OUR TEAM
Van Tyson
At five years old in 1987, my family moved to Skidaway Island amid a construction surge. My father and his builder friend, whom I admired, fueled my early love for building. With friends, I crafted forts from discarded materials, only to watch them vanish as developments like Deer Creek, Midpoint, Oakridge and Marshwood transformed The Landings. These experiences cemented my desire to join the construction world.
During high school, I spent summers working with a local mason and assisting my 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, I forged lasting friendships before enrolling at Georgia Southern University. There, I worked summers with a South Carolina custom home builder and a Statesboro commercial firm.
In 2005, I joined a Savannah-based builder, sparking the drive to start my own venture. In 2007, I founded Empire Builders of Savannah, specializing in decks, additions, and small renovations. Rebranding to Tyson Custom Homes in 2015, I’ve been fortunate to work with exceptional clients, trusted trade partners, and a clientele that feels like an extended family, all while pursuing my passion for quality construction.
Caleb Engel
Caleb is a dedicated Project Manager at Tyson Custom Homes, where he oversees every phase of construction—from initial planning and scheduling to the final walk-through. On-site daily, he ensures each project runs smoothly by working closely with subcontractors and homeowners to bring every client’s vision to life.
Caleb’s passion for homebuilding was sparked by a life-changing event. While at his oldest brother’s wedding reception in 2016, Caleb and his family received a call that their childhood home had burned down. Watching it torn down to the studs and rebuilt fascinated him—but he also saw how poorly the process was handled.
Determined to do better, Caleb began working for a local custom home builder, cleaning up job sites and eventually becoming a skilled carpenter. He continued to hone his craft while earning a bachelor’s degree in Residential Construction Management and Land Development.
A lifelong athlete, Caleb played soccer from a young age all the way through college. The sport instilled in him a strong sense of discipline, teamwork, and leadership—qualities he now brings to every job site.
Today, Caleb blends hands-on experience with academic expertise to deliver high-quality, detail-oriented builds. He takes pride in both the process and the product, ensuring that every home meets the highest standards of craftsmanship.
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.