Oklahoma has always been a state of opportunity, but few have taken advantage of it quite like Patrick Delehanty. From his days in the United States Air Force to building businesses across real estate, federal contracting, and manufacturing, his journey is one of passion, perseverance, and adaptability.
We sat down with Patrick to talk about how he turned his hobbies and interests into a successful career—and what advice he has for those hoping to do the same.
Many people dream of turning their passions into a career. How did you do it?
Honestly, I didn’t set out with a perfect plan. I just followed what I loved and found ways to make it work. From a young age, I was interested in engineering, design, and problem-solving. The Air Force gave me discipline and real-world experience in construction and logistics. When I transitioned out, I started exploring business ideas that combined those skills with my interests.
For example, I’ve always been fascinated by how things are built—whether it’s homes, infrastructure, or high-tech materials. That led me to start Villa Homes, LLC, where we focus on luxury home construction, and Delco Holdings, LLC, which specializes in land development. I love creating something from nothing, and real estate gave me the perfect way to do that.
What about your work in federal contracting and manufacturing?
That came from my background in engineering and logistics. I realized that many government contracts required specialized knowledge that I already had from my time in the military. So I started Delco Devgru, which secures projects with agencies like the Department of Defense and DARPA.
Later, I got into advanced manufacturing and started working on high-performance materials and sustainable building technologies. It wasn’t something I initially planned, but I kept following my curiosity, and opportunities kept coming.
You make it sound easy. What are the biggest challenges people don’t see?
It’s not easy at all. Passion is great, but it won’t carry you through the tough times. A lot of people think if they just follow what they love, the money will follow—but that’s not how it works.
There were times I had to make big sacrifices. I worked crazy hours. I invested everything I had into new projects. I took risks that didn’t always pay off. There were moments when I thought, “Did I make a mistake leaving a stable career?”
That’s what I’d caution people about—don’t romanticize entrepreneurship. It’s hard. You need more than passion. You need resilience, problem-solving skills, and a willingness to fail and adjust.
Speaking of failure, what’s one mistake you made that taught you a big lesson?
Early on, I underestimated project costs. I was excited about an idea and rushed into it without fully analyzing the financials. That mistake nearly sank one of my first projects. I learned quickly that numbers matter just as much as passion. If you’re not financially disciplined, your business won’t survive.
That’s why I tell people—love what you do, but also learn the business side of it. Managing cash flow, budgeting, and pricing your work correctly are just as important as being passionate.
What do you think makes Oklahoma a great place for business?
The biggest thing is affordability. Compared to other states, Oklahoma has lower costs for land, labor, and operations. That means businesses here have a higher chance of surviving those crucial early years.
Also, the tech and manufacturing sectors are growing fast. Aerospace, software development, and advanced materials are all booming. The state is becoming a real contender for innovation.
Plus, there’s a strong workforce development pipeline through schools like Oklahoma State University. You don’t need to be in Silicon Valley to find smart, capable workers.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Be flexible. Your passions will evolve, and your business will have to evolve with them. The worst thing you can do is get stuck on one idea and refuse to adapt.
Also, don’t expect overnight success. I’ve been at this for years, and I’m still learning. Stay patient, stay focused, and don’t be afraid to pivot when needed.
Finally, what’s next for you?
I want to keep pushing the boundaries of sustainable building and technology. I think the future of business isn’t just about making money—it’s about making an impact. If we can build smarter, more energy-efficient homes and infrastructure, we’re creating something that lasts.
I’m also working on ways to bring more businesses into Oklahoma. This state has so much untapped potential. If we get the right people and ideas here, we could become a major hub for innovation.
Patrick Delehanty’s story is proof that turning passion into a career is possible—but it takes more than just passion. It takes discipline, flexibility, and a willingness to face failure head-on.
For those looking to build something of their own, his advice is clear: love what you do, but also learn the business side, stay adaptable, and don’t expect success overnight.
In a rapidly changing economy, those who balance passion with strategy will be the ones who thrive.
About The Author
