Dream Finders Homes Thanks All Front-Line Workers with Design Studio Upgrade Bonus

ORLANDO – As a way of thanking front-line workers during the Covid-19 pandemic, Dream Finders Homes has expanded its “Hometown Heroes” program by offering $1,500 in design studio upgrades to all essential front-line workers.

Orlando Division President Gerry Boeneman said the offer – which initially was only offered to first responders like law enforcement, fire, rescue and medical personnel – now is available to others including those in professions like teaching, delivery, retail and the hospitality industry.

“We’ve extended our “Hometown Heroes” program to include all essential workers who purchase in any of our 10 Orlando area communities through June 30, 2020,” Boeneman said.  “This is to show our appreciation for those who are still working very hard every day to keep things going.”

The $1,500 bonus can be used to select design studio upgrades on maintenance-free villas, townhomes and single-family homes in any of the company’s communities, Boeneman said.

For more information and a complete list of those eligible for the bonus, visit https://www.dreamfindershomes.com or call 888-214-1164.

DIX Development’s University Econ Executive Center in East Orlando is Moving Forward

James Dicks

EAST ORLANDO – DIX Developments LLC which specializes in high-quality innovative real estate developments throughout Central Florida is moving forward with plans for a new $9 Million Class A office campus 3.5 miles from University of Central Florida at the signalized intersection of University Blvd. and Econlockhatchee Trail.

University Econ Executive Center’s strategic location offers a bank drive-through opportunity, several 1,520 square foot shell condition office condos and 4,640 square foot medical buildings and up to a 20,000 square foot, highly visible office building ideal for a corporate headquarters.

“Earlier this year we gave a summary overview of our plans to County officials, who said they liked it, and we are preparing a formal application and bidding out the project, says James Dicks, CEO of the firm.  Construction documents are currently being reviewed for processing, according to Dicks.  

Construction on two office condos is nearing completion at the Center and preparations are underway to start work on a 10,400 square foot multi-tenant spec office building to anchor the development.  

  

Only 3,500 feet from the Central Florida Greeneway (SR 417) University Econ Executive Center affords quick and convenient access to all of Central Florida especially its two International Airports.  Downtown Orlando and Executive Airport are each only 10 minutes away. 

John Kurtz, CCIM of Stirling International Real Estate is marketing the office condos and buildings.  For more information visit https://dixdevelopments.com/econ-executive-centre/

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About DIX Developments LLC

DIX Developments, an award-winning firm that focuses on land acquisition, real estate development and real estate investment has been developing Central Florida real estate for seven generations with creative vision, acquisition strategy, expert due diligence and superior results.

Florida Business Leader Launches New Company, New Website, Audio Book With Inspiration and Wisdom In Time of Crisis

John Crossman

ORLANDO - As Florida and the nation struggle to slowly reopen during the ongoing coronavirus crisis, many families and businesses are struggling with doubts, fear for the future and depression. In this time of crisis, when encouragement and clear thinking are badly needed, one of Florida’s most successful and well known business leaders, John M. Crossman, is on a mission to fill at least some of the void, with inspiration and wisdom gleaned from his decades of experience.

Crossman, author of the best seller and award winning book, Career Killers/Career Builders, has made it available in audio format through Amazon, just launched a web site  www.crossmancb.com and is preparing to resume his speaking engagements. The goal: to inspire and motivate, counsel and coach a new generation of entrepreneurs and leaders in one of the most challenging times in American history.

“I consider myself a servant-leader,” says Crossman, son of the late pastor and noted civil rights advocate, Rev. Kenneth Crossman, and former president of Orlando-based Crossman & Co., one of the Southeast’s leading commercial real estate firms.  Through his new firm and web site, Crossman Career Builders, Crossman says he hopes to shine a light on ways “out of the darkness,” pathways to a future where personal and business success are tightly bound and meaningful.

While his award winning 131-page book is aimed largely at young professionals and college students, many of the lessons and advice gleaned from his years as a rising young executive and entrepreneur are universal, and timeless.

