“There are many people who I admire and look up to as examples of how life should be lived, who have the right priorities and achieve leadership by example.

Lee Hanley
Since the 70’s, Vestar has been considered one of the top privately held real estate companies in the West. At the helm is its founding principal, Hanley, who also serves on the board of several local civic, charitable and cultural organizations.

What does “power” mean to you?
Power is the ability to positively influence the environment, including the behavior of others. It’s mostly derived from expertise, knowledge and persuasion but in the end it’s expressed as trust.
What impact do you strive to have on the Valley?
From a professional standpoint, building shopping centers that become “town centers,” that serve as center of the community, are a significant employer and become a part of the fabric of the community is my goal. On a personal level, being involved in a number of charitable and civic organizations provides a wonderful platform to give back to the community that has been so generous to me.
What is one tip that everyone can use to become successful?
Keeping first things first, or in other words, keep your priorities in order. In my view, there is faith, family and then career. Remembering that success is not a place or a position, it is a frame of mind and a feeling of satisfaction while achieving your goals.
How do you face challenges such as the recession?
I try to remember that recessions come and go, business challenges and difficulties arise, but they are far down on the list of life’s priorities. Keeping a positive attitude and trying to do the right thing through the trying times is a must.
Who is your mentor?
There are many people who I admire and look up to as examples of how life should be lived, who have the right priorities and achieve leadership by example. The best one to single out is my wife, Nancy. She has the moral character and love of her family, along with the capability to successfully manage family, home and the many organizations that she is involved.
Why do you choose to live in Arizona?
Almost everyone in Arizona is from somewhere else and that has made our state a grand experiment is meritocracy. Without generations of social standing, there is a genuine feeling of collaboration, cooperation and warmth among people in all sectors of life.