Sam M. Coryell

Coryell is president of Coryell Enterprises Inc., “the construction management firm responsible for the construction, scheduling and budgeting of all multifamily developments of Coryell Enterprises and TLC Properties,” he said.

Coryell, the son of developer Sam Coryell Sr., got his start when he took a risk at the age of 25 and jumped headfirst into his first venture, becoming part owner in what would become Woodland Park Apartments.

“That step of faith allowed me to have the leverage, equity and credibility to do another 96-unit development in Republic, Pinewood Park Apartments, which in turn allowed me to do another, which then allowed me to do another,” he said. “The growth from this point has been exponential.”

Coryell constructed more than 1,000 apartment units in the Springfield area, including Battlefield Park Apartments, which was chosen as 2005 Community of the Year by the Springfield Apartment Owners Association. Coryell hopes to double that number in the next few years.

Faith in his abilities and, more importantly, in God, are what Coryell said have made him successful.

“Most important, I want to acknowledge that God has blessed our business tremendously,” he said. “He has given me great opportunities and favor with other local businesspeople and, most importantly, has given me a very supportive and helpful family.”

Coryell said he owes a large part of his success to his “beautiful wife, Jennifer, who has always been supportive and encouraging.” He is proud of his most important role in life: being a father to children Samuel and Lydia.

“I am truly a blessed man,” he said.

Born: 1973

What book do you currently have open? “Monster,” by Frank Peretti, "Raising a Modern Knight,” by Robert Lewis and the Bible.

What’s your favorite Web site? www.tlcprop.com

Quote to live by: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13.