Our people, our purpose.
Richard Shields
Avison Young has introduced me to amazing clients and colleagues that have allowed me to deliver long lasting solutions while making meaningful social connections.
What is your role at Avison Young?
Development Executive.
How did you get into commercial real estate?
Competition for 600,000 federal design, build, lease finance office building. Led team to capture and won.
Share an example of a time you delivered economic, social and environmental value to your clients, colleagues or community?
So many. As a developer CRE consultant have led the acquisition of large (200-6000 acre) redevelopment projects (acquiring former military bases or redeveloping brown field sites (former coal power plant) where I led the evaluation and feasibility of redevelopment, building community consensus thru public processes and private market and urban planning, then rezoning, engineering, design, marketing and overseeing demolition, environmental remediation, development of public and private infrastructure, brokerage and development of new communities that contributed significant new tax base to their communities. Examples: Glenview Naval Air Station (Glenview IL); Fort Sheridan (Highland Park, IL); Orlando Naval Training Center (Orlando FL); Gibbons Creek Power Plant and Reservoir (College Station TX); Stateway Gardens (Chicago IL) ect.
How has Avison Young supported you in bringing Brand Purpose to life in your work?
Young emerging leaders to support my work. Access to others in geographic or industry markets.
"People focus is the brand purpose element that resonates most with me."