Christopher Todd Communities is the leader in the Build-To-Rent Industry (BTR) having developed thousands of innovative rental homes. Our founder, Todd Wood, after successfully building and selling a revolutionary organic bakery, looked for his next adventure in real estate. When Todd Wood was a young boy in Utah, his grandparents owned a candy and ice cream company. When 10 years old Todd asked his grandfather if he could work during the summer break, his grandfather replied, “We all work 6 days per week, and only half days.”
The first day of work started at 6 am, and by 2 pm, Todd asked his grandfather about working only ½ days. His grandfather replied “6 am to 6 pm, that’s half a day.” Long days and hard work became hallmark.
“There is no substitute for hard work.”
After a decade of working at Xerox Engineering Systems, Todd and family moved to Arizona to open and operate a small bakery. “I’d begin making bread at midnight, while my wife and children ran the front counter. It was long hours and we made little money.” As a health-conscious family, they pivoted to baking organic breads many years before it was popular.
“Being told no is just one step closer to a YES!”
Todd tried selling organic bread, but grocery chains perceived it as too unique, too exclusive, and too different. “You have NO experience, NO history, and it’s a new product.
No. No. No.”
Until one said yes. It was Costco.
Within 90 days Alpine Valley Organic Breads became a top selling item at Costco. Grocery stores across the U.S. and in many international countries followed. It was the right product, at the right time, and in the right place. The outlier product had disrupted the market and gone mainstream.
In 2015, after 20 years of baking, Alpine Valley Organic Breads was sold, and Todd retired. But he quickly grew restless, knowing he had more to contribute.
“When launching in a new direction, stay grounded in your morals and values.”
Todd began researching and studying the real estate market, but everything looked the same, nothing new in the industry. “Everything looked like white bread.” Then he spotted a small single-family rental home community and immediately recognized the disruptive market attributes. Armed with an initial investment from the bakery sale, Christopher Todd Communities was born in 2016.
With a local builder selected and land searches underway, Todd needed construction financing. Every bank said “You have NO experience, NO history, and it’s a new product.
No. No. No.”
Finally, one said YES and Todd started building his team and investing in the company brand that has been phenomenally successful. And moving forward.
Christopher Todd Communities began disrupting the multifamily industry, creating A New Way To Live® with luxury single-family rental smart homes in planned communities with resort-style amenities. It’s a Rental Community Revolution™. Click here to find a community near you.
It was the beginning of what has become the hottest real estate segment in the industry, now called Build-To-Rent. It was the right product, at the right time, and in the right place. The outlier product had gone mainstream. Again.
“Along the journey always express gratitude, stay humble, and respect everyone.”