When developing residential infrastructure at scale, there is no substitute for hands-on experience. Thomas Mehegan Sr., Jobalia’s President of Residential Development, has been developing land and underground utilities for over 50 years. The unmatched skill set and knowledge he has acquired throughout his career have helped to set himself and Jobalia Development Group apart from competition in the industry.
Mr. Mehegan has worked closely with Dipak and then Anand Jobalia over the last few decades. In doing so, he has become an expert in several components of residential development including gas and electrical utilities, underground construction, platting, and turnover. Perhaps even more importantly, he has built deep relationships that drive business for the firm, developed a solid understanding of the entitlement process to improve execution, and has become a pro at navigating complex permitting — all of which are incredible value-adds for homebuilders.
It’s Mr. Mehegan’s hands-on approach that helps the group complete projects with precision and efficiency. He has eyes on nearly every aspect of the company’s residential development projects, which involves taking a raw piece of land, clearing it, filling it, putting in utilities, landscaping, beautification, and then turning it over to builders so they can start putting in the homes. He often leads the development of several hundred residential lots at one time.
And with rapid economic growth and Florida’s population growth continuing to skyrocket, he doesn’t expect the workload to slow down any time soon.
“We’re busy, and we’re going to stay busy,” Mr. Mehegan said. “People are coming to Florida. They like Florida. Before, 50 years ago, they came because Disney World was here. Now it’s a place to call home.”
Jobalia Development Group focused on both residential and commercial development for many years but has pivoted to focus exclusively on residential as demand for new homes in Florida has steadily grown over the last couple of decades. Today, Mr. Mehegan and the company partner with some of the largest homebuilders in America.
Mehegan has learned a lot of important lessons about the industry over the years, and he believes this isn’t a business you can take lightly. He said many are unaware of all the steps involved in residential development, and he credits the Jobalias’ experience and passion for the ongoing success of the business.
“All the utility work that has to go in,” Mr. Mehegan said. “Drinking water, reuse water, storm drain, all that. You just don’t learn that overnight. You have to physically do it in my opinion.”
Land and utility development can be one of the most difficult and time-consuming parts of building a new residential plan. Without the skills and experience, this work is expensive and time-consuming for homebuilders, which is why so many trust Jobalia to handle this stage of the process.
While long-term industry experience has led to success, Mr. Mehegan also said the firm has been working to develop younger talent who can help deliver developed lots to homebuilders for years to come.
“As far as land development and this business, and where it’s going to go, I’d say with Anand and some of the young men he has brought in here, the sky is the limit for them.” Mr. Mehegan said.
Some of Mr. Mehegan’s key accomplishments have included the development of some of the largest subdivisions in Volusia County. He led the development of Pelican Bay in Daytona Beach, Venetian Bay in New Smyrna Beach, and Countryside in Port Orange. He also maintained his Underground Utility and General Contractor license for 25 years.
