About Us | Park Forest Enterprises, Inc. | Local Property Management

About Us - Park Forest Enterprises, Inc.

Professional service for professional residents

Park Forest Enterprises, Inc.

We are a small, family-owned property management company close to Penn State University and Downtown State College. Since 1979, we have been renting mostly graduate-student apartments. We also have a great portfolio of professional houses and townhouses. We pride ourselves on professional service for professional residents.

Todd Hawbaker

President

our services

Park Forest Enterprises, Inc. Realtors® is a local property management and land-development company. Since our doors opened in 1979, our small company has been family owned and operated. At present, we manage both commercial and residential properties on behalf of individual owners. We have a leasing portfolio that spans beyond State College and across Centre County. We specialize in professional apartments, townhouses and single-family homes. Licensed real estate agents are available to answer questions about our current rental listings.

Please contact Samuel Hawbaker, Real Estate Brokerr, for information about our property management services. Park Forest Enterprises, Inc. is a member of the Centre County Multiple Listing Service through the Association of Realtors. In addition, the Hawbaker family has a strong history of Real Estate education and professional certification.

Personalized Service

When you're renting a home, we'll help you find the property that fits your needs

Leasing Experts

Can answer any questions you have about a specific property or the terms of the lease

Professional Maintenance

If you have property maintenance needs, let us take care of them

Student Housing

Whether you're an undergraduate or grad student, we have the perfect housing solution for you

Our History

About Us Page Photo: Samuel Hawbaker, Joan Brower and Todd Hawbaker — Samuel Hawbaker, Joan Brower and Todd Hawbaker

The founder of Park Forest Enterprises, Inc. was J. Alvin Hawbaker. Mr. Hawbaker got his start in State College as a residential home builder and land developer. In 1943, J. Alvin established his first company, CV Construction. The construction company thrived in State College for many years. Later on, J. Alvin purchased the dense acreage knows as “The Barrens” in hopes of developing the land for residential use. This property is now the wooded neighborhood known as Park Forest Village. At the time, Park Forest Village was widely recognized for it’s visionary planning and design. After that, J. Alvin went into property management and soon managed of over 1,000 rental units.

Then in 1979, J. Alvin formed a property management company Park Forest Enterprises, Inc. In this venture, his business partners were his children Samuel Hawbaker and Joan Brower. From the beginning, Park Forest Enterprises was a family operated small business. And we have remained that way ever since.

Sam and Joan continued the company after J. Alvin passed away in 1995. For over 35 years, Sam has been the President and leader of Park Forest Enterprises. In 1998, Sam’s son, Todd Hawbaker, took full time employment with the family company. Todd worked his way up to become the leasing office manager. In recent history, Samuel imparted the President’s title to Todd, making Todd the third generation of company leadership.

Meet Our Team members

Who you work with matters

Samuel Hawbaker

Corporate Treasurer at Park Forest Enterprises, Inc.

Samuel Hawbaker formed the family-owned property management company, Park Forest Enterprises, Inc. with his father and sister, J. Alvin Hawbaker and Joan Brower. Sam served as President of Park Forest Enterprises, Inc. for over 25 years, and is now the corporate treasurer. He holds a Pennsylvania Real Estate Brokers license, and the esteemed professional Certified Property Manager (CPM) ® designation.

Todd Hawbaker

President at Park Forest Enterprises, Inc.

Todd Hawbaker began full time employment in the family company in 1998, shortly after completing his degree at Penn State University. Todd manages the leasing office and holds an Associate Broker’s license. In 2017 he assumed the role of corporation President.

Denise Weaver

Receptionist at Park Forest Enterprises, Inc.

Denise Weaver has served as the office receptionist at the front desk since 1999. Denise is the one who usually answers your phone calls and greets you when you come into our office. She would be happy to direct your call!

Steve Gearhart

Maintenance Supervisor at Park Forest Enterprises, Inc.

Steve Gearhart joined the team as our maintenance supervisor in January, 2016. Steve is a very talented repairman who will either personally handle your maintenance concern, or oversee that the job gets done to your satisfaction.

Shannon Hawbaker

Bookkeeper at Park Forest Enterprises, Inc.

Shannon Hawbaker comes to us following a 15 year career as a Certified Public Accountant. Shannon serves as our detail-oriented bookkeeper, and is available to answer any questions you have about your rental account. Welcome aboard, Shannon!

Timothy Gummo

Head Leasing Agent at Park Forest Enterprises, Inc.

Timothy Gummo In 2008, Timothy Gummo joined the team at Park Forest Enterprises, Inc. He has his Pennsylvania Real Estate Salesperson License. Plus he is a member of the National and Centre County Association of Realtors. With over 10 years of experience, Tim has extensive knowledge of the State College market. His career has progressively focused on renting residential properties. Plus you'll be impressed by his friendly demeanor and practical knowledge. Whether you are shopping for your first studio apartment or for a whole house for your family, you will want to talk to Tim. He has extensive insight. With Tim as your guide, you'll be confident that the property you rent is the right one for you. Give him a call to schedule a tour of our rental properties!