Episode 033: Chris Meade

06/07/19 • 47 min

Real Estate REality Check | Real Estate & Business Career Success Education and Training

Introduction:

At initial blush, today it may appear that we are going a bit off of the real estate grid with our guest Chris Meade, the Co-CEO and Co-Founder of SportsRecruits, but given his talent for helping clients navigate the challenges of the recruiting landscape as well as the importance of education, technology and video in finding the right fit for a student athlete - aside from the fact that earlier in his career he was in fact a CRE broker - there are many similarities between SportsRecruits’ business model and that of a landlord’s leasing agent or tenant representative. Chris, who will later tell us why his Twitter bio includes that of “Living the dream,” is not only an innovator in using a video platform to help his clients showcase their talents, but also someone who listened to what the marketplace was telling him, and as a consequence, used that feedback to take SportsRecruits’ platform to a whole new level.

Episode Notes:

At 2:33, Chris Meade discusses resume building, self-reflection, and the qualities of importance to him. At 4:41, Chris touches upon building the SportsRecruits technology platform and how it empowers their client base. At 6:18, Meade dives into the topic of rejection and putting the situation into perspective. At 9:24, he shares the evolution in SportsRecruits solving of new problems which did not exist when the business first started, and how they adapted and listened to the marketplace. At 12:34, Chris speaks about long term “stickiness,” understanding customer values, and SportsRecruits focus on Net Promoter Score (NPS). At 14:48, Meade reveals what “class” means to him. At 17:31, he talks about self-perception and the sacrifices one’s willing to make. At 21:51, Chris shares his thoughts on management, breaking down goals, as well as coaching and mentorship. At 25:31, Meade highlights his 2005 conversation with Herb Kelleher, the co-founder of Southwest Airlines. At 29:11, he notes why giving back is necessary, and SportsRecruits’ model of building its business around helping families. At 31:19, Chris discusses being a “glass half full” type of guy, and his general sentiment that people will do the right thing. At 33:03, Meade stresses that being nice is an essential piece of business. At 36:49, he dives into his “truth,” and the routines that force him to think about this truth. At 39:44, Chris touches upon technology, picking up the phone to communicate, and why face-to-face meetings cannot be beat. At 42:32, Meade notes his love of connecting with others and understanding what drives other people. At 44:29, Chris Meade closes out the podcast with a Scarface reference - “The world is yours.”

Introduction:

Episode Notes:

Previous Episode

Episode 032: David Restainer

Introduction:

Overlooking the beautiful waters of Southern Florida, we are here today in Brickell with the Managing Director and leader of Douglas Elliman’s Commercial division in Florida, David Restainer. In addition to being an agent of change in the community and an active member in the Miami District of Certified Commercial Investment Managers, among David’s many talents is that of an expertise in hospitality, acquisitions, dispositions, investment sales and development. His passion for making a difference for his clients and life extends to that of his exemplary involvement in the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the National Council of Friends of the New World Symphony.

Episode Notes:

At 2:06, David Restainer shares that “truth” and “justice” is what he stands for in business. At 3:20, David discusses his career path, starting out on Wall Street, and the importance of reading. At 4:59, Restainer highlights the empowering entrepreneurs leading Douglas Elliman. At 6:02, he advises one to focus its time in the market instead of trying to time the market. At 7:54, David speaks on Miami’s growth, and attributes the growth to a change of politics in the city of Miami. At 10:17, Restainer points out that Miami is not a sleepy place anymore, as it continues to attract people from South America, as well as from all around the world. At 11:06, he does not see “darkness on the edge of town” in Florida, and notes that the state of Florida is well positioned for the future. At 12:32, David touches upon risk and failure. At 15:41, Restainer talks about the leadership team at Douglas Elliman, and brokers having their finger on the pulse while driving company innovation. At 17:00, he believes that confidence comes from knowing what you are talking about. At 18:32, David mentions his appreciation for his parents never pressuring him to be anything but a responsible human being. At 20:48, Restainer touches upon leadership training and participating in community service initiatives. At 25:09, he utilizes a baseball analogy in regards to both failure and adversity. At 25:55, David voiced that results, and not perception, is the reality. At 27:13, Restainer closes out the podcast with a message on working every day to make the world a better place for his son, as well as everyone on this earth.

Next Episode

Episode 034: Jared Epstein

Introduction:

Today we have with us Jared Epstein, someone who for today’s podcast at least I am nicknaming “The Great Transformer,” given how he first transformed himself from being a Meatpacking District club promoter back in 2001 to becoming - over the following 6-year period - a commercial real estate broker with Newmark and a part of Bobby Cayre’s Aurora Capital Associates in 2007. Jared’s transforming and visionary ways at that juncture had only just begun, as he truly felt that Meatpacking’s vibe, pulse, architecture and landscape were ripe for a myriad of high-end hospitality, retail, office and residential uses. It wasn’t easy at first for “The Great Transformer,” but all one needs to do is to make like Lou Reed and take a “Walk on the Wild Side” down to Ninth (and Tenth) Avenue for that matter to witness the starring role that Jared played in Meatpacking’s transformation.

Episode Notes:

At 2:29, Jared Epstein believes that real estate is all about magic, connecting with people and speculating about the future. At 3:23, Jared discusses his mantra of never giving up and linking up with Bobby Cayre at Aurora Capital. At 5:41, Epstein shares working as a club promoter prior to his career in real estate, giving up late nights partying to advance his career, and his love for his role as “the wingman” at Aurora. At 7:25, he talks about his father and mother instilling the drive for success within him, as well as the importance of education. At 9:05, Jared touches upon being recognized in 2018 by Crain's as one of its 40 Under 40 recipients. At 14:10, Epstein speaks about The Rolling Stones and his son Jagger. At 15:50, he informs on the pros and cons of development and provides insight on the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. At 17:18, Jared highlights what Pastis means to the Meatpacking District neighborhood and discusses working with Restoration Hardware and Modell’s Sporting Goods as well. At 21:39, Epstein shares his thoughts on the discrepancy between what landlords perceive as market rent and what tenants are willing to pay, and how brands are positioning themselves on the most desirable streets. At 24:25, he notes the effect of the “fun police” and how real estate taxes play a major role when structuring a deal. At 26:10, Jared wholeheartedly subscribes to the adage of knowledge is power. He advises that as a developer you must know the DOB code and zoning. At 28:53, Jared stresses the need of putting yourself second behind your community, neighbors, partners, and also going to bat for tenants. At 31:22, Epstein speaks on congestion pricing and the value untapped in NYCHA. At 33:41, he dishes on there being a reason why you only have two ears and one mouth. At 34:45, Jared reflects on how he has stayed (and continues to stay) current and connected to the younger generation. At 35:53, Epstein advises that all things are best done in moderation. At 36:47, he talks about emails, texting, and keeping up with news and current events. At 38:36, Jared believes that the convenient truth in real estate is that there is a winner and a loser in every trade. At 40:25, Epstein dives into Opportunity Zones spurring economic development, Long Island City, and Amazon. At 42:24, he shares his thoughts on the trade war, retail, and brick and mortar. At 43:42, Jared answers the question of how he finds the balance in life. At 44:50, Epstein reveals his good luck charm which he purchased with $400 in his checking account with the help of his then girlfriend and now wife. At 46:35, Jared Epstein closes the podcast with a message on evolution and the circle of life in the real estate industry.