It was in April 1984 that two former school teachers, Larry Hufford and John Luhn, built “The Challenger” – a 1,360 square-foot model home in Palm Bay. The completion of this home (thought to be “too big” at the time) signified the launch of LifeStyle Homes.
Today, exactly 30 years later, the LifeStyle team is looking back at all the achievements, milestones, and turning points that got us where we are today. Here are some of the highlights of our 30-year history. Nostalgia anyone?
1984: Larry Hufford and John Luhn build their first model home on Emerson Drive in Palm Bay, naming it “The Challenger” after the Space Shuttle. This home still stands today.
Early 1990s: LifeStyle begins building new homes in its first development, Six Mile Creek, in what would eventually become the burgeoning town of Viera.
1990s: “The Coquina” model home is introduced. It sells incredibly well and LifeStyle discovers its niche – custom-level homes at affordable prices.
2003: Larry and John begin helping local schools with much-needed supplies. LifeStyle starts delivering truck loads of school supplies to local teachers. This tradition later evolves to become “Education Renovation,” and the LifeStyle team begins renovating a school office or classroom for a deserving faculty member or teacher each year.
Early 2000s: LifeStyle starts building in the development of Pineda Crossing. The series of developments that follow become some of the company’s most significant.
2007: Larry and John prepare for retirement. John’s son, Jake Luhn, steps in to carry on the family business.
2009: In the thick of the Great Recession, LifeStyle forms a partnership with the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC). FSEC’s scientists educate the LifeStyle team on energy-efficient building practices.
Early 2010: With the guidance of FSEC, LifeStyle becomes the 41st builder in the nation to complete the U.S. Department of Energy’s Builders Challenge. The company then develops its SunSmart℠ energy-efficiency building envelope. From this point forward, all new homes by LifeStyle are built to this higher standard.
August 2010: LifeStyle builds the first solar-powered zero-energy home on Florida’s East Coast in Capron Ridge, Tralee Bay 
Estates. This home – which produces more energy than it consumes – goes on to win numerous awards.
February 2011: The LifeStyle team, along with hundreds of generous community volunteers, build a 5,000 square foot solar-powered zero-energy home in 155 hours for the Hurston family of Cocoa – a family dedicated to humanitarian service in Haiti. The home is featured on ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.”
Mid-2013: Jake Luhn makes the tough decision to step away as LifeStyle’s CEO. At the same time, Jake’s brother, Jordan Luhn, along with Larry Hufford’s daughter, Karen Hufford, join LifeStyle.
Today: LifeStyle – a company “founded on family, built with integrity, and poised for the future,” celebrates 30 years in 
business, and looks forward to the next 30.
On behalf of the entire LifeStyle team, thank you to Larry Hufford and John Luhn for establishing the framework for what is today a truly remarkable company. A company that, every day, remains committed to do what’s right for our customers, our community, and our country. It’s the values that our founders infused into LifeStyle early on that allow us to remain one of Brevard’s top builders today.
To our customers, partners, and advisers, we are extremely appreciative of your support. Here’s to another 30 years in business! Happy anniversary to us!
