Built on a long-standing legacy in Central Ohio real estate, the Borror name has evolved alongside the region it serves. Now Borror Development, the Company is known not only for its history in homebuilding, multifamily development and property management, but as a trusted real estate development company helping shape communities through thoughtful master land planning, public infrastructure construction, affordable housing development, and strategic relationships.
At the center of that evolution is a commitment to thoughtful growth, strong partnerships and the Company doing what it says it will do. CEO Zac Sugarman is helping carry that commitment forward, drawing on his background in law, real estate and homebuilding to lead with collaboration and a clear vision for developing what’s next.
Recently, we had the chance to sit down with Zac to talk about his path to Borror Development, the leadership principles guiding him, and what’s ahead for the Company.
A Conversation with Zac Sugarman
Q: You came to Borror Development with a background in law and real estate. What drew you to the Company?
“Borror is a family business—Doug Borror is my father-in-law—so I had long known the people and the culture behind the Company. I also saw a great opportunity to bring together my background in law and real estate with a strong team in place that was ready to build on Borror’s legacy.
My time at M/I Homes also gave me a valuable perspective on the homebuilding side of the business–the foundation that Borror Development was built on–and joining felt like the right opportunity to apply that experience in a broader way. I was excited by the chance to help shape the Company’s future and contribute to its long-term success.”
Q: How would you describe your leadership style?
Real estate development is a team sport. Everyone brings a different perspective and expertise to the table, and part of my role is to make sure people are in the best position to succeed. That means recognizing great work, learning from missteps, and creating an environment where people feel comfortable sharing ideas and taking risks.
I believe in treating people with respect, listening closely, building consensus, and being clear about the Company’s direction. I’d like to think that I am the same person at the office that I am outside of it, and have found people respond well to authenticity.
Q: What does that look like when Borror Development is making development decisions?
It starts with having the right people involved. Before making a decision, I want to understand who will be affected, whose expertise is needed, and what perspectives we may be missing.
We bring people together, invite honest dialogue, and take the time to understand the full picture. Then, once a decision is made, it is important to clearly communicate not only what we are doing, but why. That approach builds trust internally and helps our team move forward with confidence.
Q: Borror Development has evolved significantly over the years. What has remained constant?
Borror has a long history in real estate development, but the Company is not the property manager and multifamily developer people may recently remember. We have evolved into a full-service development company with the ability to help solve complex real estate challenges across a wide range of project types.
Whether we are evaluating a site, navigating entitlements, working through public finance or partnering with a municipality, we bring a breadth and depth of experience from multiple facets of the industry. That breadth of perspective is one of our greatest strengths that we try to lean into as much as possible. We want to be the team people call when they have a challenging project and need a thoughtful, capable partner to help bring it to life.
Q: How do you balance growth with the character and long-term needs of a community?
Growth is never one-size-fits-all. Every community, site and project requires us to listen, ask questions, and think carefully about what will create long-term value for all stakeholders.
We approach development with intention. That means engaging with those stakeholders early, understanding project priorities, and being prepared to explain how a project can positively contribute to the surrounding community. We want residents, municipal partners, investors and our own team to look back on a completed development with pride.
The point is that successful projects do not happen by accident. They are the result of careful planning, collaboration, and a willingness to do the work upfront that isn’t always easy and often takes a significant amount of time and energy.
Q: What is your vision for Borror’s future?
My vision is for Borror to be known as a trusted, go-to real estate developer across Ohio—recognized for excellence, quality, integrity, and delivering on our commitments.
Our work should really speak for itself. By continuing to deliver thoughtful, high-quality developments and building strong relationships along the way, I firmly believe we will earn the reputation we want to have.
Q: Outside of work, what keeps you grounded?
My family is the biggest part of that, and it starts with my wife, Dani, who worked for the Company for over a decade and is the anchor of our family. Her support and unique perspective have helped me immensely in taking on this role and leading the Company. I also have two young kids, and spending time with them is such a great reminder that there is more to life than work—but it’s also a reminder of why I do what I do, as I would love for them to one day work here. I also enjoy traveling, golf, and spending time with friends.
I was born and raised in Columbus, so this community is personal to me. Through my work, friendships, and community involvement, I have seen firsthand that Columbus can feel like both a growing city and a close-knit community. That reinforces the importance of showing up well, treating people the right way and contributing positively—both in business and beyond.
Building What’s Next
Borror Development’s next chapter is rooted in the same values that have guided the Company for generations: strong relationships, thoughtful work and a commitment to following through. Under Zac’s leadership, Borror Development is building on that foundation with a clear focus on developing what’s next.