And I'On Group neighborhoods reflect much about Vince Graham and his company: A passion for urbanism. Classic Design. Innovation. Placemaking. Sustainability.

Combining modern advances with time-tested urban principles, Graham first founded the traditional walking neighborhood of Newpoint in 1991. Since that time he has participated in building seven other neighborhoods: the Village of Port Royal, Broad Street, I'On, Morris Square, Hammonds Ferry, and Mixson in South Carolina; and East Beach in Virginia.

In addition to garnering numerous design and environmental stewardship awards, these neighborhoods have also been the subject of articles and stories in The Wall Street Journal, Builder, Landscape Architecture, and National Geographic magazines, Home and Garden Television, CNN, the BBC and more.

Graham has become a passionate advocate for advancing human-scaled urbanism, and has spoken at architectural and planning symposiums in Australia, Europe, and throughout the United States.

"The more I see and learn, the more I like the organic nature of timeless urban plans, be it a medieval European city or downtown Charleston."

"Take Jericho," says Graham, "It's the oldest continuously occupied city — more than 10,000 years old. It's gone through political and religious changes over thousands of years, yet continues to be a place people want to live. It's compact, mixed-use, walkable." "Now that," he says, "is sustainability."

What's next for Graham? Improving existing I'On Group developments, continually working to go further on sustainability, and perhaps most importantly, making TNDs accessible to a broader range of people.

"There's such a need for this kind of neighborhood, and it shouldn't be limited to an affluent few," says Graham. "In the end, this is what I get enthusiastic about — pushing the envelope of urbanism and making it available to more people."

Additional Background

Vince serves on the Board of Charleston Moves, the Coastal Conservation League, East Cooper Planning Council, Lowcountry Housing Trust, and Upstate Forever. He also serves on the Metropolitan Leadership Council of the Brookings Institution, is a South Carolina Liberty Fellow, and a member of the Church of the Holy Cross. A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Vince is a 1986 graduate of the University of Virginia.

A Conversation with Vince

WHAT ARE YOU READING?

Ivan Ilich's "Deschooling Society" and "Energy and Equity". James Sears turned me on to Paul Goodman, so I purchased old copies of "Communitas" and "Growing Up Absurd".

WHO DO YOU ADMIRE?

I admire a maverick. Thinkers. Iconoclasts. People who don't accept the status quo, who are thinkers and doers.

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING?

My old blue shorts that I wear pretty much every day during the summer.

WHAT MAKES YOU ANGRY?

Laziness. Injustice.

FOUR DREAM DINNER GUESTS?

Jane Jacobs
Thomas Jefferson
My grandmother — to provide a little charm and gentility
Léon Krier

GUILTY PLEASURE?

Food. I have the worst sweet tooth. I'm a chocolate lover - an ice cream FANATIC.

WHY IS YOUR WORK IMPORTANT?

I feel like it's an important for me individually — it allows me to fulfill my potential and satisfies my need to be creative and make something. I feel something of an obligation and sense of duty and responsibility to my fellow human being to make the world a more beautiful place - to enable people to live in an environment where they can lead fulfilling lives.

In addition to 15 years with John Wieland homes (where he was VP of Construction, SC), Lipsmeyer previously owned a building business in New Orleans, where his team specialized in the renovation of historic structures in the French Quarter. A deep respect for classic building techniques, his drive to innovate and an entrepreneurial spirit uniquely qualifies him to oversee the operations of all I'On Group projects and divisions.

"I love that we're instrumental in creating walkable neighborhoods, sustainable homes, shorter commute times and saving gas - and that we're providing opportunities for Mom and Pop stores and local businesses."

According to Lipsmeyer, the I'On Group deals in a somewhat niche market - which isn't easy. "Our company has to work even harder than other mainstream builders - and we do, because we believe that our approach works. Our approach requires a lot of brainpower, patience - and we have to stand and fight for what we believe in."

In North Charleston, he feels confident that the I'On Group's Mixson project (in historic Park Circle, North Charleston) will be not just a neighborhood, but a strong community partner. "We want to figure out how to partner with the existing community groups and help make our neighborhoods wonderful places - to revitalize areas and create new opportunities for families and businesses."

