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OUR PEOPLE

Ryan McDonnell

Owner

Ryan McDonnell

As a co-founder and owner of Hawthorn Builders, Ryan McDonnell brings over twenty years of project management and client service experience. Since co-founding Hawthorn, Ryan has managed all aspects of residential construction projects including custom new construction, complex additions and renovations as well as provided consulting and valuation services to a wide variety of clients. At Hawthorn Builders, Ryan’s primary function is to oversee the company’s operations which includes managing relationships with current and former clients, working with the operations and design teams on active projects, and acting as the company’s chief financial officer. Ryan brings a career in client service and an analytical and financial approach to real estate development. Ryan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the Wallace E. Carroll School of Management at Boston College and is a licensed construction supervisor and a home improvement contractor in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Mathew Roth

Owner

Mathew Roth

Mathew Roth, a co-founder and owner of Hawthorn Builders, has been in the real estate development business for over 20 years. At Hawthorn, Mat has overseen, managed and assisted on the construction of over 200 residential construction projects. More recently, Mat has driven the sales and business development function at the company. Mat holds a construction supervisor and home improvement contractor license, as well as a MS degree in Real Estate from New York University. His degree focused on the investment and development of residential and commercial real estate. Mat received his undergraduate degree from the University of Rochester where he majored in Economics. While at Rochester, Mat also received a Certificate of Business Management from the William E. Simon School of Business. Mat’s credentials also include a Massachusetts Real Estate Broker license.

Rob Ticktin

Principal

Rob Ticktin

In 2004, while pursuing his MBA at Bentley University, Rob Ticktin made his first foray into the world of real estate investing with the purchase of a Somerville 3-family. Six months, and three renovated condos later, Rob’s career in real estate development was underway. Since taking that fateful plunge, Rob has overseen the renovation and development of more than 50 condominiums and single family homes in Boston, Cambridge, Needham and of course, Somerville. Rob is licensed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a construction supervisor, home improvement contractor and Real Estate Broker. He also holds a Senior Real Estate Specialist designation with the National Association of Realtors. Rob can be seen on the Needham Channel where he co-hosts “What’s My House Worth?” A former Sports Anchor for CNN Headline News, Rob enjoys the opportunity to get back in front of the camera, albeit for a slightly smaller audience.

Chris Palenscar

Vice President of Operations

Chris Palenscar

Chris started out in the construction field in 1998. He is well versed in the construction process from frame to finish, specializing in interior finish work, and custom built-ins. In 2004, Chris worked as a lead carpenter for a design/build company in Newburyport, MA. From there, he started his own company and had the opportunity to strengthen his knowledge around the financial aspects of the building process. It was during this time that Chris connected with Hawthorn Builders as part of the finish team specializing in custom built-ins. Chris has been a part of the Hawthorn team since 2013. Initially he managed the addition and remodeling projects until he transitioned into the role of Vice President of Operations, running the day to day operations of the construction company. Chris oversees both new construction and renovation projects, and is responsible for all aspects of the projects including budget management and client relations.

Adam Reardon

VP of Home Management

Adam Reardon

Adam Reardon joined Hawthorn in September of 2017 and is the leader of our Home Management division. Adam worked as a Glazier for 10 years before getting a job as a Facilities Mechanic at Emmanuel College in Boston. While working at Emmanuel, Adam became familiar with a wide variety of building trades. He graduated with a BSBA from Emmanuel in 2014 and holds a Construction Supervisor License.

David Pillarella

Senior Project Manager

David Pillarella

David Pillarella started with Hawthorn in March 2019 as a Project Manager. David has more than 30 years of experience in residential construction. Over his career he has worked on projects ranging from small-scale home remodels to custom high end houses. David enjoys the connections he builds with homeowners and strives to make every job a success. In his spare time David enjoys spending time with his family, playing paintball, and working on restoring his own antique home.

Maarten Bray

Senior Project Manager

Maarten Bray

Maarten started with Hawthorn in September of 2020 as a Senior Project Manager. Maarten has over 28 years of experience in building custom luxury homes as well as high end renovations and commercial projects. He enjoys working with homeowners and building lasting relationships. In his spare time, he enjoys playing golf and spending time with his family and dogs.

Erin Raycroft

Design Coordinator

Erin Raycroft

Erin Raycroft joined Hawthorn Builders after completing her internship with HB in May 2019. She graduated from Quinnipiac University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing Communications followed by a Certificate of Interior Design. She is detailed oriented, has a highly refined design sense and the ability to multi-task. She credits her time living in Europe and Sweden with greatly shaping her perspective on architecture and design. Her responsibilities include assisting the design and operations team in managing projects in order to increase productivity and meet the expectations of our clients.

Ted Parker

Project Manager

Ted Parker

Ted joined Hawthorn in July of 2020. Before Hawthorn, Ted worked for 19 years remodeling homes in Weston and Wayland. He holds an unrestricted construction supervisor license in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Ted graduated Saint Michaels College with a degree in Business Administration.

Sean Tully

Project Manager

Sean Tully

Sean joined Hawthorn Builders in October 2019. With 20 years experience in both residential and commercial construction he has been involved with all phases. Over his career he has gained the experience and knowledge to do anything from framing to the most intricate finish detail. Sean appreciates the new people he meets and the relationships started by being involved throughout the construction process.

Mark Doran

Lead Carpenter

Mark Doran

Mark joined Hawthorn in 2021 and has over 20+ years of experience in the construction industry including master carpentry skills, crew management, and equipment and site safety regulations.

John Ostreicher

Operations

John Ostreicher

John joined Hawthorn in 2021 and brings 22 years of experience in residential remodeling and custom home building. He enjoys the challenging nature of each unique construction project. In his free time, John enjoys spending time with family, playing the guitar, and boating.

Dana Warren

Marketing / Design

Dana Warren

Dana Warren joined Hawthorn Builders in 2020 and is in charge of digital marketing. She has over 20 years experience in the residential development and management field with a background in interior design. Dana is also a licensed real estate agent and has been selling through Hawthorn’s brokerage side for the past 11 years.

Ryan Stanford

Production Manager

Ryan Stanford

Ryan joined Hawthorn Builders in February 2022. As Production Manager, he acts as the liaison between Operations and Sales assisting in the facilitation of sales leads from the initial meeting with a prospective client to the securing of a building permit. He also works closely with vendors and sub-contractors to understand the most current and cost-effective pricing to provide for our clients. Ryan has prior experience in construction estimating, real estate sales, luxury motor yacht operations, and corporate non-profit development. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Stetson University. In his spare time, Ryan enjoys being active outside through hiking, cycling and kayaking. Other areas of interests include art & design, space exploration, and engineering.

Kathy Welter

Accounting Manager

Kathy Welter

Kathy joined Hawthorn in 2019 as the Accounting Manager and brings over 25 years of construction and real estate development accounting experience to the team.