We’re building a new home even closer to her,” Chris III says, showing how the family continues to orbit around each other by choice, not obligation.

Planning for Tomorrow

The George family’s vision extends beyond individual homes to community building. They plan to transform the original 80-acre Olathe property into a subdivision, with the grand family home serving as a focal point for the new development. The farmhouse office will eventually be demolished as part of the development, but the memories and the business philosophy it represents will continue in their new ventures.

“Mom is close to us now and is happy,” Chris III says. “She’s also happy with our choice of what we’re going to do with the house and the land in Olathe.” Lisa’s approval means everything to her sons, who know their father would be proud of both the changes they’re making and the traditions they’re preserving, too.

As Lisa settles into her new chapter, surrounded by children and grandchildren who live within walking distance, the Chris George story is a testament to their growing family legacy.  

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