S1Ep105 From HOA Management to Production Homebuilding: Stephen Connor’s Straight Talk on Scaling Smart

Volume building isn't just about stacking houses fast. It's about staying lean, sharp, and structured. And Stephen Connor gets that—because he’s living it.

In this episode of Builder Straight Talk, we sit down with Stephen Connor, co-owner of Stephen Elliott Homes, a production builder working across the Atlanta metro. They’re putting up 150 to 200 homes a year, serving first-time and move-up buyers with value-driven homes in high-demand markets. But this isn’t a legacy story. Stephen didn’t grow up swinging a hammer every day—he came up through HOA and property management, built and sold companies, and eventually partnered with his dad to scale something bigger.

“We don't do custom. We're not pretending to be that. But we build a product people are proud to live in.”

Stephen breaks down what it really takes to make production building work in a market where land is scarce, costs are climbing, and buyers are getting squeezed. He talks about:

• How his dad’s old-school concrete roots and his own business background made for a strong operational team

• What it means to manage cost without cutting corners

• Why scope clarity with subs is non-negotiable if you want to protect margins

• Their land play—developing raw dirt themselves when lot prices get out of control

• How they're raising capital to reduce financing costs and scale smarter

Stephen also opens up about their approach to BTR (build-to-rent), why they stick to pre-set plans with minimal client customization, and how they keep buyers looped in from pre-sale to walkthrough with a dedicated third-party sales team.

“My dad still signs every paper check by hand. That’s how serious we are about cost control.”

This episode isn’t about shiny tech or hype strategies. It’s about knowing your numbers, keeping things tight, and building a business that can bend with the market instead of breaking. Stephen shares candid insight into working with family, raising four kids, and building a legacy—one home, one deal, one hard-earned lesson at a time.

Watch the full episode on YouTube or stream it on your favorite podcast platform.

About Stephen Connor
Stephen is a partner at Stephen Elliott Homes, a production homebuilder based in Atlanta, Georgia. Before stepping into the homebuilding world full-time, he built and sold a successful HOA management business and launched several companies serving community associations. Now, he brings his operational chops to the field—partnering with his father to build homes that blend function, price, and smart business fundamentals.

To learn more about their homes and how they operate, visit StephenElliottHomes.com.

About Michael Krisa
Michael Krisa is the host and producer of the Builder Straight Talk Podcast, where he shares expert interviews and real solutions to the U.S. housing shortage. With a background in SEO, video marketing, and real estate, Michael leverages his experience to deliver unfiltered insights into the building industry. His mission is to help builders navigate challenges and succeed by providing practical strategies and stories from those who have been in the trenches.​

Through Builder Straight Talk, Michael offers a platform for builders, contractors, and tradespeople to share their journeys, lessons learned, and strategies for growth. His straight-talking, casual but credible approach resonates with a no-nonsense, practical-minded audience seeking to scale their businesses and fund more projects.