Home: Chicago, IL. Birthplace: Pittsburgh, PA. Profession: Real estate investor and developer. Organization: Granite Realty Partners, LLC. Title: Founder/Principal. Alma mater: Northwestern University (BA); Kellogg Northwestern University (MBA).
Current project: Eating a healthy smoothie every morning. Latest accomplishment: Learning how to use AI. Latest contribution to others: Mentoring a group of young people in commercial real estate. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Paying for my own education. Hobbies: Walking, working out, golf, tennis, pickleball, travel. Recent travel or adventure: Spent two weeks in Europe traveling alone. Last book read: The Secret of Secrets, by Dan Brown.
Personality profile: Funny, smart, open-minded, engaging. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Loyal. Moral compass: If you have to ask if it’s the right thing to do, then it probably isn’t. How do you define an ideal business relationship? 100% trust with someone smarter than me. What is your greatest joy? My family. What is your greatest fear? Heights. What word or phrase do you use far too often? No problem, I’ll take care of it. What is at the top of your bucket list? Learning how to fly a plane.
What was your first paying job? Cleaning windows and sweeping floors in a children’s clothing store. What was your favorite college course? Ancient Chinese History. What book have you repeatedly read? The Dune Trilogy, by Frank Herbert. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Groundhog Day. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Pictures of my family. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My grandmother. She had the best sense of humor. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Listen more than you talk.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field?
Incorporating AI into our normal business life.
What change would you like to see in the world? Greater tolerance and respect. What message do you want to send out into the world? Do not take yourself too seriously.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? His Children Loved Him. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My dad. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A doctor. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? Nothing. Things are just things. What advice would you give your younger self? Being smart isn’t as important as you think. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? Freshman year, first quarter, chemistry.
Personal mission: Make every day count. Personal motto: Embrace life, don’t just endure it. Desired epitaph: He was a great dad.
