After several years working in the real estate industry, Mathew Roth and Ryan McDonnell took an entrepreneurial leap of faith and started their own business in February 2005. Their first step was to create a company called Hawthorn Investments, LLC. Under this flag, they bought two multi-families which they renovated, converted to condominiums and sold in Roslindale and Dedham. They also purchased a small Cape in Needham at 45 Kimball Street which they converted into a Colonial, completely renovated and sold. During this process, the two partners earned their real estate salespersons licenses and created a real estate brokerage, Precision Properties, with the assistance of a Needham attorney as the broker of record.
Through Precision Properties, Mat and Ryan were able to sell their condos and the Needham single family, but in addition, a new suite of services was developed - seller and buyer agency. Initially, as all small businesses experience, gaining traction proved challenging and client opportunities were scarce. However, through hard work, some good fortune and a commitment to growing the brokerage as well as the development entity, Precision Properties has represented clients in over 25 area cities and towns with a focus on Needham. Along the way, Mat and Ryan earned their broker licenses, took over the business, and a team of sales agents has joined the firm. The brokerage, now under the banner of Hawthorn Properties, has an established presence and solid reputation in the local real estate community.
After the sales of the initial development projects, Hawthorn Investments shifted its focus from “flipping” properties to new construction and custom renovations. In January 2007, they bought a single family in Needham at 14 Ingleside Road and tore it down. Based on plans developed by Tavis Babbitt of Babbitt Design, Hawthorn Investments built its first house. This project set the company on a path that has seen the construction or renovation of over twenty properties through the summer of 2011 including ten new luxury homes in Needham and more on the horizon. Hawthorn Investments, now known as Hawthorn Builders, has been engaged by customers for projects ranging from kitchens and baths, to major additions and custom new construction.
Under Hawthorn Real Estate, Mat Roth and Ryan McDonnell have brought their two entities together under one umbrella to provide customers with a complete real estate solution. Hawthorn Real Estate is focused on remaining a fixture in the Needham development and brokerage community for years to come.