In the realm of community development, Rick Severance is more than just a president; he's a visionary. With a wealth of experience spanning over six large-scale master plan communities across the United States and the Caribbean, Severance's journey to Wellen Park has been a testament to his ability to turn ideas into real and thriving communities.
Before taking the helm at Wellen Park about five years ago, Severance honed his expertise in crafting master communities that transcend mere residential spaces. "I'm well versed in the attributes that make a master plan successful," he affirmed, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach encompassing commercial, entertainment, recreation, and educational elements.
"At Wellen Park, we're not just building a bedroom community; we're curating a multifaceted experience," Severance explained, highlighting the blend of education, wellness, healthcare, and civic amenities woven into the fabric of the master plan.
However, Severance is quick to share credit with his dedicated team, emphasizing their collective effort in bringing his visions to fruition. "None of us would be accomplished without the team that I have around me," he acknowledged, underscoring the collaborative spirit that drives progress at Wellen Park.
With 15 different builders contributing to the diverse tapestry of Wellen Park's neighborhoods, the community currently boasts approximately 9,500 residents, with ambitious projections set for the future. "At full buildout our community will have more than 50,000 residents and 22,500 homes over 11,000 acres," Severance revealed, hinting at the expansive growth envisioned for the coming decades.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Severance's personal life offers a glimpse into the values that fuel his success. As a devoted husband and father of three daughters, he emphasized the importance of showing up and being present for his family, regardless of their pursuits.
"I think the message there is really not about (my daughters’) achievements; it's about showing up and being there," Severance reflected, underscoring the significance of parental support in nurturing his daughters' passions, which include world-class competitive ballroom dancing.
Reflecting on his journey into the real estate development realm, Severance traces his aspirations back to his formative years as a competitive athlete, as well as the influence of his early environment. “My parents had a circle of friends who were in the large format kind of resort management business. And so, that was my dream. I wanted to be a general manager of a big resort,” he recalled.
At Wellen Park, Severance's leadership style is characterized by collaboration, energetic engagement, and a willingness to take calculated risks. "I wouldn't expect anything from anyone that I wouldn't do myself," he asserts, emphasizing the importance of leading by example and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
“I also think the key to good leadership is hiring people around you better than you. And I would tell you every one of my team members has a skill set that I don't possess,” he added. Another management attribute he’s learned from experience is that everything doesn’t have to be 100 percent perfect. “People can get mired down and stuck wanting perfection. It's what we call analysis paralysis. I love the mindset that if you feel really confident about something to 80 percent or more, you need to go for it,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Severance envisions Wellen Park as a model of mindful growth and diversification, guided by a deep commitment to listening to the needs and desires of its residents. "Bricks and mortar don't make a community; the people do," he asserts, highlighting the pivotal role of community engagement in shaping the soul of Wellen Park.
Amidst his professional responsibilities, Severance finds comfort in simple pleasures, such as sunrise runs around the lake and observing the community from the vantage point of Oak & Stone restaurant's rooftop. From there, “I can see everything we’ve designed in a bird’s eye view. I can look at how people are interacting with the space, and what we could do to make it better,” he said. Then adding “I'm really proud of it.”
These moments of reflection serve as reminders of the collective effort and dedication that have transformed his vision into a thriving reality at Wellen Park.
As Wellen Park continues to evolve and expand, Severance remains steadfast in his commitment to creating spaces that inspire joy, foster community, and stand as testaments to the transformative power of visionary leadership. With each milestone achieved and each dream realized, Severance's legacy at Wellen Park continues to grow, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of community development for generations to come.
Looking ahead, Severance envisions Wellen Park as a model of mindful growth and diversification, guided by a deep commitment to listening to the needs and desires of its residents.