The Blueprint of Highland's Culture: Colin Owens, Land Associate III

It takes teamwork and concerted efforts of countless Employee Owners to deliver the quality product and experience Highland Homes is known for providing to our customers. Each Employee Owner involved is important and deserves to be recognized, as they truly are what make Highland Homes’ culture thrive. So with this in mind, our Blueprint of Highland's Culture series aims to provide a glimpse into the Employee Owner experience and what makes Highland Homes a Great Place to Work.

COLIN OWENS

Title: Land Associate III

Years of Service: 2.5 Years

What is your role here at Highland and what do you enjoy most about your role?

I am a Land Associate III. While there are many things to enjoy about this role, I most enjoy helping to plan where the company will be building homes in the future. In the Land Department, we have a unique role in ensuring that we have lots to build on today, tomorrow, and 5+ years from now.

How have you seen Highland Homes Core Values & Guiding Principles impact you personally or others?

Highland's Core Values & Guiding Principles can be seen in everything we do. One of the biggest areas I personally see them in action is through the company's commitment to continuous improvement. No matter how large or small your idea, leadership will listen, and if viable, help you bring it to fruition. I have seen this not only within my own department, but also through new trainings and opportunities that other departments have initiated.

Tell me about your favorite experience of having FUN while working at Highland.

Volunteering with Sleep in Heavenly Peace was an incredibly rewarding experience. The day began with the construction of beds that would later be delivered to children in need. In the afternoon, we distributed the completed beds to various families. The most fulfilling aspect of the day was collaborating with colleagues to make a meaningful impact on the community and witnessing the joy on the faces of the families who received the beds.

What makes Highland Homes different from other employers?

First and foremost, we are a 100% employee-owned company, which means that each team member has a direct influence on the company’s success and its continued growth. Additionally, the culture at Highland is exceptional, as evidenced by the remarkable tenure of our employees. Lastly, what truly sets Highland apart from other employers is the genuine care we show to all stakeholders. Whether it’s our customers or our employees, Highland ensures that everyone feels valued and recognized as an integral part of our mission.

What made you join the Highland Homes team?

As I was getting ready to graduate college, my parents moved to Texas and bought their first Highland home. Shortly after, I was extremely fortunate to network with Highland Homes at a career fair and was quickly enamored with the culture of the company. What impressed me the most was the longevity of their employees and the genuine passion they had for the company. This demonstrated that the organization fosters an exceptional culture where people are eager to work and build long-term careers.

Like learning more about our Employee Owners? We feature a different Employee Owner from a different department each month, so follow Highland Homes on LinkedIn to receive the latest in the Blueprint of Highland Homes series.

Interested in learning how you might join Highland Homes and be a part of an employee owned, award winning homebuilder? Check review and apply to our open opportunities visit the Highland Homes Career Site at highlandhomes.com/contact/careers or reach out to a Highland recruiter to find out more!