J. Scott Plank

J. Scott Plank
File:JSPBioPic11.20.19-e1586553698251.jpgJSPBioPic11.20.19-e1586553698251.jpg JSPBioPic11.20.19-e1586553698251.jpg
Born	December 7th, 1965 Kensington, Maryland
Other names	Scott Plank
🏫 Education	University of Maryland, College Park, B.A., Urban Planning American University, MBA, Finance
💼 Occupation	Businessman and philanthropist
👶 Children	3
🌐 Website	https://www.scottplankventures.com/

Scott Plank is an American businessman and philanthropist. The Founder and CEO of War Horse Cities, a Baltimore-based real estate and development firm, Scott Plank has a passion for investing in and developing inspiring environments that help communities and businesses thrive. Plank's diverse background has shaped his interest in how intentional development of collaborative environments can magnify the lives and relationships of those who live within them, and how forward-thinking businesses can flourish with the right resources. Using his experience in supporting the arts, retail, real estate, entertainment, technology, architecture and medical industries, Plank is always on the lookout for the next innovative project to undertake.

Early Life

Plank grew up in Kensington, Maryland, and is one of five brothers born to William and Jayne (née Harper) Plank. His father was a prominent Maryland land developer and his mother is a former mayor of Kensington, who went on to direct the Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs at the United States Department of State under President Ronald Reagan.

Plank graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, with a B.A. in Urban Planning, and later received an MBA in Finance from American University. Plank now resides in Baltimore with his wife and three children

Career

Freddie Mac

1. Plank helped finance thousands of multi-family homes from 1995 to 2000 with mortgage company Freddie Mac.

Under Armour

1. Plank’s brother, Kevin, founded Under Armour in 1996, and Plank joined the team in 2000. Along with his brother, Plank invested $12,500 in the startup in 1997 for approximately 15% of the company. Plank served in various capacities for Under Armour and played a significant role in the growth of the company. By 2010, Plank was responsible for half of Under Armour’s then 7,000 employees, a robust retail platform of 100 stores, 2 million square feet of real estate, e-commerce, expansion into China, a third of the company’s revenue and half of its profits. Plank remained with Under Armour for a decade, ultimately serving as Vice President of Business Development. Plank worked for Under Armour from 1998  to 2019 when he retired as a partner.

War Horse Cities

1. As Plank’s interest in the development of urban communities grew, he founded War Horse Cities in 2010. War Horse Cities focuses on real estate development and the creation of philanthropic public service programs. Plank oversees more than 850 apartments, 80,000 square feet of office space, 150,000 square feet of retail space, and a variety of entertainment venues in Baltimore City and surrounding neighborhoods. Plank also manages real estate in San Francisco.

Investments

Scott Plank is extremely selective with his private equity investments. He is focused exclusively on the mission of the company, the potential social and economic impact of the industry, a personal relationship with the founder and executive team, and mutually shared values of building economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable businesses. Scott leverages his many experiences in business combined with innovative technology to help grow business' demand and reach.

