The Andrew M. Roud Interview

What is your morning routine?
A: I like to get up pretty early and enjoy a coffee and read digital papers.  I read three US, three Canadian, and two UK papers, and also make sure that I cover both ‘left’ and ‘right’ publications to get a wide variety of opinions of the same news of the day.  It is also interesting to read publications outside of the US to see what other countries are thinking.  Before joining St. John Properties, I worked in Holland/Germany for 12 years, so that is why I like to see what other countries are seeing with the news.

How would you describe what you do?
A: The simple answer is real estate developer, but the more granular answer is a combination of sourcing new opportunities, taking those opportunities through entitlements, public hearings and permitting, and making sure that the project comports to company expectations, and hopefully provides both employment opportunities for the folks that build and eventually occupy those spaces. 

What is the last book or article you read and what was your biggest takeaway?
A: “The Double V”, by Rawn James, Jr.  I grew up in Canada and did all of my elementary, high school, and university studies there, so we were not taught any US history.  For the past few years, I have been reading history of African Americans as we did not learn any in Canada.  The Double V is a great book which leads you through many wars, protests and eventually, President Truman desegregating the American military.  I also read quite a few biographies.    

Identify one trend in your industry you predict will change how business is done?
A: Unfortunately, COVID is going to really change the landscape for a long time to come.  I think that companies and individuals will rethink urban work/live and migrate to the suburban space.  The key is to provide an interesting environment for them to live, work and play.

What’s your favorite productivity habit?
A: Each morning when I first get in, I take a desk note pad and look at the items that I worked on yesterday that were not completed, and make a new list for the new day adding those items, so that they don’t get overlooked.  It makes you brainstorm all the days thoughts on paper and you have a record of it.

In business what is something that most people learn only after it’s too late?
A: First impressions.  People generally remember the first time they met someone and the last time they met with them.  Many business people forget that how you conduct yourself is what people remember and think about.  It can never to too late to take care with interactions with colleagues, acquaintances and even opponents.

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About Andrew M. Roud:

Andrew M. Roud has worked in the real estate development industry for the past 33 years both across the United States, and for over decade in The Netherlands and Germany. Since 2009, he has been with St. John Properties, and was named Regional Partner, Southern Maryland in 2015.  He has experience in transformative, complex entitlement, zoning, and legislative and economic development initiatives and brings with him measurable success in various regions both domestically and internationally. He also is responsible for overseeing political and legislative relations and activities for St. John Properties.  He is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario in London, Canada, and is a graduate of the Leadership Maryland Class of 2012.   Mr. Roud also has served as an Adjunct Professor of International Development at the University Of Maryland Colvin School Of Real Estate Development, and frequently guest lectures at Georgetown University.  He currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation as Treasurer, and the Vice Chair of the City of Bowie Economic Development Committee and was the former President of the Greater Bowie Chamber of Commerce.

Social Media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-roud-6a185276/

Company Website: https://www.sjpi.com/