Located in North Carolina’s Lee County, Contender is proud to highlight Ashby Village, our new residential community in Sanford, NC. Construction of this 350 lot community is underway! Known for its thriving downtown district and relaxing Depot Park, Sanford – home of Bluegrass 365 – offers an eclectic array of family-friendly activities. Check out the Mural Art Trail, the Sanford Farmer’s Market and golfing at nearby Carolina Trace and Quail Ridge. With varied D.R. Horton floor plans to choose from, Ashby Village proves to be a quality community to call home. For more information, check out the Contender Development website for more news about Contender’s many projects under development in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

Located in Gaffney, SC, the self-proclaimed “Peach Capital of South Carolina,” the Fox Creek residential community is under construction. Once completed, this 725 lot community will make a significant impact on the growing need for housing in Cherokee County. Community amenities include a playground, pool, and pickleball and volleyball courts. Adjacent to the Gaffney Outlet Marketplace, Cherokee Speedway, and the Cowpens National Battlefield, this ever-expanding area of the Upstate is known for its historical places, beautiful nature spots and lake fishing. For more information, check out the Contender Development website for more news about Contender’s many projects under development in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

Donald R. “D.R.” Horton, founder of the nation’s leading homebuilding company, D.R. Horton, Inc., has passed away. Contender CEO and Co-Chairman Ford Elliott shares, “Contender and D.R. Horton have shared many successful years as industry partners pioneering in land development. D.R. epitomized the entrepreneurial spirit, backed with the extensive knowledge and business acumen to create a legacy in the homebuilding arena. Knowing D.R. personally, I can attest to the fact that he was a man of great character, commitment and compassion. We at Contender wish David Auld all the best in his new role as Executive Chairman as he leads the company forward." Shown left to right: Josh Howard, Contender's President and Chief Legal Officer; D.R. Horton; and Ford Elliott, Contender's CEO and Co-Chairman

Baxter Village, located in Boiling Springs, South Carolina, is a 550-lot community offering both single family and townhome lots by builder D.R. Horton. Amenities for this subdivision include an outdoor pavilion with covered fireplace, pool and clubhouse. Just 30 minutes from downtown Greenville and the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport and 15 minutes from Spartanburg, Baxter Village is a great location to call home! Lot sales are anticipated to begin this fall. Check out the Contender Development website for more news about Contender and our many projects under development in the Upstate!

Emerging leader, Ford Elliott, currently serves as partner in Blackstream Christie’s International Real Estate, based in Greenville, S.C. He founded Blackstream in 2009 with just three team members. In only 13 years he has built... Full Article by RealTrends.com

Creating next-generation real estate at the highest level. Ford Elliott, Chief Executive Officer of Contender Development and Chairman of Blackstream, is a veteran real estate developer and entrepreneur with over 17 years’ experience in development, construction, investment, business acquisitions, and running multiple successful businesses. At the heart of his business, Ford prioritizes people, partnerships, and projects. Contender, is the Southeast’s premier real estate development firm headquartered in Greenville, SC with projects throughout North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. A development company focused on land development, hotels, and restaurants; Contender represents a combined experience of 50+ years. In his mid-20’s, Ford Elliott had a vision for building a real estate company based on integrity, expertise, and exceptional client services. A licensed general contractor and real estate broker, he began with just three members on his team. That number has now grown to over 200 team members. He may have envisioned what his future would look like, but even he was amazed with the growth and prestige the firm has enjoyed in little over a decade in business – becoming one of the most elite real estate firms in the Carolinas. Ford credits this success to his team and to the simple principle of doing the right thing, day in and day out. Since 2009, Blackstream, the real estate brokerage and property management firm, has grown to include five offices with $670 million in sales volume in 2021. Also in 2021, Blackstream’s partnership with Christie’s International Real Estate was so successful that Blackstream was named Christie’s International Real Estate Small Market Affiliate of the Year. In addition to these accomplishments, SVN | Blackstream finished as one of the Top 10 offices in the country among 220 offices worldwide. And, in his hometown of Greenville, SC, SVN | Blackstream was recently named Best in Business for Commercial Real Estate in 2022 by Greenville Business Magazine. “Ford is partnership focused and driven. His partners and those relationships mean everything to him and you can see it in all aspects of his business and personal relationships. He knows that it takes great partnerships to build great companies and he has done that time and again in building Blackstream and our family of companies.” ~ Josh Howard, President of Contender Development, Inc. and SVP and General Counsel of Blackstream. Part of Ford’s success is his ability to envision the possibilities for people, partnerships and projects. He saw opportunities and had the courage to bring on local and national partnerships that brought these opportunities to fruition. Now, with over $1 billion in active real estate development projects in 2022, Ford is one of the largest developers in the Carolinas. His projects include 35 residential communities, 6 Marriott hotels, 5 apartment developments, 3 storage facilities, 1 auto dealership and 17 restaurants. Through various entities, Ford and his partners own and control approximately 4,000 acres of land in the Southeast. In 17 years, Ford has completed a wide array of development, redevelopment, and acquisitions throughout his career. Ford Elliott lives his values and passion in everything he does. His leadership begins with envisioning the best in the people and places his business touches. It builds with his accountability, flexibility, and dedication to innovation. Ford understands that intentional change can make a company powerful and responsive. He strongly believes in collaboration to bring his projects to fruition by choosing partnerships that share the same commitment to integrity and values that he puts forth in his businesses. Most importantly, Ford enjoys being a husband to his wife, Hillary, and a father to their five children, Jolie, Wells, Crew, Lleyton and Carlen. Congratulations, Ford Elliott, on being named one of the 50 Most Influential Recipients for 2022 by Greenville Business Magazine. Original Article by Greenville Business Magazine.

