Your Dedicated Team

Our people are the heart and soul of every home we build. They are seasoned professionals with a shared passion for excellence, who bring together decades of experience in design, construction and project management. Get to know the talented individuals who make up your HBT team.

Dean Nelson

President | Owner

Ready to Bring Your Vision to Life?

Dean Nelson

President | OWNER

From the first consultation to the final handshake at closing, Dean is dedicated to creating a seamless and rewarding design-build journey for every customer. Raised in a family rooted in the home building industry, Dean’s passion for crafting exceptional homes runs deep. Before attending college, he served five years in the United States Marine Corps as an aviation technician, instilling in him a commitment to precision and excellence. Dean’s unparalleled expertise in every facet of the custom design-build process is matched only by his genuine enthusiasm for bringing dream homes to life. Outside of work, you’ll often find Dean enjoying the open road on his motorcycle, exploring new culinary experiences, or traveling with his amazing wife by his side.

Tom Sand

Construction manager

Tom plays a vital role in collaborating with our Sales, Design, and Project Management teams to ensure every home is built with precision and care. As a seasoned professional with over 45 years in the custom home building industry, Tom oversees daily construction operations, managing budgets, schedules, and deadlines to deliver exceptional results. In addition to leading our remodeling division, Tom is passionate about creating a fun and enjoyable experience for both customers and trade partners. Outside of work, Tom enjoys cheering on the Vikings, Wild, and Twins, playing the occasional round of golf, and giving back through local charity work. He treasures time spent with his wife, Lori, at community events and loves traveling with his three children and their families.

Danielle Srock

Interior designer

Danielle, our talented and skilled Interior Designer, is the creative force behind every color, selection, and finish in your home. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for bringing visions to life, she ensures your home is a true reflection of your personal style. Danielle understands that nothing is more personal than your home, and you can trust her to transform your ideas into a space you’ll love for years to come. When she’s not designing dream homes, Danielle enjoys relaxing at her cabin, hitting the golf course, and spending time outdoors.

Matt Mazanec

Purchasing Manager

Matt plays a crucial role behind the scenes as our Purchasing Manager, expertly handling bidding, negotiation, and tracking project budgets and costs. With over 35 years of experience working with some of the Midwest’s leading home builders, Matt brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every custom home project. His strong relationships with industry trade partners allow him to continuously enhance efficiencies and uphold the highest standards of quality in our homes. Outside of work, Matt enjoys quality time with his wife and three daughters, as well as outdoor adventures like golfing and mountain biking.

Mac McGaffey

Project Manager

Mac serves as a Project Manager for Homes by Tradition, overseeing every detail of the construction process to ensure each home reflects the exceptional quality and craftsmanship that defines our work. With 40 years of experience in the residential home-building industry, Mac brings unparalleled expertise and dedication to every project. His favorite part of the job is transforming a set of plans into a beautiful home where families create lasting memories. Outside of work, Mac cherishes time with his family up north and participates in annual mission trips to Mexico, blending his passion for building with his heart for giving back.

Charlie Koontz

Project Manager

Charlie’s passion for construction began on job sites, where he gained hands-on experience in remodeling from a young age. After graduation, he joined the talented team at Homes by Tradition, bringing his expertise and enthusiasm to every project. Charlie’s favorite part of the construction journey is collaborating with customers to transform an empty lot into a home they’ll cherish for years to come. When he’s not at work, Charlie enjoys relaxing at the family cabin, hitting the golf course, and spending time fishing.

Nina Lemke

Marketing manager

Nina is the driving force behind all things marketing for HBT, bringing fresh ideas and innovative strategies to the table. With a passion for creativity and a love for tackling new challenges, she works behind the scenes on everything from print and digital campaigns to events and social media, ensuring a consistent and impactful representation of the HBT brand. When she’s not shaping marketing magic, Nina enjoys lake days, cheering during football season, and making memories with her husband, two daughters, and their two sweet pups.