Our Team
Van Tyson
At five years old in 1987, Van’s family moved to Skidaway Island amid a construction surge. His father and his father’s builder friend, whom Van admired, fueled his early love for building. With friends, Van crafted forts from discarded materials, only to watch them vanish as developments like Deer Creek, Midpoint, Oakridge and Marshwood transformed The Landings in Savannah, Georgia. These experiences cemented his desire to join the construction world.
During high school, Van spent summers working with a local mason and assisting his father on residential and commercial remodels, gaining expertise in framing, finish carpentry, tile, flooring, siding, and roof repairs—everything but plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. Graduating from Benedictine Military School in 2001, Van forged lasting friendships before enrolling at Georgia Southern University. During college he worked summers with a South Carolina custom home builder and a Statesboro commercial firm.
In 2005, he joined a Savannah-based builder, sparking the drive to start his own venture. In 2007, he founded Empire Builders of Savannah which specialized in decks, additions, and small renovations. Van rebranded to Tyson Custom Homes in 2015 and feels fortunate to work with exceptional clients, trusted trade partners, and clients that feel like an extended family while pursuing his passion for quality construction. He and his wife, Lisa, live in Savannah at The Landings with their four children.
Caleb Engel
Caleb is a dedicated Project Manager at Tyson Custom Homes, where he oversees every phase of construction—from planning and scheduling to the final walk-through. On-site daily, he works closely with subcontractors and homeowners to ensure each project runs smoothly and reflects the client’s vision.
His passion for homebuilding began in 2016 after his childhood home burned down during his brother’s wedding. Fascinated by the rebuild but frustrated by how poorly it was managed, Caleb was determined to do better. He got his start cleaning job sites for a local builder, became a skilled carpenter, and steadily advanced through hard work, curiosity, and leadership. These traits were honed further by years of playing competitive soccer through college where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Residential Construction Management and Land Development.
Outside of work, Caleb enjoys hitting the golf course, fishing, and boating. He’s also an avid football fan and never misses a Chicago Bears game. Most of all, he values spending time with his wife and their two dogs. From managing a complex build to enjoying the outdoors, Caleb brings dedication and heart to everything he does.