Development leader to discuss perseverance, success in bringing Costco to Kalamazoo

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Perseverance, leadership and success is the topic of the next presentation in Western Michigan University’s College of Engineering and Applied Sciences Custer Speaker Series. The talk titled "Bringing Costco to Kalamazoo: AVB’s Perseverance and Success" features alumnus Greg Dobson, chief operating officer and principal at AVB Inc., a regional leading development company. The event will take place Tuesday, March 1, at 4:30 p.m. in the Fetzer Center.

Dobson will share the company’s journey to developing the Corner@Drake where Costco resides. The construction on the 40-acre project began in November 2013, but land acquisition and planning took place over the course of more than 20 years as AVB envisioned the long-term potential of the property.

Students, faculty, professionals and community members will hear about the organization’s endurance in the project and what it takes to address the challenges in making a project come to life in any professional role or industry. 

About Greg Dobson

Greg Dobson is COO and principal of AVB, a leading construction and development firm dedicated to great homes, buildings and developments. A Western alumnus, Dobson first studied paper science, then earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1991, followed by a Master of Business Administration in 1995. From 1991 until 1998, he was assistant to the president under Western’s fifth president, Dr. Diether H. Haenicke. He then worked as associate athletic director responsible for external affairs and four sports before joining the AVB team in 1999. In 2006, he invested in the firm as a partner and became principal and chief operating officer. He currently serves as president of the WMU Alumni Association.

About Custer Speaker Series

Open to the public and hosted by WMU's College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Custer Speaker Series is designed for students, faculty and community members to hear from professionals on topics that broaden attendees’ understanding of the world and add depth to experiences. It is also an opportunity for our alumni and community members to engage with our students, potential future employees.

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