David Olsen
Broker Associate, Coldwell Banker Commercial
Rapid City, SD 57702
Specializing in Commercial, Income Producing Properties, Investment Prop & 1031
Phone (605) 484-9744
Specializing in Commercial, Income Producing Properties, Investment Prop & 1031
Specialties
Investment Sales Broker, Tenant Rep
Property Types
Industrial, Land, Office, Retail, Sports & Entertainment, Specialty, Multi-Family
Markets
Other Market Areas, Northern New Jersey
Languages
Japanese
Bio
David has over 45 years of advanced business experience, including the ownership, management, marketing and operations of multi-faceted businesses and industries.
After studying Architectural Design at Iowa State and Black Hills State Universities, he began his business career in 1958 as a Contractor, Designer and Installation Supervisor of mechanical systems for a family-owned business, Mellgren’s Inc. In the late 60’s, he constructed, owned and managed three low income housing projects. In 1973, David established numerous corporations, becoming Co-Owner and Director of Operations, and developing, building and operating twelve Taco John’s Mexican restaurants in the Minneapolis-St.Paul region, and four Burger King restaurants at various locations throughout Minnesota, Iowa and North Dakota. He managed all facets of these franchises, including site acquisition, construction, marketing and personnel operations for over 400 employees.
Upon divesting his corporations, David relocated to Hawaii in 1980 and opened the first "One Hour Photo" facility in Kihei, Maui. In Hawaii, David chartered Olsen Export Trading Company, sourcing and exporting American products to Japan and establishing partnership offices in Aoyama, Tokyo. In 1990, the firm completed a unique project by which Mount Rushmore (the U.S. "Shrine of Democracy") was replicated in 1/3 actual scale size in Japan's Western Village at Imaichi. The two-year venture involved marketing consultant Dentsu Corporation, Asahi Contractors, high-level diplomatic consultations, and cost over $10 million. He then returned to his home state of South Dakota.
In 1992, David accepted the Directorship of Technical/Customer Support for Magnum Diamond Corporation of Rapid City. From 1992 to 1994, he developed the firm's Risk Management Programs, Client Support systems, monitored surgical training issues, product sales and certifications. During his tenure, sales accelerated by over 800%. When the company was acquired by Chiron Ophthalmics and relocated to the west coast, David opted to remain in Rapid City. Between 1995 and 2000, David and his wife, Carol Rae, operated a marketing and media production business in Fort Collins, CO.
David entered the real estate market in 2000, employing his diverse business skills to professionally assist buyers and sellers of commercial properties, 1031 Exchanges, farm and ranch properties, and residential properties in and around the Rapid City and greater South Dakota regions.
