As a person who thoroughly enjoys an architectural salvage shop or antique store, there are times I become more interested in shopping someone’s storage than the property I’m supposed to be buying. We’ve all now admitted we have...
There’s a sense of despair with vacant properties. We stare at them when they first wind up empty. Hoping someone comes along. Daydreaming of what it might be. As time goes on we find ourselves ignoring more and...
Real estate deals can be a lot like relationships. Being that it’s love month here at Proud Places, it is my privilege to give you advice as your matchmaker. Like any relationship, knowing where you stand and what...
Creating spaces and places for people is my passion. From creating beautiful downtown living spaces to the storefronts and offices where their businesses can flourish, being a developer is all about making a positive impact for others. Development...
When a dam broke and flooded my town, I was out the door to volunteer at a shelter. My volunteering led to being on calls talking about federal disaster declarations and strategizing how to help my community recover. ...
“Charity feeds a person who is hungry. Philanthropy is meant to go upstream and innovate.” -Helen Davis Johnson President, Michigan Municipal League Foundation This comment from Helen is resonating with me now more than ever. This year has...
We’re obsessed with attraction. Cities, regional governments, and states spend a lot of time and resources working to attract companies and developers to invest in the communities they represent. Economic developers fly off to trade shows and tell...
Also called "How I decided to buy 10 houses during a preschool picnic."
For the last three years, my focus has been redeveloping a 130-year old bank building. Having been vacant for several years, the building was set to be demolished to make way for a drive-thru bank branch at the...
My place is not inclusive enough and we need to do better. Women are not owners of 50% of our businesses, 50% of board and council demographics, or occupying half the leadership roles. Access to financing is different...
