In line with its stated goals during its year-end earnings call, Tri Pointe Homes is expanding its footprint in the Southeast.

The home builder, ranked 17th on the 2023 Builder 100 list, is opening new divisions in Orlando, Florida, and the coastal Carolinas. The coastal Carolinas division will be located near Charleston, South Carolina, and will build on the company’s existing presence in the Raleigh and Charlotte markets in North Carolina.

During the company’s fourth quarter 2023 earnings call, CEO Doug Bauer said Tri Pointe was “actively looking for growth in the Southeast by expanding our footprint in the coastal Carolinas and Florida markets” and shared a stated goal of 30% delivery volume growth in the Carolinas over the next two years.

The new divisions represent a second geographic expansion in the past year for Tri Pointe Homes. The home builder opened a Utah division in the greater Salt Lake City metro area in September 2023.

“In our examination of the coastal Carolinas and Florida housing markets, we have identified compelling opportunities for development,” Bauer said. “We analyze the dynamics of each potential market to align our approach with local needs.”

The new divisions reflect the execution of Tri Pointe Homes’ strategic plan of growing its business organically in the top 25 home building markets in the United States. South Carolina and Florida represent two of the fastest-growing states, according to Census data, growing their populations by 1.7% and 1.6%, respectively, in 2023. The builder says strong housing demand and diverse economies in both states provide “fertile ground” for Tri Pointe Homes to target premium entry-level and move-up housing demand with its premium lifestyle brand.

“Strategic expansion is not just about building homes, but fostering communities where people can thrive,” Bauer said. “The population growth, the increase in household formations, and diverse economic landscapes in these regions highlight a clear demand for our unique brand of premium lifestyle-oriented homes.”

Tri Pointe Homes has named Joel Underwood as division president for the new Orlando division, while Ali Heavener will serve as division president for the coastal Carolinas. Underwood joins the company from Taylor Morrison, while Heavener most recently worked with Lennar. The builder says Underwood’s career has included the management of 5,200-unit master-planned communities and improving operational efficiencies and financial performance. Tri Pointe said Heavener’s “deep-rooted understanding” of the coastal Carolinas market uniquely positions her as the new division’s president.

“Joel and Ali are precisely the leaders we need to launch and grow our new divisions in Orland and the coastal Carolinas,” Tom Mithcell, Tri Pointe Homes chief operating officer and president, said. “Both Joel and Ali are visionaries who embody our core values of humility, empowerment, authenticity, results, and teamwork. Their experience and ability to forge key relationships make them indispensable as we work together in these booming markets. Our commitment is to not only meet the increasing housing demand, but also to enrich these communities, ensuring Tri Pointe Homes becomes a hallmark of quality and innovation in Florida and the coastal Carolinas for years to come.”