Steven Thao is a Minnesota-based commercial real estate developer, broker, and entrepreneur with a strong focus on development, redevelopment, adaptive repurposing, and strategic real estate growth. He is the CEO & Developer of ScaleUp CRE, CEO & Broker of Creative Results, and General Partner of Pan Asian Center.

 

With an educational background holding Master’s degree in Entrepreneurship, Steven combines business strategy, design vision, construction knowledge, and real estate expertise to lead transformative projects throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin. He holds dual broker licenses in residential and commercial real estate, and is affiliated with the CCIM Institute. Steven specializes in commercial development, redevelopment, and adaptive repurposing projects, helping clients and partners navigate market analysis, site planning, financial feasibility, legal use analysis, negotiations, capital formation, and joint-venture execution.

 

Through ScaleUp CRE, his team focuses heavily on commercial projects while also supporting strategic acquisitions, leasing, and selective residential representation. One of Steven’s most recognized developments is the Pan Asian Center, a large-scale redevelopment transforming former retail anchor spaces into a modern cultural and commercial destination featuring restaurants, retail, entertainment, wellness, offices, and community-centered experiences. His vision for the project emphasizes economic growth, small business support, cultural diversity, and community connection.

 

Steven has also been involved in projects including assisted living developments, apartment developments, commercial tenant build-outs, wellness and medspa spaces, and large-scale mixed-use redevelopment opportunities. Known for his hands-on leadership style, he actively works alongside architects, contractors, investors, lenders, and city officials to move projects from concept to completion. Beyond development, Steven is passionate about adding value to the community. He frequently participates in career fairs, educational events, networking opportunities, and business collaborations aimed at supporting the next generation of professionals and entrepreneurs.

 

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