As we celebrate Women’s History Month, GF is proud to recognize a leader who has played a pivotal role in shaping our firm and the built environment. Dawn Schaffran, Managing Director of Land Development, marks an incredible 25-year milestone with GF, a testament to her expertise, dedication, and impact on our industry.
Since 2000, Dawn has established herself as a foundational presence in our Land Development division. Her expertise spans market dynamics, legal jurisdiction, and local considerations, allowing her to skillfully navigate the complexities of project execution.
Dawn’s impressive portfolio includes major clients such as The Home Depot, Texas Roadhouse, Starbucks, and Chipotle, showcasing her ability to manage projects with excellence. Beyond this, she is a leader who cultivates long-term client relationships and expands GF’s professional network. Her proactive communication, prompt responses, and comprehensive evaluations have earned her the trust and respect of clients and colleagues alike.
Women continue to be underrepresented in the AEC industry, accounting for only 17.2% of the workforce, highlighting the significance of Dawn’s leadership. While women have made strides in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC), their presence in land development and construction remains limited. However, the industry is evolving, with initiatives focused on increasing gender diversity and leadership representation. Dawn’s success serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the value of perseverance, expertise, and leadership in a historically male-dominated field. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor her contributions and the path she has paved for future generations of women in development services.
To gain deeper insights into Dawn’s career, we asked her a few questions:
Dawn, you’ve navigated complex zoning and approval processes for 25 years. What’s the most significant challenge you’ve overcome, and what did you learn from it?
One of the primary obstacles in retail land development zoning and approval processes is often opposition from the community regarding new developments. Local residents and advocacy groups may express resistance to proposed projects due to concerns about increased traffic, environmental impacts, or changes to the neighborhood’s character. This situation becomes particularly complex when local governments must weigh the economic advantages of a new retail establishment against community preferences.
Addressing this challenge typically requires effective engagement with stakeholders. By actively listening to and addressing community concerns—whether through modified designs, traffic assessments, or environmental mitigation strategies—developers can foster a more cooperative relationship with residents and government entities.
From this experience, I have recognized the critical role of transparency and compromise. It’s uncommon for a project to gain acceptance without some modifications; however, identifying shared interests and demonstrating the benefits to the community can facilitate smoother approval processes and ultimately lead to more successful developments.
Land development requires a strong understanding of diverse market dynamics. What advice do you have for those looking to excel in this field?
Land development inherently requires flexibility, as market dynamics can change swiftly. The capacity to adapt a project—whether in terms of design, financing, or target audience—can greatly impact its overall success or failure.
Successful companies and land developers take a long-term view, fostering an open mindset and a willingness to adjust their strategies in response to changing conditions. Patience and foresight are crucial attributes in this sector. Furthermore, building a robust network is essential. Forming connections with clients, local and state government officials, and design experts offers valuable insights and information that may not be accessible through traditional research methods. Collaboration is a key element in this industry.
Working with such major clients, what elements do you feel are the most important for maintaining strong client relationships?
First and foremost, it’s essential to fully understand your client’s needs and objectives. For major clients, this means taking the time to listen carefully and asking the right questions to gain clarity on their vision. Understanding both their short-term and long-term goals allows you to align your work with their desired outcomes, ensuring that your services remain relevant and valuable. Open and transparent communication is crucial.
Major clients need to be kept informed every step of the way. Providing regular updates on progress, promptly addressing concerns, and being clear about any challenges or delays can go a long way in building trust. Communication is a two-way street, and being proactive demonstrates that you value the partnership and are committed to their success. Delivering consistent quality and reliability is non-negotiable. Clients trust you to execute their vision, and meeting or exceeding their expectations on every project is essential. Whether it’s staying on schedule or within budget, maintaining high standards reinforces your value as a trusted partner.
Finally, trust is the foundation of any strong client relationship. It’s built over time through consistent performance, transparency, and ethical behavior.
How has the Land development field changed since you began your career, and what changes do you foresee in the future?
The land development industry has experienced significant shifts over the years, driven largely by new technology and changing consumer preferences. Tools like Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) have transformed how developers plan, design, and manage their projects. While much of the planning was once done manually, modern technology now enhances both accuracy and efficiency.
The rise of e-commerce has also disrupted the retail landscape, challenging traditional malls and shopping centers that used to be the backbone of land development. As a result, developers are increasingly focused on creating engaging experiences rather than just shopping spaces. This shift has led to the growth of experiential retail, entertainment venues, and community-focused projects. The retail aspect of land development is changing from a straightforward buying-and-selling model to a richer, more diverse experience. I believe these trends will keep growing, emphasizing flexibility and adaptability as consumer habits and technology continue to evolve.
GF proudly celebrates Dawn Schaffran’s 25 years of dedication and leadership as Managing Director of Land Development. Her expertise and commitment have been vital to our success. We appreciate her contributions and the lasting impact she has made. Join us in honoring her incredible journey.
