When David Little decided to make his way in life he was barely seventeen. Like many ambitious young men in the 1940’s, he sought a brave new world with almost nothing. He left his parent’s farm in an old car and a brown paper sack for a job working in construction for his uncles in Oklahoma City.
He learned the construction business and developed exceptional skills in his trade. When he came to Shawnee, the community took notice of his efficient craftsmanship and he started Shawnee Construction Company.
Today it is Westchester Development, a third generation business that spans commercial and residential real estate with Westchester Real Estate and Management Company, home design through L& L Design, foundation repair with Westchester Foundation Repair, and more. David’s sons, Mike and Bryan Little, run the day to day operations of the businesses. Mike’s son Matthew Little works in the estimation department.
Mike Little grew up working alongside his father David and uncles who invested their lives in their business and their community. They built most of the new housing additions since the sixties and Mike remembers his dad built the first public housing addition in Shawnee followed by housing for the elderly and other community projects. His family follows that tradition of community investment in partnerships with the local housing authorities and organizations like Project Heart, Youth & Family Resource Center, Faith Seven and South Central.
While they develop all across the state, their primary focus is Shawnee. They are responsible for the development of Northridge, Smoking Oaks, Highland Farms, Harbour Estates, and more recently Unity Health Center’s new office park, and The Timbers.
Mike, his brother Bryan and uncle Bill Little own The Timbers, Inc., an addition meeting new needs in the community. “We have a lot of single women, young married couples, people from OBU and St. Greg’s who wanted smaller but nice, new homes but at a lower price. People are excited to find out they can still buy a new home in the $130’s,” said Mike.
While Mike admitted that business is good in spite of a tough national economy, he noted that a third generation business doesn’t come easy. “My dad was always positive about Shawnee and taught us how to ride out the ups and downs; and why it’s important to do a good job, hire quality subcontractors, and pay our bills on time. We’ve never had a lawsuit or a lien filed against us. We strive to be consistent.”
Mike said they are proud to be a part of Shawnee’s generous and growing community where good old Oklahoma principles are alive. “Shawnee is a wonderful place. We’ve been fortunate here and hopefully we’ve added to the community as well.”
Mike Little remains optimistic about Shawnee’s future and certain that the same opportunities his dad enjoyed sixty years ago are here for the next generation.