IN THE PUBLIC EYE: Rex Jensen

Home state: Michigan
Education:  Michigan State University (undergraduate), University of Michigan (Law school)

Twenty years ago, if you would have asked Rex Jensen if he could envision himself heading up one of the most recognizable and sought-after land management, agricultural and development companies in the nation, he would have told you that he wasn’t the right man for the job.

Now two decades later, the Schroeder-Manatee Ranch president and CEO is responsible for making sure the companies 30 subsidiaries and nearly 400 employees have the necessary resources, support and information to better understand their jobs and the company in which they work.

Jensen has been instrumental in helping fulfill the vision of his predecessors for both Lakewood Ranch and SMR as a whole. Most recently, Jensen saw his vision for the Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch come to fruition as well as the development of Country Club East.

A native of Michigan, Jensen graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in political science, history and economics. He then went on to earn his law degree from the University of Michigan in 1979.

Jensen spent the next three years practicing corporate tax law for a computer software company. He then entered the real estate market, working for a real estate development project. In 1983, a similar project opened in Tampa and Jensen jumped at the opportunity.

Jensen spent seven years running his own consulting company in Tampa before joining the team at SMR in 1990.

When he’s not hard at work, Jensen enjoys spending time with his wife and son.