Episode 022: Maury Golbert

Introduction:


Today’s guest is Maury Golbert, co-chair of the real estate group
and partner in the tax department of Berdon LLP, ranked among the
top 15 accounting firms in the New York metropolitan area and top
100 in the United States. Maury is certainly not what one would
describe as an underachiever, given his CPA, JD, and LLM. He is
looked upon by his real estate (and other) clients for advice
pertaining to all facets of a transaction, including due
diligence, structuring, wealth preservation and enhancement, and
workouts as well. When Maury’s not busy being a rock star in the
world of accounting and taxation - in addition to spending as
much time as possible with his wife Gail and their two daughters
- Maury is passionate about biking and truly great wines.


 


Episode Notes:


At 2:55, Maury notes that a majority of real estate developers
and entrepreneurs give off a sense of optimism and positivity. At
3:51, Maury explains why sometimes the most valuable piece of
advice to give someone is a “no.” At 4:49, Golbert shares that
there is no shortcut within his industry as the learning curve is
long and flat, and as a result one must continuously be learning
on a daily basis. At 7:09, he uses the sports analogy of the
“game slowing down” and being able to see the defense in
comparison to when one is repeatedly practicing and putting in
work. At 9:05, Maury reveals his career “oh my moment” of him
essentially working on a complex transaction all by himself. At
13:32, Golbert channels Winston Wolf of Pulp Fiction, and tells
us that clients come to him with problems, not with solutions. At
15:55, he touches upon long-time clients and forming
multi-generational relationships, how expectations vary with
time, and the importance of being responsive to clients. At
19:11, Maury advises on the uncertainty and complexity of changes
to the recently enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, and shares
that there are opportunities to be had, but many pitfalls exist
as well. At 23:57, Golbert speaks about making a difference for
others through education, and strongly believes that in this
country everyone should have a clean place to sleep and should
not be going to bed hungry. At 30:57, he discusses giving people
skills that put them in a position to help themselves. At 32:09,
Maury feels that there is no substitute to understanding what is
in front of you, as one must always be properly prepared. At
34:59, Golbert notes the pertinence of being likeable in
business, and the ability of connecting with people on a personal
level while having some fun while doing so. At 36:36, he shares
that he is not a natural networker, but his accessibility and
resourcefulness has helped him a great deal in forming and
cultivating relationships. At 42:40, Maury divulges how he finds
the balance between leveraging technology and old school methods
of communication. He believes that there is no substitute for
picking up the phone. At 47:05, Golbert mentions that he enjoys
both road and mountain biking, snowboarding, and any activity
that forces him to detach from his phone or work while getting
his adrenaline going. At 50:08, Maury Golbert closes the podcast
with a duel message: (1) every day is a new day, and (2) one
possesses complete control of his or her own destiny.