Chapter Eternal: Tampa Bay developer who kept the Bucs in town, Mandell Shimberg ’51 – Wisconsin

Mandell “Hinks” Shimberg, known for his real estate development projects, philanthropy, theater productions, and love of Tampa Bay sports teams, passed into the Chapter Eternal, November 16, 2021.

Tampa Bay was his town

Shimberg moved to Tampa in 1957, and went on to create a legacy in the region. He built a thriving business creating affordable, residential communities in the Tampa Bay suburbs.

PBS Interview by the Suncoast Business Forum

Theater and philanthropy

Shimberg also had a passion for theater. He was a founder of the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center and served as chairman of the board and founding chairman of the theater’s foundation. He invested in and produced seven Broadway shows, two of which received Tony Award nominations.

Shimberg and his wife were well known local philanthropists who found ways to gave back to community their entire lives. In 2009, Hinks and his wife, Elaine, were named “Philanthropists of the Year” by the Suncoast chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

He kept the Buccaneers in town

Shimberg was an avid sports fan and major supporter of Tampa teams and the Wisconsin Badgers, his alma mater’s football team. He played a key role in keeping the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in town and getting Raymond James Stadium built. He got to see them win a Super Bowl in 2021.

Former Tampa mayor Dick Greco said, “the entire family has been wonderful for Tampa and have participated in everything that happens in town.” 

College and service

Shimberg went to college in 1947 at the University of Wisconsin, where he joined Pi Lambda Phi and got his undergraduate degree in economics. During the war in Korea, he served in the United States Marine Corps.

Shimberg was awarded the Big Pi from Pi Lambda Phi in 1996.