Jim Chivers, VP of Gold and Company, Interviews Matt Lenihan, SVP, Leasing at St. John Properties

Matt Lenihan manages the company’s leasing efforts for St. John Properties’ portfolio of commercial office and flex/R&D space throughout the Baltimore region. Matt earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech, and a Masters of Business Administration from The Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland at College Park. He serves on the Board of Directors for Unified Community Connections and the Army Alliance, and is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Baltimore Museum of Industry.

About Jim Chivers

Since teaming up with Mitch in 2006, Jim has established himself as a major producer in the industrial sector. Combining strong interpersonal skills, loyalty, and market knowledge, Jim works diligently to expedite transactions to the finish line. When he is not working Jim is the color commentator for Loyola University Greyhounds Basketball Radio on ESPN and SiriusXM. Jim is a native of Minnesota and has real estate in his genes. His dad is a well-known real estate broker back home. Jim is married to Cecilia and recently became a father to Caroline and lives in Locust Point in Baltimore City.

Interview questions:

Q1: What are the different positions you have had at the company and what is your current role with St. John Properties?

Q2: How many square feet are in St. John Properties’ portfolio and what is the ballpark total number of tenants? How many states is the company in now?

Q3: What can you share about the different markets that you are expanding into? How have they been different from the Baltimore market where the company got its start in?

Q4: What markets do you see opportunities in the Maryland area and which areas are underserved

Q5: How has the pandemic, inflation, supply chain challenges, and hints of a recession affected occupancy rates, rental rates, and new development?

Q6: Tell me about St. John’s “Partner in Training” program where partners are encouraged to go to other markets and develop the St. John’s Properties brand.

Q7: In December 2019 the company announced a bonus of $10 million for its 198 employees. Can you talk to me about how this decision went down in the office?

Q8: One of the projects you worked on for many years was former the Baltimore Crossroads – now called Greenleigh in Baltimore County. At the time the route 43 extension was to boost the economy of the Middle River area by connecting Eastern Avenue with Pulaski Highway This was one of the Mid-Atlantic’s largest mixed-use communities. What different projects did you help develop in that area? What are some of the different businesses that have now expanded into this development?

Q9: What does the typical executive team meeting at St. John Properties look like?

Q10: What’s next for St. John Properties?

Connect with Matt and Jim on LinkedIn