My Best Advice: Cindy Shaffer

Owner, Shaffer Development LLC
Mequon
Industry: Real estate development
shafferdevelopment.com
Employees: 5

“My parents were hardworking people who devoted themselves to their family and instilled in my brother, sister and me the satisfaction of a job well done. Two key phrases often said were: ‘If you tell somebody you’re going to do something, you do it.’ And: ‘If you start something, you need to finish it.’

“As I entered the corporate world and eventually started my own businesses, I found success and satisfaction when I pushed myself to take a leap and commit to my vision.”

“There is nothing better than to create a community like Spur 16 and see how happy people are to live there. That is a priceless gift to be able to make a difference in someone’s life and to have a healthy and prosperous business at the same time.”

“My parents’ sage advice and the experiences I’ve had have given me strength and resiliency. I am so very grateful for the challenges I’ve faced because you can never be up if you’ve never been down.”

Age: 57

Professional experience: Shaffer graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and communications. She previously worked for S.C. Johnson & Son Inc., Marriott International, Mandel Group and Fiduciary Real Estate Development Inc. before launching Shaffer Development in 2001. Since then, Shaffer has had a hand in a number of developments including Mequon Town Center, the Grafton 1505 Apartments and Spur 16.

In the news: Shaffer Development is the developer behind Spur 16, a new mixed-use project that was built recently on a 14-acre site along West Mequon Road in Mequon. Spur 16 includes Mequon Public Market, St. Paul Fish Co.’s second restaurant location, ten luxury townhomes, 146 apartment units, a wellness center and a private clubhouse space.