He looks forward to continuing the I'On Group's work in providing sustainable, more affordable housing. That's what makes his job the most exciting: "I love the diversity of what we do. New Urbanism, live-work communities - the possibilities inherent in what we could do over the next 5 to 10 years are incredible."

Other Related Experience

Lipsmeyer attended University of Southwest Louisiana and Georgia State University with a focus in economics. From 2001 through 2004, he was responsible for the construction of more than five hundred residences, earning John Wieland the Trident Homebuilder's Builder of the Year Award and multiple other homebuilding awards. He is CABO certified and holds a South Carolina Residential Builder's License. He is also an active member of Knights of Columbus and participates in Habitat for Humanity projects in Charleston County.

A Conversation with Mark

WHAT'S THE LAST BOOK YOU READ?

The Fair Tax by Neal Boortz and John Linder

WHOM DO YOU ADMIRE?

My older sister — she's intelligent, loving, and very creative.

FAVORITE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING?

I love to be in golf shorts.

WHAT MAKES YOU ANGRY?

People not following up on what they say they're going to do.

DREAM DINNER GUESTS?

Ronald Reagan, Tiger Woods, Chevy Chase, and Jack Welch.

GUILTY PLEASURE?

Chocolate — it doesn't matter what kind. Ice cream. Candy. I have to admit the candy bars in the staffroom were my idea, I have to have a piece every day.

WHY IS YOUR WORK IMPORTANT?

We're creating an opportunity, a different lifestyle for the consumer, the city, the municipality, the people that work in the city. Plus, we're working to offer these homes at a lower price point.

A self-proclaimed "numbers guy," Wooddy manages the financial analysis and projections for I'On Group and each of its individual projects, providing each manager the information needed to move the business forward. He balances the creative team by helping to turn the company's vision into viable products.

A Charleston native, Wooddy brings a variety of financial analysis, valuation and forecasting skills, in both commercial and residential real estate, to the I'On Group. His background as a mergers and acquisitions analyst at Credit Suisse First Boston provided him with valuable expertise.

According to Wooddy, "the I'On Group places extremely high value on quality of design and construction. Some see this as counter-intuitive - we're spending resources on planning and design to get to a finished product, and we don't know whether it's going to fly off the shelves or not."

But, as Wooddy is quick to point out, the I'On neighborhood helped the company set an important precedent: from values and strategy to profitability and ROI, the I'On Group approach works.

Additional Background

In addition to performing extensive financial and valuation analysis for the I'On Group, Michael Wooddy is also active in the Charleston community. He acquired his South Carolina Real Estate License in 2003.

A Conversation with Michael

WHAT'S THE LAST BOOK YOU READ?

Into Thin Air, by Jon Krakauer.

WHO DO YOU ADMIRE?

Commonsense people. Friendly people.

WHAT MAKES YOU ANGRY?

Making the same mistake twice.

DREAM DINNER GUESTS?

Billy Corigan of the Smashing Pumpkins; and from a political standpoint, I've always been impressed with Tony Blair. Even when he does something his country doesn't like, it sounds logical coming out of his mouth.

GUILTY PLEASURE?

Food. I love going out to dinner for the typical Lowcountry fare at SNOB or Magnolia's.

WHY IS YOUR WORK IMPORTANT?

I feel like what makes us different is that we bring such an artistic side to what we do. I'm a counter-balance to that artistic side, keeping us grounded in what we're doing. Then, there are the social reasons for what we do, like promoting infill and not contributing to sprawl.

Campaigne looks at the collection of projects the I'On Group is pursuing, how they fit together, and distills what it is about the long-term vision that can be better articulated and expressed.

Her charge includes developing company branding strategies, and forging strategic partnerships to advance strong urban redevelopment initiatives, green building techniques, sound transportation infrastructure, and active, engaged civic life.

