Episode 054: Matt Giffune

Introduction:


Although stated in a different context by David Byrne recently
during his hit Broadway show American Utopia, Matt Giffune, the
co-founder of Occupier, does have a bit in common with Mr. Byrne
when it comes to the benefits of collaboration. Just as David
said, “By giving more, I get more,” the same can be said of the
benefits that a user receives from Occupier's online deal and
portfolio management collaboration software for tenants of
commercial space.


 


Episode Notes:


At 1:52, Matt Giffune opens up the podcast with his thoughts on
“getting small wins” and “playing the long game.” At 3:24, Matt
touches upon mastering the fundamentals, always believing that he
is “still at the bottom,” and his mentality that there’s always
room for improvement. At 6:24, Giffune notes his previous role as
broker in Boston, along with the inefficiencies that exist within
the industry. At 8:03, he talks about leaving JLL and his
transition to working at VTS. At 9:54, Matt dives into how
Occupier came to fruition, and how it filled a hole in the
marketplace. At 12:32, Giffune explains how Occupier’s product
differentiates itself from its competitors. At 14:43, he shares
how technology has changed and allows him to stay hyper-connected
to anything he cares about. At 17:46, Matt notions that
spreadsheets are “dangerous” if not used for the right
application. At 19:21, Giffune speaks on how Occupier provides a
medium for real estate professionals to “do the right thing” with
the leasing process. At 22:17, he gives his take on the PropTech
sector of the industry. At 24:44, Matt mentions how working at
VTS provided the opportunity for him to step outside of his
“broker skin,” and exposed him to see how other companies
operate. At 27:06, Giffune elaborates on developing relationships
and being a big believer in serendipity, by sharing a story from
his brokerage days. At 29:38, he touches upon WeWork and the
realm of co-working. At 33:22, Matt suggests that there is “no
magic pill” to take to be successful in the real estate industry,
and instead believes that one must “absorb, listen, and ask.” At
35:23, Giffune credits his wife for being his safety net in life,
and his dad for being a great sounding board for him to bounce
ideas off of. At 39:50, Matt dishes on failure, the willingness
to make mistakes, and the need for one to place themselves in the
“pain cave” in order to grow. At 41:48, Matt Giffune closes out
the podcast on how he wants to be remembered: He hopes that
people think that he treated them with respect, and that he had
great taste in music.