Tim Anderson Named Who's Who of Chicago Business by Crain's
17 January 2024
January 16, 2024
Tim Anderson
President and CEO
Focus
Industry: Real Estate
Age: 69
Undergrad: Illinois Institute of Technology
Professional/civic: Mies van der Rohe Society; Lou Malnati’s Cancer Benefit; RISE International; Urban Development & Mixed-Use Council
What's one big lesson you learned in the pandemic?
"During the uncertainty of the pandemic, it was essential to be completely transparent and have direct communications with our team. Understandably, people were worried about the stalled business climate. As a leader, building trust and facing hardships together is paramount. I subscribe to the theory that 'leaders eat last' and must be willing to sacrifice the most for the greater good. Thankfully, we made it through that difficult period, and those learnings still carry through to today."
How do you balance work and life?
"For me, work is a part of how we experience life to the fullest. I love my work. It can be hard, but it can also be massively rewarding. That being said, there needs to be boundaries — my wife and daughter make sure to call me out at the dinner table if I forget! Make sure to find the things in life that rejuvenate you outside of your professional accomplishments — like hiking in nature. For me, it's running or golf. The key is also finding a career that's rewarding and that you love to do. Then it's not work."
What was your first paying job?
"My first paying job was a summer job as a junior draftsman at a manufacturing company in Milford, Conn. The company made equipment that processed film — they did a lot of work for the military. So, I was drafting (by hand, in those days) machine parts like gears and rollers, which was pretty much drudgery!"
What is your best habit and your worst?
"My best habit is my discipline. I'm definitely a goal-oriented person and disciplined in following a plan to achieve my goals — whether at work or in my running pursuits. I qualified for the Boston Marathon with a 3:54 and ran it in 4:05 in 2021 at 67 years of age. My next goal is to run it at age 70. And I've set a goal to get my golf handicap under a 10 by the end of this year. As for my worst habit, that would have to be biting my nails when I get nervous at sporting events. I've bitten them down to the quick while watching the Cubs!"