David Behrens

Vice President/Chief Strategic Officer/Director of Landscape Architecture

Dave Behrens serves as the Vice President and Chief Strategic Officer at JSD, while also overseeing the Development Services, Landscape Architecture, and Planning departments. His primary focus is delivering rapid, comprehensive, and accurate assessments of real estate transactions, helping clients identify potential risks and determine viability. With a wealth of experience in land acquisition, site planning, and selection assistance, Dave and his team—supported by a network of nationally connected consultants—bring unparalleled expertise in design, real estate, and project management. Their goal is to mitigate risks and ensure that development projects adhere to budgets and schedules. Whether navigating complex zoning and entitlement issues or managing sophisticated retail roll-out programs, he ensures JSD excels in overseeing every aspect of development, regardless of location or project type.

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Dave finds his role incredibly rewarding, particularly the relationships he has built with national and international clients and colleagues, many of whom have become lifelong friends. He also takes great pride in mentoring and training the next generation of staff at JSD.

Outside of work, Dave enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, five grandchildren, and his springer spaniel. He is passionate about home improvement and has successfully combined design and construction skills to build numerous buildings, workshops, and home additions. One of his most recent projects was a two-year endeavor in which he transformed a one-stall horse stable into a fully renovated workshop and art studio.

If you were shipwrecked on a deserted island and your basic human needs—such as food and water—were provided, what other two items would you want to have with you?
Sunscreen and a phone full of family photos and videos!

If you have a pet(s), what would they say about you if we asked for a reference?
He seems to never stop thinking and moving…… if he does, check for a pulse!

If you were added as a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be and why?
Given my color blindness, it wouldn’t matter much, but I’d love a color chosen by my grandkids!