12D — September 13 - 26, 2019 — 40 Under 40 — M id A tlantic
Real Estate Journal
www.marej.com
40 U nder 40 Gregory L. Finkle, P.E., “Don’t focus on the quick return focus on the long game”
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were very few openings. I was offered a position with a company that specialized in utility locating and ground penetrating radar. While it wasn’t the type of work I had dreamed about I saw huge potential in a niche industry. Turns out I was correct and was able to involve myself in almost every aspect of a young business. Eight years later I saw an opportunity to go out on my own and then follow my dream of entrepreneurship. Now almost a year and a half later I couldn’t be happier and enjoy every day.
hat is yourmost no- table project, deal or transaction?
What unique qualities and or personality do you feel makes you most suc- cessful in your profession? I’ve always had the ability to relate to people, understand their aches and come up with solutions. I love problem solv- ing and findings ways to make things better. When everyone else throws up their hands is when I shine. Granted there’s been projects where we’ve come up with some eyebrow raising solutions, but very few times we haven’t solved the problem. What challenges and or ob- stacles do you feel you needed to overcome to become as suc- cessful as you are today? Sales, I hate sales. Fortu- nately in my industry people seek out someone that can help them and when they’re confident we know what we’re talking about they’re anxious to work with us and also refer us to their colleagues. We cur- rently do very little sales and marketing and are heavily relying on word of mouth. What is the funniest, most unique situation you have faced / conquered during your career? Or in your life? I was at a presentation with about twenty-five engineers. I was telling them about a project where our client had told us the company that did demo work didn’t take any- thing out of the ground and buried everything. They had called us to tell them where the large obstructions were so they could decide the best path to move forward. Turns out the company I was presenting to was the company that did the demo work. They interrupted to let me know that they did the work as the contract was written and caught me com- pletely off guard. I made a quick joke about listening to contractor and continued with the presentation. What outside activities do you enjoy during you free time? Right now I have three daughters ages six, four and two. I devote most of my free time to them. What inspiring word of advice would you give to a young executive graduat- ing from college today? It takes a lifetime to build up your reputation and only a moment to destroy. Don’t focus on the quick return focus on the long game.
Gregory L. Finkle, P.E. Principal Years with company/firm: 1 Years in field: 10 Real estate organizations / affiliations: ASCE, PSLS, ABC, UESI
The great thing about our industry is there are utili- ties everywhere. Through my career I have worked at every type of facility; power plants, prisons, universities, city halls, military bases, you name it. We’ve been able to see things that most don’t even know exist. Who or what has been the strongest influence in your career? At this point I would say my brother. He shares the same
hunger for entrepreneurship and whenever I would find myself starting to settle or get lazy he was right there to keep me going. I can say without a doubt I would not be where I am without him. 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 your are in today? I started my career in 2008 during the Recession. I was graduating with my degree in Civil Engineering and there
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