Robert B. Aikens, Chairman
Since forming a company in his name in 1973, after spending 15 years as senior partner of the law firm Wunsch, Aikens & Lungershausen, Robert B. Aikens has directed the growth of the organization through a commitment to the creation of high-quality projects and through innovative development. In 1976, the company built the first central Food Court in Panama City Mall, a regional mall in Panama City, Florida. In 2002, the company opened the Village of Rochester Hills in Rochester Hills, Michigan, the first main-street lifestyle center in the State of Michigan.
This commitment to quality and innovation has earned Robert B. Aikens & Associates a national reputation in the commercial real estate business. Aikens’ portfolio over the years has included 14 projects, and includes regional shopping centers, main-street lifestyle centers, community centers, commercial office buildings, and resort communities.
Robert B. Aikens earned a B.A. at Brown University and a J.D. at the University of Michigan Law School. He has also been involved in numerous philanthropic enterprises, including the Committee of Visitors of the University of Michigan Law School, The Brady Advisory Council of John Hopkins Hospital, the Trustees of Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan, and he serves as the Stewardship Chairman at Christ Church Cranbrook in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
Robert Bruce Aikens, Jr., Vice Chairman
Vice Chairman of Robert B. Aikens & Associates, LLC, Bruce Aikens has been with the firm since 1987. With previous experience in retail leasing and build-to-suit development projects, Mr. Aikens is responsible for developing comprehensive programs for the company’s retail properties. An active member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), Aikens specialties include site acquisition, tenant negotiations, planning, design and joint venture participation. Aikens earned a B.A. from the University of Colorado.
Jeffrey P. Thompson, President
Jeffrey P. Thompson is a President with Robert B. Aikens & Associates, where his duties include overseeing all responsibilities for the firm. Formerly the Vice President of Facilities for Robert B. Aikens & Associates, Jeff Thompson was responsible for the design and construction coordination as well as ongoing management of the firm’s properties. Mr. Thompson’s thorough knowledge of the construction industry comes as a result of his background as a contractor for major commercial and institutional projects and the management of numerous renovations, expansions and new retail projects. He has been responsible for facility management of all of Aikens’ properties since 1996. Thompson earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Master of Science in Construction Engineering and Management from Purdue University. He is an active member of ICSC.
Thomas A. Rodgers, Senior Vice President, Leasing Director
Tom Rodgers is currently responsible for retail leasing and peripheral land sales and development. Rodgers has been with Robert B. Aikens & Associates for 24 years, and has worked in various capacities including retail / office building leasing, land sales and mall management. He also has experience in office building, retail and resort development. Rodgers earned a B.A. from the University of Louisiana.
G. Scott Aikens, Vice President, Leasing
Dr. G. Scott Aikens has sought through his career to create value in and for local communities. At various times Aikens has worked as an academic at the University of Cambridge to develop and understand the future of interactive public policy processes in local constituencies; he has advised television and radio affiliates in Connecticut and Northern California on localized digital content strategies; and he has worked to bring innovative merchandisers to local communities through commercial real estate development. Aikens earned a B.A. in history with honors from the University of Michigan, earned an M.Phil. and a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge, and earned an M.B.A. in finance from Fordham University in Manhattan. For more information, visit Dr. Aikens' personal Web site.
James L. Fielder, Vice President, Acquisitions and Marketing
As Vice President of Acquisitions and Marketing for Robert B. Aikens & Associates, James Fielder has directed the impressive growth of the Aikens’ organization and its portfolio of properties developed and managed. Fielder manages all marketing initiatives related to the company and its individual properties, and he also oversees all land and property acquisition activity for the Aikens organization and manages the land development aspect of all new projects. Fielder has been involved in the building, operations and management of shopping centers since joining Robert B. Aikens & Associates as a mall manager in 1973. His tenure at Aikens has also included opening and managing three regional shopping centers and serving as Director of Operations for the fledging company. Fielder earned a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Montevallo in Alabama.
David C. Bonten, Chief Financial Officer
David C. Bonten, C.P.A. joined Robert B. Aikens and Associates in May 2006 as our Chief Financial Officer. He previously served as Director, Internal Audit of Origen Financial, a national real estate lender. He also held various positions with Deloitte from 1997 to 2004, most currently as an Audit Manager. Mr. Bonten holds a Bachelor of Arts (major in Accounting) with high honor from Michigan State University and a Masters of Business Administration with high distinction from the University of Michigan. Mr. Bonten is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Michigan, and a member of the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants and American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Susan K. Frank, Lease Administrator
Susan K. Frank joined the company in 1984, and was promoted to Lease Administrator in early 1985. Ms. Frank’s paralegal background is in real estate. Ms. Frank has over 20 years’ experience in negotiating leases and as part of the lease administration team, has negotiated a wide range of leases with national, regional and local tenants, in addition to handling the processing of all lease documentation for the company. Ms. Frank is an active member of the ICSC.
Christine M. Lacey, Lease Administrator
Christine M. Lacey has worked for Robert B. Aikens & Associates for over thirty years in various capacities. As part of the lease administration team, Chris has paralegal experience in land sales documentation and negotiation of leases with a wide range of national, regional and local tenants. She is an active member of the ICSC.