9-13-19

Real Estate Journal — 40 Under 40 — September 13 - 26, 2019 — 31D

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M id A tlantic

40 U nder 40 Michael B. Downey, Avison Young “No two transactions are ever alike, everyday is different/unique and a new adventure”

hat is your great- est professional accomplishment? Becoming a principal at Avi- son Young. What is your most notable project, deal or transaction? ▫ Deal – Calgon Carbon HQ relocation ▫ Project – TechMill 41 How do you contribute to your company and / or the industry? Office Brokerage and Busi- ness Development. Who or what has been the strongest influence in your career? Duke Kingsley and Brad Totten have had the strongest influence on me, that said I have taken lots of bits and pieces from the many brokers, developers, asset man- agers, etc… that I have come in contact with. What impact has social media / networking had on your career? Social Media/Networking have expanded the levels of communication and reporting. Transactions are announced sooner, connections are made quicker, relationships are growing faster, and informa- tion (albeit not always 100% accurate) is circulated at light speed! Tell us how and when you began your career in the profession you are in, about your current position and why you choose the field/ profession you are in today? I started in 2004 at Grubb & Ellis as an associate. I am currently a principal at Avison Young in the Pittsburgh office. No two transactions are ever alike, everyday is different/ unique and a new adventure, and transacting is awesome. What were some of your early goals and did any- thing happen to change them? My early goals were driven by money and title, as my ca- reer has progressed my focus has shifted to growing Avison Young in Pittsburgh, enhanc- ing and building relationships, and client/business growth. What unique qualities and or personality do you feel makes you most successful in your profession? I think the two biggest things clients (and friends) know they get from me are loyalty and ef- fort. It’s more important to do the RIGHT transaction for the client, not the biggest commis- sion. In general, we understand W

they were just two normal guys, made a huge impact on me. What outside activities do you enjoy during your free time? Spending time with my wife and children (Kenzie 8 &Mack 3) and golfing. What inspiring word of advice would you give to a young executive graduat- ing from college today? You will not love every mo- ment or aspect of your job/ life, change your perspective, embrace it all, and be nice, be kind, be awesome and smile. 

Who do you feel was most influential in your lifewhen choosing this profession? Brad Totten, Avison Young – Pittsburgh managing director & Scott Pick, JLL – Cleveland managing director. What is the funniest, most unique situation you have faced/conquered dur- ing your career? Or in your life? My children’s births are 1&2 on the inspiring list. I was fortunate enough to be part of a conversation with Jim Rohr (Former Chairman of PNC) and Arnie Palmer,

Michael B. Downey Principal Years with company/firm: 7 Years in field: 15 Years in real estate industry: 15 Real estate organizations / affiliations: SIOR

exactly what our clients’ needs are and address them, we make sure we protect their interests for this year and the next five. What challenges and or obstacles do you feel you needed to overcome to be- come as successful as you

are today? Being myself. Always be you. You don’t have to fit in a pre- sized box! What was the most defin- ing moment for you? Opening the AY Pittsburgh of- fice in 2012. Absolutely worth it.

Partnership. Performance . professionals across our organization. In a partnership, focused on your strategic business objectives, we deliver intelligent, best-i -class solutions that add value and build a competitive advantage for your ent rprise. A Proven Team. A Different Appro ch. Avison Young’s integrated team approach o commercial r al estate engages deep expertise from a broad range of pr fessionals across our organization. In a p rtnershi , focused on your strategic business objective , we deliver intelligent, best-in-class solutions that add value and build a competitive advantage for your enterprise. 4 PPG Place | Suite 300 | Pittsburgh, PA 15222 | T 412.944.2132 4 PPG Place | Suite 300 | Pittsburgh, PA 15222 | T 412.944.2130 Partnership. Perform nce . Partnership. Performance A Proven Team. A Different Approach. Avison Young's integrated team approach to commercial real estate engages deep expertise from a broad range of professionals across our organization. In a partnership, focused on your strategic business objectives, we deliver intelligent, best-in-class solutions that add value and build a competitive advantage for your enterprise. Brad Totten, Principal & Managing Director 4 PPG Place | Suite 300 | Pittsburgh, PA 15222 | T 412.944.2132 Partnership. Performance . A Different Approach. Avison Young’s integrated team approach to commercial real estate engages deep expertise from a broad range of A Proven Team. A Different Approach. Avison Young’s integrated team approach to commercial real estate engage deep expertise from a broad range of

A Proven Team. A Different Approach. Avison Young’s integrated team approach to commercial re estate engages deep expertise from a broad range of professionals across our organization. In a partnership, focu on your strategic business objectives, we deliver intelligent, best-i -class solutions that add value and build a competiti advantage for your enterprise. Brad Totten, Principal & Managing Director professionals across our organization. In a partnership, focused on your strategic business objectives, we deliver intelligent, best-in-class solutions that add value and build a competitive advantage for your enterprise.

Partnership. Performance .

Brad Totten, Principal & Managing Director 4 PPG Place | Suite 300 | Pittsburgh, PA 15222 | T 412.944.2132 Brad Totten, Principal & Managing Director

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