About First Step Homes
Making Homeownership Possible — Without Compromise
First Step Homes was created around a simple belief: homeownership should be attainable, dignified, and designed for real life.
For too long, the path to owning a home has felt out of reach for hardworking families — priced out by rising costs, limited supply, and outdated models of housing development.
We exist to change that.
We build thoughtfully planned communities that combine affordable homeownership with the kinds of amenities, services, and environments people actually want to live in.
7,000+
Homesites Developed
5,000+
Homesites in Development
75+
Team Professionals
30+
Years of Experience
What We Do
First Step Homes develops and operates modern manufactured housing communities designed to support long-term living, not temporary solutions.
Our focus isn't just housing — it's creating places people are proud to call home.
Why We Do It
Owning a home changes everything.
It creates stability
Homeownership provides a foundation for families to build their futures with confidence.
It builds equity
Monthly payments contribute toward something you own, creating long-term financial value.
It gives people control
Owning a home means control over your living space and your family's future.
We believe the first step into homeownership shouldn't feel overwhelming or out of reach. By rethinking how communities are designed and how homes are delivered, we make ownership accessible — without sacrificing quality, comfort, or pride of place.
Our Approach: Manufactured Houses
Drawing from decades of real estate and construction experience, First Step Homes moved into manufactured housing development to offer a smarter, more efficient approach to homeownership.
What Makes Manufactured Houses Different
Homes are manufactured in controlled environments, reducing waste and weather damage
Built using high-quality materials comparable to traditional residential construction
Placed within master-planned communities featuring amenities, landscaping, and shared spaces
The result is a home that's built to last, at a cost that makes sense.
Community Living, Reimagined
Like traditional master-planned neighborhoods, First Step Homes communities often
include:
include:
Landscaped grounds and maintained common areas
Community amenities such as pools, fitness spaces, and gathering areas
Gated streets and professionally managed environments
Community events and shared lifestyle experiences
The difference? A more accessible entry point into ownership — without giving up the benefits of neighborhood living.
A Simplified Path to Buying
We know buying a home can feel complicated. That's why we've worked to simplify the process.
Through in-house residential mortgage options, we help buyers:
Access competitive financing
Understand costs upfront
Navigate qualification with clarity and support
Our goal is to be a true partner — not just a seller — throughout the buying journey.
Leadership & Experience
Founded by Experience, Built for the Future
First Step Homes was founded by David Zulejkic, a real estate and construction professional with more than 30 years of industry experience.
Since the mid-1990s, David has focused on acquiring, rehabilitating, and operating:
Manufactured housing communities
Apartment complexes
Office buildings
Single-family residences
Today, First Step Homes is supported by a team of more than 75 professionals, including community managers, sales consultants, support staff, and maintenance teams — all working together to create strong, well-run communities.
Doug Whitby
VP Sales & Marketing
Doug helps lead the vision and growth of First Step Homes, aligning sales and marketing to better serve our buyers. His leadership ensures our team stays focused on delivering quality homes, clear communication, and a process families can trust from start to finish.
César Mascorro Jr.
Sales Director
César leads our sales team with a focus on clear communication, strong leadership, and results. His guidance helps ensure buyers receive honest information and confident support from their first conversation through closing.
Jill Perkins
Director of Finance
Jill leads our in-house financing team, helping buyers navigate the approval process with clarity and confidence. She works closely with families to find financing solutions that fit their situation, making homeownership more accessible and straightforward.
Gabby Sharp
Community Experience Director
Michael leads financial strategy and capital allocation, ensuring First Step Homes maintains strong fiscal health while expanding access to affordable homeownership. His background in real estate finance and mortgage lending shapes our customer-focused approach.
Bryan Fisher
Director of Operations
Bryan ensures our communities are well managed and properly maintained so homeowners can enjoy a clean, organized, and welcoming environment. His leadership supports the on-site teams and helps protect the long-term quality of every neighborhood we serve.
Casey Reid
Marketing & Creative Director
Casey leads marketing and creative strategy at First Step Homes, ensuring buyers have clear, honest information at every stage of their journey. Through strong branding, streamlined systems, and thoughtful communication, he helps make the path to homeownership simple and straightforward.
Ashley Reid
Marketing
Ashley is part of the marketing team at First Step Homes, helping ensure buyers receive clear, consistent communication throughout their home search. From showcasing homes to supporting campaigns, she plays a key role in making it easy for families to find the right fit with confidence.
Tyra Gutierrez
Regional Community Manager
Tyra oversees multiple communities to ensure they remain well managed, responsive, and welcoming for our residents. Her leadership supports the on-site teams and helps maintain the quality and consistency homeowners expect.
Kyle Vrla
Director of Developement
Kyle oversees the planning and execution of our communities, ensuring each neighborhood is thoughtfully designed and built with long-term quality in mind. His leadership helps create attractive, well-managed environments our homeowners are proud to live in.
Tyler Collins
Development Manager
Tyler manages the day-to-day development of our new communities, ensuring projects stay on track and meet our standards for quality. His attention to detail helps create neighborhoods that are ready for families to move into with confidence.
Chris Swanson
Development Manager
Chris manages the progress and coordination of our growing communities, working to ensure each phase is completed efficiently and thoughtfully. His hands-on approach helps bring well-planned neighborhoods to life for our homeowners.
John Gainer
Home Purchasing
John oversees the acquisition and preparation of the homes placed in our communities. By sourcing quality homes and coordinating make-ready crews, he ensures each home is move-in ready and prepared for its next family.
More Than Homes — A Long-Term Commitment
We don't see our communities as short-term investments. We see them as long- term places where people live, grow, and put down roots.
That's why we focus on:
Transparent communication
Well-maintained environments
Clear expectations around homeownership and community living
Continuous improvement of our neighborhoods
When our homeowners succeed, so do our communities.
Where We're Building
First Step Homes communities are located throughout Texas, including:
Denton
McKinney
Fort Worth
Tyler
Mesquite
Plano
Dallas
Greenville
Each location is selected with care — balancing accessibility, livability, and long-term potential.
Looking Ahead
As housing needs evolve, so will we.
Our mission remains the same: to open the door to homeownership and create communities that support real lives.
Ready to Take Your First Step?
Whether you're exploring your first home or looking for a better way to live, we're here to help you understand your options and move forward with confidence.