Drees Homes has promoted Chris Bunge to the role of division president for the builder’s Cleveland market.
“At Drees, we’re proud to invest in our people and promote from within, and I’m grateful to be a direct reflection of that commitment,” Bunge tells BUILDER.
In the role, he will oversee financial results, strategic growth, operational execution, land acquisition, sales, and marketing for the division. Bunge says he will be responsible for leading and developing “a cross-functional team, while ensuring alignment with company goals and focusing on [Drees Homes’] Centennial Strategy.”
The company’s Centennial Strategy outlines goals for Drees Homes as it approaches its 100th business anniversary in 2028. The strategy has six pillars, including growing each division to 300 closings or more, as well as growing its build-on-your-lot business Elevate and delivering a seamless, technology-enabled customer experience. For the Cleveland market, Bunge says Drees Homes hopes to grow the division 8% year-over-year before celebrating its centennial anniversary.
Bunge began his career with Drees in 2014 as a customer care representative and owned CB Construction prior to joining the No. 39 company on the 2025 Builder 100 list.
Chris Bunge, Cleveland division president at Drees Homes
“Each of my roles within the organization has given me a holistic view to problem-solving and strategy,” Bunge says. “Starting within customer care allowed me to actively listen. Progressing to builder (project manager) and growing up around new home construction taught me the nuances of physical construction. And finally, moving to general manager of our Elevate by Drees Homes division introduced me to profit/loss management.”
Midwest regional president Steve Tuckerman says Elevate by Drees has experienced “significant growth” in scale and profitability under Bunge’s leadership, which can translate to success in the Cleveland market. The Cleveland division of Drees Homes recently achieved a “Green Sweep” across seven operating metrics relating to sales, operations, production, and customer satisfaction.
“Cleveland is a steady, value-driven market. Buyers in this market are very practical,” says Bunge. “They’re focused on long-term value and community stability. The market isn’t as volatile, so while growth may be modest, it’s consistent and reliable.”
Bunge says Drees’ growth in the Cleveland market will involve expansion through strategic land positions and a diversified product lineup. The builder also plans to focus on growing its build-on-your-lot division Elevate by Drees Homes in the Cleveland market. Drees currently offers townhomes and single-family homes ranging from the $400s to over $1 million across northeast Ohio.
“Cleveland continues to experience growth year-over-year and housing prices have remained low compared to the national average,” Bunge says. “Our market continues to see steady demand for move-up buyers and downsizers.”
Bunge says lot supply in premium locations, rising rates, and affordability pressures remain headwinds in the Cleveland market.
“Challenges will evolve over time, and it is our opportunity to step up and navigate them as they arise,” Bunge says.
Drees Homes operates in 11 markets, including Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati, Cleveland, Indianapolis, San Antonio, Jacksonville, Nashville, Raleigh, Washington, D.C., Austin, Dallas, and Houston.
