Pulte's new chief touts houses built with downsizing in mind

Though it's often said that it's the wife who casts the deciding vote when it comes to big housing decisions, the construction industry remains stubbornly run by men. That's in stark contrast to real estate brokerages, which are often led by women. Jamie Tharp has jackhammered right through that ceiling. She was recently named Minnesota division president for Pulte, making her the first woman to lead a major Twin Cities homebuilder. Tharp, 36, is a lifelong Minnesotan and graduated from the University of St. Thomas School of Business. For Tharp, who has been in the industry for a dozen years, the new job is a promotion. During her six years at Atlanta-based PulteGroup, her titles have included director of marketing, land-acquisition manager, director of market intelligence and most recently vice president of sales. Last year, PulteGroup built 373 housing units in the Twin Cities metro and had revenue of $177 million, making it the third largest homebuilder in the region, according to the Builders Association of the Twin Cities. The company is selling homes in 24 developments throughout the area.

Q: The construction industry has traditionally been a male-dominated industry. Is that changing?

A: While historically it may have been difficult for a woman to work her way into a leadership position within the construction industry, I believe today the support and opportunities exist for those that have the drive to pursue them. It's exciting to see more and more women involved in different aspects of the construction industry.

Q: As a woman leading a division, are you an anomaly at Pulte?

A: While I am currently one of two female division presidents within the company, there are countless other female leaders making an impact daily in all areas of the business from finance through construction field operations.

Q: How does the Twin Cities compare to other markets where Pulte has a presence?

A: Pulte Homes of Minnesota is similar in size to Pulte operations in several other markets. We have sold over 400 homes year to date and have been recognized across the company as a division that has made great strides in recent years related to unit growth and profitability.

A: We are continually seeking ways to bring entry-level product to the market as we know there is a strong demand among that buyer segment; however I am not seeing any relief in sight. Entry-level housing is a big challenge right now for new homebuilders due to labor constraints, increasing pressure on material costs and the price of buying and developing land in the Twin Cities. The increased regulatory costs added in recent years due to building code changes continue to be a pain point. Buyers are not seeing the value in what has been mandated.

Q: Any design trends that you are excited about?

A: There is a shortage of affordable new homes available for first-time buyers and buyers who are ready to right-size into one-level, association-maintained homes. Pulte has listened to consumers and developed new townhouses that offer flexibility for people with and without kids offering ample storage space and three-car garages, as well as one-level product without a basement for those buyers that want less square footage to maintain. There is minimal wasted space and more efficiency built into open-concept floor plans to ensure buyers can stay connected with one another while still having privacy when needed and organizational spaces to keep busy lives on track.

Q: Construction often runs in the family. Was that true for you?

A: My family was involved in building materials and manufacturing, so I've always been comfortable with the industry.