Mark W. Claud Recognized as a Living Legend

In 1996, Claud founded Commonwealth Commercial, a commercial real estate company now operating in 15 states, including offices in Atlanta, Minneapolis, Dallas and Kansas City, Missouri. In May, Claud handed the reins to Kenneth Strickler, who added CEO to his previous title of president of the firm, now rebranded as simply Commonwealth.

A Virginia Tech graduate, Claud joined Grubb & Ellis/Harrison & Bates in 1987 after the real estate firm merged with the commercial division of Richmond-based Bowers, Nelms & Fonville, ultimately becoming a vice president before founding Commonwealth. Claud also is a founding contributor and former board member of Virginia Tech’s Blackwood Department of Real Estate.

During his time at Commonwealth, Claud started Comprehensive Development Strategies, a real estate project management company, and Commonwealth Lodging Management, a hospitality management firm created in 2010 through a merger with Afton Hospitality. In 2008, Claud also founded StreamCo, a real estate asset management firm that now provides services in 14 states and manages more than 15 million square feet. Until January, he also served as interim president of Sauer Properties for nearly two years and continues serving on the family-owned real estate company’s board.