2016 40 Under 40 Honoree: Dan Coryell, 36

Dan Coryell has nurtured a healthy career at the family-owned apartment-development and management firm, TLC Properties. Starting at the bottom working night security in 1999, Coryell served in a variety of roles including construction management and real estate acquisitions. After earning his MBA from Drury University in 2010, he saved the company tens of thousands of dollars by creating a consistent eviction policy. As director of property management, he also has helped boost TLC’s bottom line, increasing the number of units under management to over 4,100 from 2,900 since December 2013.

What was your first job? A life guard at Doling Pool.

When did you realize you had grown up? I couldn’t pass for a college kid anymore to get the student discount at the movie theater.

What about your job would shock clients? If all our residents wanted to pay their rent late, I would have a hard time paying the mortgage payment for the month.  

What is your theme song? “Jumper,” by Third Eye Blind

What is your best productivity hack? Working through lunch doesn’t always yield higher productivity.  Taking breaks can honestly bring a higher level of innovation, creativity and output to job tasks and projects.  

What historical figure do you identify with most? President Harry S. Truman

What was your professional “aha” moment? I realized the customer experience was perceived differently by every person. There is not a one-size-fits-all strategy.