About Us
Meet Your Dedicated Team
By choosing Barry Rutenberg and Associates, Inc., an independently owned and operated franchise of AR Homes®, you can create your custom luxury home with complete confidence in the quality of work and integrity of the local team involved in building your new custom home.
Lisa Rutenberg
Lisa Rutenberg, granddaughter of AR Homes® founder, Arthur Rutenberg, started in the family business in high school, earned an accounting degree at the University of Florida, and now serves as franchise owner and building company president. Living up to the Rutenberg name is no small task, yet as a third-generation homebuilder, Lisa does so with ease.
Under her leadership, the family legacy of craftsmanship, luxury, and value continues in Alachua and Columbia counties. She oversees a team that brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise that is dedicated to complete customer satisfaction.
Outside of homebuilding, Lisa is a devoted mother of two and donates time as a board member and a volunteer for Tyler’s Hope for a Dystonia Cure as well as supporting Stop Children’s Cancer.
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 was born and raised in North Central Florida. After graduating from St. Petersburg College, she moved to Gainesville to pursue her career in Marketing. With almost a decade of experience, AR Homes® has been the perfect fit to apply her knowledge and continue to grow in a fast paced and ever-changing market. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors and traveling with her son and family.
Kourtney Watson
Kourtney was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. She moved to Gainesville two years ago and has since joined AR Homes as a Project Manager. She has a wealth of business and project management experience helping our clients smoothly navigate through the home building process. In her free time, she enjoys being outside and spending quality time with her husband, Nate, and 3 children.