Alumni Spotlight

What is your history with Husch Blackwell?

I started with Husch Blackwell in 2000 and left in 2006 for McBride & Son Homes where I’ve been ever since. While at HB, I worked closely with Greg Smith and David Richardson and got to know both Berra Construction and McBride. Through those connections, I met the right people and decided to go in-house. I always enjoyed residential real estate more than commercial. It was an interesting first couple of years due to the market crash, but I’m really glad I stuck with it. I think it was the toughest 5-year period our generation has seen and a lot of lessons were learned.

Describe your current role/practice outside of Husch Blackwell.

My title is general counsel & senior vice president of real estate. I work with the development team on land acquisition, including contracting, zoning, closings and customer experience, and also work closely with the homebuilding team. Additionally, I oversee the Human Resources department, work with risk management on claims and insurance, and work on real property issues, ensuring our values are correct. Lastly, I work with our litigation group. HB has represented us on municipal zoning issues.

Describe any interesting and emerging trends you’re seeing in your industry.

From a corporate standpoint it has been interesting to live through COVID-19. We are learning that employees can work well at home and are performing a trial run of a flexible schedule for certain positions. Trends are focusing on work-life balance. Homeowners want smaller land plots; they don’t wish to maintain a big lot inclusive of mowing, watering, fertilizing, etc. To accommodate this work-life balance, we are designing homes that incorporate bonus rooms, flex rooms and open floor plans. Bonus and flex rooms can be used as art studios, home offices, play rooms, workout rooms, or anything our customers envision.

What is one of the most interesting projects on which you’ve worked?

One of my favorite projects was the development of Fienup Farms in St. Louis County. I ended up moving there myself. It’s a beautiful 224-acre piece of land in Chesterfield. The land was originally owned by an inventor who sold his patent for a pop-open can to Pillsbury. Two of his daughters have remained on the property and live there today. We have focused on lifestyle and recreational activities by preserving a lake area and adding community amenities, trails and playgrounds.

What hobbies/activities do you enjoy outside the office?

I absolutely love to travel and am looking forward to doing it again as soon as possible. A few favorite places include Colorado in the summer, the Caribbean and Spain. I want to explore more of Europe. Additionally, I love gardening and planting herbs, roses and other flowers.