Our History
Michael Nader's father, George, was a pioneering Orlando builder who constructed several thousand homes in neighborhoods that have stood the test of time, including Maitland Woods, Rio Pinar, La Floresta and Tuscawilla.
Working for his father, Nader learned valuable lessons about life and business while employed by Nader Construction Company. Most importantly, he learned that while taking shortcuts might temporarily improve the bottom line, customer satisfaction was the key to long-term success. In a 1986 Orlando magazine profile, the elder Nader summed up his philosophy this way: "Our goal is zero defects. I think that is one of the highest compliments that can be paid to a builder - particularly these days - is when a former customer calls me and says, 'My child is ready for you to build him a home.'"
George also taught Michael that his good name was his most important possession. "My father, Michael's grandfather, was a builder in Lebanon before he came to this country," George says. "In America, he went into the retail business. And he always taught me, and I taught Michael, that your name is priceless, and that you never compromise your honesty and integrity."
As George transition out of building and into real estate investments, Michael prepared to launch his own career, building affordable homes in Orange and Lake Counties and enjoying a stunning success in 1997 with Bridgewater Crossing, a 221-lot community in the Polk County city of Davenport.
Bridgewater Crossing, which was owned by Canada-based Cold Springs Communities, had been a slow starter. As a consultant, Michael brought his administrative skills, financial savvy, market knowledge and old-fashioned work ethic to the project and engineered a remarkable turnaround. Subsequently, Michael acquired the Florida assets of Cold Springs Communities and founded Ashland Homes, named for his daughter, Ashlyn.
Although his company is growing by leaps and bounds, Michael, like his dad, understands that it is important to "pay rent" in the community by serving on associations and boards aimed at enhancing professionalism and promoting the value of home ownership.
George was a past president of the Home Builders Association of Mid-Florida and was active in the state and national associations as well. Michael has been a member of the HBA Board of Directors and has served on committees dealing with governmental affairs, finance, development and the Parade of Homes. He has also on the Orange County's Building Board of Adjustments and Appeals and its Affordable Housing Task, as well as Seminole County's Affordable Housing Task force. Community activities include the Future Leaders Council, the Orange County Compact Mentor Program and the American Cancer Society.
Michael and his wife Amy have three children: His oldest, Boyd, Ashyln, and his youngest, Michael Jr. In his spare time, Michael enjoys hunting, fishing, and golfing --- and he's working towards a pilot's license.