Meet Your Dedicated Team
At AR Homes® Gainesville (Barry Rutenberg & Associates), our team provides the highest level of service, from the initial consultation to the final inspection. Specializing in custom home construction, we are committed to building new homes that our customers will love for years to come.
As proud members of the Builder’s Association of North Central Florida, the NAHB, and the Florida Home Builder’s Association, we play an active role in our local community. Our involvement with these organizations allows us to support other local businesses, advocate on behalf of local builders, and promote our services effectively. Through these associations, we can make a meaningful difference in our community, ensuring that our clients receive the best possible experience and that our local building industry thrives.
Lisa Rutenberg
Introducing Lisa Rutenberg: A Trusted Local Expert with a Family Legacy of Excellence And Daughter to the Long Time Local Builder, Barry Rutenberg.
Lisa Rutenberg, granddaughter of the visionary founder of AR Homes®, Arthur Rutenberg, is more than just a name. With a deep-rooted passion for homebuilding, she embarked on her journey in the family business during her high school years. Lisa then enhanced her knowledge further by earning an accounting degree from the prestigious University of Florida. Today, she proudly serves as the franchise owner and president of our building company, carrying forward the cherished Rutenberg legacy.
Lisa’s commitment to upholding the Rutenberg name is evident in everything she does. As a third-generation homebuilder, she effortlessly embodies the values of craftsmanship, luxury, and value that have defined her family for generations. Under her exceptional leadership, these principles continue to shine throughout Gainesville and Alachua County.
At the heart of Lisa’s success lies her unwavering dedication to her craft. She leads a remarkable team of experts, each of whom brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Together, they are wholeheartedly committed to ensuring complete customer satisfaction, every step of the way.
Beyond the world of homebuilding, Lisa is a devoted wife and mother of two, cherishing the importance of family values. Her commitment to her community is also evident in her role as a board member and volunteer for Tyler’s Hope for a Dystonia Cure, as well as her support for Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Lisa Rutenberg will be your trusted partner in crafting your dream home. With her local expertise, family-oriented approach, and the backing of a storied legacy, you can be confident that your vision will become a reality that exceeds your expectations.
Brenda Banks
Brenda Banks is a native Gainesvillian with a long history in the real estate and home construction industry. She has been with AR Homes® since 1998 and became the VP of Sales and Marketing in 2012 for the Gainesville franchise. Brenda is a mom to one son, Cody, and has one grandson, Ridge. In her free time, Brenda considers herself a “water person”—she enjoys spending time along rivers, lakes, and the ocean.
Allyson Schmitz
Allyson, a native of the Sunshine state who pursued her education at St. Petersburg College, has honed her career in the dynamic world of marketing and sales. Starting as a Brokers Assistant, she swiftly evolved into a seasoned professional, leveraging her real estate and marketing expertise to become an indispensable asset to the AR Homes sales team.
With a deep connection to her local community, Allyson has witnessed its transformation over the years, providing her with unparalleled insights into the luxury real estate market. Armed with nearly a decade of experience, AR Homes® serves as the perfect platform for her to apply her marketing and sales acumen, thriving in a fast-paced and ever-evolving industry.
Outside of the office, Allyson is a devoted mother to her son, Connor. Her free time is dedicated to creating cherished moments outdoors, attending sporting events, and enjoying the serenity of the water.
Kourtney Watson
Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Kourtney found her new home in Florida and swiftly became an invaluable asset as an AR Homes Project Manager. With a rich background in business, communication, and project management, she’s exceptionally qualified for her role. Kourtney’s primary focus revolves around ensuring utmost client satisfaction throughout the entire home building journey, striving for seamless projects that adhere to quality.
Kourtney’s passion is fueled by the deep-seated joy she derives from helping clients transform their aspirations into reality, all while mitigating the stress and apprehension often associated with custom home building. Her unwavering commitment to her craft is unmistakable, as she tirelessly endeavors to create frictionless experiences for homebuyers.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Kourtney treasures spending precious moments with her husband, Nate, and their three beloved children. She’s also an avid enthusiast of outdoor pursuits, relishing moments by the water, and proudly cheering on the Gators.
Kim Davalos
Kim grew up in beautiful but chilly Rochester, New York, and graduated from SUNY Purchase in Westchester County. She studied abroad in Paris, France, and traveled extensively after graduating. In 2015, Kim moved to Gainesville, Florida, and loves the lush landscape and proximity to Florida’s beautiful beaches.
Kim has nearly two decades of experience helping clients create a truly personalized home with all the principles of good design. She enjoys the limitless possibilities of custom home design and working with clients from all over the world. Seeing her clients’ reactions to the finished product is a beautiful reward she values each and every time. She loves working with families and inspirational individuals to make a house a home.
Outside of design work, Kim enjoys going to concerts with her husband, knitting with her daughter, listening to her son play guitar, and traveling to new cities is her favorite source of inspiration.