Assistant Manager
Kara Bolton
President
About Kara
Kara Bolton is the President, CEO, and Owner of Kara Bolton Homes, Inc., a premier residential construction company that has delivered over $65 million in new housing projects across Greater Gainesville and surrounding communities since its founding in 2006. A Certified General Contractor and Licensed Real Estate Sales Associate with RE/MAX Professionals, Kara blends technical expertise with market insight to lead with distinction.
In 2024, she was named “Builder of the Year” by the Builders Association of North Central Florida, a recognition that reflects her commitment to excellence, innovation, and craftsmanship. Today, Kara leads a focused team of professionals as the exclusive builder for Fairway Pointe at West End in northwest Gainesville—her second exclusive builder community.
Kara’s passion for building began in college, where she spent summers working as a construction laborer to support herself and her daughter while living in subsidized housing. Through grit and determination, she earned both her degrees from the University of Florida—a Bachelor of Science with High Honors in 2000 and a Master of Science in Management in 2002.
Expanding her vision beyond Florida, Kara is will soon be licensed to build in North Carolina and will break ground on her first project there—her personal home in the Outer Banks—in the summer of 2025.
Tenacious and fearless, Kara Bolton has steered her company through some of the toughest economic challenges in modern history—including the most devastating housing crisis to date—without compromising on quality or vision. Over the years, she has designed and built homes and townhomes of varying sizes, styles, and finishes in numerous communities across the region, including Gloria’s Way, Villas of West End, Heritage Oaks, Parkwest Estates, Townsend, Fletchers Park, Brytan, and Willow Oak Plantation, to name just a few.
A dedicated community leader, Kara served as President of the Builders Association of North Central Florida (BANCF) in 2013 and continues to serve on its Board of Directors. She also contributes her expertise to the next generation of builders through the Advisory Committee for the Santa Fe College Construction Management Program. That same year, she chaired the Alachua County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, advocating for accessible housing solutions. Her professional engagement extends to nearly two decades of active participation in the Parade of Homes since 2008. Kara has also shared her insights as a guest speaker at the Real Estate Forum and as a Professor-for-a-Day in Construction Finance at the M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Building Construction at the University of Florida.
Kara’s signature is woven into every detail of her homes—literally and figuratively. She personally designs the architectural blueprints for each of her projects and brings her vision to life through her keen eye for interior design, decorating all of her model and Parade homes herself. A lifelong seamstress since the age of eight, Kara’s craftsmanship goes beyond construction—she’s sewn everything from her daughter’s senior prom dress to flower girl dresses, and even the gown she wore to her BANCF Presidential Induction Ceremony. Her deep commitment to beauty, functionality, and personal expression defines her work—and sets her homes apart.
Kara Bolton’s work and story have earned her widespread recognition in both local and regional media. She’s been featured on the cover of Building Edge (July 2007) and Business in the Heart of Florida (December 2012), and was honored as a Fierce Award winner by Business in Greater Gainesville Magazine in July 2018. Her leadership and impact have also been spotlighted in the North Florida Business Report (March 2010), the Gainesville Sun (February 2013), and Home: Living in the Heart of Florida.
Beyond the professional accolades, Kara’s greatest pride is her family. She is a devoted single mother to two children—Cheyenne (30) and Tyler (19)—and a loving stepmother to Trinity (24) and Evan, who passed away in March 2017 at the age of 13. Kara honors Evan’s memory through a spirit of adventure and a commitment to giving back. For every home sold, Kara Bolton Homes contributes $100 to the Evan T. Bolton Memorial Scholarship at the University of Florida’s M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Building Construction.
Kara’s passion for life extends far beyond the job site. An avid outdoorswoman, she embraces a wide range of active pursuits, including sailing, kiteboarding, e-foiling, stand-up paddleboard yoga, jogging, snow skiing, and mountain biking. Indoors, she enjoys yoga and barre fitness classes. Whether she’s building homes, exploring new adventures, or making memories with her family, Kara brings energy, resilience, and purpose to everything she does.
