How to Build Momentum in a Real Estate Developer Career

In Chapter 13 of 14 in his 2012 interview, real estate development executive Brett Goldman answers "How Do You Build Momentum in What You Do Professionally as a Real Estate Developer?"  Goldman notes it comes down to consistently working through opportunities.  He shares how his persistence and patience, as discussed in his Year 1 and Year 2 interviews, combined with teamwork to create deal opportunities he has pursued in the past year. 

Brett Goldman is a Real Estate Acquisitions Director at Triangle Equities in New York City.  He holds a BA in General Studies from the University of Michigan and a Masters in Real Estate Development from the Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation.

Transcript:

Erik Michielsen: How do you build momentum in what you do professionally as a real estate developer? 

Brett Goldman: I think the only way to build momentum is to really just keep at it. Keep focused on building the momentum and to continue to keep at it. Keep at it, keep at it, keep at it.  If you -- I mean, it's kind of like anything else in that success breeds success so if you want to have success, then you have to keep at it. 

Erik Michielsen: Where do you find those moments that fuel your momentum in what you do?

Brett Goldman: I think the way that my career has gone over the past few years, you know, my last couple of interviews, I've talked about the market being down and how it's a time to take advantage and capitalize on that. Over the past year, I and we, as a company have definitely capitalized on that. We'd like to continue building that momentum but it requires getting the acquisitions that we made last year done, successful, and then moving on. But just knowing that we were able to capitalize on that -- on the idea that we had, and the way that we put it into motion, gives me confidence that I'll be able to do it again.

Now it's gonna be a different market when we finish these couple of projects. It's gonna be a different market in 2012 than it was in 2010, '11, when we bought them. So, what does that mean? It means that you kind of have to adjust to today's realities and hope that you're doing the right thing, and keep trying. 

Erik Michielsen: How did these projects happen?

Brett Goldman: Two guys that work with me found them. I would say that it was my leadership. You know, I kind of sensed what was going on in the market and set a direction for the two guys that work with me and we identified pretty much exactly what we had set out to find. And we bought them. They could have been larger projects that -- we could have bought four instead of two, but I think we bought two projects that will be very successful. 

How to Be Confident When Presenting New Ideas - Jason Anello

In Chapter 14 of 20 in his 2012 interview, creative director Jason Anello answers "How Do You Create Hope and Dispel Fear When Introducing New Concepts and Ideas?"  Anello takes the approach that no matter what gets presented there will be sides taken.  He finds it is less about taking a particular side and more about having the patience and understanding to find consensus and buy-in.  Jason Anello is a founding partner and creative director at marketing services agency Manifold Partners.  He is also the co-founder of the Forking Tasty Brooklyn supper club.  Previously, Anello held creative leadership roles at Yahoo! and Ogilvy & Mather.  He graduated from the University at Albany. 

Adapting to Life as an Entrepreneur - Phil McKenzie

In Chapter 2 of 21 in his 2011 interview, Phil McKenzie answers "How is Life as an Entrepreneur Different That How You Imagined It Would Be?"  McKenzie finds it to be more rewarding and slower.  From a personal and professional perspective, his transition out of Goldman Sachs finance to entrepreneurship has exceeded expectations.  He also has learned to be patient as things move more slowly than he ever would have expected.  McKenzie is the founder of Influencer Conference, an international event series bringing together tastemakers across the arts, entrepreneurship, philanthropy and technology.  He is also managing partner of influencer marketing agency FREE DMC.  Previously he worked in Domestic Equity Trading at Goldman, Sachs, & Co.  He earned his BA from Howard University and MBA from Duke University. 

How to Choose a Storytelling Medium Right For You - Scott Gold

In Chapter 12 of 20 of his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, author and writer Scott Gold answers "How Do You Determine What is the Best Media or Medium to Tell a Particular Story?"  Gold notes the importance of accepting failure as a means to find the best storytelling medium possible.  He shares how stories sometimes are better told through song and other times are best delivered through writing, physical performance, or recorded media such as audio or video.  He shares approaches to getting into a creative mindset to optimize this decision.  Scott Gold is an author and writer based in New York City.  When not writing, Gold moonlights as a bartender at Char no. 4 restaurant in Brooklyn.  He earned a BA in Philosophy from Washington University in St. Louis. 

