Hunt Development Group

Our History

At Hunt, we take great pride in our rich history, dating back to 1947 when M.L. Hunt and his sons, Jack and Kelly, started Hunt Sales Company in El Paso, Texas. This small family business specialized in retail lumber and hardware, built on the core values of integrity and performance. Over the years, Hunt expanded its services to include design-build work, tackling large-scale projects such as military base housing, Section 8 and 801 housing, and private development.

Early Years

In the early days, M.L. Hunt arrived in El Paso working as a wholesale and retail dealer in coal. In 1928, he formed Hunt Sales Company, a wholesale coal company and manufacturers' agent. During the Great Depression, Hunt won contracts to haul coal to Civilian Conservation Corps camps in Arizona and New Mexico. In 1933, Hunt Sales Company provided El Paso County Welfare Relief Board with a carload of coal.

The Founding Fathers

In 1947, M.L. Hunt's sons, Jack and Kelly, joined their father in the business, marking the official beginning of Hunt as a company. In the following years, the company moved locations and expanded to include construction and remodeling services in addition to selling lumber, building materials, hardware, appliances, and farm supplies.

A Vision of the Future

In 1946, M.L. Hunt purchased the interest of Alex Gonzalez's general store in Ysleta, in El Paso's Lower Valley. This marked a significant milestone in Hunt's history, catapulting the company towards its current status as a diversified, family-owned holding company.

Growth and Expansion

Throughout the years, Hunt has continued to grow and expand its services. In 1955, M.L. Hunt retired and sold his interest in the company to Jack and Kelly Hunt. The company's name was changed to Hunt Building Marts, Inc. in 1957, incorporating architecture, design-build, and general contractor services for schools, car dealerships, and civic projects. Woody L. Hunt, Jack's son, joined the business and became treasurer of Hunt Building Marts, Inc.

Private Development and Military Housing

In 1978, Hunt began its private development activities with Caprock Apartments, a 292-unit complex in El Paso, Texas. The company started its property management division with Shady Oaks in Fort Worth, Texas, a 138-unit affordable housing community. Hunt also began its role as contractor, developer, financier, and owner, having been awarded the first of six 801 military housing contracts totaling 3,170 units.

Modern Era

Today, as a private, family-owned company, Hunt has the capability to develop, manage, finance, and invest in real assets at all stages, with the goal of deriving and delivering value. We are committed to a culture of transparency and excellence for our employees, clients, investors, and the communities we serve.

About Us

At Hunt, we recognize our responsibility to our employees, clients, investors, and the communities we serve. Our commitment to sound environmental, social, and governance standards, along with integrity, performance, and a culture of transparency, guides our decisions and actions.

Hunt Today

As a diversified, family-owned holding company, Hunt has grown substantially in size and scope while gaining considerable expertise across multiple real asset sectors. We employ more than 4,300 people as part of affiliated businesses throughout the world.

ESG and Corporate Social Responsibility

We believe that creating value involves not only financial performance but also a commitment to sound environmental, social, and governance standards. Our ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) policy is embedded in our company culture and guides our decisions and actions.