Lokal Homes LLC’s name comes from its focus on being a local, rather than national, homebuilder that knows what Colorado homebuyers want and provides it. That strategy also has helped the builder grow in recent years. “We wanted to provide a better homebuilding experience. … Denver is controlled by big-box builders, so we wanted to be the local choice,” said Lokal co-owner David Lemnah. “We know what makes communities in Colorado great, we know our trade partners and vendors. We’re able to do things that make sense … for here.”

Lemnah and Lantz started putting Lokal Homes together in 2012, but the company didn’t begin operating in earnest until 2013. The partners met while they worked at Denver-based M.D.C. Holdings Inc. (NYSE: MDC) and its national Richmond American Homes homebuilding business.

“Our standard features set us apart,” Lemnah said. “We have a straightforward value proposition — a house you’d be proud to call home.” The builders’ growth comes down to giving the home-buying market “what it’s thirsty for, which is attainable housing,” said Lantz.