About Us
Chad Lenz began his career in homebuilding in 1993, spending over a decade honing his craft and building a reputation for exceptional quality and personalized service. Those early years were formative, working through every phase of construction, learning the details that separate a good home from a great one, and developing the relationships with craftsmen and suppliers that would later define the Highland Development standard. In 2004, he channeled that experience into founding Highland Development, Inc. — a company built on the belief that every home should be as unique as the family who lives in it. That belief is personal. Highland Development is built by a family, guided by that same conviction in every home we create.
What started in Central Iowa quickly earned a reputation that spoke for itself, not through advertising, but through the experience of every client we served. Word spread not because of what we promised, but because of what we delivered. Homes built with care, projects completed with integrity, and clients who felt genuinely valued throughout every step of the process. That reputation followed us when Highland Development expanded its footprint to the Greater Twin Cities Metro area, where we continue to serve discerning homeowners who expect nothing less than exceptional.
Today, we craft a select number of luxury custom homes and high-end remodels each year, intentionally. We believe that limiting our project volume is not a constraint, it’s a commitment. A commitment to being fully present on every job site, fully invested in every client relationship, and fully accountable for every detail of every home we build. When you work with Highland Development, you are not a number on a schedule. You are the reason we do what we do.
When you build or remodel with Highland Development, you will never wonder who is watching over your home. Chad Lenz, founder and CEO, is personally involved in every decision, every detail, and every phase of your project. That level of ownership and accountability is something no large firm can offer.
From the first conversation to the final walkthrough, our promise is simple, to bring your vision to life with precision, integrity, and a deeply personalized experience that sets Highland Development apart from every other builder in the market.
Meet Our Team
Chad Lenz
CEO
With more than 30 years of experience shaping exceptional homes, Chad Lenz founded Highland Development on a standard he has never compromised — that every home should be a true reflection of the people who live in it. His career began in 1993, and what started as a passion for quality craftsmanship has evolved into one of the Twin Cities’ most trusted names in luxury custom homebuilding.
As a licensed Minnesota contractor and REALTOR®, Chad brings a rare combination of construction expertise and real estate acumen to every project — giving clients a distinct advantage at every stage of the process. His approach is defined by what Highland Development calls the white-glove experience — attentive, intentional, and deeply personal. From the first consultation to the final walkthrough, Chad’s hands-on oversight ensures that every detail, every finish, and every decision reflects the uncompromising standard his clients expect and deserve.
Aletha Lenz
Director of Client Relations
Aletha Lenz brings more than 20 years of real estate expertise to Highland Development, along with a background that sets her apart from most in the industry. Before becoming a REALTOR®, Aletha spent nearly two decades as a Senior Loan Officer, giving her a deep understanding of the financial side of every transaction and a unique ability to guide clients with clarity and confidence from the very first conversation.
Her combined knowledge of financing, new construction, remodeling, and real estate means clients have a trusted advisor who understands every stage of the process. Whether you are building a custom home, navigating a remodel, or exploring your options in the market, Aletha brings the insight, experience, and personal attention to ensure every decision is made with confidence. At Highland Development, she is the voice of the client experience, and she takes that responsibility seriously.
Katelyn Lenz
Director of Marketing
Katelyn brings a creative and detail-driven approach to her role as Director of Marketing at Highland Development. With an authentic understanding of the homebuilding industry shaped by years of firsthand experience, she leads the company’s marketing efforts with intention, consistency, and a genuine passion for the brand she represents.
Whether developing creative campaigns, refining brand identity, or telling the stories behind our projects, Katelyn approaches every aspect of marketing with fresh energy and a commitment to excellence, ensuring that the Highland Development brand is as carefully built as the homes that carry its name.
Let’s Work Together
Rooted in Craftsmanship. Built on Trust. Led be Vision.