Vision

About

Our Story

Since 1981 the Blackard Companies have been responsible for the development for $7 billion in real estate assets. Much on traditional master planned communities, a development medium that we played a meaningful part in modernizing in the early 21st century. The firm has delivered over 15,000 single-family home sites in over 30 communities along with a variety of commercial projects including large office parks, manufacturing facilities, retail/restaurant centers, schools, hotels and resorts, marinas, and golf courses. In conjunction with these developments, the firm has also planned and executed major corresponding infrastructure projects, including water and sewer treatment plants, rail systems, and bridges.

Blackard's in house expertise and strategic partnerships has made it the world's preeminent experiential village developer. The result: authentic, one-of-a-kind guest and owner experiences, outsized asset growth, and strong risk-adjusted returns.

Blackard's deep development knowledge is uniquely applied to honoring both the natural environment and the communities it serves. With a hands-on, detail-oriented approach to planning, design, and property management, every Blackard project is crafted to deliver lasting value for residents, investors, and partners alike.

NeoRetroism

A Philosophy is Born

In the early 2000s, following an investment in the small nation of Croatia (a nation which is based largely on traditional village life), the firm shifted its focus away from the American idea of formulaic development and began pioneering a philosophy of real estate based on its founder's idea of creating contemporary self-sustaining villages. This philosophy has been named 'NeoRetroism' and represents the furthest evolution of modern real estate development—one in which people have diverse choices for how they live, work, and get around in their community. The first example of this NeoRetroism philosophy can be seen at the Adriatica Village near Dallas, TX.

Blackard is now the world's foremost developer of modern-day villages, actively advocating for communities that better serve the needs of their villagers across the globe.

The firm's leadership in this movement is featured in award-winning Triple Horse Studio's full-length documentary Subdivided: America, which explores the consequences of conventional suburban sprawl and the urgent need for more human-centered development.

Watch 'Subdivided: America'

Jeffory D. Blackard — Founder & CEO

Leadership

The Founder

Jeffory Blackard is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Blackard Companies. With his distinguished real estate career in its fourth decade, Mr. Blackard is widely considered one of the foremost real estate visionaries of our time. Mr. Blackard's goal is to revolutionize the design and development world by applying successful historic community characteristics to create a more sustainable and healthier world for future generations. Mr. Blackard is committed to protecting the environment and has been awarded the 'National Wetland Conservation Award.'

Mr. Blackard's projects give meticulous attention to the needs of people with disabilities and physical challenges. He received the 'Developer of the Year Award' by Accessology, a firm dedicated to accessibility for people with disabilities. Blackard is an accomplished entrepreneur, having spearheaded numerous international ventures ranging from inventions of computer peripherals to printing for flexible packaging. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Northwestern University, with a major in Communications. He attended the University on an athletic scholarship in both basketball and track (as a decathlete) and was recognized as one of Northwestern University's Top 100 Most Notable Graduates.

Impact

A Legacy of Global Service

We prioritize community impact through local and international conservation efforts, global ministry partnerships, and outreach programs that serve underserved populations worldwide.

Blackard helped found Amazon Outreach and launch the Linda Esperança—a 100-foot medical riverboat—bringing care to remote Amazon tribes. These initiatives have reached over 330,000 villagers, delivering medical services, clean water, and the Gospel throughout the Amazon basin. Through our partnership with Amazi Water, we've helped provide clean water to 1.6 million people in Burundi. Working alongside e3 Partners, we've extended ministry to more than 50 countries across four continents, reaching everyone from orphaned children to heads of state. Our work also contributes to global conversations on business leadership, public policy, and faith.

Service in Action

Linda Esperança Riverboat, Amazon Basin

Environmental Stewardship

Progress with Preservation

Blackard believes true progress requires protecting the environment, not sacrificing it. For example, along Galveston's coast, the firm chose long-term value by way of stewardship by preserving natural shorelines and creating new marine habitats through thoughtful development practices. Their donation of a 32-acre island became the Robert Moore Wildlife Sanctuary, earning the 2005 National Wetland Conservation Award from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This approach proves that responsible development can enhance rather than diminish the natural world.

Watch Now 2005 National Wetland Conservation Award
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Other Ventures

Neoretroism

The Global Council on NeoRetroism is a non-profit organization committed to the propagation of modern-day villages throughout the world.

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Other Ventures

Zero Global Waste

Zero Global Waste is committed to implementing technologies that solve issues created by municipal solid waste in the world.

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Publications

Explore a collection of works that challenge conventional thinking and offer new perspectives on community, design, and human connection. These publications, available for download, delve into the philosophies and real-world experiences that inspire meaningful change—inviting readers to reimagine how we live, build, and thrive together.

Discovering when we went wrong, where we lost our way, and how we can develop strong communities once again.

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Charting a path forward by reimagining how we live, work, and connect in communities that truly endure.

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Our Story

A Philosophy is Born

The Founder

A Legacy of Global Service

Progress with Preservation

Progress with Preservation

Thoughtful Development

Pattern Breaker

Neoretroism

Zero Global Waste

Publications

Adriatica by Air 2025

Subdivided: America

Service in Action

Blackard in Uganda

Amazi Water Documentary

Thoughtful Development

Jeff Blackard Talks Amazon Outreach