You know the drill. Say “real estate” in North Texas and someone will shout “Frisco!” before you can blink. It’s like a reflex at this point. But let’s be honest: the north of Dallas is crowded, overpriced, and has more roundabouts than common sense. So, where does a smart, forward-thinking Texan look to develop?

West, of course.

Horace Greeley famously said, “Go West, young man.” Now, I don’t know if Horace was thinking about Fort Worth at the time, but he was definitely onto something. Every major city in the country seems to have figured this out — growth tends to move west.

Except Kansas City, which is going south. That's probably because they’re trying to get to Texas anyway.

A Deal That Was More BBQ Than Boardroom

We didn’t strike a deal in a skyscraper with suits and spreadsheets. We sat at a small table in the back of a gas station, drank coffee, and talked about what mattered: family, the land, and doing things the right way. I told them flat-out that it would take a few years to monetize fully. But if they trusted us, we’d turn that land into something that honors their past and builds a brighter future.
We put together a deal with a guaranteed floor price so they wouldn’t lose a penny. But here’s the twist: We also gave them a stake in the upside. If this land becomes a thriving community with homes, parks, shops, and schools, they should share in that success.

That’s not just smart business—that’s good Texas values.

Creating a Legacy: 1,000 Acres of Prime Texas Land

It all began with a bold vision — what to do with land that had been in the hands of a “land-family” for generations. This wasn’t just a piece of land; it was a legacy, a cherished asset that carried with it stories of the past and hopes for the future.

The land-family had nurtured and cared for this land for generations, enduring hardship and strife along the way. They had fought Indians to defend their homesteads, confronted outlaws that roamed the unsettled plains, and even battled carpetbaggers who sought to take advantage of a post-war Texas. Through it all, they had kept the land in their family—proud, resilient, and steadfast.
The land-family knew it was time to consider the next chapter for this historic land. But rather than seeking a typical transaction that would only focus on short-term financial gain, they wanted something far more meaningful — a development that would stand the test of time.

They wanted a future for the land that honored their family's history, their hard-won triumphs, and their enduring connection to the land they fought so hard to protect.

As an Aggie (roll your eyes, T-sippers) and a local boy from Plano, I knew the importance of trust and relationships in this kind of deal. Texas is a place where word and handshake mean something, where people take pride in their roots and their word is their bond. I wasn’t just looking for a business opportunity; I was looking to help create something lasting. I knew that the land-family wasn’t interested in a quick, impersonal transaction. They needed to hear the truth. I made sure to sit down with them and explain exactly what we were trying to do, what our vision for the land was, and most importantly, why we needed time to do it right. And it took a few years to get them comfortable with our group.

Telling them the truth — honestly, openly — helped solidify the deal. I wasn’t there to sell them anything. I was there to work alongside them, honoring their legacy and ensuring that we all created something that could be cherished for generations. We needed time to craft the vision, to plan the development, and to make sure the land-family would benefit from the full upside of a master-planned community. That time wasn’t a luxury; it was necessary to do things the right way.

No Rush. No Fuss. Just Real Planning.

Unlike the “build-it-yesterday” approach in other parts of DFW, we take our time. Two to three years to fully entitle, plan, and prepare the land. That’s not a delay – it’s a strategy. You don’t slap together a legacy. You craft it, like a good brisket. Low and slow, my friend.

And we’ve got the A-team for it: lawyers who build utilities, engineers who actually listen, architects who understand Texas heat, and land planners who don’t think every development has to look like a grid of matchbox-sized lots.

An Upside Built on Partnership and Shared Success

One of the key elements of this deal is the land-family’s carried interest in the commercial and retail portions of the land. This will ensure that they not only received the guaranteed base price but would also participate in the growth and success of the commercial side of the development. It was a partnership built on trust and mutual benefit, where the land-family had a true stake in the project’s future.

Ultimately, this deal isn’t about simply flipping land for a quick return. It is about creating a legacy — a development that would be cherished by the land-family and the community for generations. With the peace of mind that comes from knowing they had a guaranteed floor price and the potential for real upside, the land-family can look forward to a future where their land will evolve into a thriving, sustainable community.

When the Market's Ready, We’ll Be Ready

Once we’re through the planning phase, we’ll open the doors to top-tier developers. But if the market isn’t quite right? No problem. We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and build the residential side ourselves. This isn’t a gamble — it’s a long game. And we’ve got the patience (and the capital) to play it right.

The land-family’s not just watching from the sidelines, either. They’ve developed an interest in the commercial and retail parts of the development. That means they benefit from the upside — because you should never be left out of the barbecue you helped smoke.

Not Frisco. Better.

So no, this isn’t happening in Frisco. Or Prosper. Or Celina.

And that’s the whole point.

While folks are climbing over each other for the last 35’ wide lot north of 380, we’re out west, building something smarter, bigger, more sustainable, and more Texan.

You may not have heard of Maypearl, Godley, Aledo, or Weatherford yet. But you will. And with a little luck and a lot of grit, our new town is going to earn its place on that list. One honest handshake at a time.