Another year / Life

Another year…

The end of any year means different things to each of us.   In real estate investing, it’s a last-minute rush to close a deal.  For retailers, running year-end sales boost December numbers. ‘Using before losing’ vacation days may loom large for employees in corporate America.  And the challenge in the restaurant world might be what prix-fix deal will fill the tables with revelers waiting for the ball to drop.  

Celebrating the New Year, for many, is a glamorous production.  Others choose to lay low.  My brother always refers to this night as ‘amateur night.’  For me, New Year’s Eve has generally been relatively quiet.  This year I will be with friends in New York City raising a glass to toast the past year and the excitement the future has in store. 

No matter where you are in the world, and how you choose to ring in the New Year, I wish you and yours health, happiness and prosperity in 2014. 

Life

My son Brian sent me this piece in August 2000. I published it last December and received a number of replies saying how much it was liked. I intend to make it part of the final OTR every year.   You may have seen this before but I encourage you to reread it.

What I’ve Learned (Author unknown)

• I've learned that we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
• I've learned that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
• I've learned that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.
• I've learned that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.
• I've learned that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.
• I've learned that it's taken me a long time to become the person I want to be.
• I've learned that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
• I've learned that you can keep going long after you think you can.
• I've learned that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
• I've learned that either you control your attitude or it controls you.
• I've learned that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first the passion fades and there had better be something else to take its place.
• I've learned that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
• I've learned that money is a lousy way of keeping score.
• I've learned that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.
• I've learned that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.
• I've learned that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
• I've learned that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to, doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.
• I've learned that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
• I've learned that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others.  Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.
• I've learned that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.
• I've learned that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other.  And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.
• I've learned that you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret.  It could change your life forever.
• I've learned that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.
• I've learned that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.
• I've learned that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.
• I've learned that the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

*                                                    

I’ve always enjoyed quotes. When I was in Junior High School, my parents bought me Bartlett’s Famous Quotations where I underlined some of my favorites.  I remember one quote that always had meaning for me: No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.  

While not found in the collection from Mom and Dad, the above passage from my son is one of the most meaningful to me. I hope you find value in the messages it contains as you enter the New Year.

On The Road…

Jan. 7 – 9:  Emerging Managers Conference, Austin, TX

Jan. 15 – 16:  New business development meetings, Washington, DC

Jan. 22 - 24, 2014:  IMN (Information Management Network) Winter Forum on Opportunity and Private Fund Investing, Laguna Beach, CA

Mar. 11 - 14: MIPIM, Cannes, France

May 16:  Annual meeting of The Hoyt Fellows, North Palm Beach, FL

Disclaimer 

All content in this blog is created for informational purposes only. Content, which includes all text, photos, video and graphics is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company or individual.  Steve Felix makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or other information as a result of following any featured link to or from this site.  The intention of this blog is to do no harm in regards to injury, defamation or libel. What is written or shown is not to be taken as fact or absolute.  Steve Felix will hold himself harmless for any errors or omissions in this blog’s information; including but not limited to external link information, translation or interpretation of content or incorrect grammar or punctuation. 

RCA Holiday Party / MIPIM / Rolf's

RCA Holiday Party

This week, RCA (Real Capital Analytics) held their joyous holiday celebration at the Chelsea Arts Tower, a 20-story commercial condominium located on 25^th street between 10^th and 11^th Avenue in NYC.  Designed for galleries and art-related business it is Manhattan’s first art gallery condominium.  Everyone was ‘gaga’ over the most incredible Manhattan views.

The entertainment at RCA’s party was provided by Elliot Zimet, a master illusionist.  It was difficult to comprehend anything Elliot did.  I just shook my head and said, ‘That’s impossible!’  He is definitely someone to keep in mind when thinking about distinctive entertainment for your next event.

As many of you may know, I have had a close affiliation with RCA since shortly after their launch in 2000.  Attending this event is special for me – having watched them evolve, from a three-person start-up to becoming the leading provider of investment sales data and capital market trends in the commercial real estate business.  RCA has had a major impact on how real estate investment decisions are made. They continue to be on the leading edge of creating products and services that will take the industry to the next level. It’s a great story!

MIPIM

This week I spoke with my long-time industry friend, Patric Dolan, who heads business development for MIPIM in North America.  MIPIM is the premier global commercial real estate event to be held March 11 -14, 2014 in Cannes, France. 

