In-House Promotion: Project Coordinator Named Partner in Harbaugh Developers
Say hello to your new partner.
You might already be familiar with his work.
Tor Andersen, a major force implementing the home-building process for Harbaugh Developers, was named a partner in the company by owner Steve Harbaugh in March. It was a life-changing promotion for Andersen and a long-term investment by the company in its Seven Mile business operation.
After pitching its tent here in 2007, the company has built approximately 150 luxury homes throughout Stone Harbor and Avalon.
Andersen’s new role highlights the company’s continued commitment to this area, whether it’s on generational property handed down or spec homes that Harbaugh builds with investors.
Andersen helps the company service the business Harbaugh lands.
“The biggest asset Tor represents to me is peace of mind, that operations are covered and covered very well,” Harbaugh says. “Tor is a bull. He has good systems put in place, he is excellent at implementing policies, and he’s always looking to find ways to go forward.
“Over the years, Tor has continued to go above and beyond, taking on more responsibilities with the company. I just felt it was the right thing to do in bringing him on as a partner.”
Andersen directs the company’s extensive operations realm. It spans the tedious process of satisfying banks and obtaining permit approvals to ensuring deadlines are met. He’s also a certified master electrician, knows how to build a home, and can speak the language of contractors.
The job requires juggling and meshing varied steps in the building process. Each company email comes across Andersen’s desk. All buyers launching the lengthy home-building journey want a point person.
That’s Andersen, combined with a team of specialists throughout the company’s Stone Harbor office.
“This was a surprise to me and it’s very humbling,” says Andersen, who lives in Cape May Court House. “I have always felt that this company was a machine and I am providing some lubrication to make it run better. The recognition is appreciated. I feel very fortunate that Steve and I were introduced and discovered how well we work together.”
Becoming a partner reflects an interesting journey for Andersen. He grew up in New England as a “military brat.”
After moving here, Andersen was delivering pizza several years back for a Wildwood business owner who held a construction company. The owner invited Andersen into that world, where he grew to embrace project coordination.
About six years ago, Andersen joined Harbaugh’s company and its unique niche.
Harbaugh Developers differs not only from a standard real estate company but even a high-end agency in the Seven Mile corridor. Its customers often create a dream home rather than purchase an existing one.
Building one’s home is far more complex than observing a turn-key property, negotiating a price and moving in. Angst is a given.
Andersen became a step-by-step director for a process that requires months, not weeks, to complete.
“At the end of the day, I’m a problem solver, it’s that simple,” Andersen says. “I love the challenge of that, and you will find many hurdles come up during the time you are putting this home together. There are a lot of moving parts and you have to see it all through.
“There can be a lot of heartbreak and misery for someone who is going through this for the first time. But it’s the ultimate thing for us when you take the customer through that completed home for the first time and you see that big smile on their faces. That’s who we are here for. That’s what we are here for.
“It’s nice. We get a lot of hugs, even from the men,” he laughs.
The company champions the use of building materials like wider fascia boards, Hardy Plank, lap siding, detailed crown molding, larger rake trim, solid wood cabinetry, doors, and flooring, as well as solid granite or stone counters and floors.
It knows the allotted building space for each town and tailors a home to one’s budget, Steve Harbaugh says.
The company proclaims that it builds homes the way they used to be.
The way things used to be is a glorious memory for Harbaugh.
The company began in 2007, with Steve and his father George. They built a spec home, waited out the nation’s Great Recession of 2008-09, and began fulfilling requests for Seven Mile clients who asked, “Can you build that home on my lot?”
The answer was yes. Dad built them. Son sold them. And their reputation grew.
The elder Harbaugh died three years ago, but the nuts-and-bolts of his father-son business remain intact.
Harbaugh touts his company as a one-stop design-build shop, an asset separating it from competition.
Besides the owner and new partner, in-house personnel include Rick Stoltzfus, the delivery coordinator. He handles the punch list and is on the job for the last two to three months leading to completion.
Scott Bishop handles architectural responsibilities and starts sketching floor plans early in the process.
Pat Brodwater is the selection coordinator and walks clients through the selection process by ordering all finish materials.
Barbara Haynes deals with all financial and insurance matters, including coordination with banks, draw schedules and draw requests.
The team guides customers through a five-step process. The first is a discussion stage to establish budget, taste and scope of the home-building project. A story board step ensues, in which ideas are transformed into a floor plan.
Submission of those plans to appropriate officials produces the third phase, permitting. Ground is broken in the fourth step and construction is completed in the fifth.
It’s a long yet rewarding journey for the homebuyer.
In promoting Andersen, Harbaugh has underscored a significant business principle: Closing and servicing are both part of the deal.