Nationwide

1. WeWork opened its first location in the Meatpacking district in 2011, with the mission to provide creative co-working spaces for entrepreneurs, small business owners and freelancers. Scott saw his own ideals on spaces, and the potential for growth of the individuals who use those spaces, in the founding ideas and goals of WeWork. He was an immediate fan, recognizing the need for a new way to work. So, Scott Plank became an early investor in WeWork.
2. Transplant Connectwas founded in 2004 as a socially-conscious medical software company. The company designs, develops and manages computer software focused on human biologics (organ, tissue, eye, placenta and other) donation and transplantation. Scott Plank was an early Angel Investor in this company after learning about the incredible capabilities they are developing as well as the possible impact this technology could have on the organ donation industry.
3. MissionGO facilitates the transport of life-saving organs by drone, a one of a kind medical technology advancement. MissionGO is setting an improved standard for modern organ transportation logistics and communications to save lives, and is transforming the medical industry. Plank invested a total of $390,000 between 2006 and 2011.
4. AlarisPro, a Maryland-based startup founded in 2014, is a partner of MissionGO. It is staffed by law enforcement and aviation professionals which provides training, support and consultation for small and large businesses in the Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) industry. Backed by innovative technology and a team with years of experience, Alaris has deep expertise in manned and unmanned aviation, engineering, systems and airspace integration.
5. EverFi’s mission is to turn today’s learners into tomorrow’s leaders through innovative educational opportunities. It is a platform for creating community impact that is customizable, measurable, inspiring and easy. CEO of Everfi, Tom Davidson, is a longtime friend of Scott Plank, who made the initial investment with Everfi through development firm War Horse Cities to support financial literacy and education for high school students. Together, Scott Plank’s War Horse Cities and EverFi created the Tomorrow’s Innovators program, which works to help students in the Tenderloin area of San Francisco to positively impact their communities and discover their full potential.
6. FundRise was launched in early 2012 with the goal of giving all people, independent of wealth, status or schooling, access to invest in real estate and grow their personal portfolio. The Fundrise platform capitalized on novel technology to create an online marketplace where investors can collaborate and invest as little or as much as they want into a project and capitalize on potential returns. Scott Plank became an investor in Fundrise as a result of the shared belief that beginner-to-experienced investors and small business owners should have access to real estate investment opportunities.

California

1. 1028 Market Street was a temporary community activation project. Plank transformed a previously unused property into a thriving pop-up food hall to encourage foot traffic and establish a presence in the community during the lengthy entitlements process. Ultimately, the space has been further transformed mixed-use residence with 10,000sf of ground-floor retail and extraordinary views of Market Street. By investing in this neighborhood, Plank provided a refreshing new venue for community engagement and culture-building in the iconic Market Street corridor.  
2. The Hall SF

Maryland

1. Levin Eye Care, a family-owned and operated eye care facility that blends state-of-the-art care with a personal touch.
2. The Hall CP- The Discovery District in College Park, Maryland Plank, along with his investment and development firm War Horse Cities, broke ground on an art, music, food and entertainment venue called The Hall CP, a built environment where entrepreneurs and innovators could collaborate. The Hall CP celebrated its official grand opening in January 2020. The space features on-demand amenities like a kitchen, a production space, a restaurant, a music venue, a rehearsal and performance space and a courtyard.
3. Belvedere Square was previously known as a seasonal Baltimore family gathering place for local live music performances and restaurants. As a patron of Belvedere Square for years, Scott Plank saw the opportunity to rethink and revive this market and turn it into a year-round hub for food, events and live music that connects the North Baltimore community. This community-centric and expansive market is now home to some of the region’s top merchants, providing an inviting space for wholesome meals, retail shopping and live music. With over 10,000 visitors each week, Belvedere Square has become a year-round attraction and social hub for the families of Baltimore. Belvedere Square is designed to connect people with culture, food and fun, and provide an experience like no other to the wonderful residents of Baltimore and beyond.
4. Pier 7- Continuing his initiative to invest in Baltimore’s waterfront, Scott Plank saw an incredible chance to revive the Baltimore community through the purchase of the Pier 7 Heliport. With this investment, Scott Plank partnered with local aviation company, Charm City Helicopters, to provide an opportunity for Charm City locals and tourists to experience the city like never before. With sunset tours, charter services, seasonal tours and more, Charm City Helicopters showcases Baltimore’s beauty through one-of-a-kind aviation experiences.
5. Swim Club- Located at Lighthouse Point in Canton, Swim Club is an urban oasis and resort where members can soak up the sun, listen to live music and enjoy locally-sourced food and drinks. Previously known as the Baltimore Marine Center Pool, Scott Plank saw the opportunity to revitalize Baltimore’s waterfront, bringing an array of music, food and nightlife experiences to the Canton area.
6. Tessemae’s provides sauces, condiments and dressings made from fresh ingredients, making them healthy and delicious. Their all-natural recipes contain no artificial ingredients to allow all people to keep their commitment to healthy eating and healthy living. Scott Plank connected Tesse’s team to Spike Gjerde, a local Baltimore chef who won Baltimore’s only James Beard award. Tessemae’s and Chef Gjerde’s philosophies for food align closely, making a partnership the next natural step. Now, Tessemae’s brings Spike’s Snake Oil Hot Sauce and other products to the world! This investment was both personal and professional for Scott, bringing together two friends with a passion for good, healthy food.
7. UnderArmour- Scott’s brother, Kevin Plank, started making stretchy t-shirts for his football teammates at the University of Maryland in 1996. Scott’s years of experience working in small business and developing skills in finance came in handy and he began to help support and grow his brother’s startup, investing $12,500 in 1997 for approximately 15% of the company. In early 2000, Scott joined Under Armour full-time. Ultimately, by the time he left Under Armour in 2012, Scott drove about one-third of the $1.8 billion in revenue through e-commerce. Years of hard work and investment into the international athletic apparel and footwear company, Under Armour, has equipped Scott with the skills, experience and knowledge to pursue his passion for place full time.
8. War Horse Cities was born out of Scott’s vision for strengthening communities, connecting people and enacting positive change. The team at real estate development and investment firm War Horse Cities is committed to supporting and participating in vibrant communities, shared spaces and built environments that are economically and environmentally sustainable. In partnership with the communities and cities they serve, they invest time, skills and resources into defining and refining the potential of built environments and their impact on individuals, businesses and families.

