2023RIC - November Breakfast: Repurposing Real Estate

Jon Laaser is the Chief Operating Officer and Co-Owner of Performance Pickleball RVA. A native of Minneapolis, MN, Laaser originally relocated to Richmond as a founding staff member of the Richmond Flying Squirrels, serving as "The Voice of the Squirrels" and Director of Communications. After completing broadcast assignments for VCU basketball, MASN and NBC Sports Washington, the 43-year old was hired as the "Voice of the Virginia Tech Hokies" in 2015. In that role, he also oversaw the 46-station Virginia Tech Sports Network as Director of Broadcast Operations.

Laaser boasts more than two decades of broadcasting and sports marketing experience, having previously held dual roles with affiliates for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants and Tampa Bay Rays. Additionally, he has fulfilled broadcast and media relations duties for Hamline University, VCU, Charleston Southern, The Hampton Roads Sports Network and ACC Network.

An avid pickleball player, Laaser began his career at KFAN Sports Radio in his native Minneapolis in 2001. 

Along with his wife, Renée, Laaser operates Laaser's Ladybug Society, a licensed 501c3 that fundraises for mental health initiatives in Richmond-area schools through athletic events. The couple live in Glen Allen with their four-month old Pug, Steve. 

As President and Chief Executive Officer, Lee is responsible for strategic direction and leadership for the firm’s 10 offices and 450 associates in Virginia.  Lee also serves as the Chairman of Thalhimer’s Board of Directors and oversees the firm’s Executive Leadership Team.  Lee also has a key role with the Cushman & Wakefield Alliance and serves on the Alliance Executive Committee.

Since joining Thalhimer as an Associate Broker in 1995, Lee has been recognized for his sales production, as well as his leadership and business acumen. He has successfully represented many prominent retailers such as Home Depot, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Kroger, and Regal Entertainment and has played a part in many of the region’s major retail developments. In his leadership role, he has been instrumental in the company’s growth throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, including the successful launch of Thalhimer offices in Hampton Roads, Western Virginia and in the Carolinas.

Lee has been the company’s President since 2011. In January 2016, he assumed the additional role of Chief Executive Officer, making him only the fourth CEO since Thalhimer’s founding in 1913.  He has been a longstanding member of Thalhimer’s Board of Directors.