Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/479641
1 7 6 H a r t f o r d The Simon Konover Company The Simon Konover Company: Still doing business on a handshake. E arly on, Simon Konover escaped the Holocaust, making his way to join his brother in the United States, working in the floor covering business. By 1957, Simon Konover was developing prop- erties out of the trunk of his car. He drove from site to site, making deals on a handshake. He embarked on a mission of ownership, development and management of commercial real estate in the New England and New York marketplaces, focusing his efforts on neighbor- hood strip malls anchored by grocery stores. After celebrating nearly 55 years in business, The Simon Konover Company has evolved into a nationally recognized, diverse real estate organization with offices in West Hartford, Connecticut and Deerfield Beach, Florida, says Jane Konover Coppa, company chief execu- tive officer. Company leadership rests with its principals, Simon Konover, Coppa, his daughter — and his son, Steven Konover, together with their executive team. David Coppa, Simon's grandson, sits at the helm as CEO of Konover South. Despite its growth, the company remains family-owned and operated. Over the past 55 years, The Simon Konover Company has built its reputation through integrity and creativity across the broad market sectors of hospitality, retail, mul- tifamily, mixed use, specialty, office/industrial and con- struction industries. It has earned national recognition as an entrepreneurial organization and has established industry benchmarks for service and success. The firm's ability to serve many sectors has advanced its ability to help serve others. The Simon Konover Company, for example, is directly involved with Supportive Housing programs, a cost-effective combination of affordable housing and services that help people live stable, produc- tive lives in their communities. "Our diverse platform has given the Konover family a strategic grounding in its philanthropic mission through The Doris & Simon Konover Family Foundation — and of particular note — a very close relationship with Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Gang group," says Jane Coppa. The company was the initial sponsor of the Annual Camp Challenge Ride which raises funds to help send children with illnesses to summer camp free of charge. In fact, Simon Konover worked with Paul Newman upon inception of the Camp in Ashford, Conn., and donated his services to help build the camp facilities. The Simon Konover Company and its affiliated com- panies north and south now employ more than 700 asso- ciates in 10 states. "We capitalize on organizational and employee strengths and acknowledge our associates as our great- est assets," Jane Coppa said. More than 50 of these team members operate from the company's West Hartford headquarters, including the executive team, with the help of supportive services, risk management, human resources, payroll and information technology departments. All help the firm maintain its success and act in the best interest of its clients and neighbors. The company's goal is to prosper through asset preser- vation and growth for the benefit of investors, partners and associates and to make meaningful contributions to the communities in which we live and do business, Jane Coppa explains. And the company's territory is broadening: it has developed, constructed, owned and managed an extensive portfolio of shopping centers, hotels, residential communities, office buildings, indus- trial facilities, mixed-use and specialty properties from Wisconsin to Florida to Massachusetts. What does the future hold for this progressive com- pany? Continued growth, said Coppa. "Our mission is to focus in areas where The Simon Konover Company can be 'best in class' as we navigate the future." Top Right: One Century Tower located at 265 Church Street, New Haven. Above: Simon Konover, Founder & Chairman, and Jane Konover Coppa, Principal & Chief Executive Officer