Chris West
CULLINAN PROPERTIES
Website: www.cullinanproperties.com
Industry: commercial real estate
development
Education: graduate of Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial technology and business management.
Family: married to Tres and have two children, Austin and Brittany.
What is your mission?
To develop and manage first-class real estate projects that serve the community’s needs, that the city officials are proud of and that the employees of Cullinan enjoy working on.
What was your first job?
Golf caddy.
What was your worst job?
Pizza restaurant busboy.
What led you to your industry?
My father’s career in commercial real estate combined with my grandfather’s interests in carpentry and construction helped shape my interests during my high school and college years.
How do you try to differentiate your business from others in your industry?
We pride ourselves on our speed in decision making and our nimbleness to diversify and react to changes in the economic climate.
What’s the hardest part of your job?
Managing the economy and the weather – both are often out of our control.
What’s the best part?
Working with all of the various internal and external team members of each project or property.
Your business is based in Peoria. What brought you to the St. Louis area?
St. Louis was a natural progression for our company being based in central Illinois and having the Midwest roots that we do. St. Louis’ proximity to our central Illinois headquarters is very convenient, strategic and efficient for both the Streets of St. Charles project and other potential future development or redevelopment opportunities in the St. Louis area.
What do you find unique about the St. Louis business community?
St. Louis is a great blend of the small-city contacts and relationships with the larger-city amenities and reputation.
What do you like best about working here?
The people and the community! We have had tremendous support from city officials, tenants and vendors. And now the tremendous support from the community that are living, working shopping and dining at the property and making the project a huge success.
What could be improved?
We are constantly evolving, changing and improving our processes so that we can be leaders in our industry. Our goal is to always be innovative and forward-thinking.
What do you hope comes from the Streets of St. Charles development?
I look forward to The Streets continuing to give a boost to the local economy while becoming the area’s favorite dining and entertainment destination.
What’s your favorite place in St. Louis so far?
Besides going to a game at Busch Stadium, I enjoy The Streets of St. Charles, of course – where else to find amazing dining options?
What do you like to do in your free time?
Golfing and boating.
Submitted 9 years 249 days ago