Disclosure: Rose Law Group represents Mattamy Homes
By Callan Smith | Rose Law Group Reporter
We recently had the opportunity to interview Harry Lourimore, Phoenix division president of Mattamy Homes, by email, providing insight into the company’s success here in the Valley.
What is the best thing about your job?
I’m fortunate to be leading a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to growing our footprint in the Phoenix marketplace in an industry that provides numerous challenges and opportunities for success. Coaching and mentoring members of my team through such challenges, to help them realize their professional goals is the most rewarding part of my job.
What distinguishes Mattamy from other homebuilders in the Phoenix marketplace?
Mattamy is thoughtful, yet passionate, about the design of our homes and our communities. Our design approach is sensitive to the needs and desires of the people that live in our homes and communities. To that end, we conduct extensive outreach and research to understand our buyer, to guide us as we create our communities.
How many communities do you have open right now in Arizona, how many in entitlements?
Mattamy currently has 9 active communities plus 6 close-out communities in the Phoenix marketplace. We have several more currently under development and opening within the next six months. In addition, we have about ten projects in our land pipeline that are in some stage of entitlement processing.
How many starts did you do in Arizona in 2017 and how many do you anticipate in 2018?
Mattamy started 640 homes in 2017
How do you feel about the general market in Phoenix today and if good, why?
I feel optimistic about the Phoenix market. The employment and population growth fundamentals that drive our industry are positive and we believe that they will remain that way for at least the next couple of years.
Mattamy seems to have some really prime real estate – I heard that there were legitimate people camping out to buy reservations when your Tempe/Chandler Rhythm community opened – how do you make your land buying choices?
You heard correctly – there were people camping out at Rhythm when we opened that community in late 2016. That community is a great example of the intersection of the design focus I mentioned previously, with the attribute of a desirable location; factors which resonated well with consumers. Rhythm was a great example of our land buying process, in which we seek locations valued by the consumer, and add value through our home and community design, as supported through our extensive research, to deliver a product and community that will be well received and appreciated by the home buying public.
What is your favorite Arizona restaurant?
The Turquoise Room at the La Posada Hotel in Winslow is at the top of my list. Off of the beaten path for foodies in the Phoenix and Scottsdale scene to be sure, the restaurant is a Conde Nast award winner as one of the best restaurants in the Southwest and the chef/owner is a James Beard nominee as one of the best chefs in the US. A regionally inspired menu with locally sourced ingredients and friendly service in a historic hotel makes it worth the drive every time.
Favorite thing to do on the weekend?
My wife Jill and I love to travel throughout Arizona, as there is quite a bit to see in our own backyard, so to speak. We’ll often take spur of the moment trips to a variety of destinations throughout the state for a change of scenery and to enjoy new experiences. During the summer, like many Phoenicians, we take the occasional trips to California, exchanging the heat for the sand and waves.
Each week we will be providing insights about leaders and companies in the Phoenix area. Beyond being available on this site, the articles will be featured in The Dealmaker, our real estate publication where we provide top Arizona industry news Monday through Friday. Sign up here to receive The Dealmaker to your inbox.
