Tom Arndt is Division Manager for New Urban Communities’ Chicago Division.  He joins the company with 20 years of experience in the homebuilding industry in multiple markets across the country.  Before joining New Urban, Tom was Vice President of Operations for Polygon Homes, a Pacific Northwest builder, based in the Seattle area.  His career has included positions with Pulte Home Corporation, in Illinois and California, and with DR Horton/Cambridge Homes, based in Chicago.  As VP of Operations, Tom was responsible for all land development, construction, purchasing, warranty, and architecture.  His portfolio includes a series of high-profile projects including an urban renewal development with the Seattle Housing Authority, and an infill project at the former Glenview Naval Air Station.  Tom has a special interest in the development of building systems and in the design of energy and resource efficient homes.

A graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign, Tom holds a BS degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences.  He is a member of the National Homebuilders Association, a licensed contractor in the state of California and a trainer and speaker who has taught courses covering many aspects of the homebuilding industry.  Tom is married with two daughters and lives in the Chicago area.

Brenda J. Brummel - Administrative Assistant / Office Manager
Chicago Division

Brenda Brummel is the Administrative Assistant / Office Manager for the Chicago area office of New Urban Communities. Prior to joining New Urban Communities, she spent over twelve years in single-family residential custom and semi-custom new construction, working with a handful of well-known, prominent builders. Her knowledge in this industry ranges from general office duties, customized floor plan computerized designing, selections, on-site superintendent field work, coordinator of ordering and construction schedules, marketing materials, customer service and various other aspects. At the age of fourteen she worked side-by-side with her mom, learning millwork, windows and doors at Moser Lumber in Naperville. After college, she again worked with her mom at Paramount Electric Supply, currently located in Chicago. Most importantly she is a HUGE Tom Jones fan (What’s New Pussycat?) and also a die-hard NASCAR fan - #24 Jeff Gordon (any other kind?), who has won four championships and is well on his way to claim number five!