It all began with a friendship and a vision.
Len Shannon and Derek Waltchack were colleagues at Coldwell Banker Commercial Eyster Properties, working side by side on retail deals and brokerage assignments. Over time, they realized that they shared the same entrepreneurial dream: to build something of their own. So, they took a leap of faith, and in 2005, Shannon Waltchack was born.
In the early days, the company focused on retail build-to-suit developments, lakefront developments and acquiring investment properties they could manage themselves. Len and Derek wanted more than just ownership; they wanted stewardship. They believed in building long-term value and managing each asset with care and purpose.
A young Samford graduate named Andrew Patterson joined the team from its genesis, eventually taking the reins of the property management division. Under his leadership, Shannon Waltchack added new services, including brokerage and property management. He improved operations and efficiency, while also adding income-producing functions that helped fuel the company’s continued expansion. He was promoted to Partner in 2008 and now serves as President and Managing Partner.
Soon after, a fourth partner, Tim Blair, joined the team. Tim championed the SW Neighborhood Center (SWNC) investment fund strategy, focusing on acquiring neighborhood retail centers across the country with service-oriented tenants at their core. Before retiring in 2022, Tim was paramount in shaping the company’s culture. More recently, Seth Berry, SIOR, John Hardin, SIOR, CCIM and Tyler Hose have joined as members of the SW partnership.
What started as a two-man operation is now a thriving commercial real estate firm with over 40 team members and a portfolio spanning more than 3 million square feet across 13 states. Over the years, Shannon Waltchack has dabbled in many types of real estate but found its true niche with neighborhood retail strip centers, rooted in community and everyday convenience. SW continues to provide three lines of service: Brokerage, Property Management and Investments. Each line has a robust team, making it all happen!
The growth has been exciting, but the real story is how we got here.
At every stage, four core values have served as our compass:
- Gratitude – We don’t take success for granted. We’re thankful for the people, partnerships, and opportunities that have shaped our journey, and we carry that spirit into every relationship.
- Integrity – We do what we say we’re going to do. Always. Even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.
- Drive – From our founders to our newest hires, everyone at Shannon Waltchack shares a deep commitment to pushing forward, improving constantly, and doing our best work every day.
- Innovation – We don’t settle. We’re always looking for better ways to serve our investors, tenants, and team, and we believe progress starts with a willingness to think differently.
As we celebrate 20 years, we’re proud of the company we’ve built, but even more excited about where we’re headed. With a growing team, a strong track record, and values that guide us, Shannon Waltchack is just getting started.
Thank you to everyone who’s been part of the journey so far. Here’s to the next 20!
