the LEGO Group

Nat Shanks

In the ever-evolving realm of facilities management, Nat Shanks stands out as a testament to hard work, curiosity, and an unyielding commitment to environmental sustainability. With a career spanning more than 28 years, Shanks has climbed the ranks from an entry[1]level technician to the Director of Facilities overseeing The LEGO Group’s $1 billion eco-friendly U.S. manufacturing facility. In this exclusive interview, Shanks shares his journey, challenges, and the principles that have guided him to the forefront of his profession.

Shanks's early years in the business were spent absorbing as much knowledge as possible and showing a hunger to learn. This eagerness to grow and develop his skills propelled him to manage some of the largest real estate footprints in the Mid-Atlantic and beyond. The laundry list of properties Shanks has managed prior to LEGO includes the Rolls Royce North American Headquarters, the Mid-Atlantic corporate offices for Wells Fargo, the Mid-Atlantic corporate offices for Bank of America, North-East and West Coast properties for Truist, and many more. Shanks has executed over $120M in capital projects while developing energy efficiency methods that have saved companies millions of dollars.

Environmental sustainability has played a crucial role in Shanks's career, a commitment he intends to uphold in his role with The Lego Group - which aims to reduce its global carbon emissions by 37% by 2032. "LEGO prides itself on environmental sustainability. The integrity of our product is paramount." said Shanks. Set to be fully operational in 2025, the Danish toy maker’s 1.7 million sq ft factory will span over 340 acres of land and bring upwards of 1,700 jobs to the state of Virginia.

Shanks's career has been marked by adaptability and an unyielding quest for precision. “I’ve managed a range of properties, from critical data sites and aerospace engineering plants to large complex financial institutions and federal courthouses. All of these properties have different needs and different teams, so it's important that you learn to adapt.” 

Shanks said. “It's important to stay abreast of new technology and never pass up a chance to expand your knowledge base. Tech is integrated into everything we do, whether it's new green strategies, identifying the most cost-effective methods for maintaining a building without compromising efficiency, or fostering a culture of sustainability and environmental stewardship within your facilities."

Shanks is no stranger to advancements in technology. In his previous role as Senior Facilities Manager at CBRE, known as the world's largest commercial real estate firm, Shanks managed most of Truist Bank's North American footprint for nearly a decade. A significant portion of this portfolio included critical data sites and highly secured facilities, requiring him to stay on the cutting edge of technology..

One of the core principles Shanks follows, which he attributes much of his success to, is humility. He believes that moving up the ranks builds character and that you are only as strong as your team. “One of the biggest lessons I have learned is to build a team around you that has a vested interest in the same fundamental goals that you have,” he said. “Your team is your greatest asset. This job is a team sport and is not something you can do alone.”

For those aspiring to leadership roles in the real estate sector, Nat stresses the importance of staying curious. “What I have found is that when you show that you are curious and eager to learn, there are still journeymen who want to share their wisdom. Never stop learning because if you are not learning, then you are not growing,” Shanks said.