2021 40 Under 40: Chris Sherman takes on role of president at Sherman Associates

Leading with a focus on positive change and collaboration, 35-year-old Chris Sherman has become a force in the Twin Cities real estate community.

Through a number of roles at Minneapolis-based Sherman Associates — where he became president in December 2020 — his drive for stronger communities has led the company to create multiphase developments that provide affordable housing, market-rate and luxury options, senior housing, and retail services. This includes developments in Minneapolis, Coon Rapids, Fridley, and an expansion into Colorado.

An equally strong focus on environmentally conscious building has resulted in two LEED-certified housing developments and two solar gardens that provide significant clean energy. Chris Sherman also led the implementation of smart home technology in new developments, which allows residents and building managers to reduce energy usage.

That leadership didn’t waver during Covid-19 and last summer’s civil unrest. Sherman invested further in diversity and inclusion training for employees and continues to pursue inclusionary housing developments. The company also funded Covid-19 testing initiatives at Riverside Plaza, and provided respite stay facilities for frontline health workers at Minneapolis hotels.