Local builder 'shatters' company record

Neal Communities employees witnessed the most profitable and prosperous year in the company's history in 2013, with 826 new home sales, 10 new communities and an expansion into other counties.

Sales increased 35% from 2012 in 16 communities spreading from Manatee to Lee counties. The company also expanded its reach to Collier and Lee counties, with a division based in Bonita Springs.

Neal Communities President Pat Neal anticipates similar trends in future years. 

"With 80 million baby boomers — the first ones turned 65 in 2011 — and one-sixth of all Americans retiring to Florida, we believe this boom will continue at least until 2029, when the last generation turns 65," Neal said in a previously-released statement.

In addition to breaking its own sales record last year, the company celebrated the sale of its 9,000th home last spring. This year, Neal and his team anticipate hitting the milestone of selling 10,000 homes.

Looking ahead, Neal plans to expand the company's presence into Hillsborough County and start building there next year.

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected].