Lee Gifford

Lee Gifford, born in Poland and “dirt poor,” according to his family, grew up in Brooklyn and never attended college.  He was a traveling salesman for the Gillette Company, selling razor blades when he met his future wife who convinced him to come to Hampton Roads, her family home.  His wife and family encouraged him to enter the building business even though he had no knowledge of the building trade industry.  He partnered with a knowledgeable friend who taught him a lot about the industry and built four homes on speculation, considered the most expensive type of home at that time.  He was thought crazy for putting so much money into them, but they sold in a matter of weeks after a lavish press party generated a lot of coverage.  According to his stepson Bill Hurst, “Lee loved the business and always worked hard.  Even on vacations he conducted business daily.  He was never motivated by money.”  The landscaping at his complexes was second to none.  “People would come to his projects just to look at the flowers, and his tenants loved him,” said Hurst.  

Gifford’s philosophy was the customer always came first and to do whatever they want.  He was cajoled about this but, in return, reaped great financial rewards.  Gifford established Lee A. Gifford Enterprises and Haygood Management, Inc., companies known for their construction and management of high quality rental communities.