Terry Russell - CEO / Partner
Terry Russell is a 40 year veteran of the homebuilding industry and has played a significant leadership role in the southeast real estate industry for over three decades. Prior to forming FrontDoor Communities with Mike Langella, Terry served as President of Reynolds Development and Management Group and has extensive experience in leading all disciplines of a real estate company. Terry spent 23 years with John Wieland Homes & Neighborhoods (JWH&N); the last 5 years as its CEO. As CEO, he led the company to five straight years of record revenues and profits. Under his leadership, JWH&N won hundreds of national and local awards, including being named “America’s Best Builder” in 2005.
Terry is a member of Urban Land Institute (ULI) and has served as the Chair of ULI Atlanta and as Chair of the Community Development Council of ULI National. Terry sits on the Board of Chris 180, a not for profit focusing on children at risk or experiencing family trauma.
Mike Langella - President / Partner
Mike Langella is a 36-year veteran of the homebuilding and community development industry, with a distinguished career leading residential development throughout the Southeast. Over the course of his career, he has held executive leadership roles with some of the nation's most respected homebuilders and developers, including WCI Communities, John Wieland Homes & Neighborhoods, Reynolds Development Group, and Stanley Martin Homes. Mike attributes much of his leadership philosophy and commitment to quality to his 11 years at John Wieland Homes & Neighborhoods, where he often says he earned his "Ph.D. in Homebuilding" alongside CEO and long-term colleague Terry Russell. During that time, he oversaw the development of hundreds of homes simultaneously while maintaining an unwavering focus on craftsmanship, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence. Those experiences continue to shape his approach to building communities today. As Co-Founder and President of FrontDoor Communities, Mike brings the same passion for quality construction and lasting value to every project. He continues to develop homes and neighborhoods throughout Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and beyond, pursuing opportunities that align with the company's commitment to integrity, innovation, and exceptional customer experiences.
Mike earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Connecticut and an MBA from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business.
Fred Elias - Vice President of Construction, Florida-CGC1541492
Fred is the son of a contractor and grew up immersed in the construction industry. Backed by over 25 years of construction experience, Fred has built a reputation for excellence, specializing in custom luxury homes and high-end residential communities.
As an army veteran, Fred brings strong leadership, discipline and a commitment to quality on every project. His extensive industry knowledge, hands-on experience, and dedication to craftsmanship enable him to successfully oversee complex construction projects from conception to completion. Fred is passionate about delivering exceptional results while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and customer satisfaction.
His unique combination of expertise and military leadership makes him a trusted partner for clients seeking quality reliability, and excellence in every aspect of the building process.