Alys' broad, rich background is seemingly made for this job: a decade of legislative experience in policy debates on energy, environment, health, transportation and trade. Before joining I'On, Alys was a Senior Fellow and led outreach strategy for the Center for American Progress, a major national, progressive and multi-issue think tank based in Washington, DC.

"I strive to help people see the connections between their homes and community and the rest of the world around them."

'Ultimately, we want people to think about how the built environment impacts us all - how people relate to one another, how it affects the air we breathe, the water we drink, the resources we have or don't have. This requires a spirit of open engagement and a connection to the people and the world around us."

Other Related Experience

Previously Alys was Legislative Director for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), a national, non-profit organization of scientists, lawyers and environmental specialists dedicated to protecting public health and the environment. She has also worked as an Aide to Senator Joe Lieberman (D-CT), handling issues pending before the Environment and Public Works Committee, and on the House Government Reform and Oversight Committee for Ranking Member Congressman Henry A. Waxman (D-CA).

Alys has also worked with the National Audubon Society and the Nathan Cummings Foundation, and holds degrees with honors from Wesleyan University and New York University. She is actively involved with the Montessori School of Mt Pleasant, the Coastal Conservation League, and the League of Women Voters.

A Conversation with Alys

WHAT ARE YOU READING?

Fox in Sox (I have 2 kids at home…)
treehugger.com
Mercy, by Lara Santaro

WHO DO YOU ADMIRE?

My family. Theo Colburn. Ghandi. Governor Janet Napolitano. Amory Lovins, an energy efficiency guru.

FAVORITE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING

Living here? Mosquito repellent. No, just kidding. I have a pair of yoga pants I love.

WHAT MAKES YOU ANGRY?

Apathy. Greed. Our failure to kickstart sustainable energy technologies in a major way.

DREAM DINNER GUESTS

Theodore Roosevelt
Jon Stewart
Susan Sarandon
Jane Jacobs
I think they'd all get along — they'd be a fun crowd.

GUILTY PLEASURE

Trashy magazines. I'm a sucker for the stands at grocery store checkout counters. More recently… facebook.

WHY IS YOUR WORK IMPORTANT?

Every day is an opportunity to learn. It is important to me to be part of a collective effort to improve the built environment and lighten our impact on the earth.

I'On Build is a full-service construction company that was created to build high-quality, distinctly urban I'On Group projects.

"We're a leader in developing and building New Urban communities - dense, walkable and with tremendous attention to public spaces," says Craver. "So many cities are just beginning to understand the importance of these factors. Take Atlanta for example: when it takes an hour and a half to drive across the city, and 10 minutes to even exit a suburban development, you know that the approach to planning needs to change."

Craver's previous experience includes work with Centex homes in San Diego and John Wieland Homes. This, combined with his MBA from the University of Florida, uniquely qualifies him to oversee homebuilding operations for the I'On Group projects, including Mixson Avenue, a neighborhood located in the Park Circle area of North Charleston.

"This project is so exciting because it exemplifies what New Urbanism and green building are all about," says Craver. "This is what I enjoy most - the challenge of balancing these two interconnected factors with the day-to-day challenges of building a community.

"In fact, Mixson is the largest LEED for Homes project East of the Rocky Mountains," says Craver. "I just recently got introduced to the LEED program and now they've asked me to review submissions for next year's projects."

Steve continues to enjoy the I'On Group approach to homebuilding and neighborhood development. "The other day, I was downtown investigating how shutters are attached to homes in the historic district. I began thinking about how I can work with my current vendors and subcontractors about adopting a similar style, and then I stopped, smiled and thought: I'm so proud to be a part of this company."

Other Related Experience

In addition to his Residential Builder and General Contractors Licenses, Steve also is an ICC Residential Building Inspector, an ICC Residential Mechanical Inspector, and ICC Residential Plumbing Inspector and an ICC Residential Electrical Inspector.

A Conversation with Steve

WHAT'S THE LAST BOOK YOU READ?

A Life of Picasso by John Richardson

WHOM DO YOU ADMIRE?

My father - he chose to work hard and to be a good father. He's truly a self-made man, successful literally because he works so hard.

