Don Welch
About Don Welch
Don Welch serves as the Senior Vice President of Real Estate and Construction at Eyemart Express, a position he has held since 2023. With extensive experience in real estate management across various companies, he has held significant roles at Payless ShoeSource, Coldwater Creek, and Five Below, among others.
Current Role at Eyemart Express
Don Welch serves as the Senior Vice President of Real Estate and Construction at Eyemart Express. He has held this position since 2023, working on-site in Farmers Branch, Texas. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing real estate strategies and construction projects to support the company's growth and operational needs.
Previous Experience in Real Estate and Construction
Don Welch has extensive experience in real estate and construction management. He worked at Coldwater Creek as Divisional Vice President of Real Estate from 2005 to 2013, and at Conn's as Vice President of Real Estate and Construction from 2013 to 2016. His background includes roles at Payless ShoeSource, where he served in various capacities, including International Director of Store Development and Regional Director for the Southeast Region.
Career at Payless ShoeSource
Welch's tenure at Payless ShoeSource spanned multiple roles and years. He began as a Mall Leasing Representative from 1990 to 1993, followed by positions as Regional Director for the Southeast Region from 1998 to 2002, and International Director of Store Development from 2002 to 2003. His diverse roles contributed to the company's real estate and store development strategies.
Educational Background in Finance
Don Welch studied Finance at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree from 1981 to 1985. He also attended the University of Maryland, obtaining a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Finance, General, in 1984. His educational background provides a strong foundation for his career in real estate and construction.
Experience at Five Below
At Five Below, Don Welch held the position of South/Central Senior Real Estate Manager from 2019 to 2023. During this time, he was responsible for managing real estate initiatives in the South and Central regions, contributing to the company's expansion and strategic location planning.