Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Goodwin.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Some might find my story traditional, but everyone has a unique journey. Mine has been built on the relationships I’ve created and adversity I’ve encountered. I’ve relied on those relationships through life’s ups and downs and built character through adversity.
My career started with a bang at the age of twenty-two; it was 2008 and I was graduating from college in one of the depressed economic environments in modern history. Fortunately, I had received an Accounting degree from Fairfield University and received my CPA which secured me an opportunity with Ernst & Young as a Certified Public Accountant. I was able to weather the recession at Ernst & Young for three years where I learned a valuable set of foundational skills.
While I appreciated my time with Ernst & Young, I wasn’t fulfilled from a career standpoint. I needed something more competitive that gave me the ability to connect with others on a much more personal level. That said, I had no idea what I wanted to do next, so I relied on my relationships and mentors to help guide me to where I am today.
Following many conversations and deep thought, I found myself leaning towards a career in commercial real estate. The industry seemed to touch on everything I was looking for. It had an entrepreneurial feel (as it is incentive driven), it was extremely competitive, and I knew that I’d get to meet with smart, interesting individuals all day long.
My father has always been an entrepreneur and my mentor. I was fortunate enough to launch a golf product with him when I was twelve years old. We designed 10 prototypes, navigated through the patent process, and developed a go-to-market strategy. The taste of entrepreneurship that I got from working with him was invaluable and it has dictated many of the career decisions that I’ve made to this day.
That’s how I found myself with the commercial real estate advisory firm where I work now, McCall & Almy. The firm caters to entrepreneurs like my father, and it’s a pleasure to be able to work alongside great people day in and day out who have such high professional aspirations. I’ve been with McCall & Almy for the past four years and I feel fortunate to say I’ve found the family I want to spend the rest of my career with which isn’t something too many 30-year-olds can say.
Given my good fortune, I wanted to give back. I am now involved with the BUILD Boston program, where I mentor ninth graders at Charlestown High School on business and entrepreneurship. There is no better feeling than walking out of that class on Thursday mornings. My students have inspiring stories about overcoming adversity and I certainly learn more from them than they do from me.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
In commercial real estate advisory, we face challenges and competition every day. We’re a team of 25 people and, on a daily basis, we are competing with publically traded commercial real estate firms with thousands of employees. We spend months preparing pitches and we win some and we lose some. It’s about staying even-keeled, and not letting the highs get too high, or the lows too low. I think my colleagues and clients would tell you that I come to work every day with a positive attitude and a smile on my face. You have to keep your head held high in this business.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the McCall & Almy story. Tell us more about the business.
There are many different types of careers in commercial real estate. I’ve had friends ask me to find them an apartment (other friend’s think I sell closets for a living). Unfortunately, this means I haven’t done a great job of explaining what I really do to them. I guess I will use this article as a platform for that!
At McCall & Almy, we exclusively represent tenants who are searching for real estate. This ranges from large global clients with corporate campuses, to three-person start-ups. We don’t represent landlords because there’s an inherent conflict of interest in representing both sides of the table. As advisors, it is our job to get the best, most flexible results for our clients, and we attribute a large part of our success to this conflict-free approach.
Within the firm, my main focus is the emerging technology sector. Many times, these entrepreneurs have never been through the real estate process before. This is an exciting time for companies, and I feel lucky to be a small part of the team when I help them find the next home for their company. It’s extremely rewarding to see the final product, and we pride ourselves on being there for our clients and spending extra time on the little details to make sure the process runs smoothly.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Luck, timing, and circumstance have all played a major role in where I am today. I feel lucky that I got to start my career with Ernst & Young. The formal training programs and the highly structured environment provided me with a great foundation that taught me self-motivation. I often tell people that if I started my career with McCall & Almy, I probably wouldn’t be here today. I love the quote, “the grass is always greener on the other side.” Had I started with McCall & Almy, I wouldn’t understand how fortunate I am to wake up to a job that I love coming to every day.
Contact Info:
- Address: One Post Office Square
Suite 2800 Boston, MA 02109 - Website: Mccallalmy.com
- Phone: 617-542-4141
- Email: mgoodwin@mccallalmy.com
- Twitter: @BostonTenantRep
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