Who We Are

Tom Dunn
President

After nearly fifteen years in the Investment Sales group at Welsh Companies, Tom founded Terra Firma Commercial in the Summer of 2009, at the height of the Great Recession. At Welsh Tom developed the reputation of being able to sell anything and everything. Tom has sold everything from large multi-tenant investment properties, to single tenant, net leased buildings; from large vacant industrial buildings to retail portfolios, from auto repair shops to night clubs; from churches to car washes, from apartment portfolios to the state of Minnesota’s emission control facilities. In addition, whenever a client brought a property to Welsh that no one else could make sense of Tom was asked to assist. These Clients were often less sophisticated than a typical commercial property owner, but Tom has the knowledge, patience and enthusiasm to work with all kinds of Buyers and Sellers. Tom takes the time to explain the process and adds value at every step of the transaction.

Tom earned a Master’s Degree in Finance from the University of Minnesota after obtaining an under graduate degree in Economics from Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota. Prior to joining Welsh, Tom worked as a financial analyst and accounting manager for Rosemount, Incorporated, a subsidiary of Fortune 100, Emerson Electric. Tom utilizes his familiarity with the numbers to maximize the position of his clients. It is this ability to manipulate the numbers, combined with excellent communication skills, which allows Tom to be creative in ensuring the attainment of his clients'goals.

Tom grew up in North Mankato, Minnesota. The fifth of nine children, Tom learned how to negotiate at an early age. He graduated from Mankato West High School and, after graduating from Saint John’s, spent several years working as a commercial fisherman out of Kodiak, Alaska. Tom has always worked. As a result, he has been involved in all types of businesses in the retail, hospitality, service and manufacturing industries. Tom understands the dynamics involved in operating a successful business enterprise and how that translates to real estate needs.

Tom keeps well informed of industry trends and changes impacting the commercial real estate marketplace through his active participation in many industry trade associations inluding the National Association of Realtors. Tom is in the process of earning his Certified Commercial Investment (CCIM) designation as well as his Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR).

Sean Rivard
Leasing and Sales Associate

Sean joined Terra Firma shortly after the formation of the company. Sean initially focused on assisting in the sales and leasing of commercial property before settling on a sole dedication to the apartment industry. Sean is a hardworking and driven professional eager to assist you in any aspect of a purchase or sale of apartment properties. He is an active member of the Minnesota Multi Housing Association where he has joined the Young Professionals Committee and attends Investor Club meetings regularly.

Early on Sean committed to a real estate career by earning a Bachelor of Applied Science in Construction Management from the University of Minnesota. While earning his degree, he had several challenging opportunities including working for British Water while a student in London, working as an Assistant Project Engineer for Industrial Contractors in Evansville, IN. He also worked as a Site Manager for Ryan Companies here in the Twin Cities, in the building of the CB Richard Ellis office on 494 and France in Bloomington.

Sean grew up in Lakeville, Minnesota; the oldest of five children. Being the oldest child, Sean learned at an early age responsibility and organization. This has been immensely helpful in an industry where both of these characteristics are so important in being successful.

Though focused on apartments, Sean actively stays current on all aspects of the commercial real estate industry and is happy to assist with anyone’s commercial real estate needs. He believes in building lasting relationships by offering exceptional service and clear communication to all of his clients. Sean is devoted to out working the competition.

Sean stays current on the trends in the market place through avidly consuming many local and national publications. He is also an active member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the Minnesota Commercial Realtors Association (MnCAR), the Minnesota Multi Housing Association (MHA) and the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP).