A Letter From Our CEO: Reflecting on 2025 and 45 Years of Building Dreams
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As the holiday season winds down and we prepare to welcome a new year, I find myself reflecting on what 2025 has meant for Lee Wetherington Homes and the incredible community we serve along Florida’s Suncoast.
This year has been one of both challenges and profound gratitude. The residential construction industry continues to navigate evolving market conditions, supply chain considerations, and the ever-present need to balance quality with efficiency. Yet through it all, our team has remained steadfast in our commitment to what matters most: providing you with an unmatched homebuilding experience.
The Successes That Define Us
2025 brought remarkable moments of achievement. We’ve had the privilege of breaking ground on extraordinary properties throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties, from Shellstone at Waterside in Lakewood Ranch to vibrant Wellen Park communities. Each project has reminded us why we do what we do – transforming visions into reality, one custom home at a time.
Our team’s dedication to Consistency, Integrity, Teamwork and Excellence – our core values represented by the acrostic CITE – has never been more evident. These aren’t just words on a wall; they’re the foundation of every decision we make, every beam we place, and every relationship we build. Whether it’s our design team working late to perfect a floor plan, our construction managers ensuring every detail meets our exacting standards, or our sales consultants listening intently to understand each client’s unique dream, excellence is our baseline expectation.
I’m particularly proud that we’ve continued to deliver on our rallying cry: an unmatched customer experience. In an era where so much feels transactional, we’ve doubled down on making your journey personal, thoughtful, and singular to you. We’re finishing 2025 strong and looking ahead with great anticipation to celebrating our 45th anniversary in 2026.
The Challenges That Strengthen Us
Of course, no year comes without its trials. The construction industry faced labor shortages, regulatory adjustments, and economic headwinds that tested our resolve. Hurricane season reminded us once again why our form-and-pour tie beam building methods, fortifying homes with concrete and steel, aren’t just construction techniques – they’re commitments to your family’s safety and peace of mind.
These challenges have only reinforced our belief that cutting corners is never an option. When you build a home with Lee Wetherington Homes, you’re not just getting four walls and a roof – you’re getting a masterpiece engineered to last a lifetime, built by a team that treats your project as if it were our own.
Celebrating 45 Years: A Legacy of Personalization
As we close out 2025, we’re incredibly honored to look forward to another milestone in our company’s history: our 45th anniversary in 2026. Since our founder, Lee Wetherington, established this company in 1981, our approach has remained remarkably constant – even as design trends, technologies and communities have evolved. What hasn’t changed? Our fundamental belief that every homebuyer deserves a singular experience.
No two families are alike. Your priorities, your lifestyle, your dreams – they’re yours alone. Some clients want disappearing glass walls that blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living. Others prioritize intimate primary suites designed for true tranquility. We’ve had clients request homes without kitchens (when someone truly doesn’t cook, we understand the vision), though building codes require us to ensure every home includes essential elements. Even when we must say “no,” it’s because we’re protecting your investment, your safety, and ensuring your home meets all necessary standards.
The common thread through our history? We say “yes” whenever we can. This personalized approach – this commitment to building your home, not just a home – is what has set us apart for nearly five decades and what we’ll continue to champion as we enter our 45th year in 2026.
Looking Toward the Future
As Christmas lights brighten our communities and families gather to celebrate, I’m reminded that homes are more than structures – they’re where life happens. They’re where children take their first steps, where milestone birthdays are celebrated, where quiet Sunday mornings unfold with coffee and sunshine streaming through thoughtfully placed windows.
We don’t take lightly the responsibility you entrust to us when you choose Lee Wetherington Homes. Whether you’re considering building on your own lot or in one of the premier communities where we’re a preferred builder, know that our 45-year legacy isn’t just about the homes we’ve built – it’s about the lives we’ve helped shape and the dreams we’ve helped realize.
As we prepare for 2026, our vision remains clear: to build life by building better homes, so that in years to come, it won’t just be the customers who choose us for our models, but we’ll also be chosen for what we represent – trust, consistency, and a genuine commitment to excellence. We’re especially excited to celebrate our 45th anniversary next year, a milestone that reflects decades of dedication to our craft and to you, our valued clients and community.
Thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey. From all of us at Lee Wetherington Homes, we wish you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season filled with warmth, joy, and the comfort of home.
Building Homes for a Greater Purpose,
David Hunihan, CEO