Epcon Communities Franchise is a specialized real estate franchise focused on single-level, low-maintenance homes designed primarily for buyers aged 55 and over. The company was founded in 1986 by Ed Bacome and Phil Fankhauser in Columbus (Dublin), Ohio. Epcon quickly gained recognition for its unique approach to active adult living.

In 1995, Epcon launched its franchise model, operating under Epcon Communities Franchising, Inc.. The company is headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, and offers franchisees access to copyrighted floor plans, comprehensive development systems, marketing tools, and streamlined purchasing support.

Epcon’s business model includes a proven pre-sales system to ensure successful community launches.

The brand has delivered over 30,000 homes across more than 450 communities nationwide. Homes typically range from 1,300 to over 3,000 square feet and feature open layouts, private courtyards, and resort-style amenities.

Homeowners also benefit from HOA-maintained exteriors and landscaping, making Epcon an ideal choice for low-maintenance luxury living.

Training

Epcon Communities Franchising, LLC provides structured training to equip franchisees with the knowledge necessary for developing and managing a residential community project. The training offerings are outlined as follows:

1. Initial Training Program
   Franchisees are required to attend an Initial Training Program prior to launching their project. This program costs between $2,000 and $3,000 and is designed to familiarize franchisees with Epcon’s unique development system, architectural plans, and business procedures. It ensures that the franchisee can apply Epcon's model effectively to their residential development.
2. Ongoing Support Resources
   In addition to the formal training, franchisees have access to proprietary software like BuildTopia, which supports construction and project management. Although use of the software is optional, franchisees choosing to utilize it pay an additional licensing fee. This tool acts as a supplement to the training by providing real-time assistance with operational needs.

Territory Protection

Epcon Communities Franchising, LLC offers defined territory protection to its franchisees through a structured development plan. Upon signing the Franchise Agreement, franchisees are expected to identify and secure a development site within a specified timeframe, during which they hold exclusive rights to develop that community under the Epcon brand.

This exclusivity is maintained as long as the franchisee meets the agreed-upon development milestones, such as entering a land purchase agreement and progressing through due diligence, zoning, and construction stages.

The franchisor ensures that no other Epcon franchise will be authorized within the designated area of a franchisee’s project, provided that the franchisee adheres to the project schedule and performance obligations. This effectively shields the franchisee from internal brand competition within their assigned territory.