How to Be Flexible in a New Marriage - Conrad Doucette

In Chapter 1 of 21 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, musician and Takka Takka drummer Conrad Doucette answers "Since We Last Spoke a Year Ago, What Has Been the Most Exciting Thing to Happen in Your Life?"  Conrad shares how getting married tops the list.  A day after the wedding celebration, Doucette, his wife, and the band embark to Paris for a Takka Takka European tour.  Doucette and his spouse navigate the challenges, making the most of the adventure.  Doucette is the drummer for the Brooklyn-based band Takka Takka.  He also performs with The National, Okkervil River, and Alina Simone.  When not performing, Doucette works as a copywriter, blogger, and digital media producer.  He has worked at Blender, Fuse TV, and Heavy.com.  Doucette earned his BA in History from the University of Michigan. 

How to Make a Living Playing Music in a Band - Conrad Doucette

In Chapter 15 of 21 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, musician and Takka Takka drummer Conrad Doucette answers "What Advice Do You Have for Aspiring Bands Looking to Make a Living Playing Music?"  Doucette notes that his band Takka Takka is not yet able to play music full time.  The band prioritizes maintaining full artistic control so must remain patient as it develops experience and material over time.  He notes how musicians must always be aware of the trade offs between financial freedom and artistic control.  Doucette is the drummer for the Brooklyn-based band Takka Takka.  He also performs with The National, Okkervil River, and Alina Simone.  When not performing, Doucette works as a copywriter, blogger, and digital media producer.  He has worked at Blender, Fuse TV, and Heavy.com.  Doucette earned his BA in History from the University of Michigan. 

How Entrepreneur Research Study Takes Shape - Ben Hallen

In Chapter 2 of 21 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, business school professor Ben Hallen answers "How Do You Define and Measure Success in What You Do?" Hallen, who focuses his academic research on entrepreneurship, notes the patience required doing long-term research. He notes the needs for continuous communication with entrepreneurs as well as staying on top of fast changing trends in entrepreneurship and financing. Hallen is an Assistant Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School. Previously, he was Assistant Professor of Management and Organization at University of Maryland. Hallen earned his PhD from Stanford University and its Stanford Technology Venture Program (STVP). He has been a startup CTO and graduated from the University of Virginia with a BS in Electrical Engineering and a Masters in Computer Science.

How Transportation Planning Affects Big City Development - Matt Curtis

In Chapter 16 of 18 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, public affairs and communications strategist Matt Curtis answers "What Did Working in Big City Transportation Teach You About How Big Cities Operate?" Curtis frames his answer in history and the changing community infrastructure and resource requirements. He notes transportation is "the vein of our existence and the key to our future." He advises people to be patient and to invest in diverse transportation solution that blends mass transit, roads, and bike and pedestrian infrastructure investments. Curtis is the communications director for Austin mayor Lee Leffingwell. Curtis' charity work includes affiliations with Capital Area Food Bank, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Students of the World, the Rainforest Project and the Art Alliance. In 2011, Curtis won "Austinite of the Year" in the Austin Under 40 Awards. He earned his bachelor's degree in radio, television and film from the University of North Texas.

How Decision and Ideation Skills Apply in Software and Design - Jon Kolko

In Chapter 7 of 17 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, designer and educator Jon Kolko shares the importance of and how he has developed rapid ideation and quick decision making skills. Upon graduating Carnegie Mellon, Kolko works at Austin startup, Trilogy Software, where he learns decision-making in a sink or swim environment. As his design career develops, he learns to balance rapidly creating new ideas with letting them marinate and develop. Kolko is the executive director of design strategy at venture accelerator, Thinktiv (www.thinktiv.com). He is the founder and director of the Austin School for Design (www.ac4d.com). Previously, he worked at frog design and was a professor of Interactive and Industrial Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). He has authored multiple books on design. Kolko earned his Masters in Human Computer Interaction (MHI) and BFA in Design from Carnegie Mellon University.

