Dedicated to Your Vision
From your first conversation to the final selection, and well after closing, our team of experienced building professionals will guide you through every detail from start to finish. We share a philosophy to provide the highest level of quality and service to our clients.

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.

Jon VanEyll
Purchasing Manager
Jon works behind the scenes as the Purchasing Manager to bid, negotiate, and track project budgets and costs. He has over 22 years of experience working for local, national and commercial builders. Jon is constantly pursuing industry trade partnerships to improve efficiencies and quality in our homes. Outside of work, you’ll find Jon spending time with his two daughters and staying active riding his motorcycle and training his dog.

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.

Matt Mazanec
Operations | Project Manager
Matt works both onsite and in the office overseeing our multi-family and student housing projects for Tradition Housing Solutions. Matt is best known for managing all projects he is involved in with a smile. With over 34 years of experience with some of the Midwest’s most prominent home builders, you can rest assured your custom home is in good hands. When not at work, Matt enjoys spending time with his wife and three daughters, as well as time outdoors golfing and mountain biking.

Chris Rooney
Realtor®
Having owned a Construction Company in the Late 1990’s, Chris understands the whole process of building a custom home. With nearly 30 years of experience in Real Estate, Chris will be there from the beginning to guide customers through the entire homebuying process. He enjoys interacting with homebuyers and watching their dream become a reality. A Prior Lake native, he also attended St Cloud State University, majoring in Speech while playing football and baseball. He also enjoys watching his kids play football and volleyball.

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.
