Building Dreams, Building Baldwin: The Rise of 68 Ventures

For 68 Ventures Chairman Nathan Cox, this business venture was more than a plan—it was a passion simmering in the depths of his ambition.

After graduating from the University of Alabama, Cox took on the role of Rifle Platoon Commander with 3rd Bn 6th Marines. But the call of home in Baldwin County led him to kickstart Bellator Real Estate and Development, a venture that has now proudly grown into the largest real estate brokerage along the Gulf Coast.

In the throes of the 2008 Great Recession, Cox jumped at the opportunity to acquire distressed real estate, only to hit a roadblock—there was no one to sell it to. And so, in 2011, Truland Homes was born, marking a pivotal moment that propelled 68 Ventures to its status as a business powerhouse.

At its peak, 68 Ventures orchestrated 18 operating businesses, a team of 600 members, and provided employment for thousands across the Gulf Coast. Cox, reflecting on the present, unveiled the company’s role in developing neighborhoods for D.R. Horton, with a special emphasis on the heart of it all—Baldwin County. With about eight companies exclusively dedicated to the county’s development, Nathan shared their expansive master plans, with the Stone Bridge community as an example.

Stone Bridge, Cox said, is destined to become a vibrant town with over a thousand homes, eventually expanding to 4,000 to 5,000 home sites, accommodating a population exceeding 10,000.

“It will have its own school system with Stonebridge Elementary, and we’ve already donated land for a future middle and high school, as well as Baldwin Prep being on that property,” Cox said. “We view it as almost an entire town that will be developed over the next 10 years. We are extremely excited about that.”

The driving force behind these grand projects? Nathan’s commitment to breathing new life into Baldwin County and making it an irresistible homecoming for the younger crowd. Recognizing the need for the lively energy found in metropolitan areas, Nathan aims to infuse these developments with the dynamism that draws younger folks back to their roots.

“Right now, if you go out and see the world, or go to college, and you’re wanting to go back home, there’s not a really attractive place for a young person in their early mid-20’s or even early 30’s,” Cox said. “There’s not that energy you find in some of the bigger metropolitan areas, where you have younger people congregating at coffee shops, exercise facilities or walking parks. With these new master plans, we hope to create that energy in Baldwin County.”

Yet, the journey to develop these sites is no cakewalk. Cox sheds light on the intricate dance with local government, expressing gratitude for the unwavering support from various cities in Baldwin County. His philosophy is simple—do the right things for the right reasons, operate within guidelines, and foster a genuine connection with the community.

“With the county in general, we have always had a ton of support across the board,” Cox said. “We love working with the economic development team, the county board of education and the county commissioners. I grew up here and I would argue that I love Baldwin County more than anybody you put me in the arena against.”

Reflecting on his deep roots in Baldwin County, Nathan emphasizes the importance of providing top-notch housing options in appealing locations. To him, failing to do so risks diluting the very essence that makes the county special, potentially leading to a loss of its residents.

For those dreaming of starting a venture in Baldwin County, Cox offers some personal advice – brace for a journey longer and tougher than you expect. It’s not for the faint of heart, but, as Cox puts it, there’s nothing more rewarding than betting on yourself and taking the entrepreneurial plunge.

To read more about 68 Ventures, click here.