Title: Principal
Company: Foundry Commercial
Length of FEI sponsorship: 15 years
FEI Leadership involvement: Our firm has been involved with the membership committee and programs committee.
Work email: [email protected]
Work phone number: (813) 732-3203
Tell us a little bit about your career, educational/professional background and how you got to where you are today.
I began my commercial real estate career in Atlanta, Georgia in the late 90’s after graduating college. This was in the post-Olympic era in Atlanta, so business was thriving and continued for several years thereafter. I was fortunate to have a couple great mentors to learn from during this period.
I began representing tenants immediately in my career. I thought it was unfair that occupiers of space did not have the same representation as the owners/landlords had become accustomed to for years. About 4 years into my career I had the opportunity to join the Trammell Crow Company, which was one of the premier commercial real estate firms in the world. After nearly 10 years with the Trammell Crow Company, the world’s largest commercial real estate firm acquired us in 2008. At that time several partners including myself decided to start what is now Foundry Commercial.
Do you think it takes a certain kind of personality to thrive in your field? What traits are most important?
The commercial real estate industry tends to have a lot of autonomy. Due to this autonomy, creative yet dedicated personality traits are very important to become and consistently be successful. When our firm is representing occupiers of space we must work with several different owner/landlord personalities. Being able to work through those personality traits while continuing to create leverage and maintain a level playing field for our clients is important.
What is your best networking tip?
My best networking tip is to show up early and leave late. I have found that some of the most interesting and beneficial conversations occur in the very beginning or at the end of a networking event.
Why does your company sponsor FEI Tampa Bay Chapter?
Foundry Commercial sponsors the FEI Tampa Bay Chapter because of the relationships we have created and sustained over our 15+ year involvement with the organization. These relationships have provided not only validation in our existing and potential clients but have also led to successful representation.
What are some activities you participate in to advance the profession or your career?
One important activity/organization that I participate in to advance my professional career is the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR). SIOR is the leading global professional office and industrial real estate association and represents today's most knowledgeable, experienced, and successful commercial real estate brokerage specialists. I am currently one of the Tampa Bay Chapter Ambassadors and help the organization grow from the local level.
What are some of your personal hobbies outside of work?
Outside of work I personally enjoy several different watersport activities. Our family of five spends a lot of time on our wakeboard boat tubing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing. It’s been a great activity for our family to spend time together without all of life’s distractions.