Philanthropy

Plank is passionate about strengthening communities through various avenues. His philanthropic efforts focus on access to and quality of children’s education, programs that foster arts & culture, as well as public service programs in the Baltimore and San Francisco areas. Scott has donated nearly $20 million in philanthropic programs, initiatives and communities since 2012.

Baltimore

Plank developed the War Horse Cities Community Development Corporation (CDC), a private operating foundation. The CDC partners with various charities, schools and nonprofits. Notable partnerships include:

1. Baltimore School for the Arts (BSA), a public arts high school/secondary school. The Center for Collaborative Arts and Technology was a result of this partnership.  
2. Building Steps, is a nonprofit based in Baltimore that offers a wealth of education and technology programs to high school students with the goal of “ensuring college completion and career success.” The nonprofit group has a mission to unlock the potential of bright Baltimore City students through a series of five program components that begin in 11th grade.
3. Everfi’s Honor Code, a free online bullying prevention program. Plank invested approximately $4 million between 2012 and 2017.
4. Francis Scott Key School in Baltimore City has a philosophy geared towards developing the whole child. Scott Plank’s War Horse Cities started the Francis Scott Key Teacher Wellness Program in Baltimore with the idea that healthier teachers could lead to happier students.
5. Hippodrome Foundation, a nonprofit organization established in Baltimore, Maryland in 1976. Formerly known as the Baltimore Center for the Performing Arts (BCPA), the foundation was originally created to present live theater at the Morris A. Mechanic Theatre. Over the years, the Hippodrome Foundation has progressed into the largest presenter of Broadway in Baltimore.
6. James McHenry School is a community school in Southwest Baltimore known for its superb teaching staff and a tight-knit community of dedicated parents and faculty members. James McHenry is one of five schools in the collaborative 100% Project, and the school’s dedicated faculty prioritizes community engagement, school culture and rigorous yet rewarding instruction. Plank is a philanthropic partner of James McHenry School and is dedicated to providing increased educational opportunities to the students and faculty of the Southwest Baltimore school system.
7. Living Classrooms has a mission to combat poverty and create “safer, stronger, and healthier” communities by “meeting individuals where they are and building skills for life.” Living Classrooms works with everyone from children to adults to help them realize their potential through education, career development and health and wellness initiatives.
8. Patriot Point provides a safe environment for our nation’s wounded, ill and injured service members and their families to enjoy relaxing outdoor recreational activities. Scott Plank is a generous philanthropic partner of his brother, Stuart Plank’s, [CHECK FOR ACCURACY], nonprofit that is dedicated to serving the former military members that so graciously and honorably served our country.
9. Port Discovery,  is the premier children’s museum in the Mid-Atlantic. Their mission is to have a positive influence on the academic and life success of today’s children, provide a safe and inclusive place to offer playful learning and extend their impact on communities by offering educational programs community and state-wide.
10. Roland Park Baseball Leagues (RPBL) is a local Little League organization in Baltimore City and County and has been in existence since 1952. The league is regarded as one of the oldest youth baseball organizations in the United States. [CHECK FOR ACCURACY] RPBL holds a special place in Scott Plank’s heart as he watched his own children grow up in these leagues. He spent many days and nights practicing with the children and cheering them on during games. Scott supports this league as an individual donor as well as through Belvedere Square, one of his property investments.
11. The Ronald McDonald House, a nonprofit which provides programs and a “home-away-from-home” for seriously ill children and their families. The JS Plank & DM Dicarlo Foundation is a dedicated campaign leadership donor for Ronald McDonald House Charities Maryland. Scott Plank is honored to develop a long-standing philanthropic partnership with the Ronald McDonald House Charities in an effort to grant seriously ill children and their families the help and relief they desperately need.
12. Sanibel Sea School is dedicated to teaching children and adults about marine life, including animals, people, plants, land, ocean and weather, and give students hands-on opportunities to interact with the ecosystem. Sanibel Sea School has a drive to guide students to create meaningful connections to the ocean and transform people’s lives through marine education.
13. The Waldorf School of Baltimore, an independent, co-educational school that was established in 1971. The school educates and inspires children in an unconventional yet revolutionary way. They teach students to “think, feel, and act with creativity, imagination and purpose.”
14. The Western Police District of the Baltimore Police Department. This space was renovated in 2017 with the goal of providing updated space to promote positive, non-enforcement interactions between officers and citizens to foster healthy communication, mutual respect, and a shared sense of responsibility to protect the community.

