Of his many achievements in commercial real estate, Mark Rauenhorst considers developing high-performing teams to be one of the most significant. For Mark, it is all about the people and leading teams that are centered by values and ethics, that are proud to work together and have fun doing it. Because real estate is a complicated business, he believes it’s important to treat people with respect. For more than 28 years, Mark worked for several Opus companies before retiring from Opus at the end of 2009. The combination of its employees, culture and unique project delivery method is what truly differentiates the company. He is proud that Opus continues to be a place where people can have very fulfilling careers, deliver great projects for clients and in the end, be happy with their achievements and the work-life balance they had in the process. As a leader at Opus, Mark had high expectations for himself, and his teams. He also made sure people knew how much they were valued and that their contributions mattered.
Mark joined Opus Corporation in 1982 and became president and CEO of Opus Northwest, L.L.C. in 1996, supervising activities related to project development, including site acquisitions, zoning, market analysis, financial feasibility, government approvals, marketing, leasing and property management. In 1999, he became president of Opus Corporation, was named CEO in 2000 and chairman in 2007. Today, Mark is the President of Marren Properties, L.L.C., a private company that invests in commercial real estate.
Building trust with clients has always been a hallmark of Opus. The company’s mission is based on exceeding client expectations, collaborating with them to deliver on their vision, and delivering unparalleled value throughout the entire client experience. Its why Opus has so many repeat clients who have long-term, trust-based relationships with the company. One client that exemplifies that trust and demonstrated the team’s strength was the development of The American Express (now Ameriprise) tower in downtown Minneapolis, an efficient, high-tech, high-quality, corporate office building that fit into and continues to complement the downtown skyline today. Opus also has delivered more than two dozen buildings on the University of St. Thomas campus, ensuring that the buildings maintained architectural consistency. To Mark, the work with long-term clients like these and others showcase the importance of trust and integrity.
An important part of the Opus culture – and one of Mark’s priorities – is giving back to the community. Stewardship has always been at the core of Opus and Mark believes it takes many people and a lot of effort to build strong communities. He believes that only happens when people care and are willing to step up and lead by example. The Rauenhorst family, with its philanthropic commitment, understands the link between business and community. Being brought up in the Rauenhorst family has instilled in Mark a deep commitment to giving back and building communities.
Mark currently serves on the board of directors of Ascension Catholic Academy; Catholic Relief Services Foundation; The Papal Foundation; Creighton University; GHR Foundation; and the University of Notre Dame – Advisory Council for Mendoza College of Business. Mark also is a member of the Urban Land Institute and Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO).
Mark has previously served as a board member for Opus Holding, L.L.C., the Opus Foundation, CommonBond Communities, Catholic Relief Services and Ascension School. Mark was also a founding board member of the Aim Higher Foundation. In addition, he was previously a director for public companies Graco Inc. and Conagra Brands, Inc. Mark is also a past member of The Real Estate Roundtable, Minnesota Business Partnership and NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association.
Mark and his wife Karen have been married 49 years, have four children and eight grandchildren.
In 2020, Mark and his wife Karen were presented the Notre Dame award for Outstanding Contributions to Catholic education. Also in 2020, he and Karen received the J. Donald Moran, Distinguished Catholic Philanthropy Medal from the Leadership Roundtable.
Mark received a bachelor’s degree in sociology and psychology from Creighton University and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Notre Dame.