Max Grossman is Director at Chicago-based Interra Realty. A relationship-focused, solutions-oriented professional, Max leverages a background in prospecting, business development, account management and contract negotiations that has enabled him to rise from Investment Sales Associate to Director in just a few years.
Tell us about your background. Where’d you grow up? Where’d you go to school?
I grew up in the suburbs outside of Detroit and attended school at Michigan State University. I moved to Chicago in Fall 2014 and have lived here ever since. I worked in a few different industries right out of college in roles focused on business development and sales. It was in the early years that I gained valuable experience and built the foundation of where I am at today.
How did you get your start in the industry?
I had always been intrigued by real estate and the entrepreneurial aspect of the business. I wanted to find an opportunity where I could take my experience and skills in working with people and complex transactions and merge that with a career that would be rewarding, fulfilling and challenging. In Summer 2018, after working in sales for a financial technology company, I knew it was the right time to make the move into the commercial real estate industry. Luckily, I was able to find Interra Realty. They offered everything I was looking for and were willing to invest in me for the long haul. I knew right after I left the initial interview that Interra was where I was meant to be.
Did you have a mentor who helped you get on your feet, or is there someone you turn to now for support?
I was lucky enough to be brought into Interra under the David Goss/Jon Morgan team. They are the founders of the company and some of the longest-tenured brokers on the south and west sides of Chicago. I was able to gain experience, insight and valuable perspective from two of the most successful real estate professionals in the Chicagoland area. I was also able to work closely and collaborate with Lucas Fryman, who was also on the Goss/Morgan team, but a couple years ahead of me. Through the strong team environment, I was able to get my start in the business learning from some of the best.
What does an average day look like?
Every day is different in this role, and that is what keeps it exciting. Some days involve being in the field doing showings, conducting inspections or meeting with potential owners and investors. Other days, I am in the office working on databasing and prospecting, marketing efforts, underwriting and client outreach. I like to make sure I am making new contacts every day, and no matter what each day brings, business development and uncovering new opportunities and relationships is always front of mind.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy the entrepreneurial spirit of the job and the constant pursuit of the next opportunity. I take pride in building relationships with my clients over the long term and being someone who is counted on to bring expertise and clarity to the complex world of facilitating multifamily real estate transactions. These are challenging, long sale cycles and you end up working very closely with sellers and buyers for a prolonged period of time when trying to complete a deal. You are able to show your commitment, dedication and passion for the job over the course of any single deal you may be working on, and that is where I try to stand out.
I also enjoy navigating the curveballs that come along with every deal. One example that I was a part of involved a 200+ unit portfolio owned by one of Interra’s best clients, The Wolcott Group. The deal came together, fell apart during the beginning of COVID-19, and was put back together again in Summer 2020. Through all of the ups and downs and the craziness of what we were experiencing at that time, it made closing a deal of this size that much more enjoyable and rewarding.
Looking to the future, what do you hope to achieve/work on that you have not already?
I hope to continue to evolve and grow in this career by expanding my understanding of my markets, gaining more experience and working hard to earn more business and market share. I am focused on stepping into larger transaction sizes and growing my book of business of long-term, repeat clients.
How do you spend your time away from the office?
I enjoy exploring all of the fun things Chicago has to offer in all the different neighborhoods with friends, family and my girlfriend.
What are you looking forward to most in the next year?
I’m looking forward to seeing how the real estate market continues to evolve and what new opportunities may present themselves as the conditions change. I am interested to see what new relationships I am able to create, how my existing relationships continue to develop and strengthen, and finding new ways to be a resource and add value for buyers and sellers in my markets.
