Experience & Bio

Tom Vaughn is the Vice President of Finance and Operations at Cardon Development Group, a fully integrated commercial, multi-family housing and retail development group founded by Don Cardon in 2002. Prior to joining CDG in 2018, Tom had already amassed over 20 years of real estate experience. Tom has actively worked on a multitude of projects in 14 states providing him with a unique and extensive combination of nationwide real estate management, leasing, and development skills. This diversity of locales and experience allows Tom to operate and lead with an informed global perspective of investment real estate’s maximum potential from conception through long term stabilization.

As the Vice President of Finance and Operations, Tom is an integral member of the senior leadership team. Tom is responsible for the development of CDG’s financial management strategy and contributes to the development of the organization’s strategic goals. In addition to strategic components, Tom develops and implements more sophisticated policies and procedures in both the finance and general operational realms. Tom coordinates the organization’s financial and budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments and increase efficiency. He coordinates operation activities with all other functions of the organization, including managing and utilizing outside contractors, obtaining optimum production and the utilization of resources, assets and equipment. Utilizing creative problem-solving and change management, Tom oversees, directs and organizes the work of finance and operations to promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values growth, learning and a commitment to quality.

Prior to joining CDG, Tom worked for 18 years with Continental Properties Company, Inc., a Wisconsin based commercial real estate development company. During his time with Continental, Tom held a series of management and leadership positions where he demonstrated skill in managing multi-faceted projects and established critical partnerships with industry leaders necessary for viability in any type of economic market. Tom helped preserve the financial viability of the company during the recession by designing and executing portfolio-wide approaches to strategically position troubled assets for sale, maximizing value and resulting in more than $90 million in total sales. He also grew occupancy in retained shopping centers by 40% through strategic negotiation of new leases. After the recession, Tom transitioned from a focus on anchored shopping center development to the development of Class A multi-family projects nationwide. Tom effectively lead a dynamic team of 10+ professionals for the purpose of researching, evaluating and executing on multifamily projects in ten states and multiple municipalities.

Born and raised in Milwaukee, WI, Tom moved to Arizona in 2010 with his family after working to open nine Kohl’s stores throughout the Valley. He currently lives in Mesa, AZ with his wife Nancy. When not working, Tom enjoys spending time with his daughter, Kaitlynn, woodworking, gardening and traveling.

Email: tom@cardondevelopment.com
Web: www.cardondevelopment.com