Overview
Company founders Philip Fankhauser and Edward Bacome built their first residential development in Columbus, Ohio, in 1986. Three years later, they were approached by a builder who wanted to mimic the design and floorplans in a new community nearby. The partners, however, were reluctant to license their already proven system out to other builders, and at the time had little interest in expanding outside of the Columbus market. But the product became so instantly successful and widely popular that others soon came calling…looking to build an Epcon Communities-style development in neighboring cities or in outlying areas of Ohio.
Finally, they granted the first license to use their successful construction plans, and an innovative idea was born. The company launched the franchising concept in 1995 and hasn’t looked back yet (except to see rivals attempting to copy their successful strategy).
That franchising initiative has proven tremendously successful. By the end of 2006, Epcon Communities and its franchise affiliates had developed more than 20,000 homes in more than 30 states. The long-term goal is to expand into all 50 states and Canada.
Finally, they granted the first license to use their successful construction plans, and an innovative idea was born. The company launched the franchising concept in 1995 and hasn’t looked back yet (except to see rivals attempting to copy their successful strategy).
That franchising initiative has proven tremendously successful. By the end of 2006, Epcon Communities and its franchise affiliates had developed more than 20,000 homes in more than 30 states. The long-term goal is to expand into all 50 states and Canada.
Products & Services
To provide a quaint, neighborhood atmosphere, we carefully determine the number and orientation of homes in each community. Then the trees, shrubs and flowers bring it all together. Your job is to enjoy the natural surroundings of the community and ours is to maintain them. We strive to make your possibilities limitless...Embark on a new path!
Our buyers want more social interaction, more free time, and single story living which is why each Epcon Community provides:
Privacy
Your own door, and patio or veranda just like a single family home. The unique design of the driveways act as buffers to your home.
Convenience
Close to shopping and convenient to major highways. Only minutes to the airport, churches, banks, parks, theater, and restaurants. Enjoy walking, swimming or exercising at the clubhouse.
Social/Recreational
Sit by the pool, relax and visit with your friends. Use the clubhouse for your private parties as well as neighborhood parties. Live in a neighborhood with new friends, many like yourself that are ready to enjoy life.
Sense of Community
Feel free from worry when you are away from home. Only owners or guests of owners should be in the neighborhood. Most neighbors watch out for each other. Your attached garage permits you to come and go directly into your condominium.
Carefree Living
Leaves you free to travel or enjoy leisure time without worrying about exterior maintenance, grass mowing, and landscaping or snow removal. Let someone else do it all for you. Sit back, enjoy your warm gas log fireplace and let it snow, or bask in the sun at the clubhouse pool and let someone else pull the weeds, mow the grass and plant the flowers!
Our buyers want more social interaction, more free time, and single story living which is why each Epcon Community provides:
Privacy
Your own door, and patio or veranda just like a single family home. The unique design of the driveways act as buffers to your home.
Convenience
Close to shopping and convenient to major highways. Only minutes to the airport, churches, banks, parks, theater, and restaurants. Enjoy walking, swimming or exercising at the clubhouse.
Social/Recreational
Sit by the pool, relax and visit with your friends. Use the clubhouse for your private parties as well as neighborhood parties. Live in a neighborhood with new friends, many like yourself that are ready to enjoy life.
Sense of Community
Feel free from worry when you are away from home. Only owners or guests of owners should be in the neighborhood. Most neighbors watch out for each other. Your attached garage permits you to come and go directly into your condominium.
Carefree Living
Leaves you free to travel or enjoy leisure time without worrying about exterior maintenance, grass mowing, and landscaping or snow removal. Let someone else do it all for you. Sit back, enjoy your warm gas log fireplace and let it snow, or bask in the sun at the clubhouse pool and let someone else pull the weeds, mow the grass and plant the flowers!
Training & Support
The following are the major components of the comprehensive development system made available to you as an Epcon Communities franchisee. All phases of the development process are addressed, including financial data, sample documents and support services that leverage the knowledge and expertise of our development team, including our highly successful national accounts program designed to assist you with everything from land location to landscaping.
Financial Information
Sales & Marketing Support
Construction Support
Presentation Materials
Management Guides
Consultation Services
National Accounts
Franchise Intranet
Financial Information
- Detailed operating budgets
- Material and labor contracts
- Sample bank pro forma
- Accounting and HR manual
Sales & Marketing Support
- Highly detailed and proven successful sales and marketing process
- Customizable marketing collateral, presentation gallery, apparel and promotional items available for ordering
- Consumer sales video
- Model furnishings available
- Sample purchase agreements
Construction Support
- Highly detailed and proven development construction process
- CAD drawings and specifications
- Sample site and landscaping plans
Presentation Materials
- Customizable presentation and zoning kit
- PowerPoint slides
- Videos
Management Guides
- Sample condo association documents
- Sample condo budgets
- Sample homeowner manual
- Sample organizational structure
- Sample job descriptions
Consultation Services
- Epcon Communities field consultants provide consultation on a scheduled basis regarding construction and sales/marketing issues
- Corporate support stands ready to consult with you whenever necessary on virtually any matter related to your project
National Accounts
- National Account purchasing power on materials relating to construction and sales/marketing
- Training and Conferences
- Training, workshops and councils are conducted for most personnel
- Annual sales, construction and franchise conferences
Franchise Intranet
- News, forums and information available 24/7
Why Epcon Communities?
The aging of America's 75 million baby boomers has generated tremendous opportunities within real estate development. Epcon Communities was on the leading edge of this trend. Being one of the first to market to this generation has given us time to refine and perfect our product and our systems.
Today, baby boomers account for approximately 48% of U.S. families. This generation is driving the housing market and is expected to do so for the next 20 years. And as this generation continues to mature, the advantages of condominium living become obvious to more people with each passing year. As an Epcon Communities franchisee, you'll be in position to offer a product, and a way of life, that consumers are seeking.
Today, baby boomers account for approximately 48% of U.S. families. This generation is driving the housing market and is expected to do so for the next 20 years. And as this generation continues to mature, the advantages of condominium living become obvious to more people with each passing year. As an Epcon Communities franchisee, you'll be in position to offer a product, and a way of life, that consumers are seeking.
Are You a Good Fit for Epcon Communities?
There are thousands of ways to achieve success. But there is a common denominator in nearly every case. Successful people have the ability to recognize an opportunity. They are people who can see a window to the future. People who are comfortable with choosing their own path. If you are one of those people, we invite you to consider becoming a franchised developer of Epcon Communities Franchising, Inc.
