Q & A with Elaine Gillespie of Equity

Brokers are an important part of our business. Some help us list and promote our buildings to potentials clients and others bring the clients to us to lease space in our buildings and find build-to-suit opportunities for our available land parcels. Realizing the strong relationship we have with our brokers we decided to interview one of them that we have worked with for several years now.

Elaine Gillespie is the Vice President of Equity Real Estate, located on Carver Road in Cincinnati. Elaine has been with Equity for eight years and in the real estate buisness for twelve. She is a member of the Greater Cincinnati Board of Realtors, Ohio Association Board of Realtors and the National Association Board of Realtors.


What made you decide to work with Neyer?
Amazing people, great product, fantastic work ethic.

With whom do you work with?
Mostly Karman, but also Dan, Charlie, Seth, Jeff, and Eden.

What properties are you currently working with us on?
Kenwood Crossing II, Kenwood Crossing III, and Fountains Techne Center.

What has been your experience working with Neyer?
Work hard, play hard seems to be the theme. The team spirit of this company is unsurpassed--their energy and excitement about all aspects of real estate is contagious!!

How long have you been working with Neyer?
Six years.

What do you like about the relationship?
EVERYTHING! There is mutual trust and respect, constant encouragement and celebration of successes.

Any specific positive experiences?
There are many, but getting Fountains Techne Center to over 90% occupancy for the first time in the history of the building is definitely a highlight.

What do you look forward to with us in the future?
An invitation to participate in Neyer Olympics.


You can contact Elaine at (513) 842-9510 or egillespie@equity.net


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.

Q & A with Marketing Associate, Amanda Neyer

As a new employee in the marketing department, I have officially taken over the responsibility of interviewing and posting monthly to the Neyer Properties blog. I found it only appropriate for the viewing audience to know a little more about the person behind Neyer's blog so this month I took the opportunity to 'interview myself'. Enjoy!

How long have you been with Neyer now?
I started in the middle of May 2010 but I have interned with Neyer Properties during the summer months since 2005.

What’s it like working with your dad?
I rarely see him so that’s hard to say!

What do you hope to accomplish with this blog?
That people will be more on a personal level with Neyer Properties as a whole. That hopefully you will be able to see things outside of the typical press releases, and traditional media.

Do you have experience writing blogs?
I’ve never tried writing one but I have read a wide variety of different types of blogs. Like it is with everything, I’m still trying to get the hang of it!

What is your job description at Neyer Properties and what kind of experience do you have to support your new role?
I am responsible for writing press releases and keeping Neyer Properties in the news. I also handle several social media aspects for Neyer, like this blog for example. I’m responsible for keeping the Neyer Properties’ website up to date as well – and anything else that may come across my desk.

What changes and successes have you seen growing up with the company? Any significant events you’ve witnessed?
Considering my dad started the company when I was around 7, I don’t really remember him doing anything else. I know it has been said several times, but the move to Keystone from the South Medallion office in Evendale was definitely significant. Although NPI had built the previous building on South Medallion, it wasn’t situated to all of our needs. This new office is a lot more central to a variety of our properties and in a more prominent location with it’s visibility from I-71. Plus our office is LEED Gold certified!

What is the atmosphere in the office like?
It is definitely an enjoyable environment to work in. Everyone gets along really well and it is a fun, hard-working group. Everyone has their own skills, desires, and distinct personalities they bring to the table and I think that helps everyone to mesh well.

Q & A with Dan Neyer, president/CEO of Neyer Properties

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.

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.

Working for Neyer Properties: VP of Finance & Administration, Bryan Kelley

Consistently pushing for financial growth within the company, Bryan Kelley has successfully positioned Neyer Properties as a leader in Cincinnati Commercial Real Estate. His tireless effort is substantial. Although he is strongly dedicated to his job, Bryan still takes time out for others in the community as evidenced through participation in his parish and non-profit organizations.
As Vice President of Finance and Administration, Bryan has been with Neyer Properties for 4 years now. We sat down with Bryan to ask him some questions regarding his nomination for the 2010 CFO of the Year Award.

Why do you deserve to the nominated for CFO of the year?

In these unsettling economic times, I continue to obtain aggressive financing terms for each of our new acquisitions and developments as well as re-financing maturing loans. My work has provided our organization a platform for growth. I have expanded our lending partners significantly in a shrinking lending environment.
I not only understand risks and opportunities within our company and industry but provide solutions to those risks and convey those solutions to employees who can best implement them within our organization. This recognition has allowed us to profitably expand our business while others are forced to retract or downsize.

How has your work impacted the company’s results over time?

My attention to the risks of the organization ahead of the latest downturn has allowed us to continue our profitable growth in this recession. I have listened to the various market forces, including lenders, partners, and competitors to provide solutions to our own internal concerns as well as external concerns of others. These solutions have set us apart from our competition and have allowed us to take advantage of opportunities in the current marketplace.

