In this week’s CRE Elite, we visit Florida and talk to Michael Fay, Chairman & Founding Partner of Colliers International South Florida office in Miami. Mike has been a commercial broker for over 30 years and has closed over $4 billion (with a B!), in transactions. He specializes in investment sales and has an acute understanding and experience working with lenders and special servicers on REO and note sales.

Mike is the definition of a “rainmaker” and during the course of our interview he stressed teamwork and collaboration as the key to his success. He says the lone-wolf broker is a dying breed and his energy, drive and talent was obvious during our talk. I really enjoyed talking with him and hope you enjoy listening:

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Here’s What You’ll Discover

• How Mike overcame his childhood dyslexia diagnosis
• Why the internet is the great equalizer and actually makes broker’s jobs more important
• What a team value graph is
• Why some of Mike’s listings have no asking price
• Why you should NEVER have to make a cold call

Mentions & Resources

• Donald Trump’s The Art of the Deal
• Forbes, Wall Street Journal, The Week & Money
• Real Estate Forum
• National Real Estate Investor
• Twitter #CRE

Advice & Quotes

• Surround yourself with people who have strengths different than your own
• Join a team and build a value graph for each member and their role
• “Lone wolf brokers are a dying breed”
• Leverage the senior brokers’ experience on your team or within your firm
• Use the “we” word
• It’s easier to go up the ladder than down the ladder” – market some listings without asking prices
• Have a short memory and never take things personally

 Connect with Michael Fay

•   – Check out Mike’s full bio here

  – Follow Mike on Twitter @TheMichaelTFay

 – Call Mike at 305-446-0011