Since the 1940s, knowledge, and experience have been passed proudly from one generation to the next in the Yeonas family. They don’t just build houses. They build homes—places filled with cool summer breezes and warm winter fires, places where memories are built. For three generations, the Yeonas’ have been building some very special places.

Stephen G. Yeonas Jr. learned about his father’s award-winning company like most young people learn about a business, he got an early start. At 12 years old, Steve began delivering mail at the Yeonas Company. By high school, he progressed to hands-on field work and kept that job through college summers. After graduating from Boston University, he returned to Virginia to work at his father’s company. He took a short hiatus to attend law school at Georgetown University.

Richard Ellis moved to the area in 1977. Little did Steve and Richard know then that the two would become brothers-in-law and business partners. Richard earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Tulane University. He returned to Virginia, worked for three years at an engineering firm and got his civil engineering license. In 1980 he joined the Yeonas business and obtained a master’s in business administration from Marymount University.

In 1995, another branch was formed on the family tree: Yeonas & Ellis, L.L.C. Included in this development were Stephanie Ellis, Steve’s sister, and Richard’s wife.

The trio has been busy. Yeonas & Ellis manage the construction, sales, and marketing for some of the area’s finest projects. Sales and marketing responsibilities go to Steve, while construction and development are managed by Richard.

One of the most respected, stable and trusted builders in the metropolitan D.C. area, Associated Custom Builders sets the standard for quality and value in this region. The company was founded by Marshall Racoosin in 1959 and today focuses on building custom homes. Marshall’s son Mitch, who grew up absorbing his father’s pride of workmanship and design sensibility, joined the company in 1985 and continues the company’s commitment to excellence. Mitch is in the field and accountable every day, working closely with the region’s most skilled and dedicated subcontractors and craftsmen.