Landers Development

Nick Landers and John Sledge of Landers Development are making the dream of home ownership a reality for residents in Saline County.

Nick Landers, who served as a pharmacist by trade, always had an interest in the construction business. Early on in his career, he became part owner of the local retirement community Fox Ridge. Nick added, “Even after I sold Fox Ridge in 2010, I had the desire to get back into building quality living for the elderly. I am currently one of the partners and also builder of the independent garden homes at Mt. Carmel Community in Hot Springs Village.”

Nick knew he wanted to build quality homes for the community. After 42 years as a pharmacist, Nick decided to invest in the construction business full-time and needed a partner to help with the venture.

John Sledge got his start, as a child, working side by side with his dad. “I love to see the growth happening and new structures being built,” says John. With hands-on experience in construction and in sales, John was approached by Nick to become a partner of Landers Development.

Initially they expected to renovate a few properties and build one or two homes a year, but Landers Development quickly turned out 50 to 60 homes annually. Nick and John credit the growth to the Saline County school system and the proximity to Little Rock. “The Benton and Bryant school systems are great,” explains Nick. “People are wanting to go where the schools are good. We have a lot of new businesses choosing to set roots here and the commute into Little Rock is an easy drive.”

For nearly a decade, Landers Development has provided Saline County residences with dozens of desirable homes in Carmichael Estates, Hunter Crossing and construction of a new project Johnswood Village set to begin in the spring. “Saline County is projected to have an 8,000 population growth within the next ten years,” says Nick. And each new resident will need a place to live.

Each subdivision developed by Landers has distinct characteristics. The latest project, Johnswood Village is a 12.5 acre subdivision that will hold 41 homes. This family-friendly neighborhood boasts easy access to I-30 and is within the Bryant School district.

Named for a Civil War skirmish near Highway 5 in 1864, Hunter Crossing is a gated community on 10 acres with 43 patio-style homes and an outdoor community pavilion for community entertaining.

Each home built by Landers Development has a host of energy efficiencies and upgrades including a tank-less hot water heater, energy-star windows and foam insulation in the rafters and in the garage. “With foam insulation in the rafters and garages, the attic temperature is never more than 10 degrees away from the interior temperature,” says John. “You’ll cut your bills by 40%-50% with energy efficient windows, and moving to tank less hot water heater means you’ll never run out.”

Landers Development homes are also fitted with FEMA-approved safe rooms as well as security systems you can operate by using an iPhone. “After the tornados hit Mayflower in 2014, every house we build, people request a safe room,” explains John.

Even with all of the success of Landers Development, some of their first projects remain among their favorites. “Building the starter-homes in Carmichael Estates and watching the young couples moving in was wonderful,” says Nick. “I enjoy every project,” says John. “Referrals are good for us. For some of our customers we are building their second home.”

Nick and John credit the success of Landers Development to their team. Besides John and Nick, they have an 85-year old bookkeeper, Lillie Snow. Lillie has been doing the books for the Landers family for over 40 years. Leslie Merritt has recently come on board as Marketing Manager, and John’s wife Kelly handles all lighting and interior design needs. “Without these people, we wouldn’t be where we are today” Nick expressed.

For Nick and John, the heart of Landers Development is customer-focused. “We both have a desire to have a surviving business, but it’s not about the money,” explains Nick. We have an interest in creating quality homes and if you meet the people we built for, just about everyone is our friend. We are here if you need us. It’s who we are.”

Landers Development model homes are open for tours on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Hunter Crossing. Call 501-847-4546 or visit www.landersdevelopment.net to schedule an appointment.