A Good Man

Fortune smiled on Curry Real Estate Services the day Mike Sweeney started with the company in 2001. We are keenly aware of that, which is why we have such mixed emotions now that he is retiring. Happy, even delighted, for Mike. And we are missing him already. (January 3, 2023)

He came to us as an experienced commercial real estate professional, following service at the J.C. Nichols Company where he was responsible for its two largest retail properties – the Country Club Plaza and Prairie Village Shopping Center.

At Curry, he started as vice president and was later promoted to senior vice president in Curry’s commercial division. In this role he provided brokerage services, managing the sales, leasing and asset/property management for office, retail, mixed-use and industrial for company-owned and investor-owned properties throughout the greater Kansas City metropolitan area.

Mike gave all clients the same exceptionally high level of service and personal attention no matter the need or budget. His outright pleasure in so doing was one of the many things that endeared Mike to his clients and colleagues.

Every year, he led the Curry commercial team in achieving outstanding sales records in a highly competitive market, working with clients acquiring property to add to an investment portfolio and those selling property to liquidate an asset. He was expert in leasing, positioning properties to attract businesses appropriate for each property. In property management, Mike had the attention to detail to oversee daily operations and the long-term vision to position assets to realize their investment potential.

In every client matter, Mike brought his experience, relationships, resources, creativity and unbridled, yet understated, enthusiasm, to address issues that helped them achieve their goals.

Those day-to-day responsibilities were one aspect of his work. In another, he oversaw major development or redevelopment projects such as the multi-million dollar facelift of the 162,000-square-foot Summit Center shopping center in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.

In yet another aspect of his work – Curry’s commitment to community involvement – Mike was usually first on the scene and last to leave in the company’s hands-on, often sweat-inducing, labors including Harvester’s warehouse stints completing Back Snack fulfillment, weed removal and landscaping on the grounds of Synergy Domestic Violence Shelter and interior refresh and painting of the community’s inner-city schools like Gordon Parks Elementary.

For his church, St. Ann’s, Mike launched and for many years has led its landscaping crew .Yet perhaps nothing speaks more to his positive spirit and commitment than his longtime service as a Royals Lancer, something he has said was one of the best things he’s ever done.

While The Kansas City Royals Baseball Club went to the World Series in 2014 and won it all in 2015, Sweeney showed his loyalty and passion for this hometown, often beleaguered, team in his decades-long service as a Royals Lancer. This group of dedicated Royals supporters volunteered their time, year after year, to help the team meet ticket sales goals even during the most difficult seasons, of which there were many. Invitations to spring training and receiving one of the World Series rings were much appreciated highlights.

Certainly, Mike has been well recognized by his profession, landing on the Kansas City Business Journal’s Largest Heavy Hitters in Commercial Real Estate list; Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS® commercial, highest volume retail, distinguished member and Million Dollar Club; induction in the Midwest Real Estate News Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame, and more.

It is as mentor, colleague and friend we most esteem and appreciate Mike. He has poured himself out for us and others as long as we have known him. He is such a good man. It has been our joy to know and work alongside him.