Bill Donges has always been good at the basics – management and organization – which has enabled him to take on new challenges. Throughout his career, he successfully ran chemical and manufacturing businesses, distribution centers, dot-coms, and software and electronic start-ups. Although Donges didn't have any real estate experience before joining the Lane Co. in April 2002, as its COO, he brings a very different viewpoint to the industry and a determination to be best in class. This is why George Lane, the company's founder and chairman, hired him.
About four years ago, Carl Dranoff, president of Dranoff Properties, couldn't find anyone to drive in a car with him in downtown Camden, N.J. Camden is the state's poorest city and is known for crime and dilapidated buildings. No one wanted to live there.
Admitting that something is wrong and you need to make improvements is a hard thing for any executive to do. Yet Thomas W. Toomey, president and CEO of United Dominion Realty Trust (UDR), one of the largest multifamily real estate investment trusts (REIT) in the country, comes by it naturally. He has a vision for a leaner and more focused company and a plan in place to get there.
For many developers in the multifamily industry the old saying bout them is true – if you give them land, they will build on it. While Marilynn Duker admits that she is a deal junkie at heart, as the president and COO of Shelter Development LLC, she doesn't let herself get talked into a riskier approach.
A ceremony honoring the 10 winners of the Multifamily Executive Award competition was held Oct. 28, 2002 at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas. Awards were given in seven categories; Marketing and Advertising, Community Service, Best Reuse of Land, Best Use of Technology, Project of the Year – which includes Affordable, Market-Rate, Niche Market, and Resort/Luxury Housing – Builder of the Year, and Executive of the Year.