Issuu

food year-round; Be a guest host on SNL. PASSION/HOBBY Going to the lake with my three kids—no TV or Internet there. TOUGHEST CHALLENGE Balancing all of life’s priorities FAVORITE CHARITY Clerestory SMARTPHONE APP Words with Friends FAVORITE MUSICIAN Robert Plant DESSERT My mom’s chocolate roulade

David L. Silverstein Principal, Bayer Properties

Silverstein manages Bayer Properties’s relationship with governmental entities around the country. Before joining Bayer in 1994, he was a partner in the law firm of Berkowitz, Lefkovits, Isom and Kushner, serving as outside counsel to Bayer for seven years. His legal practice concentrated in the acquisition, financing, leasing, management and development of commercial real-estate projects. In addition, he frequently acted as local counsel to out-of-state lenders in connection with the financing of commercial real estate projects in Alabama ALMA MATER Vanderbilt University BEVERAGE OF CHOICE A very cold glass of milk PASSION/HOBBY My family; golf and spending time at Lake Martin FAVORITE CHARITY UAB Comprehensive Diabetes Center FAVORITE BOOK Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose

Robert Simon

President, Corporate Realty As president of Corporate Realty companies, Simon provides leadership, service, and innovation for his clients and associates. His experience in real estate brokerage and development presents a unique understanding of market conditions and trends that allow for the maximum results in strategizing and negotiating for clients. His vision and creativity identify opportunities for corporate headquarters, institutional clients, and public-private partnerships. ALMA MATER University of Alabama at Birmingham BEVERAGE OF CHOICE Diet Mountain Dew ON MY BUCKET LIST Skydiving; cruise the Mediterranean with family and friends SMARTPHONE APP Uber FAVORITE BOOK OR MOVIE Don’t Stop the Carnival by Herman Wouk FAVORITE MUSICIAN Rolling Stones DESSERT Key lime pie

Merrill Stewart President, The Stewart/ Perry Company, Inc.

Merrill Stewart is president of The Stewart/ Perry Company, Inc., a Birmingham-based firm offering commercial construction, civil management, and construction management services. Founded in 1984, the company is licensed in 30 states throughout the Southeast, Southwest, and Mid-Atlantic. Stewart/Perry operates from a 16-acre

corporate campus that achieved USGBC LEED certification. The company has gained multiple honors, including those from Associated Builders and Contractors and the U.S. Green Building Council. A community advocate, Stewart has volunteered in leadership positions for various civic, trade, and nonprofit organizations and social clubs. He is involved with Auburn University’s Master of Real Estate Program and Research Park. An average but enthusiastic golfer, Merrill enjoys hiking and spending time with his three grown children.

Michael D. Thompson

President and CEO, Thompson Tractor Co., Inc. Thompson is president and CEO of Thompson Tractor Company, the Caterpillar dealer for the state of Alabama and 10 counties in northwest Florida. Founded by Thompson’s father, Hall W. Thompson, in 1957, the company is headquartered in Birmingham. Thompson is actively involved in the building and construction community through the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), the Caterpillar Global Dealer Advisory Group, the Coalition for Regional Transportation, and the Southeastern Caterpillar Dealer Association. Thompson is a recognized business leader in Alabama serving on numerous boards. He and his wife, Genie, have three daughters: Lucy, Maxwell, and Annie. Lucy and Jacob Marsh are the parents of their two granddaughters, Hallsey and Mamie. ALMA MATER University of Alabama BEVERAGE OF CHOICE Blue Moon ON MY BUCKET LIST Golf in Ireland; driving the Northern Beltline PASSION/HOBBY Fishing, golfing, hunting, cards with friends TOUGHEST CHALLENGE Transitioning two family businesses to the next generation FAVORITE CHARITY United Way, Salvation Army, Crippled Children’s Foundation SMARTPHONE APP Maps FAVORITE BOOK OR MOVIE Trading Places FAVORITE MUSICIAN Garth Brooks DESSERT Tiramisu

Derek Waltchack Principal, Shannon Waltchack

Waltchack has developed more than $35 million in real estate projects in the last six years, including shopping centers, restaurant build-to-suits, and lakefront subdivisions. Waltchack has also been a force in Birmingham’s recent urban revitalization, earning him attention recently from The New York Times. His projects include the $4.5 million Railroad Square office development near Railroad Park. ALMA MATER Samford University PASSION OR HOBBY Farming TOUGHEST CHALLENGE Learning self control SMARTPHONE APP Radarscope DESSERT Italian cream cake from Edgar’s Bakery and Café