Faith, devotion to friends, family and society, are integral parts woven throughout and explained in concrete examples, lessons distilled from his own life.

Audio books are particularly popular with Millennials and Generation Z, accounting in fact for nearly half of all sales. They often listen in while unwinding, doing chores, exercising, multi-tasking - young adults totally comfortable with modern communication tools.

John Martinez

John Martinez, strategic advisor at Crossman Career Builders, who is helping Crossman with the company website and future speaking engagements, emphasized two major focuses. First, to help young people be successful, personally and professionally, and secondly to encourage and equip veteran executives who may be struggling with family issues, failures, mental health and perhaps success but lack of fulfillment.

“We’ve had those issues,” Martinez said. “By sharing some of our own struggles we are better able to connect with others who may be going thorough dark times of their own.  In today’s environment, the routine and commonplace challenges of the past are compounded tenfold by the Covid-19 coronavirus.  The need is great.” 

Crossman, who has lectured for years in college honors classes, says mentorship and friendship are two proven keys to success. But a third tool in the toolbox can be a lifesaver: “Professional counseling. Don’t shun it,” Crossman says. “Be willing and humble enough to ask for professional help when you need it.”

Dream Finders Homes Opens Three New Model Townhomes at Beacon Lake

ST. AUGUSTINE – Dream Finders Homes recently opened three professionally-decorated models at the Beacon Lake townhome community between Interstate 95 and U.S. Highway 1 in St. Johns County.

The models – the Manatee, Osprey and Coral – range in size from 1,388 to 2,081 square feet and can be built with three to four bedrooms and two or two-and-a-half baths, according to Division President Brad Muston. 

Manatee at Beacon Lake

Prices for the spacious, one- and two-story, maintenance-free townhomes start in the low $200,000s, he said.

“We plan to build 196 townhomes at Beacon Lake all nestled into a 358-acre nature preserve, complete with a 43-acre lake that’s perfect for canoes, paddle boards and other water activities. With its great location and top-rated schools, Beacon Lake really does offer the best of St. Johns County living,” Muston said.

Coral at Beacon Lake

Various recreation, shopping and dining venues are all nearby, but with the 8,200-square-foot Lake House Amenity & Fitness Center, Muston said some residents may never want to leave.

The amenity center includes spin and yoga classes, a fitness room with weights, a culinary studio and demonstration kitchen, and a spacious social room. Outdoor activities at the community include a resort-style pool, tennis courts, a crew house, boardwalk, fire pits, a multi-purpose playing field, and an event lawn, as well as playgrounds, bike racks, a dog park and miles of sidewalks and purposefully-placed parks with “stop-a-while” benches.

For more information visit www.dreamfindershomes.com or call 888-214-1164.

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Hold-Thyssen Lands American Liberty Mortgage Co for New Lease at Phillips Place

Orlando  --- Hold-Thyssen, Inc. – a full service commercial real estate services firm headquartered in Winter Park -- closed on a new multi-year lease agreement with American Liberty Mortgage Inc. at Phillips Place, the upscale office campus at 7575 Dr. Phillips Blvd. in Southwest Orlando. 

Darby Hold, Senior Director for Hold-Thyssen, Inc. brokered the lease of an 800 square foot office suite for relocation of American Liberty’s Orlando branch.  The mortgage firm also has an office in Winter Haven and two in the Denver area.  

Hold negotiated another lease agreement with About Face Ink, LLC.  The permanent makeup and facial salon who has been a tenant at Phillips Place for six years, extended the lease of its suite. 

The tenants were not represented in the transactions.  Hold-Thyssen, Inc. is the leasing and management representative for the 56,000 square foot Phillips Place office building, which is now 95  percent leased.

 

Phillips Place

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About Hold-Thyssen, Inc.

Hold-Thyssen, Inc. provides commercial property brokerage and leasing and management services to institutional and private investor clients nationwide.  The 40-year old firm’s current portfolio includes more that 100 commercial properties throughout the United States.

