Joliet area is 'home' to Phoenix Homes' true 'family' of builders

"The Secret of Success."

Now, there's a subject worth discussion.

Success can mean a number of things to different people, and it's something many of us strive for at various times in our lives.

Success, whether professional or personal, is a goal we set for ourselves, and one with a favorable outcome that we hope to attain.

The simplest philosophy of success comes from the minds of many great thinkers throughout the ages ... it is not success that makes us happy, but rather it is our happiness that makes our success.

Or, if you love what you are doing, you will be successful.

And so it is for Amy Capista, vice president of sales and marketing for Phoenix Developers, a family-owned business started by her father, Lawrence, more than 23 years ago.

There is no doubt that Capista loves what she does, and has always felt the Joliet-based business was a destiny she was compelled to fulfill.

"I always knew I wanted to work in this field," Capista said, recalling Phoenix' first development, Indian Oaks in Plainfield.

"I began working for my dad when I was old enough to answer phones," Capista said. "I started talking on the phone with customers and giving them information."

"I thoroughly enjoy this part of the business ... the people, working in sales and the challenge of putting the sale together," Capista said. "I also enjoy the creative process, working on plans and designing our product lines. I really enjoy everything, but especially dealing with customers on a daily basis."

Capista grew up eager to try her hand at the family business and so after a few years of college, her father finally said, "OK, let's see what you can do."

After working in all areas of the business, including corporate, which Capista enjoyed but also felt she "lost the pulse of the people." So she settled in sales and marketing.

It's been the choice of Phoenix Developers to stay and build within Joliet and the surrounding communities, a choice that reinforces its commitment to homeowners whom it considers neighbors and extended families.

It's been the place they call "home" since dad Lawrence started selling real estate as a young man. After 20 years, the senior Capista embarked on building single-family homes and developed commercial properties. Today, Capista is "semi-retired," and still keeps active in the family business while entrusting the bulk of the operation to daughter Amy; son Alan, who acts as superintendent; John Mayor, director of operations, and chief financial operator John Gerl.

"Dad is very intuitive in the market and has made wise investments for the company," Capista said. "We've always built in the area and this is where we want to be."

"We've watched the national builders, the 'big boys' come to build in our town and then after awhile, they leave. It has been interesting to see them come and go, but people want to know that we will still be here and we are here to stay."

"This is where we live, this is where our families live," Capista added. "It's been our philosophy to improve the community and we're proud to be a successful local homebuilder."

If it's an exciting time for a homeowner when they make the decision to purchase a new home, it's just as exciting for Capista, who never tires of the experience.

"The part I enjoy the most is the outcome for them," Capista said. "After all the planning and when it's finally done, it's one of the best investments you make in a lifetime, and whether it's a first-time homebuyer or a family who is buying their second or third home, it's really an exciting time for them."

Whisper Glen in Plainfield and Silver Leaf in Joliet exemplify Capista's attitude.

Whisper Glen is conveniently located near Route 59 and offers seven different homes in two series, Prestige and Legend.

From the Legend series, the Concord is priced from $199,900 to 222,900 and packs a lot of space with three-bedrooms, 1½ baths and two-car garage.

The Prestige series offers the Somerset, priced from $275,000 to $278,400 with three bedrooms, 2½ baths, den, luxury master bath, full basement and three-car garage.

There are plenty of choices in between these two homes, many with four to five bedrooms and 2½ baths, two- car garages and full basements.

Options available include wood-burning fireplace, skylights, sunroom and upgraded flooring and cabinets.

Silver Leaf in Joliet, convenient to I-55 and I-80, offer three-story town homes ranging from 1,037 to 1,539 square feet with two-bedrooms, 1½ to 2½ baths and two-car garage.

Prices start at $162,900 for the Belmont with 1,037 square feet and the Driscoll, at $181,000 with 1,451 square feet with three bedrooms and 2½ baths.

The Easton is a ranch-style home, 1,539 square feet with two-bedrooms, two baths, two-car garage at $185,900.

Available townhome options include luxury bath, oak railings, fireplace and upgraded flooring and cabinets.