How many years have you been in the industry?

I have been in the real estate industry for almost 25 years.  While a student at Boston College I was an apartment rental agent and I ran a painting business.  Since then, I have been an office leasing broker with CBRE, a development project manager with The Gutierrez Company, an economic advisor to Congressman Seth Moulton and a small business franchise owner.  I also completed MSRED at Columbia University in 2007.

Currently, I am a loan originator and portfolio manager with First Boston Capital Partners, an affiliate of The Grossman Companies.

What motivates you?

I love helping others achieve their goals and reach their potential.  In my current role, I help entrepreneurial real estate investors capitalize their development and redevelopment projects.  Most of our clients are finding unique opportunities and taking calculated risks in order to execute complicated construction projects. It helps them tremendously to have a capital partner who understands their vision and challenges.  Having been a developer and small business owner, I completely identify with their entrepreneurial spirit and it motivates me to help them succeed.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone entering CRE?

We become what we think about so choose your thoughts wisely.  Once you make a decision as to what you actually want, the whole world will conspire to help you.

What’s your favorite thing about real estate?

Opportunity is literally everywhere.

What are some of your career accomplishments?

While I have completed some very meaningful transactions in my professional career (from selling a 400-space parking garage to permitting and building a 175,000 SF headquarters for RedHat), I think the 3 years (2015-2017) in Lynn as Congressman Moulton’s economic development director were most impactful.  I am very proud of the many accomplishments we achieved with Governor Baker, Secretary Ash, Mayor Kennedy and Lynn’s EDIC.  A lot of the progress we made as the Lynn Economic and Advancement Development team set the stage for development that’s been happening and continues to happen.

Why do you find ULI valuable?

To me, ULI is like a college campus full of friends who are smart enough and conscientious enough to address issues that matter most.  Most of my professional friends have come from ULI and since 2004 I have enjoyed reading the ULI Magazine and attending both Spring and Fall Meetings.

What are you reading, watching, or listening to now?

I’m currently listening to The Coming Wave by Mustafa Suleyman (about artificial intelligence) on my drive to and from the office. Most books I read, however, are on personal development.  I have read Think and Grow Rich about 1,000 times.  My favorite movie is Rudy.  I tear up just thinking about it.  I have a Play Like a Champion Today sign in my office because I relate to his spirit.

What are you looking forward to?

For the past 15 years, I have written my goals based on 5 Pillars: Physical, Spiritual, Aesthetical, Intellectual, and Social.  I’m always looking forward to making them happen, leveling up, and writing more goals.  Right now, specifically I’m looking forward to a Half Ironman in December, a trip to Monaco in January and meeting lots of new real estate investors in 2024!