Lincoln Property Company Returns to Open Tampa Bay Office, CRE Veteran Jon Slater Returns to his Roots to Lead Area Operations

TAMPA BAY / ORLANDO – Lincoln Property Company Southeast (LPC), a full service commercial real estate firm based in Orlando, and developer of that city’s new 28-story SunTrust Tower at Church Street, is establishing a presence again in Tampa Bay.

LPC played a prominent role in Tampa’s office development boom in the 1980s, adding to the landscape such landmarks as The Urban Centre, Lincoln Center, The Pointe (formerly Lincoln Pointe), said Jon Slater, Senior VP of Brokerage Services at the new office.  In Tampa Bay, LPC provides a full spectrum of brokerage services, including occupier representation as well as leasing and management services.  Slater will also be working to identify expansion opportunities for LPC through a mix of acquisition of existing projects and new developments in the Tampa MSA.  “We are looking to add additional brokers and administrative staff,” he said. 

While obtaining an MBA at the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College, Slater initially joined LPC as an intern.  He moved with them to Tampa in 1995, where he remained through 1998.  After a successful 15-year tenure with Savills, Inc. he has returned to LPC to re-establish its full-service brokerage presence in Tampa Bay at 490 1^st Avenue South in downtown St. Petersburg.  “Our return here is very much a coming home for me personally,” Slater said.

“We’re thrilled that Jon has returned. There’s no one better to further our plans for growth again in Tampa Bay,” said Scott Stahley, Executive Vice President of Lincoln Property Company Southeast.

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Hurricane Season on top of Coronavirus Threat Eased By Lake Mary Generator Dealership’s Unique System

LAKE MARY -- More Florida homeowners and businesses have been installing generators in recent years as hurricanes have repeatedly knocked out power to millions. But now the 2020 the threat of the coronavirus has added additional urgency as the hurricane season begins.

James Dicks, CEO of DIX Generators, a Generac brand dealer in central Florida, says his company’s web site has been busy providing automated price estimates for potential residential and commercial businesses.

“We’ve been getting probably 10 to 15 ‘quick quotes’ out per day since March,” Dicks said, adding that the surge is unusual in that “traditionally that doesn’t even hit until the end of May.” The official hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30.

The company’s automated online quote system has been enableling homeowners or business owners to get accurate, customized pricing information without the need to have a person visit the home or office. That’s a definite benefit during the statewide coronavirus stay-at-home-advisory.

“We do have to go to your house for the installation,” Dicks said, “but even then, you don’t need to sign anything, we’ll just do our thing outside your house. So our system speeds up the entire process by weeks or maybe even months, from what the traditional process takes.”

           

About 18 percent of single family homes nationwide have generators, according to a 2015 American Housing Survey, by the U.S. Census Department. In Florida, almost 20 percent of homeowners surveyed had generators, in the 2017 survey. But most of those are smaller units from retailers such as hardware stores. Generac, one of the leading international brands, has larger and more sophisticated units that can handle everything from homes and estates to commercial buildings, with built-in automated safety features.

Dicks said his company, for example, recently installed an emergency generator backup for a 10,000 square foot commercial building in Lake Mary.

DIX Generators, a disabled veteran-owned small business, is bracing for a huge increase in orders before June 1, and Dicks said it typically takes about four to six weeks to install a system, from start to finish.

New HGTV-Inspired Model Expected to Wow Buyers At M/I Homes’ Cadence Park Community in Sanford

SANFORD – M/I Homes has begun construction on its first model – The Sonoma – at its new Cadence Park development near Ronald Reagan Boulevard and U.S. Highway 17-92 in Sanford.

When completed, the eclectic model – which was inspired by HGTV’s “Fixer Upper” show and host Joanna Gaines – will be a blend of styles from updated rustic and farmhouse to vintage and modern, according to David Byrnes, M/I Homes’ Area President.  

With nearly 3,600 square feet of living space and a three-car garage, Byrnes said the company’s popular Sonoma model can be built as a multi-generational home with an optional first-floor owners’ suite, as well as a second-floor suite.

