Jack Hatch, Principal
Jack Hatch is a real estate developer and former Iowa lawmaker with a proven track record of transforming communities through innovative, high-quality housing developments. As the founder and principal of HKG Development, Jack has dedicated his career to revitalizing urban neighborhoods and small towns, creating affordable housing solutions, and driving economic growth across Iowa.
In addition to his work in real estate, Jack spent three decades shaping Iowa’s most impactful legislation as an Iowa State Senator (2003–2015) and State Representative (1985–1993, 2001–2003). He championed policies focused on healthcare, education, economic development, and environmental protection, leaving a lasting impact on the state.
Throughout his time in office, Jack led the charge on major legislative initiatives, including the 1989 Leaking Underground Storage Tank Act, the 1987 Groundwater Protection Act, the creation of Iowa’s Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) program. He also established IMAGES, Iowa’s state-supported minority education scholarship program, and worked to create college opportunities for youth aging out of foster care. A strong advocate for fair housing and equal opportunity, he co-sponsored legislation to protect LGBTQ+ Iowans from housing and employment discrimination.
As Senate chair of the Health & Human Services Budget Committee, his leadership in healthcare reform earned national recognition, particularly for his role in expanding Iowa’s healthcare access program for adults & children and leading the charge in expanding Medicaid in Iowa after the passage of ObamaCare . In 2009, he was appointed chair of the White House Working Group of State Legislators for Healthcare Reform, where he advised the president and Congress on national healthcare policy.
With over 25 years of experience in real estate development, Jack has successfully leveraged his expertise in policy, public-private partnerships, and urban revitalization to create housing that strengthens communities. Working closely with local governments, lenders, and neighborhood leaders, he has developed numerous award-winning housing projects that provide affordable, high-quality living spaces while driving economic growth
Hatch Development Group
& Community Impact
In 1997, Jack and his wife, Sonja Roberts, founded Hatch Development Group (the predecessor to HKG), a company specializing in affordable housing projects and Perennial Properties Management Services (PPM), managing their developments. Their efforts have garnered state and national recognition for their strengthening communities, creating opportunities for residents, and contributing to the long-term growth of the region. HKG and its predecessor, Hatch Development Group, has financed over $191,000,000 in capital Investments throughout seven big cities and small towns in Iowa.
Jack and Sonja reside in the historic Sherman Hill neighborhood of Des Moines. They also maintain a residence in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, reflecting their appreciation for diverse cultures and communities. They have two daughters, Regan and Caslon. Regan is now Chief Operating Officer, (COO) of Perennial Partners Management. and Caslon was an Edward R. Morrow Regional award recipient for an NBC affiliate in Alaska. She is now a senior communications manager for Johns Hopkins Medical facility In Baltimore, MD.
Sonja Roberts, CoFounder
Sonja Roberts is a prominent figure in Iowa's real estate and design communities, known for her leadership in property management and interior design. For 8 years, Sonja was President of the Sherman Hill Neighborhood Association, the first organized neighborhood in Des Moines. Now, the city has over 53 organized neighborhoods and recognizes Sherman Hill as its preeminent 501c3 organization.
As President of Perennial Properties Management (PPM) for our first 15 years, Sonja led the firm and was responsible for managing all properties developed by Hatch Development Group (HDG). In her role, she collaborated daily with clients, staff, local officials, and tenants to ensure the delivery of high-quality services.
Beyond property management, Sonja is an accomplished interior designer. She has collaborated extensively with her husband, Jack, in developing various projects, bringing a unique aesthetic and functional perspective to their real estate ventures.
Sonja has shared her expertise as an adjunct professor in the College of Design at Iowa State University. Her contributions to the field have been recognized through her induction into the College of Fellows of the International Interior Design Association, IIDA, one of the most prestigious honors in the design profession.