Neal's record year: $115M gross

LAKEWOOD RANCH -- Neal Communities generated $115 million in sales in 2011, representing a 45% over-the-year increase, as well as an all-time record for the Lakewood Ranch-based home builder.

The company closed on 375 properties in 2011, up from 210 a year ago, a release says.

The sales success may have helped motivate Builder Magazine's decision to recognize Neal with its 2012 America's Best Builder award in the 100-500 closings category, a distinction that was announced this week.