Patrick Reardon is the President of Reardon Consulting Services, an economic and real estate development consulting firm. With 42 years of extensive experience in economic and community development, he has a proven track record of achieving successful outcomes.
Previously, Reardon served as the town manager and mentor for Merrillville, and he continues to thrive in his role as a consultant.
"In the late 1980s, I started consulting to supplement my government income and discovered that I enjoyed it," said Reardon. "I found there was a demand for the work, and I was able to balance my government job with consulting, allowing me to continue in both roles."
He later expanded his consulting practice to include services for individuals, offering guidance to help them achieve their goals.
"In 2012, I officially incorporated," said Reardon. "It felt like a natural progression for me, having spent several decades in government work, the public sector, and community economic development. My educational background also supported this transition. Consulting became a field I could easily step into, and I found I enjoyed the work."
Reardon consults for a diverse range of sectors and clients daily, ensuring each client's specific needs are met effectively.
"We have a wide range of clients. The majority are in the private sector," said Reardon. "Some are manufacturers, others are real estate developers, and others are in the service industry. We assist them in various ways. For instance, if they want to expand their business, we represent them to the municipality, help them identify applicable federal, state, and local services, and work closely with their leadership teams and key employees to complete any necessary applications. Once approvals are secured, we assist with compliance."
Reardon is fully committed to his consulting work, even in his off time, as demonstrated by his current project for the Town of Schererville.
"We're working with the Town of Schererville to lead the redevelopment of the Illiana Motor Speedway property," said Reardon. "It's a 60-acre site that we believe will eventually be bustling with activity on the south side, complementing the existing recreational and commercial sports activities in the area. At the top end, you'll see an entertainment venue, programming opportunities, and events for the municipality."
Reardon emphasizes the efforts he invests in his job. He frequently focuses on working out the details and logistics to ensure everything is handled efficiently.
"Like all good economic development projects, they take time—typically 12 to 18 months—and require persistence," said Reardon. "You have to work hard, bring in your colleagues, and enlist outside experts because you know your competitors are doing the same."
Outside of work, Reardon enjoys playing golf and cherishes spending time with his wife and grandchildren.
"I love golf, but I just don't get out on the course enough," said Reardon. "I also enjoy running. My wife and I have been married for 42 years, we have five children and three grandchildren, and I'm proud of what we've accomplished together."
Throughout his time as a consultant, Reardon also worked for the Town of Merrillville, where he had a rewarding experience and fondly recalls his collaboration with Administrative Manager Linda Rosas.
"I'd be remiss if I didn't mention my time in Merrillville, which marked 41 years of government work, with the last four years serving the town of Merrillville," said Reardon. "That's where I got to know Linda Rosas. She's incredibly capable and dynamic, and I always appreciated her hard work as my administrative assistant and as town manager. I'm proud of the work we accomplished in Merrillville; the groundwork we laid, and the economic rejuvenation that continues today. In just four years, we secured over a billion dollars in new investment commitments and represented by over 5 million square feet of new space."
He takes great pride in his community and the efforts he has made to contribute to its ongoing success and improvement.
"Looking back at the variety of activities I've been involved in, it's very rewarding to have played a role in something so positive for the community," said Reardon. "I've had the privilege of being a company leader for several years. I enjoyed my time there and appreciated the hard work of my colleagues and the strong team we built together."
Reardon's dedication to his work and community reflects his commitment to making a positive impact and ensuring a bright future for those he serves.