Today we’d like to introduce you to Shay Segev.
Hi Shay, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
When my journey in this industry began, I started at the very foundation of the construction chain. I was the guy cleaning job sites, often working from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. I have always believed that no matter the task, you must give 100% and aim to be the best at what you do.
That mindset—treating even the smallest tasks with professional dedication—allowed me to move up. By showing care and determination, I earned more responsibilities, transitioning from cleaning to Supervisor, then Project Manager, and eventually Operations Manager. With every role, I learned valuable lessons. I carried the core values of transparency, honesty, and rigorous quality control into every new project we undertake.
As the company I worked for grew, they began focusing exclusively on massive commercial projects. I noticed they were turning down clients who wanted high-quality custom homes—specifically those under 5,000 square feet. I knew I could cater to that clientele. I approached my former employer, and with his blessing, I branched out on my own.
The timing was pivotal. Just a few weeks before I launched the company, my wife gave birth to our daughter, Ella Lee. Holding her for the first time changed my perspective entirely. I knew I wasn’t just building houses; I wanted to build a legacy for her and our future family—something they could carry on. That is how Ella Lee Homes was born.
We started humbly—our first project was a small home office remodel. Two months later, we were hired to build two houses simultaneously. By the following year, we had four new homes under contract. As the years went by, our reputation grew. Today, we specialize exclusively in new custom luxury homes in Scottsdale, Arcadia, and Paradise Valley, with over 20 luxury homes under contract annually.
From that first remodel to the high-end luxury estates we build today, the mission remains the same: we bring honesty, quality, and a hard-working mindset to every project we touch. We’re not just building homes; we’re building a legacy.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
To be honest, I consider myself very fortunate. The transition to starting Ella Lee Homes was surprisingly seamless, but I attribute that to the years of groundwork I laid before opening our doors.
Because I had spent years in the trenches, treating every project as if it were my own, I had already built a strong reputation in the industry. When I launched, the typical struggle of finding clients wasn’t there because people who knew my work ethic hired us immediately. Within just a few months, we were already building two substantial custom homes.
The biggest advantage we had was our relationships. I have always prioritized treating inspectors, vendors, and subcontractors with respect. They already knew what I expected regarding transparency and quality control. Because those relationships were already solid, we didn’t face the typical friction a new company encounters. Everyone was eager to work with us from day one.
Interestingly, the biggest challenge wasn’t what many might expect, it was learning when to say “no.”
As demand for our work grew, we were fortunate to see more opportunities come our way. In this industry, it can be tempting to accept every project. Instead, we made the intentional decision to limit the number of projects we take on each year. This allows us to give every client the time, attention, and level of service they deserve.
The challenge was never finding work, it was maintaining the discipline to protect the quality of the experience we promise our clients. That commitment has helped us preserve our reputation, keep projects on schedule, and maintain the high standards that define our work.
As you know, we’re big fans of Ella Lee Homes . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Ella Lee Homes, we specialize in crafting custom luxury homes, primarily serving the Scottsdale, Arcadia, and Paradise Valley markets. Our projects typically range from 3,000 to 10,000 square feet of livable space, with builds valued between $2 million and $12 million. Our focus is on bringing complex, high-end visions to life, ensuring every detail reflects the unique lifestyle of the family living there.
What We Are Known For: Uncompromising Transparency If you speak to our clients, they will tell you we have redefined the builder-client relationship through radical transparency. In luxury construction, costs can often feel like a mystery. We operate differently.
• True Open Book: We attach every subcontractor invoice to the invoices we send our clients—there are no hidden markups.
• Choice: We share proposals from multiple vendors and let our clients choose who they want to work with.
• Clarity: We provide weekly updates so clients are never left guessing.
Our clients can be as involved or hands-off as they wish, but they always have complete visibility.
What Sets Us Apart I believe two main factors separate us in the luxury space:
1. The ‘Legacy’ Standard: As I mentioned, this company is named after my daughter. That isn’t just branding; it’s our standard. Every time we pour a foundation or frame a wall, I ask myself, ‘Is this good enough for Ella?’ That personal attachment drives us to build at a level of quality that goes beyond the contract.
2. The Inspector Test: In this industry, the people who see the truth behind the drywall are the city inspectors. I am incredibly proud that across the municipalities we build in, inspectors know that an Ella Lee project is done the right way—even when no one is watching.
What Readers Should Know I want your readers to know that when they hire Ella Lee Homes, they aren’t just getting a contractor; they are getting a partner who is as invested in their family’s legacy as they are. We deliberately limit the number of homes we build annually to ensure we can stand behind that promise, long after we hand over the keys.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
We’re a company driven by purpose as much as performance. Our goal is not only to deliver great products and experiences but also to create meaningful impact. That’s why we commit 10% of all our profits to supporting causes near and dear to our hearts locally and around the globe. We believe that when businesses succeed, they should help others succeed too!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ellaleehomes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellaleehomes/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1EllaLeeHomes/
- Other: https://www.google.com/search?q=ella+lee+homes
Image Credits
Ella Lee Homes
