Dream Finders Homes LLC

As a private, national homebuilder, Dream Finders Homes LLC has become one of the Southeast’s leading builders of luxury homes. Dream Finders has found success through its dedication to building the highest quality homes at affordable prices. Located in Jacksonville, Florida, Dream Finders is committed to delivering the highest standards in new home construction practices through the use of superior building products, the ability personalize a home to fit the customer’s lifestyle and one-on-one customer service.

Founded in 2008 by Patrick Zalupski, Tobi Mcguigan and Mark Mcguigan, Dream Finders was established when the three saw the opportunity to create value-added new home construction in the Jacksonville area. The company experienced exponential growth in its early years, building 29 homes in 2009. This rapid ascent has helped Dream Finders to consistently make Inc. Magazine’s Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing companies.

Since 2012, Dream Finders has more than tripled in volume, closing on nearly 500 homes in 2015 with that number expected to double in 2016. “We currently have 30 communities in Jacksonville,” says Jenn Stewart, marketing manager for Dream Finders. “We have a fair amount of new projects that are about to launch as well, so it’s a busy time for us.” The company has also added approximately 80 employees to its workforce within the past four years.

A different type of company

As a way to stand out from the competition, Dream Finders offers dozens of variables, such as different floor plans, superior service, site agents and management of every aspect of the home build. “We have a really great product for an affordable price, which gives us a competitive edge,” shares Stewart.

The fact that Dream Finders remains a privately held company allows its clients to receive personal attention, creating a smooth, less stressful process for the buyers and realtors. “Regardless of our size, we believe in operating like a small company,” shares Stewart. “Every market division has a president that is the point of contact to address all issues. That keeps it very personal, as they are invested in every transaction that takes place.”

Due to the differences in landscapes among its various markets, Dream Finders offers unique floor plans for each division with some options transferring into different geographical locations. “With our Jacksonville market, we have some floor plans that are great for any location, but we just change the exterior to make it look more rustic or farmhouse rather than coastal,” Stewart explains. “Our Georgia, South Carolina and Florida divisions have floor plans that are a little more compatible with each other, while still maintaining their own uniqueness.”

In managing the construction of every new home, Dream Finders provides its own project management team on-site every day. For other trades such as framing, painting, electrical and mechanical, the company is able to turn to its strong network of subcontractors. In entering new markets, the company’s reputation has been an asset in creating new relationships with subcontractors. “It has been really important to us to establish our brand in these new areas,” says Stewart.

Creating a great brand

In addition to providing a quality product, Dream Finders has built a strong reputation within the industry. Clients continue to have positive experiences with the company, which lead to repeat business as well as referrals. “We take extra special care of not only our buyer, but our realtors as well,” Stewart explains. “Our growth and expansion has a lot to do with the relationships that we establish with anybody that does business with us.”

The reputation that Dream Finders has established, in addition to its brand recognition, are two of the most important factors that the company uses to measure its success on a day-to-day basis. The company has recently launched a marketing campaign as the official homebuilding sponsor of the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team. The company has built a model home at the team’s home stadium, EverBank Field. “When I tell people where I work, many recognize the name from the model home at the stadium,” says Stewart. “With the amount of growth we’ve had over the years, people have become familiar with our brand in a positive light and that means a lot to us.”

Stewart takes a great deal of pride in the work that she performs and especially the company that presents her with the opportunity. Having a product that she feels confident enough to stand behind creates a sense of job satisfaction for her that many people seek in their careers. “Having such a great reputation and respect within the industry makes me proud to say that I work for Dream Finders,” says Stewart. “I also enjoy the new challenges every day. We are constantly coming up with new and creative ways to make the home buying experience better for our buyers and realtors. That really drives me as a marketing professional.”

By staying on its current path, Dream Finders will continue to establish its presence in the new markets the company has reached. While the company has no immediate plans to further expand, maintaining its current business model and practices will generate organic steady growth over the next decade. “We’re always starting new projects in each of our divisions,” Stewart elaborates. “We create four to five new communities per quarter and nearly double in revenue each year.”

With a great reputation, a high-quality product and brand recognition, Dream Finders Homes LLC will remain a leading national homebuilder that creates great communities, while providing a smooth home buying experience for all of its clients.