BALTIMORE, MD—On Monday, St. John Properties, one of the largest commercial real estate firms in the Mid-Atlantic, publicly announced a $10 million bonus will be paid to all 198 of its employees in celebration of achieving its goal of developing 20 million square feet of office, flex/R&D, retail, and warehouse space in eight states.

The unprecedented surprise bonus announcement was made internally by company founder and chairman Edward St. John at the company’s annual holiday celebration, held at The Grand in Baltimore on December 7, 2019.

All 198 St. John Properties employees will be paid a bonus solely based on years of service, with the average employee receiving $50,000. Only five employees at the company knew about the bonus in advance of the surprise announcement.

“To celebrate the achievement of our goal, we wanted to reward our employees in a big way that would make a significant impact on their lives,” said Edward St. John. “I am thankful for every one of our employees, for their hard work and dedication. I couldn’t think of a better way to show it.”

This bonus will be paid out in addition to the company’s annual year-end bonus, as well as other benefits, which include 401(k) with matching, profit sharing, and paid vacation time. The company also offers an on-site fitness facility, company-owned vehicles for eligible employees, physical therapy and wellness consultations, as well as access to a financial advisor.

“My philosophy has always been to surround myself with the best and the brightest – and that is what we have done. Every professional at St. John Properties is committed to excellence every day,” added St. John.

Since founding St. John Properties nearly 50 years ago, Edward St. John has built the company from a team of two employees, into one of the Mid-Atlantic region’s largest and most successful privately-held commercial real estate companies. The Maryland-based company boasts a portfolio that includes 20 million square feet of commercial space valued at $3.5 billion, including Greenleigh at Crossroads in White Marsh/Middle River

. The goal of developing 20 million square feet was set in 2005 when the company had 10 million square feet of space. Over a 14-year period, the company successfully weathered a recession and grew from a five-state footprint to the eight states in which it currently operates.