Rock Star

Danny Plapp

Director of Leasing, ViaWest

Danny Plapp

For some in the industry, the call to be a professional in commercial real estate arrives later in their career evolution, while for others, the decision occurs quite early in their life. Count Danny Plapp, director of leasing, ViaWest, in the latter camp. “As a Metro Phoenix native growing up in the Scottsdale area, I was captivated by the constant development happening all around me, including Kierland and Desert Ridge,” he says. “The locale became a prosperous hub attracting employment, retail and more housing. At that time, I was not sure how any of this actually got done, but I knew that I wanted to be part of it.”

Founded in 2003, ViaWest has rapidly grown its acquisitions, development, asset management and property management brand across the Valley and Southwest region. The firm owns or manages over 7 million square feet of space and has an acquisition and development portfolio of 65 projects exceeding $1 billion. Right in the middle of the action, Plapp oversees all leasing activity. “I have a broad range of responsibilities with the inevitable goal of ensuring our entire portfolio of office, retail and industrial properties are operating at the highest standards,” he says. “I play an integral role on every lease transaction that takes place throughout the portfolio.

“In 2019, we conducted over 90 transactions, which averages to be about one deal every three business days. That is a lot of volume, and I take pride in making each transaction a highly personalized and pleasant experience for everyone involved.”

After graduating from the University of Arizona with a degree in regional development, Plapp embarked on his CRE career in Tucson before moving back north to the Valley. “What most intrigued me about our industry is having the opportunity to directly impact and enrich the lives of my friends, family and community,” he says. “This sentiment still stands today. I truly enjoy seeing a development come to life and businesses (retail, office or industrial) thrive as they deliver enjoyable experiences and opportunities for everyone.” Over a 10-plus year career serving in positions at LevRose Commercial Real Estate, Colliers International, LGE Design Build and now ViaWest, Plapp has amassed an impressive record of over $750 million in lease transactions covering 10 million square feet. “I understand the importance of a good reputation, both personally and for the company,” he says.

Plapp feels he has found the perfect home at ViaWest and is excited about the future of the business. “ViaWest has built an unprecedented reputation over the past 15-plus years, and I am proud to be part of this cutting-edge team,” he says. “Since day one, I have been embraced with open arms by everyone at ViaWest. The best part of my role is that it allows me to work with the entire ViaWest family, including property management, engineers, investors, clients and brokers/tenants.”

The business of CRE is high energy and velocity, and time spent at home is a precious commodity. “I enjoy traveling and spending time with my wife Julie and my best friend, Pinkerton the Sheepadoodle,” he says.

Plapp also is deeply committed to making the lives of those around him better. “My personal goal in life is to help others enjoy their life to the fullest no matter what or where they are in their own journey,” he says.

Opportunity abounds for Plapp and ViaWest as the brand expands its operational footprint. “I enjoy coming into the office every day and working with a team that is incredibly fun, driven and respectful,” he says. “Because of this environment, ViaWest has been vital in my professional and personal growth over the past few years.”