2025 Annual Awards Recipients Honored at HBA Annual Meeting

The Home Builders Association of Metro Denver held the 2025 Annual Meeting on Thursday. October 23rd at Marriott DTC. The ceremonies were emceed by HBA CEO Ted Leighty. It was a celebratory evening as Jason Brown of Ascent Builders and 2025 HBA Board President welcomed 2026 HBA President Sara Dieringer of Cardel Homes. The HBA also presented the highly coveted awards for Associate of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Advocate of the Year, and Home Builder of the Year.

Jason Brown, President of the HBA began the night by thanking the generous HBA members who sponsored the event: HBA Organizational Partners Pella Windows & Doors, Ent Credit Union and Fusion Sign & Design, Event sponsors Brookfield Residential, Builders FirstSource, Cardel Homes, DRB Homes, KB Home, LJA Engineering, Redland, Rheia, LLC, Rugged Development, Sherwin Williams, StrucSure Home Warranty, Toll Brothers, and Tri Pointe Homes, as well as Land Forum sponsor Fox Rothschild before sharing his perspective on the year in review.

As the evening proceeded, a whole-hearted thank you and applause were given to the serving 2025 HBA Board Members. Nominating Committee Chair and Immediate Past President Dave Lemnah then took attendees through the Board of Directors nominating process, announced the 12 elected builder/developer members that were elected to serve on the 2026 HBA Board of Directors, and called for ratification of the vote.

With that, Jason Brown administered the 2026 HBA presidential oath for Sara Dieringer and presented her with the customary gavel. Dieringer then took over with the installation of the 2026 Board of Directors, and provided her inaugural remarks.

After the induction of the board, HBA CEO, Ted Leighty presented the 2025 Awards for Associate, Volunteer, Advocate, and Home Builder of the Year:

2025 Associate of the Year: David Baltz

This award recognizes an individual whose dedication, professionalism, and commitment to safety set a standard for excellence within our industry. This year’s honoree has been a steadfast supporter of the HBA since 2013 — contributing time, talent, and resources to countless events and initiatives. From generous donations to the Job Site Safety Fair, to active participation on safety committees, to showing up time and again in support of our members, this individual has made an unmistakable impact.

As president of a company that leads by example, he has built a culture grounded in safety, integrity, and community partnership — one that reflects the very best of what our industry stands for.

2025 Volunteer of the Year: Gilda Zaragoza

This award celebrates a member who embodies the very spirit of volunteerism — someone who consistently goes above and beyond to help others in our industry achieve higher standards of excellence.

This individual has been deeply involved with the HBA for many years, taking on numerous leadership roles and giving generously of both time and talent. They’ve served as a steadfast supporter, sponsor, and past Chairperson of the Young Leaders Council, and has been a National Young Leader Award finalist.

Her achievements extend beyond our association — she’s been recognized as a Denver Business Journal “40 Under 40” honoree, co-chaired the HBA Innovations Summit, served as an active volunteer on the HBA Mentoring Committee, contributed as a member of the HBA Board of Directors, and currently lead as our 2025 Council Board Chair.

And if that’s not enough, this volunteer also brought style and spirit to Industry Night — earning this year’s Best Sneaker Strut Award!

Please join me in congratulating our 2025 HBA Volunteer of the Year… Gilda Zaragoza!

2025 Home Builder of the Year: Frank Walker

Our Builder of the Year has been a leader in the Denver market for over the past two decades spanning two different builders.  Before currently serving in a regional executive position covering Colorado, Arizona and Utah, he grew his current company to one of Colorado’s top performing builders as its Division President.  He is a past HBA board member, serving on several different occasions.  He has a passion for, and has dedicated much of his professional career to giving back to his community.  A current board member and past-president of HomeAid Colorado, he and his company have given much of their time and treasure to the organization.  He also serves on the board of Denver Children’s Home, an organization his company has supported as a builder captain, allowing the Home to expand their services.

It is my honor and pleasure to announce Frank Walker of Lennar as the 2025 Builder of the Year.

2025 Advocate of the Year: Jeff Handlin

This year’s recipient founded Oread Capital & Development in 2011. Prior to founding Oread Capital & Development, he served in executive roles at recognized national homebuilding and real estate development companies including: Founding Partner of Starwood Land Ventures; Officer and National Vice President for M.D.C. Holdings, Inc., the parent company of Richmond American Homes; and Vice President with Taylor Woodrow (currently known as Taylor Morrison).

He has also been an HBA member and tireless advocate of our organization and industry for many years. He is always willing to step up and share his insight and expertise whether as a moderator or featured speaker at our HBA Housing Summit, MHC Political Forum, Housing Affordability Bus Tours and countless other related events. Mr. Handlin strongly supports education; he serves as an adjunct professor at the Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver where continues to advocate for and support DU’s students in the NAHB Student Competition at the International Builders’ Show as they work toward achieving their dreams within our industry.

This year’s 2025 Advocate of The Year is Jeff Handlin.

Congratulations to the 2025 Annual Awards Recipients!