Episode 021: Brad Wolk

Introduction:


Today we have with us a real estate rock star who on a daily
basis channels my “Albert Einstein-Snoop Dogg-Drake Bring Your
A-Game Theory,” given that he strives to not only be a man of
value to his clients, but one who takes Snoop’s line, “If it’s
flipping hamburgers at McDonald’s, be the best hamburger flipper
in the world. Whatever it is you do you have to master your
craft” to heart, as he knows that if he does not, his iPhone will
no longer “Light Up” with calls from his clients, and even worse,
he will no longer have access to his “Hotline Bling.” Yes my
friends, today’s guest is Brad Wolk, Executive Managing
Director, Co-Head of Integrated Consulting Strategies at
Savills Studley. Brad, an attorney by education and training, is
able to maximize leverage throughout the tenant representation
process - with a little help from the title of an old Lionel
Richie and the Commodores song - by leaning on the “Brick House”
of knowledge he acquired while working for five years in real
estate development, exclusively representing commercial owners in
the acquisition, disposition and leasing of various commercial
properties.



On a personal note, this is not the first time I have sat down
with Brad for an interview, as the last time was nearly 20 years
ago, back when we both had full heads of hair. Like the dog and
pony shows he puts on when attempting to secure new business, his
was one of the most engaging, informative and off-beat interviews
I ever had ... so good in fact that I hired him for my old real
estate development firm right out of law school. More
importantly, I take great pride in knowing that (1) career wise,
the pupil has definitively exceeded the mentor, and (2) he met
his amazing wife Jen, who worked at another of my firm’s offices,
while at our old company.


 


Episode Notes:


At 2:42, Brad Wolk reminisces about his 2001 interview with Larry
Haber for a summer internship position, while still attending law
school. At 3:34, Brad shares his appreciation for the underdog
mentality of working hard to prove others wrong. At 5:14, Wolk
touches upon fear of failure and the need to please others. At
7:34, Brad discusses goal setting, going after challenging
assignments, and the importance of prioritizing. At 8:42, he
believes that one must respect the competition, and over prepare
to win while utilizing an intelligent strategy. At 9:39, Wolk
speaks about service and focusing on clients. He advises that one
should listen and react, more so than they preach. At 10:49, Brad
talks about preparation, drive and negotiation. At 12:00, he
reflects on his first boss (Larry Haber), his partnership and
relationship with Matt Barlow, founder of Savills Studley’s
consulting group, and his relationship with Mitch Steir, Chairman
and CEO of Savills Studley. At 13:34, he shares how he manages
the talent on Savills Studley’s Integrated Consulting Strategies
(ICS) team made up of 15 diverse professionals. At 14:53, Wolk
dives into the topic of whether tenants have altered their
strategies as a result of the recently enacted FASB accounting
changes. At 17:05, Brad talks about how creating lists of both
personal and business tasks, keeps him organized and on top of
whatever he sets out to accomplish. At 19:17, he shares the ski
mantra of, “If you are not falling, you are not trying.” At
21:01, Wolk mentions the importance of paying it forward by
spending time with younger professionals or anyone seeking out
help. At 23:31, Brad notes his ambition to grow ICS, as well as
being a great role model for his three kids. At 25:25, he
stresses that one needs to have short memory when dealing with
rejection, and that one cannot take the losses to heart. At
26:36, Wolk believes that the key to success and longevity is
surrounding yourself with people that are smarter than you. At
27:11, Brad considers any word that resembles an excuse as “nails
on a blackboard.” At 29:27, he shares that he is blessed to wake
up daily, and work with his friends at Savills-Studley. At 30:45,
Wolk speaks about working on complex deals, and taking
challenging shots down field. At 31:31, he feels that the time of
his life is “now,” as life continues to get fuller, and is
enjoying time with his wife and kids. At 34:16, Brad Wolk closes
the door on the podcast with a message that pertains to stamina
and extreme focus when on the “5-yard line” of a deal.