We Build on our Heritage-Our Traditions
Forty years can be forever in the construction industry. In our case, it spans two generations of a local family determined to help its community fulfill the American dream-home ownership. Our first company was Dragas Mortgage Company, founded in 1968 by George Dragas, a first generation American and son of Greek immigrants who believed owning a home was an integral part of the American dream. A few years later George formed a partnership with his brother Mark to develop and build reasonably-priced, attractive communities.
From the start, the Dragas brothers believed that providing value would build their business and their reputation. They were right. The Dragas name became associated with its quality products. Soon the company was recognized for its integrity, its innovation, and its commitment to excellence-long before excellence was «in vogue» in business.
Those traditions continue today under a second generation of Dragas leadership-George's daughter Helen E. Dragas. Helen began learning about the business and her family's emphasis on value at the family dinner table. By the age of 13 she had her first «official» position with the company-marketing agent. During many summers and school breaks she visited homeowners door-to-door. Even as a teenager, Helen knew that understanding the Dragas customer would always be important.
Over the years Helen has worn many hats for the family's business; in 1996 she followed her father's footsteps and was named President and Chief Executive Officer. With the benefit of years with the company in many different positions, she has fine-tuned the company's vision, all the while still bringing value to customers. She proudly continues the Dragas family tradition, building relationships with homeowners, employees, government officials, and industry professionals. Under Helen's leadership The Dragas Companies has received dozens of civic, government and industry awards, including the prestigious «Lee Evans Award for Building Management Excellence» from the National Association of Homebuilders and Builder Magazine.
