Karla Schwan shared passion for philanthropy with Camelot leadership
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
Director of Payroll and Benefits Karla Schwan joined the staff of family-owned luxury homebuilder Camelot Homes about 30 years ago.
Ms. Schwan says she found a true family when she became a part of the Camelot team, and appreciates the owners’ shared passion for philanthropy, continued improvement, and growth.
“I’ve worked with Karla for the entirety of her career at Camelot,” says Camelot Homes Managing Director and Co-owner Julie Hancock.
“And, over these 30 years we’ve shared the growth of the company and the birth of our children and grandchildren. There is no greater satisfaction after spending these years together than seeing Karla’s daughter and my kids now working in the company. Karla has the biggest heart and has shared that heart with generations of Camelot team members. She is one of the kindest people I know, and we are grateful for her dedication to Camelot Homes.”
A lot has changed since she joined Camelot Homes as controller in 1993.
“Camelot is a family business that’s been around for over 50 years,” Ms. Schwan said. “Because of this, we are nimble and can pivot on a dime, which is so important with the cyclical nature of the economy and the business. We work together, wear a lot of hats, and support each other. I am really proud of the homes we build and proud to be a part of this family.”
Ms. Schwan says she also appreciates Camelot’s dedication to supporting and volunteering in the community, which has grown over the decades.
“Mark and Julie Hancock have hearts of gold,” she said. “During my tenure, we created a Camelot Foundation and increased our volunteer participation in the community. I love being a volunteer coordinator and coordinating Camelot’s community engagement activities. Every year brings different opportunities, and employees all receive paid time off for volunteering each month. I make sure they know the benefit is there and support them in getting out there and finding where they can volunteer.”
Camelot has a goal of contributing 1000 hours to the community per year and Schwan says the home builder has supported nonprofits including Boys Hope Girls Hope, Ronald McDonald House, Paz de Cristo, and Scottsdale Human Services.
Ms. Schwan, who is a Mesa resident, mother of five, and grandmother of nine, says it has been a pleasure watching the Camelot family grow and the third generation of the Hancock family expand the company. In fact, her oldest daughter, Krista Davis, has been with Camelot Homes for nearly 10 years, working in the purchasing department.
“The Hancock family builds the most amazing premier luxury homes, and I really feel like I found my home when I found Camelot Homes,” she said. “They are an amazing family and I’m grateful they’ve been such a large part of my life.”