San Francisco

In addition to his real estate and development efforts in San Francisco, Plank is philanthropic partners with Code Tenderloin, a nonprofit workforce development program that aims to establish long-term employment for individuals struggling with financial, legal and educational barriers. In the midst of the COVID pandemic, Plank recently donated $20,000.00 to their program to distribute kits and sanitation equipment to people in the Tenderloin.

The JS Plank and DM DiCarlo Family Foundation

1. Plank and his wife, Dana DiCarlo, established The JS Plank and DM DiCarlo Family Foundation in 2007, a private independent foundation.

Awards and Recognitions

• Distinguished Alumni Award at the University of Maryland School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation
  1. In Winter 2019, Plank gave the commencement speech at his alma mater, the University of Maryland’s winter commencement ceremony. He was also honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award.
• 2018 BBJ Best in Real Estate Awards - 3rd Place: "Scott Plank's waterfront Canton properties"
• 2018 BBJ Best in Real Estate Awards - 2nd Place:  Western Police District Station
• 2018 BBJ Best in Real Estate Awards - Best in Show: Sagamore Pendry Baltimore
• 2017 Honoree - UMD Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Real Estate
• Anthem House - 2017 ULI Baltimore Wavemaker
• Anthem House- 2017 Home of the Year and Best Mixed-Use Design and Architecture by NVBIA Great American Living Award Program
• Anthem House- 2017 Best Baltimore Mid-Rise Apartment Community by Delta Associates’ 21st Annual Apartment and Condominium Industry Awards for Excellence
• Anthem House- 2016 NAHB Nationals – Silver Awards for the On-the-Boards Community (Under Construction On – Not Yet Open for Sale or Rent)
• 2016 Innovation in Financial Education Award (War Horse, LLC) - Presented by Nasdaq and EverFi
• 2007 Retail Store of the Year – Under Armour Annapolis, Maryland Location (UA’s first full-line retail store)
• 2005 Small Business Administration - Hall of Fame Inductee: Under Armour Performance Apparel - recognized for extraordinary achievements and for inspiring small businesses worldwide
• 2004 Maryland IP Communications Forum: Recognition for Empowering Your Business with Cisco Advanced Technology (Under Armour)
• amIQ - Baltimore Smart CEO - Guest Panelist 2004

Submitting American businessman and philanthropist J. Scott Plank for publication.

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