Ozarks Profile: Mike Romstad

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Mike Romstad|ret||ret||tab|

General manager, Battlefield Mall. The mall is owned and managed by Simon Property Group Inc., which has its headquarters in Indianapolis, Ind. Simon is the largest publicly traded retail real estate investment trust in North America. Simon owns or has interest in more than 250 properties comprising regional malls, community centers, and specialty and mixed-used properties in 36 states and five in Europe. With its affiliated management company, Simon owns or manages approximately 190 million square feet of gross leaseable area in retail and mixed-use property. Battlefield Mall opened in 1970. It was expanded and renovated in 1982 and again in 1993. Romstad joined Simon in April 1997 as an area manager in Omaha, Neb. and completed his transition to Battlefield Mall in December 1999.|ret||ret||tab|

|bold_on|Age: 37|ret||ret||tab|

|bold_on|No. of years in Springfield/area: Romstad has lived here for about six months.|ret||ret||tab|

|bold_on|Education: Romstad received his bachelor of science degree from Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg in 1986.|ret||ret||tab|

|bold_on|Early career: After college, Romstad began his career in the shopping center industry by working as the security director for a regional shopping center in Kansas City, which was owned and managed by Copaken, White & Blitt. During his tenure with that company, he was promoted to corporate director of security, assistant mall manager and mall manager. He joined Simon in 1997.|ret||ret||tab|

|bold_on|Current projects: "We are continually working to bring new and unique businesses to Battlefield Mall. One of our most successful methods of doing so is by enrolling businesses in our retail development program, which is a leasing option that lets new entrepreneurs and existing businesses test market their product or service at very affordable lease rates, with flexible short terms. New businesses are recruited into the program through local and regional canvassing trips, as well as local advertising. In addition, our management team is coordinating a host of corporate marketing and new business initiatives targeted at enhancing our customers' shopping experience while at the mall," Romstad said. |ret||ret||tab|

|bold_on|Management philosophy: "Set a standard for high expectations and take a hands-on approach of working with personnel to obtain the goals that have been set. Challenge and reward personnel to find creative solutions. Hire and recruit personnel who are the most qualified and possess the best attitudes."|ret||ret||tab|

|bold_on|Spare-time pursuits: Romstad said he is very much an outdoor enthusiast. He enjoys boating, water skiing and all other outdoor activities.|ret||ret||tab|

|bold_on|Family data: "I am the proud uncle of Chase, 4, and Danny, 2, who live a short distance away in Independence. My parents are retired and living the life of leisure they deserve at Lake of the Ozarks."|ret||ret||tab|

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