After more than a decade helping Epcon Communities grow and thrive, Morgan Knapp decided it was time to build something of her own.
As the owner of Elysian Homes, she’s gone from being part of the Epcon corporate team to becoming an Epcon Franchise Builder, a full-circle journey rooted in her deep belief in the homes, the process and the people behind Epcon.
A Career Built on Learning and Growth
Morgan’s story with Epcon began in 2010, during a challenging housing market. “It was such a blessing because I actually learned how to sell,” she recalls. “You had to back then, nothing was easy.”
Her drive to learn and her passion for the brand propelled her through several roles within the company. She started as a Sales Consultant, eventually becoming Director of Sales for Epcon Communities Columbus before moving into training, recruiting and national roles that supported both corporate and franchise teams.
“I benefited from some of the best training that Epcon had to offer,” Morgan says. “I grew up through the company.”
Believing in the Product and Process
Through her years with Epcon, Morgan developed a strong appreciation for the company’s mission and model.
“It was because I believe so much in the homes and the lifestyle that we’re selling,” she explains. “I subscribed to that a long time ago. And I really do believe that we have the best luxury ranch homes in America.”
After working closely with Epcon co-founders Ed Bacome and Phil Fankhauser and seeing firsthand how the process worked in communities nationwide, Morgan decided to bring that experience to life in a new way, by becoming a Franchise Builder herself.
Launching Elysian Homes and the First Community
In 2023, Morgan joined the Franchise Builder network and launched her company, Elysian Homes. Her first Epcon community is now underway in Sunbury, Ohio, just north of Columbus.
“The community where we’re building is excellent,” she says. “It’s a golf course community with home sites on the course, surrounded by beautiful scenery, a little away from the hustle and bustle, but still close to everything.”
Building with Excitement and Support
Transitioning from employee to builder has brought new challenges and new rewards.
“There’s a certain beauty whenever you’re working for Epcon Communities of just focusing on the one thing you’re really good at, which for me was sales and marketing,” Morgan says. “Now we get to do it all, and we get to do it all at once. That’s been exciting and we’ve learned a lot.”
What’s made the experience even more rewarding is the outpouring of excitement from her team and trade partners. They have had their first eight closings and wonderful feedback from homeowners, such as Judy Woodford:
“I love my new Epcon home! Once I made the decision to do a new build, the friendly and accessible team at Elysian Homes made the process from ‘lot to locks’ an enjoyable journey. I’m loving my retirement life and loving my home!”
Creating Community Connections
From the beginning, Morgan and her team have focused on building not just homes, but relationships.
“We’ve followed the playbook, which means having monthly community events,” she shares. “That’s as much for us as it is for the homeowners. It keeps us energized and connected. You can see it working; a true family is being formed.”
Staying Connected to the Network
Even after years of experience, Morgan says she still leans on the Epcon support network.
“Even little things that come up, I know I can reach out and get quick, helpful answers,” she says. “Every time I attend franchise orientation or connect with other builders, I learn something new. Being part of this network is energizing. That’s part of why we’re doing this.”
“Epcon Is Good to the Core”
For Morgan, joining the Epcon network felt like a natural extension of her time at Epcon Communities.
“Epcon is built on solid foundations. A strong set of values and competencies that start from the top,” she says. “I was lucky to experience that firsthand for 13 years, and now I get to carry it forward in a new way. Epcon is good to the core.”