Once way ahead of its time, homebuilding franchisor takes risks to evolve

AR Homes could have withered following the death of its visionary founder. Instead, new leadership embraced change without losing touch with the past.

  • By Brian Hartz
  • | 5:00 a.m. May 27, 2022
  • | 0 Free Articles Remaining!
Mark Wemple. AR Homes CEO Jim Rosewater started out as a franchisee of the Clearwater-based company.
Mark Wemple. AR Homes CEO Jim Rosewater started out as a franchisee of the Clearwater-based company.
  • Development
  • Share

Unlike, say, fast food, when you think of the custom homebuilding industry, the term “franchise” isn’t the first descriptor that comes to mind. But Clearwater-based AR Homes by Arthur Rutenberg has thrived as a franchisor for decades, with tens of thousands of home built by franchisees in 10 states, including Florida.

 

Continue reading your article
with a Business Observer subscription.
What's included:
  • ✓ Unlimited digital access to BusinessObserverFL.com
  • ✓ E-Newspaper app, digital replica of print edition
  • ✓ Mailed print newspaper every Friday (optional)
  • ✓ Newsletter of daily business news
Subscribe

Already subscribed? Sign in.

Latest News

  • April 5, 2025
Carnival Cruise Lines offers summer internships to Tampa high schoolers
  • April 5, 2025
Massachusetts restaurant software firm grows Florida presence
  • April 4, 2025
Sarasota youth sailing group seeks funding, approvals for $4.1M project

Sponsored Content