Katie Lancianese, the President of New Leaf Homes, grew up in a family deeply rooted in the real estate and construction industry.
As an Epcon Franchise Builder, she brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the active adult market in Akron, Ohio.
From Real Estate Development to Home Building
Katie’s introduction to the world of real estate began early. She grew up going to construction sites with her dad, a seasoned builder and real estate developer. These visits inspired Katie’s passion for the industry. Starting her career right out of college in 2003, she spent nearly two decades in real estate development selling lots to builders and managing various projects.
In a significant shift, Katie and her team at New Leaf Homes decided to enter the home building sector. “We wanted to control the process and the message from day one,” Katie explains. This decision marked the beginning of a new chapter for the company, aiming to provide high-quality homes directly to customers.
Joining the Epcon Network
Katie’s journey with Epcon Franchising began when New Leaf Homes had the opportunity to develop a site in Green, Ohio. They partnered with Charis Homes, an existing Epcon Builder, to navigate the complexities of the project. This partnership allowed Katie to witness firsthand the benefits of Epcon’s product line and sales system.
“We partnered with Charis Homes and developed the site and started selling the homes. As we saw how beautiful the homes were and how they worked really well, we really just fell in love with the product and the sales system and everything that Epcon has to offer.”
A Unique Perspective from Senior Living
Katie’s previous experience in the senior living sector has influenced her approach to home building. She observed a growing need for housing options that cater to the pre-assisted living market. “We saw that there was a huge market niche opening up for people who wanted to remain independent at home longer,” she explains.
Epcon’s active adult communities perfectly align with this need, offering vibrant, independent living spaces for active adults. “The courtyard and community aspects of Epcon homes really showcase an active adult lifestyle,” Katie adds. These features provide a seamless transition for individuals who value both independence and a sense of community.
Advice for New Epcon Franchise Builders
Katie’s journey with Epcon Franchising has been marked by learning and growth. She emphasizes the importance of leveraging Epcon’s streamlined approach. “There’s a system, there’s a process and it’s tried and true. That’s really why we bought into it,” she says.
For new Franchise Builders, Katie advises utilizing the support network within Epcon. “The Epcon group, corporate team and other Franchise Builders have been incredibly supportive. We all lean heavily on each other,” she shares.
To hear more about Katie’s story, watch “Developer Turned Home Builder.”