FAVORITE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING?

I have these white sweatpants I wear as pajamas that my daughter loves to see me in — and a quicksilver hooded sweatshirt. It's my ultimate lounge attire.

WHAT MAKES YOU ANGRY?

When people commit to something, and it's not done.

DREAM DINNER GUESTS?

Pablo Picasso, Warren Buffet, Marilyn Monroe, and Tiger Woods.

GUILTY PLEASURE?

Dark chocolate, no doubt about it.

WHAT SETS THE I'ON GROUP APART?

One of my favorite books is Built to Last by Jim Collins and Jerry I. Porras. It's about companies — and their executives — that are focused on the long view. These are long-term success stories and what makes the difference. I see these traits in the I'On Group management team. It's a visionary, forward thinking group.

"I think the I'On Group is different from most developers in that we understand this - and our every decision revolves around creating great neighborhoods, not just residences. Our team cares about how these neighborhoods are integrated, and contribute to, the larger community."

Grossklaus brings strategic knowledge, creative spirit and a broad background to his work with the I'On Group - and has helped garner local and national awards and media recognition for I'On Group projects, including articles in Southern Living, Coastal Living, Landscape Architecture, National Geographic and Smart Money.

Prior to joining the I'On Group, Drew produced the marketing and public relations activities for the Family Circle Cup tennis tournament and Family Circle Tennis Center on Daniel Island.

Since joining the I'On Group team, Grossklaus has led the marketing team in creating successful public relations, marketing and brand strategies for the group and all three community projects. In addition to national exposure, his team has also received numerous PRISM (Professional Results in Sales and Marketing) awards from the Charleston Trident Homebuilders Association for:

• Best Product - Community - Presentation
• Best Newsletter
• Best Newspaper Advertisement - Black and White
• Best Magazine Advertisement - Color or Black and White
• Best Community Brochure
• Best Website Design

"I've never experienced a company culture that focuses on things beyond the importance of making a profit - people here care about the beauty, the longevity of what we're creating and the quality of people's lives."

Other Related Experience

Drew graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Accounting and received a Master's degree in Sports Management from Western Illinois University.

A Conversation with Drew

WHAT'S THE LAST BOOK YOU READ?

The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards

WHOM DO YOU ADMIRE?

My father to no end - he's the nicest person I've ever met in my life. And people who give of themselves to a worthy cause. It's amazing how many people tirelessly devote themselves to something - in the midst of this crazy, frenetic world, people who make the time.

DO YOU HAVE A MENTOR?

I don't have just one mentor. I think experiences can guide you more than anything - I like to think I can take in experiences, and bring forward what I need from those. In the end I seek answers and opinions from the people I admire - the people who embody my values.

WHO DO YOU MOST OFTEN DISAGREE WITH IN YOUR INDUSTRY?

Most real estate developers have these false, staged-looking materials - of happy kids swinging on swings and views of the marshes. I really dislike the sterile feeling this evokes.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING?

I love funny T-shirts. And, embarrassingly enough, I'm really into designer jeans. They are so well-made, and it really makes a difference.

WHAT MAKES YOU ANGRY?

I have a problem with people who have a false sense of privilege - people who aren't grounded in reality.

WHAT'S YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE?

It's music - everything from 50-Cent and Kanye West to Ben Harper, Brett Dennen, Dave Matthews, John Butler, and 80s.

WHY IS YOUR WORK IMPORTANT?

How people live is changing. We're creating choices for people, and educating them about how much neighborhood environments impact not only their daily life, but also the world around them.

Nevin works as the point of contact for the countless people involved in creating Morris Square, from architects and construction crews to engineers and land planners. Because the downtown property includes a run-down city park - the renovation of which is part of the Morris Square project-he also partners with the City of Charleston.

It's also his job to stay focused on the interaction between the architecture and the public realm:

"The concept of 'outdoor rooms' is central to every I'On Group project," says Nevin. "The walls are the homes and buildings, the tree canopy is the ceiling and the streets are the floors. We create spaces where people congregate, where they want to walk, play and live."

