Issa Homes Luxury Homes Employee Directory

ConstructionFlorida, United States2-10 Employees

Now building luxury estate homes in SeaFlower, Bradenton—bringing 50+ years of custom homebuilding excellence to Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Founded in 1972 by Francis Issa, Issa Homes is a luxury custom homebuilder trusted by discerning homeowners—from celebrity athletes and public figures to multigenerational families—who value thoughtful design, enduring craftsmanship, and a highly personalized building experience.

Today, Issa Homes is led by Don Hempel, President and Partner, who oversees day-to-day operations, strategy, and growth. Founder Francis Issa continues as an investing partner, supporting the company’s long-term vision and legacy.

Over five decades, Issa Homes has built in many of Florida’s most iconic and design-forward communities, including Celebration, Baldwin Park, Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, Disney’s Golden Oak, and Four Seasons Private Residences.

In the late 1980s and 1990s, Don Hempel and Jeff Marchell helped guide a period of significant growth, including more than 600 luxury residences built in Arvida’s Weston community. 

In 1998, Issa Homes was invited by The Celebration Company, a subsidiary of Disney Development Company, to build in Celebration—prompting the firm’s relocation to Central Florida and solidifying its role as a trusted builder within Disney-developed communities.

Issa Homes later expanded into Lake Nona’s Golf & Country Club and broke ground on its first model home in Disney’s Golden Oak in 2010. The company has been recognized by the Orlando Business Journal as one of Central Florida’s Top Custom Home Builders.

Today, with the launch of SeaFlower in Bradenton, Issa Homes begins its next chapter—bringing its signature approach of timeless architecture, refined coastal living, and relationship-driven building to Florida’s Gulf Coast.

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