cardinal

INSIGHTS

SCROLL

I love learning new things…

SHARE:

One thing I love about being in the commercial real estate industry is you’re allowed to be a lifelong learner. In fact, I’ve found the most successful real estate professionals have an insatiably curious approach to life and an unrelenting quest for continuous learning.

Recently I toured the region with Michael Brennan of Brennan Investment Group. In addition to being one of the most active acquirers of industrial real estate in the US, Michael also serves as the Executive Director of the Grasskamp Center for RE at the University of Wisconsin.

As Michael opined on real estate deals with a nearly limitless creativity and contacts, it got me thinking about a book I am reading, How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci. Michael Gelb boils down da Vinci’s genius to 7 principals:

  • “Curiosita” – An insatiably curious approach to life and unrelenting quest for continuous learning.
  • “Dimonstratzione” – A commitment to test knowledge through experience, persistence and a willingness to learn from mistakes
  • “Sensazione” – The continual refinement of the senses, especially sight, as the means to clarify experience.
  • “Sfumato” – I willingness to embrace paradox, ambiguity, and uncertainty
  • “Arte” – The development of the balance between science and art, logic and imagination “whole brain thinking”
  • “Corporalita” – The cultivation of grace, ambidexterity, fitness and poise.
  • “Connessione” – A recognition and appreciation for the connectedness of all things and phenomena. Systems thinking.

This is a great book. Not long ago I visited the home of Leonardo just outside Vinci on the foothills of Montalbano in a village called Anchiano. But the book reminded me what a well rounded and ultra curious fella he was. He would make a great modern “bohemian” real estate thinker – Michael Brennan is a great example of that spirit!

Real estate transactions can be fraught with frustration and pitfalls.

Sometimes the hardest part turns out to be working with your broker, the person who is supposed to help you through the complexities. Veteran commercial real estate broker and client advisor John Culbertson discovered that brokers’ interests aren’t always aligned with those of their clients. He realized there was a better way to advocate for clients and get the deal done.

GET A FREE DOWNLOAD
related
INSIGHTS
Subscribe

Stay up-to-date with Cardinal Insights, our award-winning newsletter.

TESTIMONIALS

Our clients get senior-level attention.

We’re grateful for our clients. They are extraordinary leaders who have achieved tremendous results. When we think about the companies and people we are fortunate to work with, we are blown away.

Jay Faison
Former President, WirePath and ZoboTV

John and his team were exceptional advocates on our behalf. Their team approach makes sense, and it yielded an excellent value for my company.

Bob Spencer
Senior Vice President, RBC Bank

I got to know John while serving on a state board and observed him be one of very high integrity and commitment to his clients. His approach to serving clients in the real estate business is unique and results-focused. I have no hesitation recommending him to any of my clients. I know he is a true professional and an expert in his field. He understands partnering like no one else!

Lee Roberts
Former Managing Director Piedmont Community Bank Holdings

Truth is, we can easily find real estate that is available in SouthPark. But Cardinal called the landlord of one of our competitors and helped us make a deal for an awesome Charlotte branch. I am extraordinarily pleased with the engagement in every possible dimension.

Ronnie Bryant
Former CEO, Charlotte Regional Partnership

Working with a smaller shop gets you more personal attention. I got the top guy’s attention. You don’t get that with a large organization where sometimes you end up with junior people doing the work. John is detailed; he’s professional, he’s aggressive, and not in a negative way, but in terms of wanting to get it right. He’s tenacious. He would be my No. 1 choice for any real estate deal. I know what to expect. He’s a good guy, and over the years, he's become a good friend, too.

Stephen Pandos
Director of Finance, Insite Properties

Few people have a Rolodex like John. He's about the most networked person I know and people take his call. He has deep contacts with all the major players, both locally and around the region. As a result of John's introductions, we have found several exceptional deals and developed some valuable relationships. You can't put a price tag on this type of access and speed of trust.

Stephen Pandos
Director of Finance, Insite Properties

John has a high tolerance for the mental pain it takes to solve a complex problem. Frankly, his peers in the brokerage industry just don’t have it. I think John’s experience as an operator, investor, developer, and broker gives him a unique perspective when looking at opportunities. His vision, his ability to think forward, is unique in his profession. His ability to see the bigger picture and what the future looks like on opportunities is remarkable. He also is networked - he has deep contacts with all the major players, both locally and around the region. John’s network has opened doors for us. People take his call.

HERE ARE THEIR STORIES
Ready to get started?
Get in Touch