An avid New Urbanist, Nevin is passionate about smart growth initiatives and green building, and is pleased to see more local jurisdictions understand good development and growth practices.

His experience in construction, development, and historical renovation provides an ideal background for the management of Morris Square. Nevin has managed numerous residential properties and owned a successful renovation business, but his aim was always to put himself in a position to work for an industry leader: I'On.

As for the I'On Group's future, Nevin sees sustainability as a major part of the picture. "We're leaning towards increasingly incorporating green building. I want to continue to push that envelope, and to continue to improve on what we already do from an urban standpoint: build communities that are sustainable in the long term."

Related Experience

Lindsay has managed several residential properties and owned a renovation business. He has also worked with conventional home builders; the experience helped push him towards I'On.

A Conversation with Lindsay

WHAT'S THE LAST BOOK YOU READ?

Shantaram, by Gregory David Roberts.

WHO DO YOU ADMIRE?

My mother and father most — they've set a great example, not only in terms of work ethic but also family values.

DO YOU HAVE A MENTOR?

I have more than one, for different segments of my life. I look to Vince a lot for insight into our business practices and what we're doing.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING?

A really old button-down shirt I own. It's so soft, my daughter could wear it. It hangs right, it fits right. I can go fishing in it, and wear it to dinner that night. It's so old!

WHAT MAKES YOU ANGRY?

Lack of respect for people and the environment.

DREAM DINNER GUESTS

Ernest Hemingway
Both grandfathers — I never knew either of them.
George Washington.

GUILTY PLEASURES

I eat a lot of chocolate. My mom has these chocolate chip cookies that she makes — I have her mail them to me. They're crisp, they're crunchy… everyone I know is addicted to them.

WHAT MAKES YOUR WORK IMPORTANT?

I'm a firm believer in the fact that we're making this world a better place with the types of communities we're creating. We're continually trying to learn from each other and from our mistakes. Vince's passion for innovation is contagious; he's constantly challenging us to innovate. It's easy to get behind [the vision], and to accomplish and contribute to it.

Chad's work is informed by an interest in urban infill and a strong commitment to creativity and open-mindedness, qualities that herald back to his days as a successful entrepreneur.

Besenfelder came to the company after owning three restaurants in downtown Charleston: "I was looking for work that had meaning; I immediately knew I was aligned with the I'On Group philosophy."

Besenfelder initially ran the neighborhood's Creek Club, was then promoted to I'On's project manager and now works on the logistical operations side of the business.

He sees challenging the established development "code" as an important part of his job - to uphold the I'On Group's commitment to mixed-use buildings, dense housing and details like pedestrian-friendly, narrow roads.

"Most zoning codes encourage sprawling suburban neighborhoods, but working to change this, even incrementally, is worth the battle," says Besenfelder. "Our struggle to have a new streetlamp approved by SCE&G means that other developers have another, more classic and aesthetically pleasing, choice."

For Chad, the ultimate appeal of the I'On Group is in what it's selling: an excellent product. Everyone at the company is working towards the same goal, he says. "We're changing the world. We're offering people a choice, and a better life."

Other Related Experience

Besenfelder, an entrepreneur at heart, formerly owned three successful restaurants and bars in Charleston: Mitchell's on the Market, the Rhino Room and Mandalay Brewery.

A Conversation with Chad

WHAT'S THE LAST BOOK YOU READ?

All Fishermen are Liars, by Linda Greenlaw.

WHO DO YOU ADMIRE?

A lot of people, but my folks probably most of all.

FAVORITE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING?

I have this sweater that I like. A lot. It's really old, though. I can only wear it when I'm not going out.

WHAT MAKES YOU ANGRY?

Laziness.

GUILTY PLEASURE?

Oh, I have many. Once in a while, a cigar, a really good cigar. I'll spend $20 for a really good one. I know it's bad for me, but I just love it.

WHY IS YOUR WORK IMPORTANT?

If we don't do what we do, other people might not. There are a lot of ways to make money… but we're changing the way people live.