We are thrilled to announce on the blog, it’s already been announced in a few various occasions, that Stuart Nolan is the recipient of the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award that is given by the Minnesota Multi Housing Association.
Following is the introduction that was given by MHA President Mary Rippe of the 2011 Lifetime Achievement inductees at the MAC luncheon:
“It’s difficult to benchmark what contributes to a lifetime achievement award from a career full of highlights but, I’ll do my best.
Our first recipient is Stuart Nolan. Stu founded StuartCo in June 1970 and since it’s inception he’s developed over 7000 units. The company currently manages over 5,000 units in the upper Midwest. And Stu still owns and manages the first property he ever developed. He’s built StuartCo into one of the most successful and respected companies in the state. And I hear from a pretty reliable source, that after 41 years, he still loves to come to work every day and cause trouble.
Stuart is very generous with his time and resources. We’ve seen that first hand at MHA. Stu was President of MHA in 1980. At that time the industry was facing exorbitant property taxes and the threat of rent control. In his inaugural speech Stu stated “All too much is happening and going to happen to our industry for any of us to try to do it alone. We must work together for purposes of planning and decision-making for the future. I believe I learned a long time ago that to protest or agonize after it’s too late, is a waste of time and does no good at all.” He went on to say “We can’t over-react, but must continue to act in a professional manner and keep moving forward relentlessly.”
Stu believes in action. During his term as MHA Chair he initiated a MN Real estate tax study by Coopers and Lybrand, which outlined the property tax burden on multi-housing, that was used to educate legislators and helped in our efforts for property tax relief. Also that year he helped organize the MN for a Sensible Housing Partnership (MSHP) which was used in industry efforts to organize for the anticipated rent control fight. This planning for the future paid off the following year, when a rent control initiative was defeated. And do you remember the Stop 89 headquarters? – that was one of Stu’s buildings.
Stuart gives freely of his time and resources to the community as well. He was the recipient of the WCCO Good Neighbor Award for Outstanding Community Service and received a Certificate of Commendation from the State ofMinnesotafor the Governor’s Commission on Affordable Housing – signed by Rudy Perpich. Stu has served on the board of several charitable, business and community organizations, including a term as chair of the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation. The StuartCo culture incorporates charitable giving at every level.
Stuart is intelligent, analytical, and known for his integrity and professionalism. He continues to look to the future, to action, and to working together to strengthen the industry and the community. His leadership, wisdom, and guidance for over 30 years has elevated the stature of the industry.”
We loved Mary’s introduction so we had to share it! Again, Congratulations Stuart!
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