Why Patience is Important to Startup Success - Dan Street

In Chapter 4 of 20 of his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview, software entrepreneur and Loku founder and CEO Dan Street shares why patience is important when measuring success. Street discounts myths that startups become billion dollar companies overnight. He believes patience is about sticking to your vision, developing ideas over time, and finding support to help execute that vision. Street is the founder and CEO of Austin, Texas based Loku, previously named Borrowed Sugar, which develops Internet software to strengthen local communities. Previously, Street worked in private equity at Kohlberg, Kravis, and Roberts (KKR) and management consulting at Bain & Co. He earned a BA in music and business from Rice University.

How Behavior Change Helps Film Director Develop as Leader - Tricia Regan

In Chapter 5 of 10 in her 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, director and filmmaker Tricia Regan addresses a weakness - interpersonal communication skills - to strengthen her leadership skills. After multiple films, Regan learns the technical skills required in shooting, directing, and producing. She then works on how to better interface with those around her who challenge her vision. She recognizes her need to accept responsibility and the need to find better ways to communicate with her team. Regan is an Emmy-Award winning filmmaker. She directed, produced and shot "Autism: The Musical." When not shooting documentary films, Regan has worked as a director, producer, and writer at ABC, NBC, FOX, and Lifetime. She earned a bachelors from Binghamton University and masters from New York University.

How Female Film Director Manages Career - Tricia Regan

In Chapter 4 of 10 in her 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, filmmaker Tricia Regan battles the physical and emotional challenges of cultivating a body of work in the movie industry. After an initial success with her documentary "Autism: The Musical" Regan faces challenges and learns ways to recover and heal to prepare for future projects. The process helps her put a filmmaking career in perspective, noting even one film can make a career and many films may take several decades. Regan is an Emmy-Award winning filmmaker. She directed, produced and shot "Autism: The Musical." When not shooting documentary films, Regan has worked as a director, producer, and writer at ABC, NBC, FOX, and Lifetime. She earned a bachelors from Binghamton University and masters from New York University.

How to Encourage a Culture of Innovation in Education - Louise Davis Langheier

In Chapter 9 of 9 in her 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, non-profit founder and executive Louise Davis Langheier shares how she encourages innovation in education by promoting health education and life skills in the context of education. In today's education setting, Langheier sees significant opportunity to increase heath education and life skills curriculum in the classroom. Her team prioritizes communication on this issue when speaking at conferences, meeting with education leaders, and working with schools. Langheier is founder and CEO of Peer Health Exchange (http://www.peerhealthexchange.com ), a non-profit that trains college students to teach health education in public high schools. She graduated Yale University with a B.A. in History and serves on the board of directors of Dwight Hall at Yale, the center for public service and social justice.

Simon Sinek on Why to Wait Before Making an Emotional Decision

In Chapter 6 of 20 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, author and leadership expert Simon Sinek shares how he manages his emotions when making decisions. In short, Sinek takes a pause to temper a potential emotional reaction. He finds asking "what good will come of this?" helps him understand where and when to respond. Simon Sinek is a trained ethnographer who applies his curiosity around why people do what they do to teach leaders and companies how to inspire people. He is the author of "Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action". Sinek holds a BA degree in cultural anthropology from Brandeis University.

Transcript

Erik Michielsen: Where do you find balance between being overly emotional and removing emotion entirely when making a decision?

Simon Sinek: We all make decisions based on an emotional reaction, not necessarily using the emotion of our gut, you know? It’s sort of the naughty step, as Nanny Jo, Super Nanny Jo Fraust, you know, developed, I think has great value to us as adults as well, to just to sort of take a break and cool off, you know, when somebody sends you a rude email, don’t reply back immediately. Wait, and 99 times out of 100 you’ll go back and read it later, you’ll be like “yeah, whatever.” But, you won’t get all flustered. Or write the response but don’t hit send, you know, if you want to have the venting, you know, don’t hit send and maybe come back to it later. 

