University Place manager retires after 48-year legacy of building a place for community

OREM — As a young boy, Rob Kallas used to run through the orchards that stood where Orem's University Place is today.

Little did he know that much of his adult years would be spent in the same area, working as general manager at one of Utah's biggest shopping centers.

"These were my playgrounds here. These were orchards where I used to pick cherries and apples and peaches," Kallas said.

In 1974, when Kallas started working for Woodbury Corporation, which owns University Place, there were just nine employees. Now the company employs over 1,100.

When Kallas took over as manager of University Mall 48 years ago, it was exclusively a shopping center that wasn't yet even at tenant capacity. The iconic mall now covers 120 acres and is a major multiuse project with retail, housing, hotels, offices, restaurants and entertainment.

It's safe to say a lot has changed in the decades that Kallas has worked there.

"It's like running a little city," Kallas said about what University Place has turned into today.

And how did Kallas and his colleagues accomplish the task?

"A bite at a time."

Kallas took over the primary responsibility of managing the mall in 1978. The popular shopping center in south Orem was originally called University Mall, but at the start of 2014 it was renamed University Place.

The Woodbury Corporation is a family-run company, and during his time there Kallas has worked with all four generations of the family that have been involved in the company.

"Rob's been involved in every step of every project in the landscape of University Place," said Dan Woodbury, senior vice president of leasing for Woodbury. "You could say like, Rob's been there every moment to make this project what it is today ... a centerpiece of the city of Orem."

Kallas retired recently, with a new general manager in place as the mall moves forward. His impact will be felt for years to come.

Growing and adapting with the mall over decades

Reflecting on Kallas' career, Woodbury said the concept of malls has changed drastically since Kallas started running the property. Now it is not just about shopping, but more about building community and providing entertainment.

"Rob is sort of a pioneer in a lot of ways, what the future of these, like, shopping centers can be through what he's done here at University Place," he added.

After opening in 1973 with a focus on retail, the area soon was designated as a mixed-use project, which allowed for residential units and the many other things that make up University Place today.

Fortunately, Kallas said, the growth comes in increments.

"It's like eating a great big cake, you take a bite at a time," Kallas said. "As something grows, you pay attention to that, you work out the details of it, you make logistical changes and things so that it all works. And then by that time, the next piece is coming together."

Scott Bishop, Woodbury's president and CEO, said while others might not have been able to adapt to the massive changes, Kallas did.

"Somehow Rob was able to adapt to that," Bishop said. "Not only has he been able to kind of just roll with it, but thrive, and like, it's just grown and grown."

How Rob Kallas triumphed over the challenges of running a mall

Through the years, Kallas and his team faced a variety of challenges, whether it was a major retailer deciding to leave the mall, managing the COVID-19 pandemic or a physical disaster within the facility.

In 2007, Kallas recalled being on vacation at Lake Powell when he got a phone call saying that a major water pipe had broken and the mall had flooded. More than 8 inches of water coursed throughout the whole mall, he said.

The mall didn't close, but Kallas said it took over a year to fix all the damages and work things out with insurance.

"You're going to face obstacles, but a big challenge is finding a way to solve the obstacle or make it better," Kallas said.

Kallas didn't turn to someone else. He got to work.

"He's not calling anybody else, like, that's his problem to deal with, and he's going, 'There are people fishing in the main corridor,'" joked Bishop.

Jeff Woodbury recalled how Kallas managed the many details, things like determining the color of tiles or carpet, or working with and managing different tenants.

He was also willing to stand up to people within the Woodbury Corporation and say, "This is the way we want to do it," recalled Jeff Woodbury, now vice president of development and acquisitions.

"You can look at other mall managers who just want to sit in their office and delegate and not get their hands dirty, but Rob was willing to physically go into a space to figure out how to build a new sewer line or talk to the head of Nordstrom," added Dan Woodbury.

How Rob's influence has helped people and businesses

Dan Woodbury credits Kallas for "his ability to engage with local entrepreneurs to help them realize their dreams."

A number of businesses got their start at the mall, Dan Woodbury said, including multiple companies that have since grown across the West or across the country. Two examples are the women's clothing store Böhme and the restaurant chain Aubergine Kitchen.

"I think Rob has always had the ability to engage with these people, like hear their vision and then figure out how to get them in real estate with the resources they need to succeed, and then work through problems as well," Dan Woodbury said.

Jeff Woodbury added that Kallas is also highly respected by city officials he has worked with over the years.

Others mentioned how Kallas became a mentor to many.

Kallas' family has also been a major part of his life and his career.

Janeal Kallas, Rob's wife, said, "Rob's the most dedicated person I know, the hardest worker and sometimes your best traits are your worst traits."

Together the couple has five kids and 16 grandchildren, who have all spent plenty of time at University Place over the years. Up until his retirement, Kallas brought his grandchildren into the office and into the mall.

"He'll bring the grandkids around and introduce them to all of us, and it's just so fun to see the other side of Rob like when he's out of the office," said marketing director Cindy Nguyen.

Making a positive impact in the community

"I love Orem! I was born and raised in Orem, educated in Orem schools, married an Orem woman, and lived and raised my five children in Orem," Kallas said. "I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to make a positive contribution to the development and vibrancy of this city."

One of the biggest reasons Kallas has stayed at the mall and with Woodbury for so long is the people. He added that being in Orem was also a contributing factor.

"I love this community, and I wanted to make a difference and kind of leave a mark and make it a better place," said Kallas.

Over the years, Kallas and his team have tried to make sure they were bringing in the businesses that mallgoers wanted, including the Cheesecake Factory and Trader Joe's.

"We went out, we kind of tried to identify the big hitters," Kallas said. "We wanted to bring in all those things that the people want and that's really the name of the game. Over the years, things change, and what's popular today may not be popular in the five years."

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