Ford Elliott, the Chief Executive Officer of Contender® Development, is a veteran real estate developer and entrepreneur with over 18 years of experience in development, construction, acquisitions, and successfully running multiple operating businesses. He has earned recognition as one of the 50 Most Influential People in Business for 2023 by Greenville Business Magazine. This accolade underscores his visionary leadership within the real estate sector. Over the course of 18 years, Ford has founded his enterprises on core principles that prioritize people, foster partnerships, and initiate impactful projects. This legacy of innovation and excellence has left an indelible mark on the Southeast’s real estate landscape. The key question to explore is how Ford’s unwavering commitment to these principles has propelled him to remarkable achievements, and what future endeavors he intends to pursue to advance both his businesses and the broader community. Ford’s journey commenced with a clear vision: the creation of a real estate firm founded on principles of integrity, expertise, and unparalleled client service. Initially starting as a licensed general contractor and real estate broker with a small but dedicated team, Ford’s Blackstream Christie’s International Real Estate, SVN Blackstream, and Contender have now evolved into prominent players in commercial and residential real estate development, boasting extensive projects across the Carolinas and beyond. What sets Ford Elliott apart is his vision to transform real estate into a new era by diversifying into various sectors with industry partners including Marriott, Hilton, DR Horton, Lennar, NVR, Meritage Homes, Public Storage, Ford, Chevrolet, Crystal Lagoons, Christie’s International Real Estate and SVN, encompassing commercial and residential properties, land and community development and more. By expanding his business and influence, he ensures resilience against economic fluctuations and market conditions. All of Ford’s enterprises share a common foundation built upon the four pillars of real estate: 1. Empowering People: Ford prioritizes nurturing and developing top talent to tackle future challenges. 2. Raising Industry Standards: He leads the real estate industry by upholding integrity and professionalism in every transaction. 3. Creating a Culture of Service: Ford redefines client experiences with meticulous attention to detail and personalized excellence. 4. Positive Community Impact: He fosters a spirit of giving back and sustainable development in the communities where his businesses operate. Speaking about the remarkable growth of the companies in which Ford is deeply engaged and their profound impact on the landscape of development throughout the Carolinas, Alex Dmyterko expressed, “We’re not just witnessing growth; we’re riding the crest of a transformative wave that’s sweeping across the Carolinas.” This statement underscores the dynamic and pivotal role that Ford’s visionary leadership and his enterprises play in reshaping the real estate and development arena across the region. The term “transformative wave” captures the essence of the profound changes occurring as a result of their innovative projects and forwardthinking approach, which extend well beyond conventional development practices. This wave is characterized by an infusion of fresh ideas, sustainable practices, and community-centric initiatives that are leaving a lasting imprint on the Southeast’s urban and suburban landscapes. "We’re not just witnessing growth; we’re riding the crest of a transformative wave that’s sweeping across the Carolinas." - Alex Dmyterko In essence, Alex Dmyterko’s words highlight the fact that the impact of Ford Elliott’s ventures isn’t limited to mere growth; it represents a sea of change in how real estate and development are approached and executed in the Carolinas. It’s a wave of progress, creativity, and positive influence that promises to reshape the region for years to come. Furthermore, Ford’s commitment to community involvement, including support for non-profit organizations and community enrichment, is a fundamental aspect of his business philosophy. His adaptability in response to market changes and his ability to revise business models contribute to his influential status. The synergy of professional excellence and community betterment defines Ford Elliott’s impact on the business world. Looking ahead, Ford is well-positioned to continue his trajectory of success with a clear vision for expansion and innovation. With over $1.25 billion in active projects, including prominent developments such as Marriott hotels and residential communities, Ford’s next phase of growth involves harnessing technology, enhancing training programs, and fostering collaborations that align with his core values of integrity and excellence. Ultimately, Ford’s goal is to be America’s premier community developer!

"I’ve realized that a good culture is not about who you’re related to or which country club you belong to – Commercial real estate can sometimes be overly about connections and that kind of thing. But at the end of the day, I built Blackstream and Contender more on hard work and results" - Ford Elliott

Groundbreaking News! Contender announces a new subdivision has broken ground in Anderson, South Carolina, adjacent to TL Hanna High School. Harriett Circle, located at McConnell Spring Road and Harriett Circle, will feature 132 single family residences built by our industry partners at Lennar Homes. More information on lot sales coming soon!

Actively selling now in Greer, South Carolina, Highland Colony Estates is a new community of single-family homes convenient to local shopping, entertainment and dining in Greenville, Greer and Simpsonville. Adjacent to the MeSA Soccer Complex and a short drive to the Reedy River, this Lennar community offers several move-in-ready floor plans. Check out the Contender Development website for more news about Contender and our many projects under development in the Upstate. NEWS | Contender Development

Welcome to Lakestone, another new Contender project in Woodruff, South Carolina. This community of 401 single family homes is strategically located with access to both I-85 and I-385 and is convenient to Greenville, Spartanburg and Woodruff! Builder D.R. Horton offers a variety of floorplans to choose from and a luxurious community pool amenity as well. Models are open! Check out the Contender Development website for more news about Contender and our many projects under development in the Upstate. https://www.contenderdevelopment.com

Phase 1 is selling fast! Located in Fountain Inn, South Carolina, Wexford Park boasts a 311-lot residential subdivision consisting of 187 single family lots and 124 townhomes, once all phases are complete. Meritage has done it again. Beautiful homes in a great location. Model homes at Wexford Park are open. Check out our website for more news about Contender and active developments.