“Construction on the Cadence Park Sonoma began in April and the model should be ready for viewing in June,” he said. “Sales are expected to begin in June as well.”  

Sonoma Model

Homesites in the gated community – a former horse farm with a natural rolling topography and stately trees – are situated among park like monuments and split-rail, equestrian-style fencing. Byrnes said the development’s name actually came from the land’s past life.

“Here, the word cadence speaks to the beauty and harmony of the horse’s tempo and rhythm as it moves,” he said, adding that equestrian-named streets also will be incorporated to extend the equine theme into a community that is designed “like a park.”

Byrnes said four different one- and two-story floor plans at Cadence Park will range in size from 1,758 to nearly 4,700 square feet and consist of from three to five bedrooms, two to five baths and up to a four-car garage. Prices are expected to start at $332,000 and go up to $650,000. Twenty of the 95 homesites are 75-feet wide and offer wooded and wetlands views.

For more information about this release, please visit www.mihomes.com.

Family-Owned Flooring and Roofing Supply Now Open, in Full Operation at New Leesburg Location

LEESBURG / ORLANDO -- Blackton, Inc., one of Central Florida’s largest and most active suppliers of roofing and flooring materials to the homebuilding industry opened a 3rd location in the heart of Leesburg to better serve its builder clients in Lake, Marion and Sumter counties. 

 

Michael “Micky” Blackton, chairman and CEO, said Blackton opened the branch location at 105 Park Center St.  Business hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“This expansion enables us to service current and new customers with greater turnaround time,” he said.   

Blackton has been operating since April out of the new 15,000 square foot facility and a half acre staging area with an initial staff of 18.

Headquartered just north of downtown Orlando with a retail location in southwest Orlando, the family-owned business has been supplying the home building industry from Jacksonville to Tampa since it was founded more than six decades ago.

 (Left to Right) Blackton Inc.’s Jim Martiniza and Clay Weaver reviewing orders for the day at their new Leesburg facility.

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All Constructed and Built out Class A Office Buildings at DIX Development’s Ciara Creek Executive Centre Have Been Sold.

LAKE MARY, Fla. --   DIX Developments, LLC has sold out all constructed and buildout Class A professional office buildings at Ciara Creek Executive Centre within two years of acquisition and transitioning the campus - at 711 Longwood-Lake Mary Road across from the YMCA – into office condominiums.

James Dicks, CEO of the southeastern U.S. investment and development company purchased the 22,500 square foot Class A office development from Stillwater Companies for $1,775,000, with the purpose of adding another 11,700 square feet in four more buildings.
The last two new shell buildings in the $4.5 million development are nearing completion and Dicks said he expects they will be under contract in the next 60-90 days.
The new shell buildings that can be purchased with buyer completing their own buildout or by a turn key build-to-suit arrangement with DIX completing buildout, include one with 2,180 square feet priced at $381,500 and a 2,700 square foot building at $472,500.    John Kurtz of Stirling International Real Estate is heading up sales.
Eight stand-alone buildings ranging from 1,350 to 3,150 square feet of custom finished offices with reception areas, break rooms and copy centers were designed specifically for the needs of small to medium-sized companies, particularly physicians, medical related businesses and service providers, Dicks explained.
“Buyers who are business owners see the significant advantages of owning their own facilities with today’s historically low rates, and investors see the potential of leasing to an investment grade tenant in this exceptional office locale,” he said.
Ciara Creek Executive Centre is one of multiple projects DIX Developments is currently developing throughout Central Florida.  The next one to get underway is University Econ Executive Center an office development the company purchased at the prime signalized intersection of University Blvd. and Econlockhatchee Trail one mile west of SR 417.
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About DIX Developments, LLC
DIX Developments, LLC is a full service real estate company committed to providing quality developments throughout Central Florida. The dedicated team of industry professionals works to create properties that are well positioned, attractive, financially sound, and inclusive of green planning and development,  DIX Developments, LLC provides the highest quality projects by maintaining the strictest attention to detail, and prides itself on being able to manage those details during every phase of the project.