The Minnesota Real Estate Hall of Fame, established in 2010 by the Shenehon Center for Real Estate at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business, will add four new members in a ceremony Thursday, Nov. 1, on the university’s downtown Minneapolis campus.
The four, all deceased, were chosen for their outstanding business performance, high standards of ethics and sense of community. They are:
- David Bell (1841-1930) As one of the early pioneers of the Minneapolis business community, David Bell contributed to the growth of the city through his many business ventures. Founder of the David C. Bell Investment Co., Minnesota Linseed Oil Co., as well as numerous civic organizations, Bell’s impact brought significant development to Minneapolis.
- Robert Boblett Sr. (1917-1987) With more than 41 years of contributions to the Minneapolis commercial real estate industry, Robert Boblett Sr.’s impact lives on today. Admired for his work ethic and dedication to inspire others to do their best, the Robert P. Boblett Award is given out by the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors each year in his memory.
- Philip Smaby (1918-2008) Philip Smaby was “always a move ahead.” This was not only his motto in business, but for everything he did in life. During his long and celebrated career, Smaby co-founded the former Bermel-Smaby Realty Co. and led several real estate trade associations, including the National Association of Realtors.
- Boyd Stofer (1949-2011) Boyd Stofer left his mark on the commercial real estate industry through the many successful projects and strong strategic direction of the companies he led: United Properties, NorthMarq Real Estate Services, NorthMarq Capital and RJM Construction.
Inducted into the inaugural Minnesota Real Estate Hall of Fame in 2010 were Tony Bernardi, Lloyd Engelsma, Gerald Rauenhorst, William Reiling, Jim Ryan and Sam Thorpe Sr. Inducted in 2011 were Robert Hoffman, Darrel Holt, Bernard Rice, Emma Rovick and five members of the Dayton family: Bruce and Douglas, and the late Donald, Kenneth and Wallace.
The induction ceremony includes a 5:30 p.m. reception and a 6:30 p.m. program on Thursday, Nov. 1, in the auditorium of Schulze Hall at 11th Street and Harmon Place in downtown Minneapolis.
Keynote speaker for the evening, Gary Stern, was president and chief executive officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis from 1985 to 2009. He is co-author of Too Big to Fail: The Hazards of Bank Bailouts.
The event is open to the public, and the cost is $50. More information is available on the Shenehon Center’s website.
