A leader in the home construction business, he built his first home so well that before he moved into it he sold it at a handsome profit from its construction, and thus started Ryan Homes, one of the nation’s largest firms.  The lumber for his houses came from 84 Lumber, a local business headed by Joe Hardy, and in the 1970s Hardy and Ryan, who already owned horses, purchased The Meadows. Ryan continued to build while in charge of The Meadows, setting up telephone wagering and most importantly the Meadows Racing Network, a pioneer in televising live cards still going strong after more than 30 years. He also built a very good stable of horses over the years, and will forever hold the all-time track record at Lake Shore Meadows with his “independent-thinking” but talented Seven O’Clock, the best of many showcases for his amateur driving talents.