Four decades of experience building systems that work—from $7B+ in real estate development to leading nonprofit organizations through transformational growth. Scott brings the kind of strategic depth that only comes from doing the work, not just consulting on it.
Scott's understanding of how things actually get built—both literally and organizationally—started early. Growing up, he worked for his father's general contracting company, learning the business from the ground up through hands-on work on custom homes, remodeling projects, tenant improvements, and special builds. But more than technical skills, he absorbed something more valuable: his father's approach to management, customer service, problem-solving, and navigating complex permitting processes. That early education in how systems work (and where they break down) shaped everything that followed.
After college, Scott spent two decades in real estate development, working across small firms and large corporations, privately owned companies and publicly traded REITs, in multiple cities and regions across the United States. The scale and variety of this work gave him a comprehensive view of how real estate projects succeed—or fail.
In just his first three and a half years with a major REIT, Scott's portfolio included four hotels and 2,100 apartment units. Over his career, he has been involved in projects with a current combined market value exceeding $7 billion. Notable among these is a transformational mixed-use development in Boston—a complex urban infill project requiring sophisticated stakeholder management, public-private partnership navigation, and community engagement—now valued at approximately $4 billion.
This experience wasn't just about the numbers. It taught him how to:
Scott's transition into nonprofit leadership brought a different kind of challenge: delivering outcomes in environments where mission, people, and financial sustainability must be held in constant balance. Over two decades, he led fundraising operations for organizations with annual budgets approaching $40 million, directing capital campaigns of similar scale.
His responsibilities extended well beyond fundraising mechanics. He provided strategic management, stakeholder relations, program oversight, production of donor communications and collateral materials, and executive coaching. This work required the same strategic rigor as his real estate career, but with an added layer: ensuring that growth never came at the expense of mission integrity or the people serving it.
The nonprofit world taught Scott how to:
"The best strategies don't just look good on paper—they work in real life, with real people, in real contexts. That's been the standard I've held myself to for four decades."
What makes Scott's approach distinctive is his ability to see connections that specialists often miss. Real estate projects succeed or fail based on capital strategy. Fundraising campaigns require the same stakeholder management skills as complex developments. Organizational culture shapes operational capacity. Business advisory work benefits from understanding how nonprofits navigate competing priorities.
These aren't separate skill sets—they're interconnected domains that, when understood holistically, create uncommon strategic clarity. Scott doesn't just bring real estate expertise or fundraising experience or operational knowledge. He brings all three, integrated through decades of application.
Scott's core conviction is simple but non-negotiable: If you're not investing in people, you're squandering your potential. This isn't aspirational language—it's the operating principle behind every engagement, every recommendation, every framework he builds.
His approach is characterized by:
Beyond Tall Order Strategies, Scott serves on the board of directors for Kniesel's Collision, a family-owned auto body repair company navigating multi-generational transition and growth, and AIM, an organization combating sex trafficking through intervention, advocacy, and survivor support.
These board roles reflect his commitment to applying strategic thinking in service of organizations doing meaningful work—whether in the private sector or social impact space.
Scott has been married to Sally for over 38 years—a partnership he describes as one of his greatest joys (and a testament to her extraordinary patience). He's the proud father of two adult children and grandfather to two grandchildren, with twins on the way.
Outside of work, you'll find Scott on a playing field or in the stands (he's an unabashed sports enthusiast), exploring great restaurants, or—true to form—investing time in people. Because for Scott, that's never really been "outside of work." It's the whole point.
Scott founded Tall Order Strategies to partner with leaders tackling challenges that require more than templates and generic advice. If you're navigating complexity, leading through transition, or building something that matters, he'd welcome the conversation.
Whether you're navigating a capital campaign, a complex development project, or an organizational inflection point—let's talk about how thoughtful strategy can make the difference.
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