Dan Neyer, president and CEO of Neyer Properties, has had the benefit of being involved in each and every aspect of real estate and land development, design, construction and financing over the approximately 30 years he has been in the real estate business full time. In 1995, after 14 years with the family business Dan decided to branch out on his own to pursue his own dream with his own vision. With this year being the 15th anniversary of Neyer Properties we sat down with Dan to reflect on the company he has created as well as to discuss the lessons he has learned along the way.
What has made Neyer Properties successful in the current economic status?
We have narrowed our focus and have changed our business model to react to and reflect the changing environment of commercial real estate. While we are still pursuing developments with specific end users in mind, our main focus is in purchasing existing properties and renovating or redeveloping these properties to a higher and better use. Fortunately we had seen the writing on the wall relative to the financial constraints we are all faced with today and stayed true to our form by being fiscally conservative. This has allowed us to obtain loans where others are unable to obtain and pursue opportunities that occurs cannot at this time.
Why have you chosen to make the commitment to be ‘green’?
Being “green” is simply the right thing to do. It reduces operating expenses for tenants, improves the air that we breathe, increases the efficiency in the workplace, reduces sick days within our buildings and also reduces our dependency and costs for energy. Having been involved with 11 LEED projects and being the recognized leader in our industry for this technology incorporated into commercial buildings, we are very familiar and know firsthand the benefits that this provides.
What values are significant to Neyer Properties as a company?
Integrity and ethics, even more now than ever, are the most important values. We are a results driven, community-minded organization that prides itself on being creative, persistent, team-focused and having an environment that is rooted in being empowered to take measured risks while putting a strong emphasis on learning and growing. In addition to this it is important to have an environment that promotes having fun in our various activities.
Most rewarding project thus far? Why?
Keystone Parke is the most rewarding (and also the most difficult) project to date. We invested nearly 10 years of effort to assemble all the property necessary for this project and we have worked closely with the surrounding community. This project has culminated into being the first LEED certified office campus in the Tri-state region with a strong emphasis in design and technology. We are looking to grow this overall development into a five building 450,000 square foot office campus which will demonstrate the right way to develop property within the community in which we live, work and play in.
What have you learned since owning your own company?
The only limitation of any organization is the limits it puts on itself and the people within. Having the right people within our company has allowed us the opportunity to do some great things in commercial real estate arena. Following your passion, as I have, for our business is the key driving force between trying to run a business and succeeding in a business. The ability to change the way you approach business is a must in order to be able to respond to the ever changing market conditions, as the rate of change is moving faster year by year.
Has Neyer Properties changed in any unexpected ways?
In running a business it is hard to gauge if we have changed in unexpected ways as all businesses must change to be successful, which is to be expected. We have grown to be a larger organization (assets wise) than I originally anticipated and the quality/dedication of our people is much greater than I could have ever hoped and dreamed for.
Future plans? Hopes for the future?
The future, I think, in these uncertain times is as good if not better than it has ever been. When there is uncertainty and turmoil there is great opportunity for the people not afraid to take action. We are implementing a plan that will allow us to grow at a rate that is faster than we have ever grown in our past by pursuing the opportunities that will allow us to create significant value for years to follow. Stay tuned and you shall see….
Neyer Properties is a full-service commercial real estate developer specializing in sustainable land development, construction management, investment, and redevelopment. The firm celebrates its 15th anniversary this year and invites friends and stakeholders to join its green building community at facebook.com/neyerproperties.
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