About

We are passionate advocates for quality education. We also know what it takes to create strong, thriving communities.

It’s important to know who the big-thinkers are behind this idea. It’s equally important to know that this is not about them.

We are using our years of experience to help build a model that can be replicated by others. Because this isn’t about our own legacy or a single community, this is about powering the future for all kids.

Pat Hamill is a homebuilding industry veteran who is dedicated to both education and children. He not only leads the largest private homebuilding company in the state, he is committed to helping inspire, support and create great schools in every community. And although he never wants the spotlight to be on himself, his legacy and track record is an important part of the BuildStrong Education story.

Since founding Oakwood Homes in 1991, Pat has been a leader in developing master planned communities where schools are at the heart of the neighborhood. He has used the same strategies of long-term planning and collaboration that contributed to his success as a developer and translated them to prioritizing new school development in Oakwood communities. In fact, during the past 25 years, 20 number of schools have opened in Oakwood communities.

As a testament to Pat’s unwavering commitment to education as the cornerstone of healthy, thriving communities, he co-founded The Foundation for Educational Excellence in 1997. This foundation is now BuildStrong Education. Pat and his BuildStrong leadership team are not only passionate about education-centric communities, they are committed to sharing their information, research, and success stories with other other builders and leaders so that more great schools will become the heart of communities across Colorado and beyond. Pat works closely with a myriad of community leaders, parent groups, educators and policy makers to educate, inspire and create real impact in this area.

Oakwood Homes has also built and donated homes to benefit the Boys and Girls Club and St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Pat has received the “Professional Achievement Award” through the University of Denver Founders’ Day in 1999 and in 2007 was awarded the Boys and Girls Clubs Champion of Youth Award.  He was also named “Corporate Citizen of the Year” in 2015 by the Denver Business Journal.

“They have modeled what it means to be a good steward of their community.”
– Anthony Smith, Instructional Superintendent, Far North East “Warrior” Network, Denver Public Schools