Dan Neyer & Neyer Employees Blogging (Part 2 of 3)

This time we decided to turn the table back onto those whom we know best, our fellow employees at Neyer Properties. This is the second part of a three part series. As mentioned previously, we asked each employee the same question and ended up with a wide range of responses. We have picked some different people's responses from those who responded in the first question.

What is your favorite thing about working at Neyer Properties?

Neyer has an entrepreneurial spirit that drives the success of the company. That spirit creates development and financial solutions for projects that others outside our organization may not see. It forces me to think outside the box and keep an open mind when analyzing new opportunities as well as existing properties.

-Bryan Kelley

Working with a group of energized, motivated and talented people who are making a very positive difference in the town in which we live, work and play.

-Dan Neyer

All employees have a say and can give input or ideas on a topic or project. I believe since we are a small company open communication between all employees and listening to their input is critical.

-Kathy Hennel

I enjoy the range of responsibilities for which each person is expected to take ownership – this results in a wide range of experience and opens up room for initiative and the ability for employees to take on work that they enjoy.

-Seth Pirie

Dan Neyer & Neyer Employees Blogging (Part 1 of 3)

This month we decided to turn the table back onto those whom we know the best, our fellow employees at Neyer Properties. We asked each employee the same set of questions and ended up with a wide range of responses. This is the first part of a three part series. It is interesting to see everyone’s different perspectives.

What are you looking forward to in the coming year?

I see the coming year as having great opportunities for investment in commercial real estate. I also look forward to continuing our effort to help transform the real estate in our community with our continued emphasis on creating value to the overall community, using real estate as one of the vehicles to help improve the lives and efficiencies of others.

-Dan Neyer, President & CEO

What I am looking forward to in the coming year is Neyer Properties continued success in being a development company that is aggressive in acquisitions and secure financially that both lenders and peers see as a leader in our industry.

-Kathy Hennel, Controller

I’m looking forward to getting a large retail project off the ground that we have been working on for most of 2010. I’m also optimistic about a few other opportunities that involve new development at properties we currently own. Finally, seeing as much of our growth in the near future will come from acquisitions, I’m eager to see what we will come across in 2011. Acquisitions require some-out-of-the-box solutions as we reposition property – and it’s very interesting to be part of that process.

-Seth Pirie, Development Project Manager

Seeing more development and construction activity!

-Jeff Chamot, Land Development Manager

I am looking forward to seeing the results of some of the projects which have been in early phases to date, and for which we have been laying the groundwork to truly partner with end-users, with the hope of beginning construction next year – including The Greens at Kenwood, Central Pointe on the Lateral, Gateway 75, Ridge Pointe, Harrison Greene, Middletown Mall, and others.

-Charlie Pond, Director of Building Development

Working With Neyer Properties: Suzanne Maynard

Suzanne Maynard has been working with Neyer Properties for almost half of the company’s existence. In her relationship with Neyer she performs several tasks, helping the organization to grow and facilitate as a whole. She works closely with Dan Neyer and the other company managers with regards to strategic planning and effective management practices. We got the chance to sit down with Maynard to ask her some questions about her experiences working with Neyer and how she ultimately got connected with Neyer Properties.

How were you introduced to Neyer?

I was referred to Neyer, and to Dan specifically, by another consultant who was working with Neyer Properties, and who was previously a client of mine. Virtually all the work we do (we being my husband Greg and myself as Maynard Consulting, Inc.) is by client referral. My original purpose was to work with Dan in an executive coaching capacity, helping him learn how to deal more effectively with his employees. After a short time, however, Dan and I began working on organizational issues, including structuring the company so that it fit Dan’s strengths and needs.

What made you decide to work with Neyer?

I liked the company and I liked Dan. At this point in my career (after 10 plus years of management experience and 20 plus of consulting), I only work with people and businesses for which I have high regard. I have been specializing for some time in owner/family operated businesses, and enjoy working with smaller companies where each employee’s contributions and efforts influence outcomes. The work I do with Dan and Neyer Properties fits perfectly with my preferred business model. I can partner with Dan, offer services that are provided by in-house managers at larger companies, maintain objectivity as a third party, and yet have a clear investment and affinity for the company and the people in it.

What is your relationship with Neyer? With whom do you work with?

I work closely with Dan, Bryan, and other managers as an HR advisor (in the training, development and performance management areas; not in any legal capacity); organizational consultant, executive/management coach; and strategic planning advisor, along with several other duties. I help to ensure that the right people are in the right places doing the right things to achieve the right results.

What has been your experience working with Neyer? With Dan specifically?

I love working with Neyer Properties, as well as with Dan. I have found that the people at Neyer Properties, including Dan, to be receptive and willing learners with a desire to grow and change when necessary. Not that it’s always easy, but everyone is committed and hardworking, willing to do whatever is necessary to get the job done. Because of the small number of people working for the company, everyone contributes and has an impact on the business. They work hard and they play hard.

How long have you been working with Neyer?

Seven years in November!!!

What do you like about the relationship?

I think the relationship I have with the people at Neyer is mutually beneficial. I think they learn from me, and I know I learn from them. I think it’s a good fit in terms of values and personalities.

Any specific positive experiences?

Because of the nature of the work I do, some of the most positive experiences I’ve had aren’t for public knowledge. But one I can talk about is the move to Keystone. [Neyer Properties relocated to Keystone Parke in 2008.] Not only is the space great, the move was also symbolic in that it demonstrated how far Dan and his company had come. Joyful moment…..

Any advice/suggestions about our upcoming 15th anniversary?

Only that everybody has fun at Dan’s expense! It’s so fun to make him squirm.

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.