Thomas P. Dalton

Thomas “Tom” Dalton

Vice President | Data Center Real Estate Specialist

NAI Ruhl Commercial Company, Davenport, Iowa

With more than 40 years of experience, I am a commercial real estate executive, land development consultant in the Quad Cities, Eastern Iowa, and Western Illinois, and data center site selection specialist nationwide. Over the course of my career, I have been involved in commercial real estate transactions totaling more than $300 million in value. I work closely with property owners, developers, corporate tenants, and investors to execute acquisition, disposition, and leasing strategies tailored to local market conditions.

As part of an expert team focused on data center and AI facility site selection, I help organizations identify strategic locations that align with critical infrastructure and power availability. I am known for providing a practical, transparent approach to complex real estate and development challenges. I work closely with clients to navigate zoning requirements, land use planning, and public-private partnerships including TIF agreements. I translate market data into clear options that protect investment yield and match my clients' long-term business goals.

My long-standing relationships with local governments, economic development organizations, and industry stakeholders have contributed to successful developments across numerous communities throughout the region and the Chicago area. Decades of hands-on experience allow me to identify subtle submarket trends, local zoning nuances, and deal structures that keep negotiations moving forward. My more than 30-year tenure at NAI Ruhl Commercial reflects a career built on repeat business, local accountability, and thorough execution from initial analysis through final closing.

Quick View

• License & Geographic Markets Served: Licensed in Iowa and Illinois; Quad Cities (Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, Rock Island, East Moline, Silvis, Eldridge, DeWitt), Dubuque, Galesburg, Monmouth, Clinton, Burlington, and broader Eastern Iowa / Western Illinois submarkets
• Asset Class & Specialty Focus: Office, Industrial, Retail, Multi-Family, Land, Agricultural Land, Data Center site selection, Built-to-Suit Projects, Leasing, and Investment Sales
• Advisory & Representation Scope: Commercial Advisory, Investment Sales, Landlord Representation, Tenant Representation, Site Selection, Disposition Strategy, Lease Negotiation
• Representative Brands & Client Types: Commercial Property Investors, Local & Regional Business Owners, Corporate Tenants, Institutional Landlords
• Awards & Career Recognition: Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), Former Board Member, Illinois Economic Development Council, Former Chairman, NAI Land Council
• Common Strategic Client Decisions Answered: Quad Cities commercial property valuation, lease vs. buy evaluation, submarket cap rate dynamics, landlord leasing strategy, site selection analysis

Education

• B.S. and MBS degree, Northern Illinois University

States Licensed In:
• Iowa
• Illinois