John Livesey has led Livesey Co. from owning a single commercial property to developing, owning, managing and selling 36 properties in a period of almost 20 years.
He learned early on that the key to strategic growth was to form partnerships with major retailers.
Under his leadership, the company has identified several core strategies:
- Integrate long-term and short-term strategies for development horizons. A project might require waiting for urban growth to come to a particular area before being feasible, while at the same time, smaller properties can be bought and sold to drive cash flow.
- Focus on income while limiting costs. Livesey recognizes the need to respect costs, however, revenues are the key foundation of profitability.
- Focus on being a developer. At one time, Livesey vertically integrated a construction management division, but when it did not produce the desired result, this strategy was re-evaluated and the division was removed.
- Focused strategy while remaining close to the market. Each market has a unique set of facts, and changes at various rates. As a result, an intimate understanding of the area of development is key to success. Many developers expand into other types of development projects rather than stay focused on retail, office or residential developments, with limited success. Livesey remains focused on retail developments, and will only entertain the idea of other types after significant research and consideration.
How to reach: Livesey Co., (608) 833-2929 or www.liveseyco.com