How did you first get involved on the Meet Minneapolis Board of Directors?

I first joined up at the invitation of a City Council Member. At the time, I’d just purchased a hotel property in the city, and getting involved in the work of Meet Minneapolis seemed like a good step.

What are the key things you’ve learned during your time on the board so far?

I’ve learned so many things. It’s made me a better business person because I’ve been surrounded by professionals and peers that are highly motivated and successful, in both the corporate realm and their social responsibilities. I have grown tremendously as a person and a business person because of my association.

For those who don’t know, tell us what Alatus does:

Alatus is a Minneapolis-based development firm that focuses on larger-scale multifamily and commercial developments. We do primarily larger apartment complexes and condominium projects that are urban-focused and that we believe are transformational to neighborhoods. Basically, we try to do really difficult deals that should be done, but most people wouldn’t go after them because they’re really hard. But when you do them, they’re really cool. They’re transformational.

If you could wave a magic wand, what would you do to enhance Minneapolis’ marketability as a destination?

If I could wave a magic wand, I’d like to see more coordination amongst management of public facilities and more collective promotion of the city.

Why is ongoing investment in the community important for our work?

We have to stay competitive in the marketplace that we’re in, and that requires a significant investment. Meet Minneapolis is charged with making Minneapolis a destination that’s known all over the world. In the last few years, we’ve created billions of dollars worth of assets available for the world to enjoy. That includes well over a billion invested in East Town on the new U.S. Bank Stadium and all the surrounding development that’s transforming that end of town. The list of major projects goes on: Nicollet Mall, Target Center, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, ongoing renovations at the Minneapolis Convention Center and more. At Meet Minneapolis, our goal is to expose these assets to the world so our tax base grows, and so the residents of Minneapolis and the region benefit from them.

How did you first get involved on the Meet Minneapolis Board of Directors?

I first joined up at the invitation of a City Council Member. At the time, I’d just purchased a hotel property in the city, and getting involved in the work of Meet Minneapolis seemed like a good step.

What are the key things you’ve learned during your time on the board so far?

I’ve learned so many things. It’s made me a better business person because I’ve been surrounded by professionals and peers that are highly motivated and successful, in both the corporate realm and their social responsibilities. I have grown tremendously as a person and a business person because of my association.

For those who don’t know, tell us what Alatus does:

Alatus is a Minneapolis-based development firm that focuses on larger-scale multifamily and commercial developments. We do primarily larger apartment complexes and condominium projects that are urban-focused and that we believe are transformational to neighborhoods. Basically, we try to do really difficult deals that should be done, but most people wouldn’t go after them because they’re really hard. But when you do them, they’re really cool. They’re transformational.

If you could wave a magic wand, what would you do to enhance Minneapolis’ marketability as a destination?

If I could wave a magic wand, I’d like to see more coordination amongst management of public facilities and more collective promotion of the city.

Why is ongoing investment in the community important for our work?

We have to stay competitive in the marketplace that we’re in, and that requires a significant investment. Meet Minneapolis is charged with making Minneapolis a destination that’s known all over the world. In the last few years, we’ve created billions of dollars worth of assets available for the world to enjoy. That includes well over a billion invested in East Town on the new U.S. Bank Stadium and all the surrounding development that’s transforming that end of town. The list of major projects goes on: Nicollet Mall, Target Center, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, ongoing renovations at the Minneapolis Convention Center and more. At Meet Minneapolis, our goal is to expose these assets to the world so our tax base grows, and so the residents of Minneapolis and the region benefit from them.