Investor Spotlight: Ryan Companies
February 18, 2015
Ryan Companies is a national real estate developer, designer, capital investment consultant, builder, and real estate manager specializing in fully integrated solutions for over 75 years. The company serves customers throughout the U.S., with offices in North, Midwest, SouthWest, SouthCentral, SouthEast, West, and Great Lakes regions.
Doug Dieck leads Ryan Companies’ SouthEast region from his offices in Tampa. He has helped some of the biggest names in business set up shop in Tampa Bay. Doug joined the EDC’s Executive Committee in 2014. Below, he shares what motivated him to become an Investor of the Tampa Hillsborough EDC and what he believes will help our community stand out as a potential corporate headquarters location.
In your view, what was the biggest win for Tampa and Hillsborough County in recent years?
In my eyes, there have been several major wins for our community over the past few years. First, we have great leadership in government and in business. People such as Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Jeff Vinik, and Joe Lopano first come to mind. They are the ones spearheading our movement to become a top business destination. They are big thinkers who aren’t waiting for permission to take action. The Republican National Convention was also a huge win for Tampa Bay. The nation got to see our community, and the politicians and media were very impressed with the way we handled that event. Finally, Amazon choosing Hillsborough County for the site of its new fulfillment center was a big win as well. It was great to be a part of that project, and the EDC as well as local business and community leaders did a fantastic job recruiting them.
What motivated you to become an Investor in the Tampa Hillsborough EDC?
I’ve been a business leader in Tampa Bay for seven years. The great recession forced us to focus on our business for the first several years. They were tumultuous times. We are now thriving, and it’s time for us to give back and invest in the community. After attending the Real Estate Forum last year, we knew that investing in the EDC was the right move for us. We wanted to be working alongside the big names that are changing Tampa and Hillsborough County for the better, and now, we are.
Where do you derive the most benefit for yourself and your organization as an Investor in the EDC?
In the seven years my family has been in Tampa Bay, we have grown to love the community. We have found a home so it’s important to me to help build up our business environment here. I love the idea of being able to help businesses relocate or expand here. Plus, it’s been really wonderful to network and work alongside my peers and some of the biggest names in the area.
What makes Tampa and Hillsborough County an ideal place for a corporate headquarters?
We have so many great assets here that make us the perfect place for corporate headquarters. Our airport is fantastic. Its central location is ideal, and the anticipated updates will keep it the jewel it is. Additionally, the cost of living is lower than most major metros. Finally, the people are happier here because of the sunshine and warm weather. All of these factors together make our community a great place for a corporate headquarters.
