E. Thomas Collins, Jr., began his real estate career with the Department of Defense in the Springfield, Massachusetts’s area in 1975, in a civilian capacity. He was responsible for the sale and disposal of approximately 5,000 acres of land and 1,500 buildings. The following year, Mr. Collins joined Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company as a Real Estate Investment Analyst and assisted a senior officer of that firm in approving and processing commercial real estate mortgages.

In 1977, he was transferred to the Chicago regional office as a Senior Real Estate Investment Analyst and was responsible for the production of commercial real estate mortgages. In 1978, Mr. Collins joined American Fletcher Mortgage Company as an Assistant Vice long-term loans. He subsequently worked for Crocker Mortgage Company as a President in charge of commercial loan production for both construction and Vice President in a similar capacity.

In 1980, he took a position working for the newly formed Lake Development Limited as the sole employee. Lake Development Limited subsequently assumed development, management and construction responsibilities for the Britannica Centre (310 South Michigan), 318 South Michigan, 33 East Congress and the Civic Opera Building. As president of Lake Development Limited, Mr. Collins was ultimately responsible for a staff of 87 employees.

In 1985, he joined Hiffman Shaffer Associates, Inc. as Executive Vice President/Development, Chief Financial Officer and a Principal of the firm. His responsibilities included acquisition, financial analysis and financing for both new and existing HSA projects. After joining HSA, Mr. Collins was responsible for financing 80 transactions totaling $800 million, development of 50 projects totaling $450 million, and involved in the acquisition of thirty properties totaling $350 million. In 1993, Mr. Collins was named President and Chief Operating Officer of HSA, and in 1995 was named Vice-Chairman.

In 1999, he formed The Reliant Group, Ltd. with Dick Hulina and Mary Riordan, specializing in retail land assemblage, entitlement and development, and in 2002 started Collins Interests, Ltd. as a sole proprietor.

He is on the Board of Advisors at Indiana University Northwest, The Board of Directors for the Crisis Center and Tradewinds Rehabilitation Center, in Gary, Indiana.