34 HONORING ALUMNI THE DBU REPORT: HONORING ALUMNI Chasing excellence has shaped the lives of DBU alumni Tyler ‘08, ‘10, and his wife, Katee ‘11 Haile, now operators of two Chick-fil-A restaurants in Texas. Raised in Abilene, Tyler grew in faith and discipline, fell in love with baseball, and first visited DBU at a 2003 camp where he sensed God’s presence and a Christ-centered community. He later joined DBU Baseball under Coaches Dan Heefner and Nate Frieling. “They consistently challenged me to become the best version of myself through hard work, discipline, and accountability,” he says. During his junior and senior years, Tyler stepped away from the team to work in DBU’s Financial Aid Office under Don Zackary, who reinforced “chasing excellence.” After earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in finance, Tyler managed financial aid offices for various campuses. Katee, raised in Houston, visited DBU at a friend’s urging, sensed the Lord’s guidance, and later met Tyler. Seeking a faith-centered path, they pursued business management to one day operate a Chick-fil-A. Early on, long hours meant they were often “highfiving at lunch,” with Katee opening and Tyler closing. “It is where we found our passion and our calling,” Tyler says. They opened their first Chick-fil-A in Schertz in 2014 and a second in Cibolo in 2023. With 200+ employees, they mentor staff to see God’s purpose. Tyler reflects: Tyler and Katee Haile’s Call to Own and Operate Chick-fil-A® Restaurants CHASING EXCELLENCE: “ “ It reinforced the belief that God calls us to pursue excellence and to give our very best in everything we do—not for recognition, but as an act of faith and stewardship. -TYLER HAILE SCAN TO READ FULL STORY
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