Dan Neyer

Dan Neyer, president of Neyer Properties, Inc., grew up in Cincinnati in a family of eight children raised in a traditional German-Catholic family. His father used to preach the Golden Rule and quote the Serenity Prayer at the dinner table, and Dan and his brothers and sisters learned to share at early ages and work together for common goals. Because of their big family and the constant exchange of ideas, they challenged each other mentally and built the ability to think quickly and tolerate the barrage of criticism likely to come their way.

It was this exposure to constant challenge and negotiation, as well as Dan’s father’s penchant for exactness and his mother’s artistic talent that Dan credits with making him a visionary with an eye for detail. “My father tended to question the one thing you forgot out of 150 items you included,” he said. 

A graduate of Moeller High School and Miami University (’81, Finance and Accounting), Dan understood early the importance of finding meaningful work and giving back to the community.
 He also learned early that his biggest obstacle to success was himself. “I knew what my strengths were, and figured I couldn’t do it all,” he said. “I had to trust in the necessary support of people you surround yourself with, including good employees and managers.”

Many of the projects Neyer Properties takes on are properties other commercial development firms are afraid of because of building or site problems. Dan sees those problems as opportunities for success, and takes the time necessary to resolve them. 

For the $100 million Keystone Parke project, for example, the tri-state’s first green-built and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified Gold office campus, Dan knew he had to acquire 44 properties in order to make the project viable. “I knew eminent domain was out of the question, and I knew some people weren’t as willing to sell,” he said. “I knew it would take time, finesse, confidence and faith to make it happen.”

As well as patience. It took eight years to acquire all the parcels, complete work with a consortium of city and community organizations about the development plan, and begin construction. Keystone Parke I, the first of three buildings on the 7.5 acre site at I-75 and Dana Avenue, opened this June.

“In our society, most people dwell on the problems,” he said.  “I like to think about the solutions. If everyone thought the way I do, I’d have an awful lot of competition.”

Dan is aware of what his competitors are doing, but continues to go down his path in his own way. That path has led to his firm’s success and the purchase and development of over 3,000 acres valued at $1 billion over his career in construction, investment and building.

Neyer Properties is now a leading real estate investment, land development and commercial development company in the greater Cincinnati- northern Kentucky region.

Despite the challenging economic climate that lies ahead, Neyer Properties plans to increase its business in 2009 by taking advantage of acquisition and development opportunities on the horizon.