Being fortunate to have attended numerous times I can personally attest:  The MIPIM experience is exhilarating.  It will get your creative juices flowing and give you the opportunity to network and begin building relationships that, in time, may result in truly unexpected possibilities.  

You will leave having met commercial real estate professionals from all over the globe; been exposed to some of the world’s most inspired real estate developments and have your finger on the pulse of the commercial real estate industry worldwide.

I encourage you to consider allocating the time and making the investment to attend, as it truly is an investment more than an expense.

But if you’re looking to have expenses as well, I’ve known a few US colleagues to enjoy a post-MIPIM weekend in the south of France – not a bad place to debrief and unwind!

Rolf’s

Imagine that you are in the middle of a Christmas tree…a large one at that.  What do you think it would look like?  What would it feel like?  Well, this week I had the opportunity to experience just that. 

I met some friends at Rolf’s German Restaurant (Third Avenue and 22^nd St.) in Manhattan.  It was my first time there and won’t be my last.  On the walk over I was given the following disclaimer: “It’s going to be crazy busy.  We probably won’t even be able to make it to the bar and, if we get close, we won’t get a seat.  But the decorations are incredible.”  And, that they were!  While these photos give you a taste, this is really something you need to see to believe. 

Using the power of positive thinking, we managed to secure two seats at the bar before the rest of our group arrived. The friendliness of those around us was true to the season (perhaps it’s always that way at Rolfs…I’ll need to go back again to confirm!).  And, sitting in the midst of the spectacular decorations, I felt like part of the tree.

The decor at Rolf’s changes with the season…a good reason to return periodically. If you are in NYC for the holidays and want a very special experience, go to Rolf’s… I recommend the eggnog.  It’s a wonderful way to become one with the holiday spirit.  

On The Road...

Jan. 7 – 9:  Emerging Managers Conference, Austin, TX

Jan. 15 – 16:  New business development meetings, Washington, DC

Jan. 22 - 24, 2014:  IMN (Information Management Network) Winter Forum on Opportunity and Private Fund Investing, Laguna Beach, CA

Mar. 11 - 14: MIPIM, Cannes, France

May 4 - 7:  CRE (Counselors of Real Estate) Mid-year meetings, Austin, TX
May 16:  Annual meeting of The Hoyt Fellows, North Palm Beach, FL

Disclaimer 

All content in this blog is created for informational purposes only. Content, which includes all text, photos, video and graphics is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company or individual.  Steve Felix makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or other information as a result of following any featured link to or from this site.  The intention of this blog is to do no harm in regards to injury, defamation or libel. What is written or shown is not to be taken as fact or absolute.  Steve Felix will hold himself harmless for any errors or omissions in this blog’s information; including but not limited to external link information, translation or interpretation of content or incorrect grammar or punctuation. 

Alex Hesterberg / Welco Realty Party / OTR Readers Write Back

Alex Hesterberg

I heard the sad news this week that Alex Hesterberg passed away after a very long fight with cancer. My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.

Alex and I met years ago at a dinner hosted by his long-time former employer Chase Manhattan Bank. We were randomly seated next to each other during an International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) convention in Las Vegas.  It was the start of a friendship that lasted, on and off, for almost 30 years. 

I remember years ago, right around this time of year, Alex said to me, “Steve, you need to have a hat.”  So he took me, protesting all the way, to this now long-gone legendary hat store on Madison Avenue and helped me pick out a dressy gray hat - like my grandfather used to wear.  I was never comfortable wearing hats or thought that I looked good in a hat but I went along with it as, to me, Alex was one of those people I just couldn’t say ‘no’ to.  And, I can tell you that I actually had some fun in the process. At some point, in all my moving around, that hat disappeared.  But for years, whenever I saw it at the top of my closet, I thought of Alex and fondly remembered that day. 

For many years, Alex and I had a Christmas tradition of getting together for a long lunch and a few cocktails.   It was something we both looked forward to.  If memory serves me well it was Alex that introduced me to the martini.   Tonight I will raise a glass, close my eyes, and toast my friend Alex Hesterberg who made a difference in the commercial real estate industry and in the lives of people he touched. Thanks for the memories, Alex.

The email below from Mary Walker Fleishman, President of The Counselors of Real Estate (CRE), is a wonderful testimonial to Alex.

