Each year, Midwest Real Estate News inducts a new class in its Midwest Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame. Last year was no exception. Today, we look at the busy career of one of these new inductees, Jim McDonald, president of the Great Lakes region for Chicago-based Ryan Companies.
For more than two decades, Jim McDonald has been a leader at Chicago’s Ryan Companies, migrating to development from construction, and has played a key leadership role in high-profile regional projects across all sectors, including healthcare, industrial, office, multifamily and mixed-use.
During his busy career, McDonald has earned praise for his ability to take complicated development issues and break them down so that all stakeholders easily understand the big picture. This skill has been evident from his earliest days at Ryan, with his first large development deal being a 150,000-square-foot medical office building for a health system Ryan continues to serve today.
Some of the most complex challenges McDonald has faced in his career include the 2008/2009 recession and managing the current impact of Covid-19. McDonald, though, says he’s confident that the strength of the Ryan team, its steadfast relationships and its commitment to doing the right thing will always create a successful outcome.
Throughout his time in commercial real estate, McDonald has worked with mentors and partners who have had a tremendous impact on his career and his leadership style. He believes that good leadership involves setting the course, communicating clearly, then empowering and supporting teams while facilitating relationships. His commitment to collaboration, mentorship and rooting for the success of others has had a significant influence on the strength of the entire Ryan team.
McDonald is also known for his great sense of humor and his depth of knowledge regarding commercial real estate. His peers say these traits reinforce Ryan’s culture of excellence and dedication to its customers.
Throughout his career, McDonald has supported several charitable and community efforts alongside the Ryan team including Northern Illinois Foodbank, Misericordia & Habitat for Humanity. On a personal note, he and his family prioritize giving their time, talent and treasure throughout their community, schools and parish. Outside of the office, McDonald also enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, hiking and traveling.