This fall, Bucknell Land Development Panel invited alumni industry leaders to share their career insights and the realities of working in land development today. Co-sponsored by the Real Estate Club and the American Society of Civil Engineers, the event brought together the following alumni and parents;
- Bill Krokowski ’84, Principal at Requity Real Estate Group, LLC
- Chris Shust P’28, Engineering Manager at Balzer & Assocs. Architectural Engineering
- Nancy Bruns ’88, Chairman of the Board at Dickinson Family Holding Company
- Scott Gosnell ’09, Transaction Counsel – Real Estate at Pattern Energy Group
A major theme across the panel was that land development is a team based and communication driven process. Bill Krokowski emphasized that successful projects rely heavily on a lot of in person communication, collaboration and relationships (encouraging students to network and find mentors). He highlighted the importance of understanding zoning regulations early and working with specialists rather than trying to navigate complex rules alone. He also discussed how fluctuations in capital markets affect development projects, but activity usually resumes quickly as markets stabilize.
Scott Gosnell offered a legal and transactional perspective on development. He discussed the importance of property ownership documentation such as title deeds and endorsements, stressing that even when it seems like it is not being monitored, compliance and documentation will eventually be scrutinized.
Nancy Bruns focused on infrastructure challenges, particularly wastewater and sewage treatment, using examples from Mason County, West Virginia. She emphasized that development should not occur in isolation and that infrastructure planning is essential to sustainable growth. Her advice to students centered on pursuing development work with intention, passion and a willingness to engage deeply with long-term community needs.
Chris Shust highlighted the human-centered side of land development, discussing mixed-use projects and stream restoration efforts. He noted that interacting directly with communities and stakeholders often brings greater job satisfaction. He encouraged students to develop public speaking skills, conduct surveys, and engage with community members early in the process. He also addressed the severe housing affordability crisis in the U.S., explaining how over-regulation, zoning costs, and additional tax on housing significantly increase development expenses. All these costs are passed on to the end user, with residential housing being the most affected.
Overall, the program provided valuable insight into how legal, financial, policy and social factors intersect in land development. The panel offered students a comprehensive perspective on land development processes, from planning and design through construction and community impact.
