Experience Matters: Tenure in Our Sales Department

At American Legend Homes, we believe a great home is built on more than quality materials, thoughtful design, and beautiful finishes. It’s built on experience, relationships, trust, and a genuine commitment to doing the right thing.

For our homeowners, that commitment starts with the people who guide them through one of life’s biggest decisions. Our Sales Team bring decades of combined experience to the homebuying journey—and that experience makes a difference.

We recently sat down with several of our long-tenured sales associates—Elizabeth Berglund, Greg Cook, Luanne Schaeffer, Erika Klingenberg, and Melissa Hopkins—to talk about what has kept them at American Legend Homes, what they’ve learned along the way, and why they still love helping families find a place to call home.

^{_{A Career Built on More Than Just Years}}

Between them, this group represents decades of experience in the homebuilding industry and many years with American Legend Homes. Elizabeth has been with American Legend for 19 years. Greg joined the company in February 2010, while Luanne has been part of the team for 14 years. Erika celebrated 15 years with American Legend Homes on June 1, 2026, and Melissa brings 28 years of experience in the industry, including 14.5 years with American Legend.

So, what has kept them here for so long? For Greg, it comes down to two things: “The brand and a culture of doing the right thing.” Luanne says believing in the product she represents makes her work especially fulfilling. Erika points to the quality of the homes and the culture of the company. “I’m proud to represent a builder that truly cares about doing things the right way—for both our homeowners and our employees,” she says.

That common thread—doing what’s right—comes up again and again when they describe their careers.

^{Growing Without Losing What Matters}

American Legend Homes has changed significantly over the years. The company has grown, communities have expanded, and the homebuilding industry itself has evolved. But according to our longtime team members, some of the things that matter most have remained exactly the same.

Erika remembers interviewing with the company 15 years ago, when there wasn’t even a receptionist at the front desk. She rang the doorbell and was personally greeted by then-President Kevin Egan and Land Manager Forrest Hartley.

“Since then, we’ve grown tremendously,” she says, “but what has never changed is the accessibility of our leadership and the family atmosphere that makes this such a special place to work.”

Melissa has watched the company grow while still remaining focused on the fundamentals: building quality homes and putting customers first.

That balance is part of what makes American Legend unique. We continue to grow and innovate while staying grounded in the values that have shaped the company from the beginning.

^{What Makes American Legend Homes Different?}

Ask our team what sets American Legend apart, and you’ll hear several different answers—but they all point to the same philosophy. It starts with our people.

Elizabeth highlights our tenured employees, exceptional quality, customer-first approach, and strong communication. Greg points to the fact that American Legend is privately owned by the Bright family and employee-owned, giving the company the ability to remain competitive while maintaining the flexibility to make changes that better serve buyers.

For Luanne, being privately owned allows American Legend to focus on the individual needs of each buyer. “It’s not just about hitting sales targets or margins—it’s about creating homes that truly fit our buyers’ lives,” she says. Erika describes the company as offering the efficiencies of a production builder while still giving buyers opportunities to personalize their homes. 

And Melissa puts it simply: “We build beautiful homes, but we also build relationships.” She acknowledges that no company—or person—is perfect. What matters is the commitment to keep learning, solving problems, and doing the right thing.

^{The Lesson That Guides Everything}

If there is one lesson these team members consistently carry with them, it’s simple:

Do the right thing.

Elizabeth’s answer is exactly that: “Always do the right thing!”

Greg says, “Be fair and honest always.”

Luanne agrees that doing what’s right has been a guiding principle throughout her career. For Erika, that philosophy also means looking beyond the surface and understanding what a buyer really needs. She often asks the “why” behind the “why.” For example, if a buyer says they want an inventory home because they don’t want to wait, Erika digs deeper. Maybe they just sold their current home. Maybe they need to relocate quickly. Maybe they believe building a home will be too complicated. Understanding the reason behind the request allows her to provide better guidance and help the buyer make the decision that is truly right for them.

That is what experience looks like in action. And that experience allows our buyers to truly put their trust in us as we guide and build their dream home. You know that when you partner with us as a builder, you're backed by countless members of our team who know the ins and outs of all that it takes to craft a great home.

^{Experience Turns a Salesperson Into a Trusted Advisor}

Over the years, these team members have helped thousands of families navigate the homebuying process. Elizabeth estimates she has helped approximately 2,000 families purchase a home. Greg has helped well over 1,500. Erika estimates approximately 600 families during her 15 years with American Legend, while Melissa says she has honestly lost count!

