Chris DeLeenheer
Faith-driven entrepreneur. Husband. Father of four.
Building enduring companies in Central Texas.
“We are not trying to do extraordinary things. We are just trying to do ordinary things consistently.”— 85
Who Chris Is
Four pillars that shape everything — from how he leads companies to why he runs marathons.
Chris is a faith-driven entrepreneur whose work is anchored in a conviction that business, generosity, and spiritual calling are not separate categories but a single integrated life. His family office, 85 Capital, is a legacy-driven firm focused on building enduring companies, generational impact, and a life of excellence that honors his values.
The DeLeenheer Family Foundation focuses on Great Commission projects, support for the persecuted church, and Christian education.
His book Quiet Drift explores what happens when successful people quietly lose their way — and how faith, discipline, and honest community become the road back. It includes a foreword by Jonathan Pokluda, a voice Chris deeply respects.
“We pray about EVERYTHING, viewing our work as a spiritual calling.”
— 85 Operating Philosophy, Pillar 4
Chris has been married to Libby for twenty-one years. They have four daughters and make their home in Waco, Texas — the city where Chris once walked on to the Baylor football team as a sixth-string, undersized junior and earned a starting position by his senior year. Jersey number 85 became the family’s defining symbol: a reminder that they will overcome life’s challenges.
That same grit shows up in how the family approaches everything — from marathon training together to stewarding a portfolio of businesses with discipline and generosity. Chris channels his athletic drive into raising $1M for children through World Vision, running marathons around the world to fund clean water, health, and education for those who need it most.
“85 was my football number when I walked onto the team as a junior at Baylor. I was sixth string, undersized, and dressed in the freshman locker room. As a family, we have adopted 85 as our reminder that we will overcome.”
— Chris DeLeenheer
Chris is building and scaling companies across MEP, commercial construction, and contractor finance operations — acquiring family-owned businesses and growing them with operational discipline and long-term stewardship.
Current Projects
Chris channels the same discipline he brings to business into endurance training. He has completed marathons around the world, using each race to raise funds for children through World Vision — clean water, health, and education for communities that need it most.
For Chris, fitness is not separate from faith or family. Running is where he processes, prays, and prepares. The goal is not the finish line but the person he becomes on the way there — and the impact he can make through the effort.
“Every mile is a prayer. Every dollar raised is a life changed.”
— Chris DeLeenheer, $1M World Vision campaign
Quiet Drift
Why successful people lose their way — and how to find your way back.
A book for men who are quietly winning on the outside and quietly disappearing on the inside. Written by someone who did the drifting, did the returning, and still has to practice both, daily — for the leaders, fathers, and athletes trying to find their way back.
Get the BookGet in Touch
Speaking inquiries, reader notes, business conversations, and thoughtful questions are all welcome. Every inquiry reaches Chris directly.
For sellers exploring a transaction, please mention your industry and revenue range.
Book Chris to Speak
Chris speaks from the unfinished work of leadership — drift and the long road back, endurance, faith, and the discipline of showing up when it’s hard. His talks challenge assumptions, encourage honest growth, and leave a room ready to keep going.