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Updated RecentlyEpcon Communities vs AR Homes by Arthur Rutenberg Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Epcon Communities vs AR Homes by Arthur Rutenberg including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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| Investment | $887,200 - $4,569,000 | $360,000 - $637,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $50,000 | $50,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 1% to 2% | 2%-4.25% |
| Advertising Fee | $500/ month | - |
| Year Founded | 1986 | 1953 |
| Year Franchised | 1995 | 1978 |
| Term Of Agreement | Completion of 1 market area | - |
| Term Of Agreement | Completion of 1 market area | - |
| Renewal Fee | $25000 | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
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| Experience | - | |
Financing Options |
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| In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
| Franchise Fees | No/No | -/- |
| Start-up Costs | No/No | -/- |
| Equipment | No/No | -/- |
| Inventory | No/No | -/- |
| Receivables | No/No | -/- |
| Payroll | No/No | -/- |
Training & Support |
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| Training | Available at headquarters | - |
| Support | Toll-free phone line, field consultants, Intranet, marketing, training | - |
| Marketing | Marketing plans, materials, field support | - |
| Operations |
Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 4 Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators) | - |
Expansion Plans |
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| US Expansion | - | Yes |
| Canada Expansion | No | - |
| International Expansion | Yes | - |
Company Overviews
About Epcon Communities
In 1986, Philip Fankhauser and Edward Bacome founded Epcon Homes & Communities in Columbus, OH when they built their first residential community. Three years later, a local builder who wanted to utilize their successful design and floor plans for a community in a nearby city approached the duo. The partners were hesitant to license their already proven system out to other builders and, at the time, had little interest in expanding outside of the Columbus market.
However, their designs and floor plans became so widely popular that others also soon came calling, seeking to build an Epcon Homes & Communities-style development in neighboring cities or in outlying areas of Ohio. Fankhauser and Bacome finally granted the first license to use their successful construction plans and the franchising concept was born. The company began franchising in 1995 and has not looked back.
Epcon Communities and its franchisees built over 25,000 homes and established franchises in 30 states.
Epcon is seeking new franchise units throughout the U.S.
Epcon's long-term goal is to expand into all 50 states, Canada and Central America.
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About AR Homes by Arthur Rutenberg
Since 1953, AR Homes has designed and built extraordinary custom homes for discerning clientele who desire personalized and unique homes that meet their families’ specific lifestyles and needs. While much has changed over the years, our values, craftsmanship, and desire to perfect the custom home building experience continue to guide us today.