Behind every number is a family, a story, and a major life milestone. And that’s why experience matters. “Experience brings knowledge, credibility, and perspective,” Elizabeth explains. “Customers need a trusted advisor that can help them navigate the challenges and help them make the best choices.”

Greg says his experience allows him to think less like a salesperson and more like a trusted advisor. "I try very hard to help folks not make the mistakes I made when building my home,” he says.

For Luanne, experience means being able to anticipate a buyer’s needs and help them feel comfortable and confident throughout the process.

Erika compares her role to being the captain of an airplane. Buyers know where they want to end up, but they may not know the route to get there. “I’ve made that journey many times before,” she says, “so I can confidently guide them through every step of the process.”

Melissa agrees that experience helps her anticipate questions, identify potential challenges, and make the process feel more manageable. “Experience also means I know which bumps in the road are speed bumps and which ones need attention,” she says.

That perspective can make all the difference when navigating a process as significant as building a home.

Listening Is at the Heart of Serving Homebuyers

Buying or building a home is a deeply personal experience. Every buyer has different priorities, circumstances, concerns, and dreams. That’s why listening is so important. Luanne emphasizes the importance of patience and empathy—truly understanding and respecting each homeowner’s individual needs and feelings. Erika says the most important thing is to listen and communicate clearly and consistently, using the method each buyer prefers.

Melissa knows that the reason someone chooses a home isn’t always what you might expect. “Buying a home is emotional,” she says. “Sometimes people fall in love with a kitchen, sometimes it’s the closet…and sometimes it’s because the dog claims the backyard.” Her job is to listen and help find the right fit.

^{Advice From Decades of Experience}

When asked what advice they would give someone building a new home, our team had plenty to share.

Trust the process.
Elizabeth and Melissa both emphasize trusting the process and leaning on the experience of the team around you.

Ask questions.
Melissa’s advice is simple: “Ask every question!” Erika agrees. There are no bad questions when you’re making a major investment.

Do your homework.
Erika encourages buyers to talk with homeowners who have already built with the builder—especially homeowners in the neighborhood they are considering. Their experiences as well can provide valuable insight.

Remember that no home is perfect.
Greg reminds buyers that there are no perfect builders, while Erika encourages buyers to focus on finding the home that best fits their lifestyle, priorities, and future goals.

Enjoy the journey.
For Luanne, building a home should be fun. It’s a unique experience, and finding joy in each step can make the journey even more rewarding.

And perhaps most importantly, Luanne reminds buyers that our commitment as a builder doesn’t end when the keys are handed over. The relationship continues long after move-in day.

^{Why We Still Love What We Do}

After all these years, what keeps these team members motivated? For Elizabeth, it’s the opportunity to help families achieve the dream of homeownership. Greg still gets energized by matching buyers with the right home for them. Luanne loves watching people’s dreams become reality. Erika finds inspiration in watching an empty piece of land transform into a thriving community where families create memories and build their futures.

And Melissa’s answer captures the spirit of a career in homebuilding perfectly:

“It never gets boring!”

Perhaps the most rewarding part is knowing that the work extends far beyond the transaction.

“A home is where lasting memories and legends are made,” Greg says.

Elizabeth sees it similarly: she’s helping create the place where some of life’s most important memories will happen. For Luanne, it’s the excitement of watching a home come together—from the first foundation to the final walkthrough.

And Melissa knows that home is where life happens. It’s where families begin new chapters, build memories, celebrate milestones, and create a place that is truly their own.

One Question. One Team.

Ask our team to describe American Legend Homes in one word, and you’ll hear dedicated, determination, care, and resilient. Different words, but the same underlying message. Our people care about what they do. They care about the homes they build. They care about the families they serve. They care about their coworkers and realtor partners. And they care about doing the next right thing.

After decades in the industry and thousands of families served, that commitment remains at the heart of American Legend Homes. Because experience isn’t simply about how long you’ve been doing something.

Experience is knowing how to listen. Knowing how to anticipate. Knowing how to solve problems. Knowing when to guide and when to step back. And most importantly, knowing that every family deserves a homebuilding experience they can feel confident about.

That’s the kind of experience we’re proud to bring to every American Legend home.