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Profession: Real estate developer

Nonprofit: The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County

Hearing a real estate developer talk about preservation might seem counterintuitive. But for Jeffrey Welk, board member of the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, it’s a natural fit. 

When the coronavirus pandemic began changing the world in 2020, Jeffrey’s life was propelled in a new and wonderful direction. His wife found out she was pregnant that May. Fast-forward to October, when the Los Angeles couple visited Franklin for what was supposed to be a four-day vacation. They instantly fell in love with the city’s charm and felt drawn in by the community’s kindness. That trip turned into a 10-day stay — with the two buying the second home they visited.

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Once settled in Middle Tennessee, Jeffrey felt a desire to get involved and make an impact, and a mutual friend introduced him to the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County. Jeffrey soon learned that many of his favorite parts of his new home — the historic character of the buildings and spaces that make Franklin so special — had been preserved by the organization. “Living in a place you love, where the people are so kind, becomes infectious,” he says. “I want to preserve this place for my children and my children’s children.” 

In real estate, Jeffrey adds value by pairing different elements — new and old — to create something great. He takes a similar approach to his work with the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County. “Being in real estate, I understand the need for development,” he says. “But it is how we approach development, preservation and conservation that make a difference in what we leave for future generations.”

Bari Beasley, Heritage Foundation of Williamson County’s president and CEO, says she’s “so proud” to have Jeffrey on the organization’s board. “Since Jeffrey and his family moved to Middle Tennessee, he has already made a big impact,” she says. “He brings vision, enthusiasm and philanthropic support for all we do.”