1. EDWARD J. COLLINS
525 MARENGO AVENUE 708-990-3874
FOREST PARK, IL 60130 edwardjcollins@live.com
Agile, experienced and credible business leader with 20+ years in diverse business organizations and
industries. Strongly endorsed by work colleagues, customers and clients in the areas of Business
Leadership, Strategy, Marketing, and Property Management. Expert in managing medium sized
organizations with 50+ employees. Strong and successfulbackground in all phases of property
management/ construction/ leasing and marketing. Have managed over 2 million square feet of space,
built out over 50 government offices/facilities, and negotiated over 200 leases valued in excess of $270
million.
WORK EXPERIENCE
THE COLLINS GROUP, Forest Park, IL 2014-Present
Formed a small entrepreneurial multi-state real estate project management/construction consulting firm
(Illinois, Michigan, Virginia, Washington, DC). Completed 20+ projects partnering with local space
planners, engineers, trades and craftsmen. Projects included schools, retail, conference facilities and
residences keying on sustainable design retrofits. Focused on added value with essentially low tech
improvements and system upgrades with an emphasis on lighting, space planning and energy
conservation best practices.
TOP BOXFOODS,Chicago, IL 2012-2014
Founding Member of the newly formed Chicago based non-profit hunger relief organization that was
founded by Christopher G. Kennedy (son of the late Senator Robert F Kennedy) to address the societal
issues of hunger, malnutrition, and related health problems through the delivery of high-quality and high-
nutrition meats, fruits, vegetables and other food products throughout the greater Chicago area.
Responsible for the orientation, training and supervision of the 40+ volunteers of the organization.
Additionally responsible for the sales plan to churches of all denominations, The Archdiocese of Chicago,
community groups, civic organizations, foundations, government entities (city and state level), relief
groups, and the media. Starting from zero our group quickly grew to providing over 5,000 individuals
and families with nutritious meals per month (ranging from $1.28 to $1.47 per meal).
MERCHANDISE MART PROPERTIES, INC. (MMPI), Chicago, IL 1994 - 2011
MMPI is a 9Million SF, 15 site subsidiary of NY based Vornado Realty Trust, Inc. MMPI manages the iconic
Merchandise Mart of Chicago (formerly owned by the Kennedy family) as well as office and design centers
throughout the USA and Canada.
VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER, WASHINGTON DESIGN CENTER AND
FEDERAL CENTER SOUTHWEST OFFICECOMPLEX, Washington,DC 2006 - 2010
Managed the largest federaloffice / design center complex in the District of Columbia. Collaborated
daily with senior executives of 8 federalagencies (SBA, HHS, OIG, DOT, FAA,HUD, GSA and FEMA)
operating their 500,000 square foot space portfolio. Annually generated $29 million in revenue ($17
million EBITDA) while managing 65 employees and vendor staff. Complex was the third largest and
second best performing unit in the MMPI portfolio. Handled high profile events for the Kennedy family
and raised over $2 million for Georgetown University Children’s Hospital, Best Buddies, The National
Building Museum and Earth Conservation Corps.

2. VP, PROPERTYMANAGER,33 N. DEARBORN, MMPI, Chicago, IL 2004 - 2006
Managed all facets of this historic and prestigious 300,000 square foot downtown office building which
housed internationally prominent law firms and public relation firms. Annually generated $9 million in
revenue ($6 million EBITDA) while managing 40 employees and vendor staff. Throughout 2005 and
2006, supervised all phases of the building’s sale to FULCRUM for $44 million which generated a $5
million profit for MMPI (9.5% ROI). Instituted impactful sustainable design initiatives and programs at
33 N. Dearborn as well as assisted the City of Chicago in the development of Block 37. Also assisted the
MMPI team in the successfultransformation of the Merchandise Mart to LEED Certification.
VICE PRESIDENT, TRADE SHOWS, MMPI, Chicago, IL 2002 – 2004
Led the sales, marketing, financial planning and public relations teams for 4 international tradeshows with
combined revenues of $10 million. The trade shows included the Architectural Digest Home Design
Show located in New York City, the Chicago International Antiques and Fine Art Fair, the Chicago
Design Show and the International Casual Furniture Show located in Chicago. Each of these shows
was grown to become the most important tradeshow in their home furnishings category. Led 36
employees in multiple USA locations with profit and loss responsibility for sales, marketing, public
relations, operations and show execution. Raised $300,000 in furniture and design services for Mayor
Richard M. Daley’s “Safe Home For Kids” program.
VICE PRESIDENT, LEASING, MMPI, Chicago, IL 1998– 2002
Responsible for leasing and marketing of 135 permanent space showrooms occupying four floors with
800,000 SF in Merchandise Mart, representing 20% of building space. Managed 8 collaborative teams
handling all aspects of leasing and tenant relations. Negotiated over 200 leases from various industries
valued at $150+ million in showroom revenue. Maintained 100% occupancy on 6 residential and casual
floors with square footage of 1 million SF and generating $105 million in revenue.
LEASING DIRECTOR,RESIDENTIAL FURNISHINGS, MMPI, Chicago,IL 1994 – 1998
Planned and implemented a new strategy to lease over 165,000 SF of vacant space at the Merchandise
Mart. Negotiated 35+ relocation leases valued at over $55 million to allow construction and creation of a
new 12th floor exhibition hall at the Merchandise Mart of Chicago.
EARLIER BUSINESS & MILITARY EXPERIENCE
National Account Sales for Cone Mills Corp in 9 state territory. Sold custom produced home furnishing
and apparel fabrics to major retailers, manufacturers and distributors in the Midwest for the John Wolf
Decorative Fabrics Division. Was one of the top three revenue producers in 8 out of ten years for this
$100 million division. Various management and purchasing assignments for the Northwest Territory of
Sears,Roebuck & Company. Started as a Management Trainee and progressed to Divisional Manager of
5 Departments. Served in the US Army in Europe and the USA. Held Top Secret Clearance. Attained
rank of Captain.
EDUCATION
B.A. Liberal Arts, Providence College, Providence, RI
Various communications and business courses,Yale University, DePaulUniversity
LEED Green Certification (February, 2012)
BOARD SERVICE AND FUNDRAISING INITIATIVES
Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust, Board Member, 2001-2007
Harrington College of Design, Board of Governors, 2004-2007
Best Buddies Foundation, Member, Sponsor, Fund Raiser, 2000-2010
Georgetown University Hospital, Georgetown Jingle Co-Founder,Sponsor, Fund Raiser, 2006-2010
The National Building Museum, Member, Sponsor, Fund Raiser, 2006-2010
Earth Conservation Corps, Advocate,Sponsor, Fund Raiser,2007-2010
City of Chicago, Safe Homes for Kids,Co-Leader, Fundraiser, 2002-2005