NAIOPWA Member Profile: Ben Waiss, Development Manager, Tarragon Property Services

Ben Waiss (Tarragon) is one of the Co-Chairs for NAIOPWA's South Sound Committee. He has been recognized by his peers for his outstanding leadership and continued commitment to the committee's efforts. Ben joined NAIOP in 2014 after he began working for his current company. We spoke with Ben about his work with Tarragon, what he enjoys most about CRE, and what he does in his spare time. 

How would you describe your company’s primary work and scope?
Tarragon is a locally owned commercial real estate development company operating across multiple asset classes. The following are a few company highlights that have shaped my real estate “toolbox” and give me a unique perspective on the commercial real estate industry:
  • Hands on developer that provides services from feasibility thru lease up and stabilization
  • Portfolio developer that delivers highest quality assets designed to operate at a high level throughout the lifespan of the development
  • Long term outlook that allows us to accumulate and hold land in the portfolio until market conditions are optimal to construct a commercial asset

How long have you been with your company?
I have been with Tarragon for about 6 years. In a previous life I was a Civil Engineer.

 
What do you like best about your industry (Commercial Real Estate Development)? 
There are many aspects of my Industry that a like. Below are the two aspects that best define my passion for real estate development.

  • I love participating in every aspect of the real estate project lifecycle. Starting with feasibility and acquisition, transitioning to design/entitlement/permitting, to construction, and finishing with leasing. Throughout this process we are presented with so many unique challenges and get to interact with a variety of different Industry professionals to find effective solutions to these challenges.
  • Balancing a broad range of interests. In previous careers it has been very clear who my client was. Whether it’s a customer at a restaurant or a jurisdiction that I am providing engineering services for. But in commercial real estate we are creating developments that serve the best interests of the future tenants/users, the communities they are located in, and the project partners. Balancing these three interests is a challenge that I look forward to on a daily basis.

 

What motivated you to join NAIOP/South Sound Committee?
I was presented with the opportunity at a time in my career where I was consciously looking to get more involved in a real estate committee/board. NAIOP is the leading real estate association (and very active in the South Sound), and most of my projects are based in the South Sound so it was a natural fit.


What do you like best about participating with the South Sound Committee?
Planning panel discussion events… for sure. The opportunity to interact and get to know leaders in the Real Estate Industry with the goal of preparing engaging event content is a very unique and thought provoking.
 
What do you do for relaxation/recreation?
Primarily the standard PNW activities (hiking, golfing, boating). I started kiteboarding a few years ago, but need to work on my skills before I let anybody watch me.
 
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your industry?
Get involved! Put yourself out there at networking events, join young leaders groups, and jump at every opportunity to participate in industry events and committees.
 
What's an interesting or unusual fact that most of your fellow NAIOP colleagues probably don't know about you?
I love traveling internationally to sporting events. I attended the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the Baja 500 in Mexico, and went golfing in Scotland just before The Open Championship in 2013.

Learn more about Ben's company, Tarragon, on their website, and connect with Ben on LinkedIn
 

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