TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Highland Homes building solid reputation

Highland Homes

The Winston II features four bedrooms and two bathrooms in 2,350 square feet of living space. It is among floor plans offered in Ayersworth Glen in Riverview.

ADVERTISEMENT

By Sarah A. Worth, Special Sections correspondent

Published: December 16, 2007

Odd as it may sound, traffic can be a good thing. It certainly is for Highland Homes when you consider that traffic for the home builder equals families looking for homes.

Kathie McDaniel, director of marketing and advertising, says even in today's challenging market, Highland Homes continues to attract customers to its homes throughout the Tampa Bay area.

"I credit our ownership," says McDaniel, on how the builder is surviving the challenges.

"Father and son founders Bob and Joel Adams are equal partners. Bob has been in the business since 1971 and knows what it takes to remain a leader, even in down times. Joel grew up in the industry, so he is just as tuned in with what we need to do to stay competitive in this market."

In addition to great leadership, McDaniel credits employees' commitment for the company's success.

"The longevity is unbelievable," she says. "Some employees have been with Bob since the 1970s and 1980s.

"The company doesn't face [a lot of] employee turnover and I feel the reciprocal loyalty is a big factor as to why it remains strong."

McDaniel thinks a new interactive Web site could mean even more business for the home builder.

"We are launching a Web site this month and anticipate a significant increase in sales," she says. "We have hired an individual who is specifically trained for Internet sales and leads who will manage all Web-based leads.

"I honestly feel that in 2008, Highland Homes is going to increase in sales by quite a bit due to some good business decisions and again, good leadership."

McDaniel cites Highland Homes' Ayersworth Glen community in Riverview as a success.

The price, community feeling, location, quality and lifestyle are among the reasons families are buying there, McDaniel says.
"We have more than 20 to 30 units of traffic each week and 10 or more sales each month," she says.

Ayersworth Glen features homes with 1,112 to 2,439 square feet of living space priced from $157,900. Amenities include a clubhouse with two swimming pools, sports courts, a multipurpose sports field, tot lots and gathering areas.

Oakford Estates in the Highlands area of Lakeland also is selling strong, McDaniel says.

"The Highlands is a highly desirable area of upscale homes," she says. "Since we are a value leader in home building, the homes feature Corian counter tops, tile floors, wood cabinets and R-30 insulation, among many other quality details found in estate homes.

"We feel Oakford attracts that buyer who is looking for the Highlands area and finer features in a home, but not the higher price tag."

Homes in Oakford Estates provide 1,615 to more than 2,600 square feet of living space and are priced from the $220,000s.

Highland Homes is building in 18 communities throughout Polk and Hillsborough counties. Professional Builder Magazine recognized the company as one of the Top 200 Builders in the Country in May 2006 and Florida Trend magazine listed it as one of the largest privately-held businesses in Florida in May 2006.

For information, visit www.highlandholdingsinc.com or call (863) 619-7103.

Share this:

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT