Ure Kretowicz

Even as many builders have pulled back in the 2008 downturn, Cornerstone Communities' chairman and CEO is excited about four new projects on the horizon.

Cornerstone Communities has long been a leader in the industry, in part via diversification and in part by allowing the market to dictate its particular focus so that it capitalizes on market shifts. The San Diego-based company has built homes ranging from entry-level attached homes to custom, multimillion-dollar estates. Developments include Provence at Rolling Hills Ranch, Treviana at Lomas Verdes and Andorra at the Summit EastLake.

It's also diversified outside of its core housing product via mortgage and home equity businesses, as well other ventures like Pro Performance Sports and Hotel La Jolla. With such current projects and a leadership perspective, Cornerstone Communities is poised to be on the forefront of the coming residential housing upturn.