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.