David V. Johnson

David Victor Johnson is an American entrepreneur, luxury real estate developer, and philanthropist. Johnson currently serves as Chairman of Victor International Corporation, an upscale residential, resort and commercial real estate developer.
Johnson and wife Pamela have two daughters, Samara and Jennifer. David and Pamela are boating enthusiasts and are active with Tennessee Walking Horses, which they ride for pleasure.
Education
A native of Detroit, Johnson completed his undergraduate studies at Michigan State University in East Lansing, graduating in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science degree in packaging engineering. Johnson also holds an honorary doctorate from Cleary University in Ann Arbor, Michigan and is an annual participant and group leader in the Presidents' Program at Harvard Business School.
Career History
Johnson's real estate career began while at Michigan State, where he leased and operated seven gas stations. After graduating from MSU, he joined a prominent real estate development and brokerage company in Birmingham, Michigan, where he would serve as president from 1973-1974 before forming his own brokerage firm, Maple Associates, Inc. In 1976, Johnson founded Abbey Homes of Michigan, Inc., which specialized in luxury land development and custom home building. In 1984, Johnson consolidated most of his real estate interests into one single corporate entity, Victor International Corporation. In his time at Victor International, Johnson has overseen the creation of more than 40 award winning developments, including Bay Harbor, Michigan (ULI Award for Excellence), Biras Creek Resort ('s 500 Best Hotels), and Oil Nut Bay, a luxury residential resort community that incorporates carbon neutral philosophy and debt free development.
Awards
*Urban Land Institute Award for Excellence (2003): Awarded to Johnson and Bay Harbor for excellence in design, planning and development.
*Entrepreneur of the Year- USA Today
*Environmentalist of the Year (1995)- Michigan Chamber of Commerce
*Developer of the Year (2006)- Building Industry Association
*Distinguished Community Leader (2006)- Bloomfield Hills Rotary Club
Philanthropy
Johnson is an avid supporter of many different local and national organizations. Therapeutic Riding, Inc. is particularly near to Johnson, who overcame a broken neck suffered in a 1978 swimming pool accident. Johnson defied doctors' prognosis that he would be paralyzed for life from the neck down.
In 1988, Johnson started the Victor Foundation, providing charitable contributions to foster programs for children, the physically challenged and young adults. In addition, he is a founding member of the Bay Harbor Foundation, which contributes to the advancement of educational, cultural, social, and other charitable community issues of importance. Johnson's most recent philanthropic endeavor is the establishment of The North Sound Foundation, which will contribute to programs and issues relating to the people of the North Sound.
Leadership Involvement
*Urban Land Institute (ULI), Trustee
*ULI Recreational Development Council, Member
*ULI Foundation, Board of Governors
*World Presidents' Organization, Member
*Chief Executive Officers, Member
*Detroit Presidents' Organization, Member
*National Association of Realtors, Member

Main Menu

See Also

Main Menu