Werner Minshall of Minshall Stewart Properties
Meet Werner Minshall, founder of
Minshall Stewart Properties.
What is Minshall Stewart Properties?
Minshall Stewart Properties, owner of the
Galleria and
Tower at Erieview, creates long-term investment opportunities in high-quality commercial and multi-family real estate properties. In 2003, we purchased the Galleria and 40-story Tower at Erieview. Exciting things are happening with the recent additions of
Winks Bar and Grill in October,
Alexander Mann Solutions, an international outsourcing and consultancy services firm, and the YMCA’s decision to relocate to the Galleria.
These additions to our neighborhood will strengthen and attract more people and businesses to downtown, allowing us to be a true place to connect and be an important component to completing the neighborhood vision Clevelanders had for the Erieview plan in 1960. As a matter of fact, there was an article published in October of 1964 in the
Cleveland Press, the headline read: "How a Great Vision Became a Great View." We'd like to continue that today and have the headline in 2014 read: "How a Great Vision Became a Great View & How a Great View Became a Great Neighborhood."
How did you come to be an entrepreneur?
I like to quote Warren Buffet “I was wired this way.” I have always been an entrepreneur. I really can't do anything else.
What are some of the advantages to doing business in Cleveland?
Cleveland is a well-connected and organized community that is sophisticated and down-to-earth at the same time. The community is very welcoming and there is an exciting vision that is finally coming to life in so many ways.
What advice would you give to someone starting a company here?
Make sure you do what you love, because you need to be prepared to work 100 hours a week. Welcome the opportunities and challenges of the work. Enjoy every day, even the lousy ones. You must absolutely love the company and business you’re starting.
What inspires you?
My inspiration comes from seeing the people I employ achieve their dreams. I want to make them successful first, and myself successful second. Also inspiration comes from making a real impact in the communities we are a part of, both economically and emotionally. People (especially, it seems, in Cleveland) are proud of their city, their community and create strong ties and memories to physical places and space.
What companies or founders do you admire and why?
Ray Kroc, the founder of
McDonald's. At the age of 56, he left a secure job and started McDonalds. He had a vision and executed it beautifully. His philosophy started with a desire to make others successful, in doing so, he created the franchising model, and created hundreds of millionaires.
What’s next for you and your company?
We will leverage our successes in Cleveland by creating an innovative model that allows our neighbors to connect and share resources. Our initial focus will be on growing both the Galleria and Tower at Erieview and creating an extended neighborhood for which Cleveland is sure to be excited.