Meet New Westwood Associate John Blenker

Get to know our newest associates! We are excited to have them on our team and helping to lead Westwood forward. The associate designation at Westwood represents a team member who provides considerable value to the firm through their leadership traits and technical expertise. 

John Blenker, Project Manager, Land Commercial at Westwood, is a 2021 associate. He joins 25 of his colleagues in earning the distinction given to employees who dedicate themselves to Westwood’s mission, vision, values, and leadership. 

John is based in Westwood’s St. Cloud, Minnesota, office. For John, becoming an associate means being a leader who supports company culture and growth. “I believe an associate is not only responsible for representing company culture, but they are responsible for promoting and maintaining the culture in groups of various personalities and backgrounds,” says John. 

He continues, “Being a leader who lives out Westwood’s core values allows you to help grow a culture that employees love to work in.” 

Westwood’s core value, relationships, is one that John is committed to showing in his work. He says, “Relationships are Westwood's biggest asset. When communicating with clients, I prefer to ask about their day before talking about business to foster a better relationship.” 

John is motivated to pass along his knowledge to advance the next generation of leaders at Westwood. “Associates are significant to Westwood because they promote and represent Westwood’s core values and pass them along to up-and-coming leaders across the organization,” says John. 

He continues, “I’m motivated by the continuous improvements we strive for as a company, as a team, and on a personal level.” 

For John, success is defined by exceeding client expectations. One of his biggest successes is the long-lasting relationship he and his team were able to build over the past couple few years with a new client and becoming a trusted partner throughout the entire development process.  

John says, “We worked with this particular client, who wasn’t necessarily well-known, on a local project. After developing a relationship with them through local work, we have been able to take on projects for them across the country.” 

He continues, “This is a testament of how Westwood values building strong relationships. A small local project turned into a long-lasting relationship because of the dedication and commitment we gave them.” 

Congratulations, John, and thank you for your dedication to Westwood.