Most Interesting People 2015: Fred and Greg Geis

WHY THEY'RE INTERESTING: The Geis brothers started out as suburban developers taking over the business their parents founded after emigrating from Germany. Ten years ago, they noticed a push toward urban revitalization in Cleveland, and through projects such as the MidTown Tech Park and the Offices at the Agora, Geis Cos. helped reshape the landscape of the city. In October, the brothers completed their biggest project: The 9, a $170 million multiuse development of apartments, hotel rooms, offices and restaurants, located in the former Ameritrust complex.

Historic proportions: The Ameritrust building sat empty for 25 years before the Geis brothers bought it. "Everyone wanted to save it, but no one had the answer about how," recalls Fred. When the county began soliciting bids from developers for proposals, it gave the brothers an opportunity to create a downtown catalyst. "We wanted to bring something that didn't exist to Cleveland," Greg says. "We wanted to bring a different level of urban sophistication that people wouldn't expect here."

Stress relief: Developing large-scale properties has its pressures. Fred relaxes by going on long motorcycle rides with his son, Ethan, while Greg finds solace in the kitchen. "I was kicked out of the house at 17 for being a punk — so I had to learn to cook pretty quickly," Greg laughs. "I learned how to make things like pork roast and maultasche [a German pasta] from watching my mother."

Beer cheer: The Geis Cos. served as the construction company and architect for Hofbrauhaus Cleveland. The project was a love letter to their parents. "I think they would be surprised and proud that it got built, and we were the ones who built it," says Fred. "I don't think they ever envisioned us being that active in the city of Cleveland."

Wedding bells: In October, Fred married longtime girlfriend Kris Monaco — three times. "We started looking for the most interesting chapels in the country," Fred says. "One of the top architectural wonders was located in the Ozarks. So we were married there. But we also had a deep love of Savannah, so we decided to get married there too. And how could we not get married in our hometown? So we had a small ceremony in Cleveland performed by the mayor."

what's next: The brothers are already taking on their next project in collaboration with the city — a $51 million office complex that will fill the former Ohio Knitting Mills building and bring at least 400 jobs to Cleveland's HealthTech Corridor. "It's a continuing evolution of what we started a few years ago," says Fred. "It's an opportunity to build the suites and help attract businesses to the city of Cleveland."