Rising Stars of Real Estate 2026NEWS | 13 November 20267 / 20
You might say that Tim Donovan was lured away from a career in finance. The 30-year-old managing director of investments at Midloch said he was diverted from pursuing a career in stock and bond wealth management in college after he became involved in a "phenomenal" real estate program at Marquette University. Close family friends in real estate were also an inspiration for him to enter the industry himself.
Donovan spent several years involved in real estate underwriting and due diligence at the investment firm MLG Capital before launching Midloch with his business partners when he was 23. The firm, which has a focus on boutique commercial, industrial, and multifamily investments worth up to $50 million, has since overseen $1 billion in historic transactions.
"It was a little bit nerve-wracking," Donovan said of the leap to launch his own firm. "I figured there was really no better way to really dive in headfirst than to be a key member of a very small team."
Donovan said he's dabbled in "a little bit of everything" over the years, from working in due diligence to strategy to the investment side of real estate. He said a focus on building good relationships has been key to scaling his career. He's also involved in a mentorship program at his alma mater, supporting college students interested in real estate careers.
"Maybe it's not a real estate philosophy per se, but I think it's a really good life philosophy that applies to real estate: Relationships are paramount," Donovan said. "I could go back to countless deals that would've never gotten done if it wasn't for the quality of the relationship that we've built and maintained with the individuals involved."Author: Noah Sheidlower. Alcynna Lloyd. Jordan Pandy. Jennifer Sor. Source