How have you contributed to the company’s growth and profitability?

My implementation of the current corporate structure, by streamlining our operations, complimented by creating a more efficient working environment, has truly made us a more profitable organization. Structure and planning complimented by implementation and focus have been crucial to our company’s growth and profitability.

How have you made contributions outside the company?

Currently I am Vice President of my church Parish Council. Additionally, I also coach a variety of youth soccer teams year round. I have run multiple full marathons as well as relay marathons for the Leukemia & Lmyphoma Society and Shoulder to Shoulder non-profit organizations.
I am also instrumental in our corporate commitment to Working in Neighborhoods, a local non-profit, by helping make substantial capital improvements to the homes of those less fortunate.

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.

Working for Neyer Properties: Director of Building Development and LEED AP, Charlie Pond

Busy with various tenant improvements, the new main entrance and I-71 ramp improvement at Keystone Parke, and the new American Red Cross Headquarters, Charlie Pond still takes time out for family and his community. As Director of Building Development, Charlie has been with Neyer Properties for 3 years now. We sat down with Charlie to ask him some questions for the 2010 Northern Kentucky Chamber, Next Generation Leader Award which he was nominated for.

What are your two greatest professional achievements?

One great professional achievement was the management of the design and construction of Neyer Properties’ new corporate officefirst local LEED Gold interiors project in the first building of a LEED Silver private office campus within Keystone Parke, a $100 million development located at I-71 and Dana Ave. The entire building and interior office construction was completed on time, under budget, and has truly been a living testament to our company’s dedication to green development from this point on.

Another significant professional achievement was my role in the completion of negotiations and the full design and construction of the new American Red Cross headquarters and disaster operations center. Through my design and bid management oversight, as well as value engineering efforts throughout design, we successfully developed this project with more than $1M savings or over 16% on the construction budget. The project involved an assemblage of excess State property along with six residential properties, land swaps from the local Park board and construction of new roads for this new facility.

What attributes, qualities and achievements have enabled you to advance professionally?

I have always strived to exceed expectations and rise to the next level, not waiting for others to give me direction before I try to reach a new level. I began my professional career at the end of high school in an architectural firm, then working through college at engineering and construction firms. I still was able to graduate with both a Bachelor and Master program in engineering within a period of only five years, through long hours coupled with dedication and drive. My consistent professional efforts to exceed management expectations have resulted in continuous promotions through varying levels of the construction and development industries.

I also have a never ending quest for knowledge. In all of my endeavors, I have never reached a point where I feel that I “know my job completely” because I constantly draw from others’ knowledge and experience and strive to learn new information in the development and construction industry. In my current role at Neyer Properties, I am able to use all information previously obtained in the architectural, engineering, and construction fields to efficiently manage these industries for complete land and building developments.

What attributes, qualities and characteristics have enabled you to inspire others?

I find that employees, consultants and vendors truly appreciate my ability to work with them “in the trenches” and demonstrate my dedication to them by my commitment to deadlines, quality, and excellence through my own actions. I also intentionally strive to provide a positive influence at our office and in all other professional environments, including positive comments and reinforcement to staff and other entities that work for and around me.

While praising accomplishments and successes, I feel that it is important for others to continue to grow in their own professional lives and continue to reach the next level. I try to detect the best way to interact with and motivate varying personalities, but with one continuous pattern – each year we set multiple goals that will push them outside their comfort zone and into more knowledge, experience, and responsibility. I strongly avoid micromanagement and negativity, empowering all to carry out their responsibilities and reviewing progress as needed.

How have you made an impact on your community in your personal life?

I have positively impacted my community through my level of volunteerism and contribution in both my professional and personal life. In my personal life, I have significant involvement in in a variety of organizations including the Saving Lives Society, American Red Cross, Shoulder to Shoulder, and the Isaiah Project.

Also I have jointly led the “green” revitalization of at least three houses for the needy in conjunction with Working in Neighborhoods, and have contributed assistance to multiple houses constructed for the needy by Habitat for Humanity. In the immediate vicinity of our office, I have joined with a large group of volunteers and the City of Cincinnati Park Board to lead the renovation of the Evanston Park and to perform a regular cleanup of all areas of Dana Avenue from this park to the interstate 71 interchange.

What have been your greatest obstacles and how have you overcome these?

One of my greatest obstacles has been what I perceive as a lack of time and resources to pursue everything that I would like to. In order to meet this obstacle, I have grown to be diligent about organization of my time and my information, focusing on a much greater prioritization of my study, business development, and professional priorities. Through greater familiarity and use of software, technology, and simple organization of my space, I have been able to take each major priority in large chunks one step at a time while integrating lower priorities in smaller periods to ensure that they are not passed by. I have also learned to delegate so that I rarely am performing a certain task that someone else can be trained to handle.

Neyer Properties 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.