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

From the initial consultation to home closing, Dean works directly with each customer to ensure a positive and rewarding design-build experience. Dean grew up in the family home building business and prior to college, served five years in the United States Marine Corps as an aviation technician. His knowledge and experience in all aspects of the custom design-build process coupled with his passion for building homes is unsurpassed. When not in the office or meeting with customers, you can find Dean out on his motorcycle, trying new restaurants or traveling with his beautiful bride.

Tom Sand

Construction manager

Tom works closely with our Sales, Design and Project Managers team. Tom manages the day to day construction and operations side to maintain budgets, schedules and deadlines for each home. He also spearheads our remodeling division. With over 45 years in the custom home building industry, Tom’s passion is creating an exciting and enjoyable fun experience for our customers and trade partners. Some of Tom’s favorite things include Vikings, Wild, and Twins games, an occasional round of golf and volunteers at with some of our local charities. He enjoys spending time with his wife Lori at local events and traveling with his three children and their families.

Danielle Srock

Interior designer

Every color, selection and finish for each home is selected with the guidance of our highly talented and skilled Interior Designer, Danielle. She will make your home come to life and make your vision a reality. Nothing is more personal than your home and you can trust Danielle to do a great job making it your own! Outside of work, Danielle enjoys spending time at their cabin, golfing or spending time outside.

Matt Mazanec

Purchasing Manager

Matt works behind the scenes as our Purchasing Manager to bid, negotiate, and track project budgets and costs. With over 35 years of experience with some of the Midwest’s most prominent home builders, you can rest assured your custom home is in good hands with Matt working closely with industry trade partnerships to keep improving efficiencies and quality in our homes. When not at work, Matt enjoys spending time with his wife and three daughters, as well as time outdoors golfing and mountain biking.

Mac McGaffey

Project Manager

Mac is a Project Manager for Homes by Tradition. He manages the construction process to ensure each home is built with the quality and craftsmanship we pride ourselves on. Mac has 36+ years of experience in the residential home building industry. His favorite part of the construction process is taking a set of plans and making them a reality for a family to call home. Outside of work, Mac enjoys spending time with his family up North and attending mission trips annually to Mexico.

Charlie Koontz

Project Manager

Charlie grew up on job sites working in remodeling. After graduation he decided to make the switch to join the great team at Homes By Tradition. Charlie’s favorite part of the construction process is working closely with customers to make an empty lot become a home for customers to love for years to come. Outside of work, Charlie enjoys spending time at the family cabin, golfing and fishing.

Nina Lemke

Marketing manager

Focusing her efforts on all things marketing, Nina brings a new twist to the marketing strategy. She enjoys being creative and always loves a new challenge. Behind the scenes, she works on everything from print and digital initiatives to events and social media to create consistency and enhance the HBT brand. Some of her favorite things include being out on the lake, football season and spending time with her friends and family.