Building community from the ground up

When Forefront Renovations was founded in 2022, it emerged from one woman’s deep understanding of the construction industry and her determination to make it better. After years of working for a general contractor, first in marketing and later running the multifamily department, Leslie Kinson recognized major gaps in organization and efficiency across the field. She set out to change that, creating a business built on structure, integrity and community relationships, and Forefront Renovations was born.

Forefront Renovations specializes in multifamily and commercial projects, spanning student housing, senior living and tenant improvements for community centers and other specialty facilities. The company handles everything from clubhouse remodels and upgraded common areas to exterior improvements like dog parks and courtyards.

Alongside its multifamily work, Forefront has steadily expanded into single-family renovations, partnering with local real estate brokerages and investment groups to revitalize homes across the Denver metro area and breathing new life into existing structures rather than tearing them down for new development.

Rather than employing a large staff, Forefront operates through a network of trusted specialty subcontractors, plumbers, electricians and concrete teams, many of whom have been with the company since its earliest days. That tight-knit structure allows projects to run smoothly while keeping the focus on relationships, not just results.

In September 2025, Forefront Renovations was awarded the $50,000 Progressive Insurance ‘Driving Small Business Forward’ grant, a national award that supports small businesses.

In its fourth consecutive year, the grant program has distributed over $2.5 million to help small businesses address challenges, such as accessing capital to expand and scale their operations.

For Kinson, the grant came at a pivotal time: helping the team invest in additional work vehicles and resources that stabilized operations and supported the crew that had worked tirelessly using their own trucks and trailers.

“It was a true game-changer,” Kinson said. “It gave us the breathing room to grow while continuing to take care of our people.”

Operating along Colorado’s Front Range, from Colorado Springs and Fountain to Fort Collins, Loveland, and Greeley, Forefront remains committed to preserving the state’s architectural charm and history. In a time when large developers often level neighborhoods for new builds, Forefront’s approach is refreshingly local: working with neighborhood suppliers, tradespeople and clients who care about keeping Colorado’s communities authentic and livable.

As the company continues to grow by double digits each year, its focus remains steady: expanding its single-family renovation division, deepening partnerships with locally based asset management groups, and leading with purpose.

“You can’t always compete with the big guys,” Kinson said, “but you can choose to improve your community, love your team, and do work that makes a real difference.”