David Wellington, Wellington Management, Inc.
President
As president and co-owner at Wellington Management, David Wellington oversees acquisitions, development, financing, leasing and property management and brings strengths in transit-oriented development, large master planning initiatives, project underwriting and community engagement.
The family-owned business has been around for almost four decades. Before he came on board in 2014, Wellington was an analyst with CBRE. Before that, he worked as a policy analyst for a St. Paul project management firm specializing in government program implementation related to transit and renewable energy generation.
What’s the biggest misconception you encounter about your work?
Deal work is non-linear which often mystifies the uninitiated. Sheep dogs are constantly chasing strays back into the group while moving the flock to an end goal. Development presents a cascade of unpredictable and unseen obstacles that require solutions for projects to progress. Milestones like a signed lease, finance closing or certificate of occupancy often feel like we can shut the gate for a night and take a quick breath before the new day.
What is one thing you would change about Minnesota if you could?
Cultural pride and confidence in what we have. We live in a beautiful state with boundless opportunities, a varied and deeply invested employment base with incredibly strong educational and health care infrastructure. The community trends to warm and friendly and it is a fabulous place to build a life or raise a family. We are lucky to live in such a place.
What’s your favorite building that you didn’t work on and why?
I have two: Malcolm Yards and The Armory. Every time I eat a meal at Malcolm Yards or see a show at The Armory I am blown away by the aesthetics. Wall Companies and Swervo did incredible work taking those relics and breathing new life into them for generations to enjoy.