When Wayne Blyler joined Meridian Homes as vice president of operations, he brought with him many years of experience with national builders. But what attracted him to this smaller, family-owned builder was the opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a growing company.

"This is their first venture outside the Atlanta area," Blyler said. "They've been in business there and came to Greenville about a year ago. We just recently closed lots on our third neighborhood."

Meridian Homes is building homes in three Golden Strip neighborhoods: Fairview Pointe, Bryson Crossing and Ravenwood.

Blyler said Fairview Pointe is in the second phase of building while Bryson Crossing is just getting started.

"We build a great house," he said. "We have a lot to offer. A lot of the features other builders call upgrades are already included."

Meridian Homes' company philosophy is It's Included, which means homes come standard with such features as microwave ovens, ceramic tile backsplashes, faux wood blinds on all windows, architectural shingles, tile around master tubs, elongated toilets, fiberglass front doors, finished garages with two remotes and installed security systems with six months of free monitoring.

"The 'It's Included' is a strong point," Blyler said when asked why Meridian Homes is a good choice. "It's an easier process when you're purchasing from Meridian Homes."

Blyler said that with Meridian Homes, "All they need to do is pick out their colors and their lot. It's a very simplified process. It's not cumbersome for the new homeowner."

Ravenwood is the newest community for Meridian Homes and has just broken ground near the Five Forks area of Woodruff Road. Blyler said a grand opening event will take place within the next month.

"The product we're building there is a concrete composite siding product and $100,000-plus under our competitors," he said.

A temporary sales office is located in the neighborhood and lots have been released for the first 11 houses.

"We're extremely excited to be there," Blyler said. "I think it's going to be a great addition to the Woodruff Road corridor because it's a concrete composite siding product."

These new homes will be constructed of concrete composite siding with brick accents.

The pricing at Ravenwood starts in the $200,000s and goes up to $260,000 with square footage ranging from 2,100 square feet to about 3,000 square feet.

Blyler said those measurements are without added basements.

"If someone chooses a bigger plan with a basement, that house will be pushing 4,500 square feet," he said.

Right now Meridian Homes is offering an additional $5,000 off the base purchase price as well as a $2,500 credit toward additional upgrades for the first five contracts signed at Ravenwood.

The three Meridian Homes communities are in locations with access to shopping and dining.

"All three neighborhoods are extremely convenient for everyone," Blyler said.

After working with Meridian Homes for about three months, he said joining the company was an opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a family business.

"It's a great opportunity for me and the people who have come to work here," he said. "We'll grow (the Greenville office) as fast as we're capable of, but not too fast. We'll build close to 100 homes this year and close on 70 to 80. Next year, we'll probably double that."