Behind the Build: Meet Maria Whitlatch, Sales Manager
At McKinley Homes, it takes a team of dedicated, talented professionals to bring our communities to life. In our Behind the Build series, we’re highlighting the people who make it happen. Today, we’re excited to introduce Maria Whitlatch, who joined McKinley Homes as a Sales Manager in May 2025.
A Day in the Life
Maria describes her role as anything but predictable. “No two days ever look alike,” she says. From collaborating with the inside sales and marketing team on new collateral to auditing the website, reviewing sales reports, troubleshooting Salesforce, or planning signage for new communities, Maria wears many hats.
She also plays a key role in recruiting and developing sales talent, working closely with VP of Sales & Marketing, Mary Mead, to keep the department running smoothly. Technology is at the heart of her work, from CRM systems to emerging AI tools, and she sees it only growing more central to how McKinley connects with buyers. “It keeps me on my toes,” she shares, “but that’s part of what I love…there’s always something new.”
From Childhood Memories to a Career in Homebuilding
Maria traces her passion for homebuilding back to her childhood. “I was 10 when my family purchased our first home, and I still remember the joy we all felt. That moment showed me just how much a home can mean.”
With a professional background spanning sales, marketing and operations, homebuilding was a natural fit. What sealed her decision to join McKinley was the culture – and particularly the leadership team. She recalls being struck by McKinley’s vision for growth, but it was the forward-thinking leadership of Mary Mead that really stood out. “She’s supportive, a natural mentor, and she genuinely cares about people. Having that kind of leadership at the top gave me confidence this was the right place to grow and make an impact.”
Why She Loves Her Work
For Maria, the most rewarding part of the job is helping families experience the joy of finding the right home. She also takes pride in mentoring new agents and shaping the future of McKinley’s sales team. Beyond the individual experiences, she loves seeing the big picture: “Watching a community grow from raw land into a neighborhood full of life never gets old.”
Advice for Newcomers
Maria encourages anyone entering the industry to embrace flexibility and continuous learning. “This industry moves fast, and you’ll end up wearing a lot of hats,” she says. Her advice: stay positive, pay attention to details, don’t hesitate to ask questions, and lean on the experience of others. Most importantly, she emphasizes, “Invest in the culture of teamwork and growth — the more you pour into the team, the more you’ll get back.”
Looking Ahead
Maria sees technology as the driver of the homebuilding industry’s future, from construction methods to digital buyer experiences. Virtual tours, smart homes, AI-powered tools and seamless customer experiences will shape the next generation of homeownership. “All of this together makes it an incredibly exciting time to be in this industry,” she says.
Life Beyond McKinley
When Maria’s not leading sales activities, she enjoys spending time with her family, including a new grandson. She loves traveling, especially attending Ohio State football games in Columbus, and enjoys consignment shopping for unique finds. On warm days, you can often find her out on Lake Lanier, relaxing and recharging on the water.
A second-generation Italian American from New Jersey, she also once auditioned for The Sopranos! The role turned out to be for Johnny Sack’s wife and, although she didn’t land the part, she enjoyed the experience and became a big fan of the series.
Stay tuned for more Behind the Build stories as we continue spotlighting the talented individuals shaping McKinley Homes’ communities and culture.