As an accomplished contractor, it’s no surprise that Michael Ferrentino chose to associate his award-winning company,
Ferrentino Homes Inc., with one of Florida’s most respected homebuilders, Arthur Rutenberg Homes Inc., In fact, Michael’s father, Lloyd and Arthur Rutenberg himself have been contemporaries in residential building construction in Pinellas County for years. The relationship was a natural progression.
“The Arthur Rutenberg brand is based on quality design, craftsmanship, service, and responsibility to its clients,” Michael says. “Being an independent Arthur Rutenberg franchisee gives us the opportunity to have a portfolio of the finest designed homes and gives our customers the advantage of a local custom builder that has the support and the purchasing power of a much larger entity. An additional benefit to our customers is the included opportunity of selecting all of their interior finishes at one location at the Arthur Rutenberg Design Center with the assistance of one of our professional ASID Interior Designers.”
Specializing in country club-style and equestrian homes and barns, Ferrentino Homes recently became a participating builder in one of Ocala’s most prestigious communities—Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club.
“It’s a tremendous honor to be chosen as one of the select builders in Golden Ocala,” Michael says. “We recently began construction on our Tuscan-style fully furnished model home and it should be completed by early next year.”
Of course, as a custom builder, Michael will build Arthur Rutenberg designed homes or your custom plans on land owned by the company or on your private site. The opportunity for creativity and home design are only as limited as the client’s imagination. With an Arthur Rutenberg trained staff of professionals in construction, sales, and customer service always involved throughout the building process, one can see why Ferrentino Homes is a leader in customer satisfaction.
“We chose Ferrentino because of the exceptional quality and attention to detail,” says Helen Barbazon, owner of Pleasant Acres Farm. “We looked into several builders and none compared. The Ferrentino/Rutenberg work is immaculate, and the style was outstanding.”
Helen adds that the customer service she and her husband received was also second-to-none.
“Anything we wanted, they made it happen,” she says. “Guests who look around our home are always in awe of the detail work. It really is exceptional.”
Michael and his crew have also built on other well-known area sites including Plumley Farms, Rustlewood Farms, Bellechase, The Country Club of Ocala, Jumbolair, and Via Paradisus.
For horse lovers who prefer a home presently under construction and ready for occupancy early this summer, Michael has a solution for you in Via Paradisus located adjacent to the Florida Horse Park. The 10-acre equestrian estate comes complete with 5,740 living square feet and 8,216 total square feet. This custom home with an outdoor living package includes a pavilion with kitchen, raised beam pool, spa, and fire pit. A four-stall barn with trainer’s quarters is also included.
“It’s a must-see,” Michael says. “It’s one of the most beautiful equestrian settings in Marion County.”
And Michael should know. He—along with his vice president, Frank Equi, who has been with the company since day one—is an avid horseman himself who understands a working farm’s needs.
“My wife Lidia and I purchased a yearling named Classic Tiger at the Ocala Breeders Sale in 2007,” Michael says. “He won his first race in January and a mare we purchased in the January sale just foaled two weeks ago and it is a colt by ‘Pomeroy.’”
Ironically, it was his first endeavors in Ocala, working the front offices of the New York Yankees organization that brought horses back into Michael’s life.
“I’ve been around horses my entire life, but it was while working under George Steinbrenner that my interest was renewed,” he says. “I was fortunate enough to be active in his horse-related endeavors.”
Michael had already transitioned his career back to construction, a long family tradition, and knew Ocala was the perfect place to settle his family.
“Ocala was a market that was emerging for higher-end homes,” Michael recalls. “My family and I love and enjoy the area and have a real commitment to the community.”
Michael, along with his dedicated staff, supports a variety of charitable organizations in the area, including
the United Way and the Children’s Home Society.
“It’s our way to give back to the community that has given so much to us,” he says.
As a contractor, Michael understands that a home is the biggest investment most people will make. Michael adds that “current market conditions present themselves as favorable for building a new home.”
Michael knows choosing a contractor can be a difficult decision. That’s why he and his staff take the proper time with their clients to determine their exact needs and desires—ensuring everyone is thrilled with the final product.
If you can dream it, Michael Ferrentino can build it.
Michael Ferrentino, President
7340 NW US Hwy 27, Suite 116, Ocala
(352) 401-9956
Linda Sprague,
Director of Sales & Marketing
(352) 401-9955
80 model home centers throughout Florida
Ferrentino Homes, Inc., cbc 1252905
An independently owned and operated franchise.
