This post was written by Trisha Riggs, vice president of communications for ULI.
A big part of weathering real estate cycles is using the downturns wisely--to polish professional skills, develop post-recession strategies for growth, and keep employees motivated, according to four industry icons who offered survival tips at ULI’s 2009 Fall Meeting in San Francisco.
James D. Klingbeil, chairman and chief executive officer of Klingbeil Capital; Gerald D. Hines, chairman and owner of the Hines real estate organization; Joseph Brown, group chief executive of design and planning at AECOM; and Robert B. McLeod, chairman and chief executive officer of Newland Communities--collectively with about 200 years of industry experience--reminded attendees that longevity is about sticking to the basics of sound business practices. Surviving and thriving, they said, is a matter of staying focused on such fundamentals as providing excellent service to clients, hiring the brightest and best, mentoring employees through tough times, and offering a product that is a cut above the rest.
Among the advice from the panelists:
- Do the best work you can locally, no matter how many places you expand--be the best provider in each market.
- Your integrity and that of your company should be your top priority--never compromise your values.
- Avoid becoming over-leveraged, even during times of easy credit availability.
- Make frequent visits to your projects--meet with your management and keep the communication flowing throughout your organization. Fear of the unknown has a paralyzing impact that stifles productivity.
- Seek ideas and heed creative direction from your best clients.
- Seek public-sector partners--public-private partnerships will be important catalysts for development that will help move the economy from recession to recovery.
- Above all, remember that real estate is a long-term business, and that no bust--or boom--lasts forever.










