Solomon Builders' Ty Osman Named Lipscomb University's 2004 'Christian Business Leader'

 | 

osman, ty

Ty Osman

Nashville businessman Ty Osman was honored as the "Christian Business Leader of the Year" at Lipscomb University. Osman, a 1987 business administration graduate from Lipscomb University, is president of Solomon Builders Inc., a full service commercial construction company based in Nashville that emphasizes strong core values, loyal relationships and quality work. 

Osman founded the company with Gregg Turner in 1992. Since that time, the company's project portfolio exceeds 600 projects that range in size from interior renovations and build-outs to large new construction projects. Local new construction projects include the recent expansion of Christ Church in Nashville, the Seven Springs Office Park near Brentwood, Covenant Presbyterian Church in Burton Hills, several new branches for First Tennessee Bank and the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere.

A native of Hialeah, Fla., Osman has been involved in a variety of business ventures during his lifetime including starting a lawn care business at age 12 that eventually employed 20 people. He sold that business when he left Florida to attend Lipscomb in Nashville. Osman, along with his two older brothers, Michael and Craig, became early franchisees of Subway Sandwich Shops and opened eight Subway restaurants in Florida. While a student at Lipscomb, Osman and his brothers bought franchise rights, started and managed four Subway shops in Nashville, eventually growing to eight Nashville-area stores after Osman's graduation.

While in the process of opening one of the restaurants, Osman decided to subcontract the building work himself. Owners of other local Subway franchises soon began approaching Osman about performing their restaurant construction. As a result, Osman formed Osman Contracting, Inc. While seeking new restaurant locations, Osman met Gregg Turner, a commercial real estate agent. That began a friendship and partnership that resulted in the formation of Solomon Builders in 1992.

Osman is an active member of Woodmont Hills Church of Christ and is a member of Lipscomb University's National Development Board. Osman is also involved with Goodwill Industries and the Foundation for Christian Education.

The Christian Business Leader of the Year is an annual award at Lipscomb, which seeks to present to students role models who have lived by Christian principles and have been highly successful in business. The award is presented by the university's College of Business.