Terra Firma Associates, a leading Cincinnati area commercial development company, was founded in 1999 by Richard Haglage and Craig Kolb. Since the founding of Terra Firma Associates, and their earlier work together as partners of Tipton Associates, their guiding principles of integrity and hard work have helped to create projects exceeding 2 million square feet of quality retail centers. Our customers include national and regional retailers including Kroger, WalMart, Meijer, Kohls, Walgreens, Petsmart, Joann Fabrics, and a variety of restaurants including Longhorn Steakhouse, O'Charleys, Bob Evans, McDonalds, Wendy's and many more.


Richard Haglage

Craig Kolb

Richard Haglage has been involved in real estate development since his graduation from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1979. While initially involved in the civil design sector at the local firm of McGill, Smith, Punshon, in 1987 he moved from consultant to developer when he joined Tipton Associates as the Retail Site Acquisition Specialist.

He became a Partner at Tipton Associates in 1989 and was responsible for all aspects of Retail Development. During this period Haglage was involved in the development of several large retail projects anchored by such prominent retailers as Kroger, Walgreen's, Meijer, Kohl's, Wal-Mart and Sam's Club. Haglage directed the effort as the lead developer beginning in 1989 to assist Wal-Mart in their store location strategy and implementation for the greater Cincinnati market.

In 1991, Haglage formed Portfolio Properties, Inc., with former Tipton partners Randy Smith and Hans French. Portfolio Properties developed several area projects such as Jackson Square in Eastgate (Home Quarters, Pier 1 Imports, Hampton Inn, Longhorn Steakhouse), and Western Hills Square (Kroger, Wal-Mart, Walgreen's, and Petsmart), which was developed in collaboration with Anchor Properties.

Upon the retirement of his Portfolio partners, Haglage formed Terra Firma Associates with long time friend and associate, Craig Kolb in 1999. The developments that Haglage has done since include the 300,000 square foot Western Commons project anchored by Meijer, Kohl's and Longhorn Steakhouse (also done in joint venture with Anchor Properties), the 300,000 square foot Arbor Square project in Mason anchored by Kroger, Petsmart and JoAnn Fabrics, and the 24 acre Conner Crossing which features a 130,000 sf Kroger.

Haglage graduated from St. Xavier High School in 1973. He has been very involved in his community and is past president of the St. Vincent Parish Council where he took the lead role in implementing a $4 million expansion of the school. He is a former member of the Ursuline Academy Board of Trustees and chair of the Building and Grounds Committee and led the completion of a $16 million campus expansion/renovation project. He is also a former member of the St. Xavier High School Board of Trustees.

Haglage currently resides in Blue Ash with Kathy, his wife of 35 years.

Richard Haglage

Craig Kolb

Craig S. Kolb is a thirty year veteran of commercial real estate in Greater Cincinnati. Kolb began his real estate career with Tipton Associates in 1988 as General Manager of Industrial Development. During his tenure in this position, Kolb was responsible for development and marketing the Kingsview Industrial Park, Kings Mill Business Center, Perimeter Park and the East Tech Business Center. Kolb became a partner in the Tipton organization in 1989 and assumed expanded responsibilities.

In 1992, while maintaining his Tipton affiliation, Kolb became an independent contractor specializing in commercial brokerage. As a broker Kolb completed multiple lease and sale transactions involving some of the most noteworthy companies and sites in Greater Cincinnati. Among Kolb's past and current clients are: Al Neyer, Inc., Duke Realty Investments, Cincinnati United Contractors, American Money Management, Cleveland Construction, Makino, Great American Insurance, Regency Centers, Midland Atlantic Properties, Glimcher Realty Trust, Neyer Properties, Time Warner Entertainment, Dover, Drees, International Paper, Nova Care, Procter & Gamble, Henry P. Thompson Company, Kroger, Shell Oil, Peoples Community Bank, and Kids R Kids Daycare Centers.

In 1999, Kolb and long time friend and associate, Dick Haglage, formed Terra Firma Associates. Terra Firma's primary focus is land development, with an emphasis on developing well located, high quality projects. Additionally, Terra Firma provides site selection/brokerage services for selected clients.

Kolb grew up in Addyston, and graduated from Taylor High School in 1972. He attended Eastern Kentucky University from 1972–1976, graduating with a BA degree in Urban Planning. Mr. Kolb held various planning positions with governmental organizations in Ohio and Kentucky between 1976 and 1988. Kolb also served four terms on the Milford City Council and held the position of Mayor for eight years of his tenure on City Council. He and his wife Suzie have been married 42 years, have two adult children, and two grandchildren.