Navigating the waters of building development can be tricky. We provide the experience and the expertise to guide your project from design to completion.

Our skilled team of real estate professionals share a common business philosophy - a core belief that "world class service is essential to everything we do". Our associates embody our team-oriented culture, where each associate's contribution is vital to our organization's achievements and contributes to ultimate success for our client.

John J. O'Neill, Chairman

Jack O'Neill founded the Southgate Corporation in 1953 as a land development company which has grown steadily to prominence as an industrial development company. He is a recognized leader and pioneer in industrial development in Central Ohio. Mr. O'Neill developed the first major industrial park in Central Ohio comprised of 600 acres which featured spec buildings for manufacturing use. The Newark Ohio Industrial Park began when Mr. O'Neill installed the streets and utilities including an elevated water tower, and constructed his first industrial building - all on spec. Over 40 years later, this location now includes 6.1 million sq. ft. of buildings offering employment for over 4,000 people. Jack O'Neill's company also developed the Columbus Corporate Park at I-270 and Roberts Road as well as the 430 acre Etna Corporate Park. Along with industrial development, Southgate also constructed and managed various commercial projects including the Southgate Shopping Center and the McMillen Business Center in Newark, Ohio, the latter being for mixed-use multi-family, professional and medical offices, as well as industrial use.

John J. O'Neill was a two term National President of NAIOP (National Association of Industrial and Office Properties), and continues to serve as a Director Emeritus for the NAIOP organization which represents major developers in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Mr. O'Neill is an executive committee board member of the publicly traded Park National Bank Corporation, a $7 billion bank holding company. He has been a Trustee of Denison University since 1971 and now serves as a Life Trustee, is a member of the President's Club at The Ohio State University, and actively participated in the establishment and provides on-going support for the Newark Campus of The Ohio State University. He also was the first recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Central Ohio NAIOP Chapter.  

Robert E. O'Neill, President

In his capacity as President , Mr. O'Neill sets corporate policy, oversees operations and holds fiscal responsibility for Southgate Corporation. He is responsible for the identification and development of new developments for the Company. Through strategic planning, he spearheads the development and implementation of the corporate business plan.

Robert is past President of the Central Ohio Chapter of NAIOP, the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties as well as a member of NAIOP's National Private Developers Forum. He is past Director of the Licking Memorial Health Systems, Central Ohio Technical College and the Newark/Licking County Chamber of Commerce. Robert currently serves as a director of The Park National Bank, The OSU/COTC Newark Campus Development Fund and the Licking County YMCA. He also serves as Vice President of the Newark Sport and Event Commission which operates the LGRIA Ice Arena in Newark.

Mr. Robert O'Neill received his Bachelor of Science degree from The Ohio State University in 1985. After graduation he worked in the advertising industry in Columbus, Ohio until 1989 when he joined Southgate Corporation.

Frank Rosato, Vice President

Frank is in charge of delivering Southgate's complete range of development and construction management services, specializing in industrial, office and condominium developments. He is effective in providing valuable enginering consulting assistance, while ensuring that projects come in on time and within budget.

Frank lives in Heath, Ohio with his wife Yolanda and has 28 years of service at Southgate Corporation.