Joe Ryan
Chief Executive Officer, Owner
Oppidan Investment Company
Excelsior, Minnesota
Joe Ryan’s personal philosophy of always “delivering value” was instrumental in the creation of Oppidan Investment Company in 1991. Oppidan is the Latin word for investing in your city, and that’s exactly what Ryan strives to achieve every day. For the past 32 years, “delivering value” has been the key to transforming Oppidan into a national real estate development leader.
Ryan built a team steeped with experience in development, capital markets, project management, construction management and senior housing operations. Relationships matter to Ryan, which is why every Oppidan client has become a repeat client.
Oppidan has made its mark in all facets of the commercial development industry, from development to project management.
“We transform the communities in which we build,” Ryan said. “At Oppidan, we are focused on giving back to the community, and we do this in a big way.”
To do this, Oppidan created and funded the Pillar’s Fund, which is used to purchase memory care programming to enrich the lives of the memory care residents who reside in the company’s senior housing communities. Oppidan is also a top contributor to its local Special Olympics Polar Plunge, which not only raises money for an important cause, but fosters teambuilding for the entire Oppidan family.
Ryan’s leadership is apparent through Oppidan’s success. He has led his team in the development of more than 580 projects valued at over $4 billion and spanning 25 million square feet throughout 41 states and parts of Canada. Oppidan’s impressive client list includes US Franciscans, Christian Brothers, Oblates Priests and Brothers, Ebenezer, Watermark Retirement Communities, Duluth Trading Company, Northern Tool, Cub Foods, Hornbachers, Coborns, Camping World, Target, Sprouts, GE Oil & Gas, Goodwill, Caliber Collision and multiple global industrial and mission-critical clients.
Oppidan has evolved and created many institutional and private joint venture partnerships with the nation’s top financial institutions, including Harrison Street and Kayne Anderson, as well as asset managers like Bailard and Goldman Sachs Asset Management. Ryan also co-founded Oppidan’s sister company, Water Street Partners, in 2017, which invests in real estate opportunities on behalf of its private real estate funds.
“The industry changes rapidly and you have to be nimble enough to weather the storm, while also creating a strong team that can stand by your side,” Ryan said. “The greatest challenge and success is the development of people and watching the team meld together and become stronger and more aligned.”
From a deal standpoint, in 2023 Oppidan secured one of its largest industrial build-to-suit projects in Minnesota. The company also expanded its portfolio into the development of affordable housing.
“We are driven to support our community, which is why our affordable housing focus is important,” Ryan said. “We’re also proud to be a three-time winner of the Best Places to Work Award.”
Ryan has been recognized by his peers with an impressive list of awards including, Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine’s Most Admired CEO, Finance & Commerce’s Power 30, GlobeSt’s Best Boss, Twin Cities Business’ Family Business Award and Twin Cities Business’ 100 People to Watch.
Oppidan’s developments have also received praise, including the Midwest Real Estate Journal Best of the Best list; Minnesota Real Estate Journal Top Urban Senior Housing; Minnesota Shopping Centers Association STARR Award for Best Mixed-Use Project; and the Gold Nugget Award Grand Award Winner for Best Service Enriched Senior Community.
“We are continuing our discipline while keeping our entrepreneurial spirit,” Ryan said. “This is not an easy task. But it takes great leadership and an exceptional culture, which is exactly what we have at Oppidan.”