“It is with sadness and admiration that I share with you the passing of Alex Hesterberg, a 23 year member of The Counselors of Real Estate, on Saturday morning, December 7, 2013, after a long and tenacious battle with cancer.

Alex served for many years as a Managing Director of Deutsche Bank, specializing in credit risk management and valuation, a practice, which was international in scope.


Alex was known for an intense personality and a penchant for bright colors, worn with flair and the ever-present matching pocket square. He was never reticent about expressing a point of view, which he did with regularity on issues involving politics, the profession, and life in general.  One always knew when Alex Hesterberg was in the room, and the world will be a quieter, far less interesting place without him.”

Alex Hesterberg

Welco Realty Party

During my career I’ve had the opportunity to work in several different ‘neighborhoods’ in the commercial real estate world.  One that I spent many years - the shopping center industry. This past Monday night I visited that ‘neighborhood’ again.  Welco Realty invited me to their holiday party hosted by partners Jerry Welkis, Allen Cooperman and David Sternchuss.  It was like a walk down memory ‘mall’. 

At the party were many of my old industry friends whom I hadn’t seen in years.  Several times, when I caught someone’s eye, I stood still - realizing they might need a brief moment to process who I was. When I approached, there were lots of hugs and kisses. In a few instances, being introduced to someone by a friend, the other person said, “I know your name…but can’t remember from where.”  The evening became an enjoyable game of ‘industry geography’ until we were able to connect the dots of our history.

It was a cozy feeling on a bitterly cold night to be amongst a group of retail real estate professionals that I had worked with - and next to -for so many years.  Many of my industry connections still thought I was living in California and hadn’t realized I moved back to New York.  Others, knowing I had reinvented myself a number of times were curious and asked, “What are you doing now?”  When I told them about Behavioral Presentation Coaching, the response from some was, “I know exactly what you mean.  I know groups who can use your help.”  That is always encouraging from a new business development standpoint and I left the evening with a number of follow-up calls and meetings to be scheduled.

I’m a very lucky boy to be part of the global commercial real estate community and be able to visit different ‘neighborhoods’ from time to time.  It’s very special to find those friendly faces, sincere handshakes and open arms bringing warmth to the holiday season.

OTR Readers Write Back

I received emails this week from OTR readers sharing their memories of Christmas in New York City. Here are two I want to share with you:

“I love the tree too. And you are right...this is what NYC is about! I came here in November 1985 from California with my job located at 1 Rockefeller Center. Can you imagine a California girl arriving in New York City, working at that address, watching all the skaters and seeing the lighting of the tree?? I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Still get chills thinking about it 28 years later.”

***

“I enjoyed your recent posting about New York at holiday time.  I have always loved going to the city at this time of year.  My first visit, right after grad school, was during early December.  I was like a kid in a candy shop as we rode in the cab to our luncheon meeting, turning one way and then the other to see all of the decorations.  I only wished I could stay and not zip back to the airport right after lunch for the trip home.

And my claim to fame, I have actually skated on the Rockefeller Ice Rink during one of my holiday visits.  My daughter and I got up early to be there when it opened so that we could actually skate and not be hemmed in by the crowds.  What a cool memory!”

I’d love to hear your story of spending the holiday season in New York.  Or let me know when you’ll be in town – we’ll create a new memory!

 On The Road...

Dec. 19: Real Capital Analytics (RCA) Holiday Party, New York, NY

Jan. 22 - 24, 2014:  IMN (Information Management Network) Winter Forum on Opportunity and Private Fund Investing, Laguna Beach, CA

Mar. 11 - 14: MIPIM, Cannes, France

May 4 - 7:  CRE (Counselors of Real Estate) Mid-year meetings, Austin, TX

May 16:  Annual meeting of The Hoyt Fellows, North Palm Beach, FL

Disclaimer 

All content in this blog is created for informational purposes only. Content, which includes all text, photos, video and graphics is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company or individual.  Steve Felix makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or other information as a result of following any featured link to or from this site.  The intention of this blog is to do no harm in regards to injury, defamation or libel. What is written or shown is not to be taken as fact or absolute.  Steve Felix will hold himself harmless for any errors or omissions in this blog’s information; including but not limited to external link information, translation or interpretation of content or incorrect grammar or punctuation.