Over a Century of Commitment

Every day, we are guided by our Tellepsen Values. They are engrained in us - both individually and collectively as a company. Since the company was founded in 1909, one of our primary values has been to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. We have a culture that encourages our team to seek out important causes that will improve the lives of those living right here in our community -- especially those that are future and forward looking.

We are Tellepsen. We live with purpose which is to improve the lives of individuals and communities through our work. We believe that being the cornerstone of the community brings the responsibility that everything we do affects the lives of thousands of others. This is our city’s future.

We are in this to make lives better. It’s not about us. This is where we live, work, play, heal, worship and learn.

Tadd Tellepsen

Our Initiatives

Bikes4Smiles

Nothing is more important to the future of our community than its children. Tellepsen has worked with and supported child-related causes and philanthropies for decades. In pursuit of that passion, our annual Bikes4Smiles initiative serves to coordinate bicycle donations from Tellepsen employees and Houston-area business partners. Through collaboration with the United States Marine Corps Reserves, we join forces in support of Toys for Tots to deliver new bikes to Houston area children who could use an extra reason to smile. These bikes are delivered to area hospitals and organizations that serve and care for these children. Since 2016, we’ve distributed more than 3,000 bikes to area children in need, including patients at Texas Children's Hospital which was originally built by Tellepsen in 1953. It is a an absolute joy to be able to deliver these bikes all around the city, one smile at a time.

Do you know what a bike does for a child? It lets them go places. It gives them independence.

Tadd Tellepsen

United Way Poker Tournament

The United Way of Greater Houston, whose mission is "to engage caring people to improve lives and build a stronger community" has long been supported by Tellepsen. In fact, it has been a passion for the company as well as generations of the Tellepsen family itself which has built a company and a culture of improving lives and strengthening our community. In 2010, Trent Tellepsen, President of Building Concrete Solutions, and his team of United Way champions began hosting a Poker Tournament that raises money for the United Way of Greater Houston. The event is one of our liveliest and largest fundraisers of the year. The money raised is donated to support programs that make a positive impact on the lives of our neighbors. This event has seen a rise in participation and sponsorship support each year, with the exception of those years that were affected by Covid and the ability to gather safely. The most recent tournament included over 300 players and raised more than $160,000. We expect this event to continue for many years in support of improving the lives of people in the greater Houston area.

We appreciate the tremendous support from the building community! The generosity of our customers, trade partners and employees is inspiring!

Trent Tellepsen, President of Building Concrete Solutions, a member of the Tellepsen Family of Companies

Do Something Bigger

Tellepsen isn’t just a company of people who build and enhance structures; it’s a family filled with people who truly care about each other and our community. One of our core values is our commitment to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. Through our partnership with the United Way, the Tellepsen team volunteered at The Center at Willow River Farms, a residential facility that promotes choice, growth and personal independence for differently abled adults. The center’s facility near the Brazos River in Brookshire, TX is a beautiful rural community that provides 24/7 support with nursing staff, vocational training, group activities and living units. Some of the buildings on campus were in disrepair and our team joined forces to help restore them to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the center's residents. It is always our goal to build for good and the improvement of our community!

My great grandfather always told us it's important for Tellepsen to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. He weaved it into the fabric of the company he founded and the Tellepsen family itself. It has continued on for generations and I am so proud to continue that legacy.

Tadd Tellepsen

Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund

At any given moment, Tellepsen and our employees are working to support many long-term charitable initiatives. Everyone is encouraged to find causes they are passionate about and Tellepsen works to amplify the great work each person does for their chosen cause. It is part of our company culture.

However, sometimes, a disaster occurs that requires a quick, strategic response. In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, we gathered together and went to work helping our very own Tellepsen team members who were severely affected by Hurricane Harvey. In true Tellepsen fashion, our employees and families spread out throughout the city, helping our Tellepsen families with clean up, waste removal, and rebuilding. When the clouds disappeared and the water receded, our Human Resource team put together a Backyard Barbecue to raise money for the affected employees, many of whom lost everything.

I was so inspired to see people who had themselves lost so much, pitching in to help their friends and colleagues who had lost more than they had. It was incredible to see so much good in the middle of such a tragedy.

Susan Phillips, Director of Safety

AGC BBQ Cook-off

The Associated General Contractors of America's Houston chapter hosts an annual BBQ fundraising event that benefits a different charity each year. Tellepsen is a proud sponsor and participant, assisting with event and fundraising support. During the two-day event, the Houston commercial construction industry comes together to raise money for that year's selected charity. Most recently, the event raised funds for Henry’s Home, Horse and Human Sanctuary, a nonprofit organization that rescues horses and farm animals and offers free therapeutic care sessions for veterans, first responders and differently abled children.

The event is a lot of fun, but more importantly, it helps lift up local Houston area organizations that are improving the lives of those in our community.

AIA Sandcastle Competition

Tellepsen is proud to partner with a design team every year for the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Sandcastle Competition. This fundraising event benefits AIA Houston and the Architecture Center Houston (ArCH) Foundation as well as being one of the top five revenue generating events for the City of Galveston.

Our sculpting and design team have our eyes and shovels set on recapturing the prestigious Gold Bucket Award, as we have done twice in the past. The planning begins months in advance and culminates with our team positioned along the beachfront, meticulously sculpting for five hours to create our masterpiece. The judging of the sculptures is rated on originality of concept, artistic execution, technical difficulty, carving technique and utilization of the site. At the end of the day, whether we win or lose, we all have wonderful memories of a day at the beach to take home with us.

The AIA Sandcastle Competition is such a great event! It brings together the design and building communities - two groups who already work so closely together on projects - and the outcome is amazing! Gorgeous, intricately detailed sandcastles line the beach in Galveston and AIA Houston and ArCH get to continue to great work they do in support of Houston's built environment.

Giving Back

It's one of our highest priorities to make sure we see the world from the perspective of our community members and give to those who need it most. Here are a few of our recent projects.