100

The number 100 has been on my mind. This is my 100^th full length commercial real estate blog. Add the over 100 “shorts” and that’s a lot of words! The number became a seed floating around in my mind, and I began to think about how 100 plays out in my approach to life and commercial real estate.

1.      I believe your life is 100% your responsibility. You may not be able to control what happens to you, but you do control how you react and act. I learned at a young age that I was in charge of making things happen for myself. I knew if I didn’t, I wouldn’t live the life I imagined. I lacked the family support and guidance to get me there. That’s why I often visited neighbors full of questions. That’s why I got a bike and a paper route. That’s why I joined the Army. And that’s why I eventually became a business owner.

2.     As a kid, I was 100% sure I wanted to be a businessman. My neighborhood friends knew it too. We may not have understood all of what that entailed, but I was confident that life was for me. I drew on an inner tenacity and determination combined with the guidance, support, and lessons learned from mentors. Now that I am a mentor and businessman (and a business, man 👨‍🚀), I know the real-life benefit of having someone in your corner who also gives you the space to build your inner strengths. That gift is absolutely 100 out of 100.

3.     Levi asked me recently why it took me so long to finish college. I have found that incremental successes are better than the “all or nothing” 100% mindset. Sometimes the mountain can be so big that you have to pace yourself. To get through college, I worked multiple jobs and only took classes when I could afford them. Yes, it took many, many years, but I eventually graduated with no debt. I achieved my goal by moving forward––slow and steady. I couldn’t go 100 MPH. I had to eat!😄 Commercial real estate deals often unfold this way, so my lived experience prepared me to not panic and have the wherewithal to keep deals on track.

4.    In reality you can’t give 100% all of the time. Balance is critical. I find the “all or nothing” mindset about “everything” to be impossible. Life is full of grays, packed with energy burning and energy giving. It’s important to have focused attention to a specific personal or professional goal. But so is carving space for free thought and creativity. Sometimes you have to slow down and just be. And breathe in and breathe out.

5.     In the winter of 2021, this blog was just a line in the CEG social media marketing plan. It wasn’t until months later after a business mentor suggested it, that I published my first CEG blog. After all, in the words of Wayne Gretsky, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” I was hesitant and a little fearful at first. But as I often warn about the negative impact of "analysis paralysis" in commercial real estate, I decided to take a shot. And 100 blogs later, I’m still standing. And reflecting. And writing. And I’ll continue to keep it 💯.

Conclusion

The journey to 100 blogs mirrors my broader approach to business, commercial real estate deals, and everyday living. Whether in your personal or professional life, I give you this advice––be intentional, take responsibility, be tenacious, and don’t be afraid to take a shot. 👨‍🚀

Jeff Salzbrun is the owner/broker of Commercial Equities Group (CEG). As a veteran-owned real estate brokerage, CEG has been involved in thousands of sale and lease transactions, ranging from single offices to 250,000+ square foot buildings. At CEG, we get your deal done. We know space, and we know the CRE business.

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