And I’m a great believer in tempering that emotional reaction.  I play a little game with myself – which is, before I make a decision, I ask myself um, “what good will come of this?” because I only want to make decisions where good will come of my decisions, right? And so you realize so often – I got an email once from somebody who, who wanted something from me, and I’d been trying to reach out to them for months for a small favor and I got nothing, I got a cold shoulder, and now all of a sudden, “wishing you well, I heard you had a book come out, congratulations… oh and by the way.” You know? 

And so of course, how do I reply? You know, I could be like “how dare you?” You know? So I ask myself, “What good will come of this?” And the answer was, if I send something mean, what good will come of that? Nothing, I’ll just inflame something. If I send something nice, what good will come of it? Nothing there either, because it’s artificial, you know, I’m not being genuine. And so I ended up sending nothing at all. I couldn’t make a decision; I couldn’t do something where something good will happen, so I did nothing. So I – with as many decisions as I can I ask myself “what good will come of this?” before I make the decision, because if my decisions can’t make good, then I shouldn’t make them at all.

How to Overcome Common Influencer Brand Marketing Mistakes - Phil McKenzie

In Chapter 11 of 12 in his 2010 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, media and publishing entrepreneur Phil McKenzie shares how fear and knowledge gaps limit brand marketer ability to connect with influencers and tastemakers. Additionally, short-term timelines - predicated by Wall Street quarterly earnings pressures - causes breakdowns in longer-term influencer community connection.  Phil McKenzie graduated from Howard University and earned an MBA from the Duke University Fuqua School of Business.  Before starting FREE DMC and the Influencer Conference, McKenzie worked for eight years in sales and trading at Goldman Sachs.

How Patience Helps Manage in a Political Corporate Climate - Geoff Hamm

In Chapter 8 of 16 of his 2010 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, online media sales executive Geoff Hamm shares how he navigates political climates in large Internet companies. Hamm learns to practice patience and prioritize understanding another's point of view. He assumes good intentions and addresses the situation from this perspective. This helps Hamm align goals and achieve objectives in difficult situations. Hamm graduated from the University of Illinois - http://illinois.edu/ - and is now SVP of Sales at at Scribd http://www.scribd.com/ in Silicon Valley. Previously he held online sales management positions at Electronic Arts, Yahoo!, Orbitz, IAC, and Excite.

How to Apply a Passion for Studying History in a Real Estate Career - Brett Goldman

In Chapter 2 of 10 in his 2010 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, real estate development acquisitions director Brett Goldman shares how his passion for history has informed his real estate development career. For his master's thesis, analyzes how a neighborhood's story over many generations can be told through a single piece of property. This provides Goldman a new perspective on real estate cycles that he later applies in his long-term real estate investment pursuits. Brett Goldman is a Real Estate Acquisitions Director at Triangle Equities - http://www.triangleequities.com/ - in New York City. Goldman holds a BA in General Studies from the University of Michigan - http://www.umich.edu/ - and a masters in real estate development from Columbia University's Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation - http://www.arch.columbia.edu/ View more videos at http://www.captureyourflag.com

How Patience and Perseverance Build Career Momentum - Brett Goldman

In Chapter 3 of 10 in his 2010 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, real estate development acquisitions director Brett Goldman details how patience and perseverance create career momentum. He highlights the need to have patience in order to persevere and have the will to continue. Brett Goldman is a Real Estate Acquisitions Director at Triangle Equities - http://www.triangleequities.com/ - in New York City. Goldman holds a BA in General Studies from the University of Michigan - http://www.umich.edu/ - and a masters in real estate development from Columbia University's Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation - http://www.arch.columbia.edu/ View more videos at http://www.captureyourflag.com