“Whether it is through formal regional meetings or through something as simple as picking up the phone and making a call, the experiences, expertise and information that my fellow franchisees and Epcon Communities professionals are able to bring to the table is extraordinary,” Steve Ackley says. “That exchange of ideas and mutual inspiration is one of the best parts about working with Epcon Communities.”

Ackley started his first project as an Epcon Home & Communities’ builder in 2001 and the results have been an unquestioned success. Today, as Owner and Operator of Villa Communities (formerly Ackley Homes), Ackley has continued to make a smooth transition from single-family homes to the Epcon Homes & Communities’ model.

“The Epcon Communities’ model really works well for smaller and mid-sized community builders, and it helps us to compete with the larger regional and national competitors,” Ackley explains. “Working with Epcon Communities gives us a national name and the purchasing power and the competitive national rates that we need. We are able to leverage our local expertise with the amazing marketing, advertising, public relations resources that Epcon Communities is able to provide. It gives us legitimacy and provides us with all the benefits of being big while still retaining the flexibility and independence of a community builder.”

The bottom line?

“I can count on Epcon Communities; they stand behind what they say. And, ultimately, they make you a better builder,” says Ackley.

When Craig Crossley became an Epcon Homes & Communities builder in 1996, he had already had a decade to appreciate those aspects of the company that were already beginning to distinguish Epcon from the competition. Crossley had seen a company with a savvy business plan and a compelling combination of creative innovation and practical know-how. He had seen a company that continued to refine and improve its products and processes from project to project, listening carefully to what its customers were saying and responding accordingly.

During Crossley’s 20-year mortgage banking career, he had accumulated a broad range of diverse experience with the real estate side of the banking business. He had worked with everything from commercial, office and industrial, to hotel and residential development. Crossley’s real estate financing perspective provided him with a unique perspective, not only on the regional and national development landscape, but also on those factors that separate successful developers from the rest.

“I loved what Epcon Communities was doing; I was impressed by their exciting new products and how they approached their work. I had gotten to know (company founders) Philip Fankhauser and Edward Bacome and seen that they were motivated, smart, passionate, and honorable businessmen,” Crossley says. “The idea of making a career change and becoming an Epcon Communities franchisee may have seemed like a risk, but I was inspired and it was time for me to pursue my professional and financial dreams in a field that rewards personal initiative.”

“The support team is incredible. On my own, I wouldn’t have known the first thing about building homes, and they have taught me everything I need to know,” Crossley says. “As someone who came into the industry without a building background, the detailed plans, specs, sales and marketing manuals and other materials are an invaluable resource. Epcon not only gives you the pieces of the puzzle, they help you put it together – and they are always there to provide help and support when you need it.”