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s the bell rang on the New York Stock Exchange floor, John Rausch's family gathered around him, including his grandfather Buddy Coleman, a man who had built his first house at 19. This moment marked the culmination of Rausch Coleman Homes' remarkable journey, with the company being sold to Lennar Corp. for over $1 billion.

    Rausch Coleman Homes was no ordinary homebuilder - it was the nation's 21st largest, constructing 5,000 homes annually across seven states. The company's roots ran deep, dating back to Buddy Coleman's first house in 1955. John Rausch, now 40, had grown up watching his grandfather build businesses and lives. He learned valuable lessons about work ethic, people skills, and the importance of giving others opportunities.

    As a teenager, Rausch started working with his grandfather on building homes. After graduating from Southern Methodist University in 2006 with a real estate finance degree, he took over as chairman and CEO at just 30 years old. The recession that followed tested their resolve but ultimately shaped their business approach.

    Rausch's success can be attributed to staying true to the company's mission: improving lives one home at a time while honoring God through integrity and excellence. He credits faith-based companies like Hobby Lobby and Chick-fil-A for inspiring his own culture-building efforts. "What drives me is seeing our people flourish," he said, motivated by creating platforms for growth and giving back.

    As Rausch Coleman Homes transitions to Lennar Corp., John has launched a new venture, The Calara Group, focusing on large-scale real estate development. This new chapter will see them build communities across different price points and areas, including commercial developments. With strong roots in homebuilding, they aim to continue building the American dream.

    Beyond his business ventures, Rausch is committed to giving back. He's planning a charitable foundation, the Rausch Family Foundation, which will focus on improving lives, particularly for children. As an active member of Cross Church Springdale and board member of the Fort Smith Boys and Girls Club, John Rausch is dedicated to making a positive impact in his community.