Each year, Midwest Real Estate News inducts a new class into its Midwest Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame. Today we look at the busy career of Mark McConahay, vice president at Block & Company, Inc., Realtors in Kansas City, Missouri.
Mark McConahay’s first experience in the business sector was as an on-site shopping center manager at the age of 20 while in college and it hasn’t stopped since. After college he joined Block &Company Inc. in 1991 as a sales associate and continues to serve as a vice president.
His knowledge of the market, work strategies and people skills were cultivated early on by the examples of Block & Company founders Allen and James Block. McConahay was fortunate to learn many life lessons from these two mentors prior to their passing.
“Retail real estate is evolving on a daily basis,” said McConahay. “As a retail broker, I have to be willing to change as well—learn new techniques, adopt newer technology, commit to building new relationships.”
Over the years, McConahay has specialized in many aspects of the development process, from representing national retailers, restaurants and property owners to developing shopping centers.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of the business is the satisfaction of taking a site from dirt to income-producing while providing an amenity for the area,” McConahay said.
McConahay has used his solid foundation to broker more than $408 million in deals including retail, land and hotels while earning numerous Top Producer and CoStar Power Broker awards. He has also served as an industry expert, speaker and author of a multitude of retail- and restaurant-related articles and forecasts.
As an active volunteer for the last 12 years, McConahay continues to serve with the local Meals on Wheels. He participates in Habitat for Humanity, Operation Breakthrough and Hazelden mentor program. In his time away from real estate, McConahay most enjoys spending his time with his wife and two sons participating in activities such as tennis, golf and beach vacations.
