Jay Lindner, 27
Urban planner | Executive VP, Forum Development Group
 

Story by John Hendel
Video by Caroline Zilk
Photo by Chiara Della Cava

Jay Lindner understands the meaning of a long day. His countless e-mails transfer directly to his Samsung Blackjack phone, and he’s always rushing off to a meeting or showing off property for his company. His workday begins before 6 a.m. and continues until 7 p.m. unless meetings or City Council dealings arise.

He works for the Forum Development Group, a family business that handles the Discovery Ridge properties, the Broadway Shops, the Forum and Nifong shopping centers and others. As executive vice president, Lindner’s duties involve overseeing the leasing department and construction projects and dealing with the day-to-day issues with the company. He works alongside his brother, Scott, the company’s other executive vice president. His father, Jose Lindner, is the president of the group.

The Columbia Chamber of Commerce named Jose Lindner the Citizen of the Year in 2007, which is especially remarkable considering his family immigrated to the United States from Cuba in 1960 when he was 12. Lindner is quick to praise his father, though enthusiasm and dedication have distinguished his own career as well.

“I can offer high praise,” says Tim Teddy, Columbia’s director of planning and development. Teddy says Jay Lindner is a well-spoken, intelligent and capable person.

A Columbia native, Lindner attended Rock Bridge High School and MU. He began working for the Forum Development Group at 15 and handled general maintenance and property upkeep. A little more than a decade later, he’s still working hard.

“It’s always tough to break through the age barrier and earn respect in any field of business when you’re younger than your peers, but it just makes it that much more important to work hard and impress other people with your abilities,” Lindner says.