AR Homes

AR Homes, formerly Arthur Rutenberg Homes,[1] is one of America's largest network of independently owned and operated custom homebuilding companies.[2] Currently, there are over 40 AR Homes franchises in 10 states. The network operates fully-furnished model homes which are available to tour daily.

The franchisor's home office is located in Clearwater, Florida. Top executives include Barry Rutenberg, Chairman Emeritus; Jim Rosewater, Chief Executive Officer;[3] and Don Whetro, Chief Operations Officer.[4] The franchisor employs associates in several departments including Design, Interior Design, IT, Marketing, Purchasing and Accounting.

In 1953, founder Arthur Rutenberg moved from Chicago to Florida at age 26 and started his business with one house under the brand name Rutenberg Homes. In 1978, he sold his first franchise.[5] In 1986, Professional Builder magazine named Arthur Rutenberg "National Builder of the Year". In 1993, Builder magazine named Rutenberg a "Legend of Residential Marketing". In 1996, Rutenberg was inducted into the Florida Housing Hall of Fame, and in 2008, was quoted as an expert on the housing industry slump in the Saint Petersburg Times,[6] the Sarasota Herald-Tribune,[7] and the Orlando Sentinel. Both the Sentinel and Tampa Bay Home Seeker have called Rutenberg a "legendary builder."[8] The Tampa Bay Business Journal recognized Arthur Rutenberg Homes as one of 2013's Top 100 Fastest Growing Companies in Florida.[9]

Founder Arthur Rutenberg died on March 29, 2017.[10]

References

  1. ^ "Arthur Rutenberg Homes becomes AR Homes", Builder, October 3, 2019
  2. ^ "Luxury Custom-Built Homes | AR Homes by Arthur Rutenberg". AR Homes by Arthur Rutenberg. Retrieved 2021-06-09.
  3. ^ "New CEO Takes the Helm of Arthur Rutenberg Homes". www.builderonline.com. September 11, 2019. Retrieved 2021-06-09.
  4. ^ Homes, A. R. "AR Homes Executive Team Expands". www.prnewswire.com (Press release). Retrieved 2021-06-09.
  5. ^ "Orlando Sentinel 2008". Archived from the original on 2008-05-04. Retrieved 2008-05-16.
  6. ^ Thorner, James (February 21, 2008). "Housing historian Rutenberg provides perspective". Saint Petersburg Times.
  7. ^ Frater, Stephen (February 25, 2008). "A long perspective on Florida home building". Sarasota Herald Tribune.
  8. ^ Dolan, Beth (November 25, 2007). "Arthur Rutenberg Homes settles in at Southern Hills". Tampa Bay Times. Times Publishing Inc. Archived from the original on December 10, 2017. Retrieved December 9, 2017.
  9. ^ Holan, Mark (September 20, 2013). "No. 48: Diversification pays off for Arthur Rutenberg". Tampa Bay Business Journal.
  10. ^ Martin, Susan Taylor (March 31, 2017). "Homebuilder legend Arthur Rutenberg dead at 89". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on March 31, 2017.